The Bottom Line
Clevelanders either love Luchita's or hate Luchita's. The flagship of several area restaurants owned by the Galindo family, Luchita's on W. 117th is a corner tavern, turned Mexican restaurant. There's no frills here, but the food is tasty (if not always authentic) and the service is warm and friendly.
Pros
- Tasty Affordable Menu
- Casual, friendly setting
- "Queso Fundido" appetizer is one of the best dishes in town.
Cons
- No reservations; you often have to wait for a table
- Crowded, lively environment, but that's part of the fun.
- No-frills dining room
- Not very suitable for kids
Description
- Luchita's
3456 W. 117th St.
Cleveland, OH 44111 - 216 252-1169
- Hours:
Tuesday - Friday: 5pm - 10pm
Saturday: 5pm - 11pm
Sunday: 4pm - 9pm
Closed on Monday
Guide Review - Luchita's Mexican Restaurant
Luchita's has been serving up delicious Mexican food on Cleveland's west side for over 20 years. It's a mid-century corner bar, complete with a heavy walnut back bar that runs the length of the front room.Dinner starts at Luchita's with homemade salsa (both hot and mild) and chips. The Queso Fundido appetizer is one of the best dishes in Cleveland. This ceramic crock filled with a mixture of chorizo sausage, onion, tomato, and chilies, topped with a combination of cheddar and Monterey jack cheese is served with jalapenos on the side and warm homemade flour tortillas in which to wrap the savory concoction. If that's not to your taste, the guacamole is expertly seasoned and the daily soup offers some delicious surprises.
Entrees change frequently to take advantage of fresh, local ingredients, but favorites include the chiles rellenos- Ancho chiles stuffed with cheese, fried, and covered with a red sauce. Also worth trying is the shredded beef burrito, a flour tortilla stuffed with seasoned beef, covered with cheese and baked.
Drinks include easy-to-consume green-hinted margaritas (by the glass or pitcher), a full selection of Mexican beers, and pitchers of refreshing Sangria.
Luchita's is not a designer-inspired, refined dining room. It's usually a little noisy; it's often a little crowded; and there's not a white linen tablecloth in sight. However, if you want tasty and affordable Mexican food in a friendly setting, give Luchita's a try. I happen to love it.
(last updated 4-19-08)
