Los Gallos Mexican Grill Cantina

This one’s for the gringos. Jaime Pineda, the 26-year-old Mexican American whose La Tiendita grocery and Taqueria el Sol de Guerrero offer authentic South of the border experiences with traditional tacos and tortas, fresh cut deli meats, chicharrones, imported cheeses and the most unique bottled Coca-Cola you’ll find in Baton Rouge, thought there may be a market in the city for more Americanized Tex-Mex. So with his Siegen Lane properties already catering to Latin Americans and local foodies looking for the real deal, he opened Los Gallos Mexican Grill & Cantina just down the road.

The Ambiance: Casual

Kid-friendly: Yes

Lunch: Yes

6606 Siegen Lane – 293-6480

Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

No reservations – All credit cards

But don’t think Pineda’s menu here is watered—or dumbed—down. Los Gallos’ Acapulco-style fare runs from stuffed chile rellenos and crispy fried flautas, to burritos and shrimp, steak, chicken, pork and grilled vegetable fajitas. There’s a bar stocked for margaritas and other sugary libations and an impressive dessert menu that leaves the typical fried ice cream in the dust with pastel de tres leches, flan con rompope and a very American skillet-baked apple pie. It’s all served in a relaxed, casual atmosphere that evokes Mexico without the overarching kitsch that can make patrons feel like they’re eating at a stereotypical theme party for kids. Keep reading for our secret diners’ reviews.

Seńora Fajita

Let me see that sizzle.

I’d recommend:

Los Gallos Combination ($10.95). With crawfish empanadas, taquitos, quesadillas and tamales with special sauce this is a great appetizer for sharing with the table and a fun way to try a little bit of everything.

Chips and salsa (complimentary). These multi-colored tortilla strips and fresh homemade salsa are an addictive combination.

Fajitas ($13.95). The fajitas came out sizzling hot, full of grilled onion strips and peppers, and loaded with skirt steak and chicken breast. The entire restaurant was filled with this intoxicating scent. The steak had a delicious smoky outdoor barbecue flavor and all the meat was tender, juicy and hot with just the right amount of seasoning. Along with the homemade hot corn tortillas, these were the best fajitas I’ve ever eaten.

I’d avoid:

Refried beans ($1.50). Don’t waste space on these pinto beans that have very little seasoning and taste like they came from a can.

Not saving room for dessert. I ate too many chips and didn’t have room for dessert, especially the delicious looking Flan Con Rompope. My mistake and I’ll be prepared next time.

The bottom line:

The service was warm, friendly and accommodating. There was live music on a Friday night with a local band playing some rockin’ blues like Eric Clapton, B.B. King and some Allman Brothers, too. I’ll be back for fajitas, ceviche and Dos Equis. Maravillosa!

The Authenticator

They call me “The Latin Gordon Ramsay.”.

I’d recommend:

Ceviche De Mariscos ($8.95). Cured in lime juice, these generous chucks of fresh white fish are served with chopped onions and fresh cilantro. The texture and the flavor of the fish were both excellent, although a little too juicy for authentic ceviche. This is still worth getting, but the best ceviche in the world, Peruvian, has little to no liquid.

Chips and salsa (complimentary). This salsa is definitely freshly made and the bits of fresh cilantro are fantastic. The flavor is perfect, although the consistency could be a little thicker.

I’d avoid:

Coctel De Camarones ($14.95). Although the presentation is exceptional, with its boiled shrimp and avocado slices served in a giant round bowl-shaped glass, the shrimp was bland and the cocktail sauce was thin and watery with very little seasoning.

The bottom line:

The service is excellent, the people friendly and the atmosphere good. And I love the flat screens with soccer coverage, but the food is typical South Louisiana Tex-Mex, not authentic Mexican as I had hoped.

The Colombian Gourmet

I’m an expert in Latin cooking and Latin eating.

I’d recommend:

Ceviche De Mariscos ($8.95). These delicious, tender chunks of white fish had just the right amount of onion, cilantro and lime. The ceviche was a unanimous favorite at the table.

Guacamole ($5.95). Fresh and chunky with bits of tomato and sweet onion, this was a smooth, creamy delight.

Chile Rellenos ($12.95). The giant poblano peppers were tender but not overcooked. One was stuffed one with chicken and one with beef, then fried to perfection with a nice little punch at the end. The plate is maxed out with yellow rice and refried beans. Like most of the dishes at Los Gallos, this one was more than enough to share.

Margarita ($5.50). I ordered this on the rocks—though they have the frozen variety as well—and “not too sweet,” because I prefer a little tart to it. They accommodated nicely.

I’d avoid:

Over ordering. With appetizers, drinks and an entrée each, we had no room left for dessert.

The bottom line:

Los Gallos has a great family atmosphere, with nice lighting and décor. I loved the iced tea in the individual sized pitchers and having live music is a nice touch.