Review: El Patron, Under New Management

El Patron took over the old La Cazuela building on Atlanta Highway a year or two ago. We (my husband and I) ate there a few times, most notably during the World Cup when we watched a match on their widescreen television. At the time, their menu was "inauthentic Mexican" - Mexican fusion with some gourmet touches from other cuisines, such as sun dried tomatoes and feta cheese.

We noticed an "Under New Management" sign the other day, and decided to investigate for our Friday dinner. So we braved the pouring rain and drove down there.

We were seated immediately, and proferred the usual chips and salsa while we waited. Only one variety of mild salsa was offered, but I suspect you could get something with more heat on request. The chips were fresh and a little greasy, but such is the nature of freshly made tortilla chips, and they were plenty crunchy and still slightly warm. Fine by me!

The menu is new, and the "inauthentic" touches have been replaced with a much more traditional looking set of dishes. There is also much more variety. It looks quite a bit like the Dos Palmas/La Fiesta menu, perhaps because that is the food space they are really competing with here in Athens.

I ordered chicken chimichangas (new to the menu) with a diet coke, and my husband ordered burritos Californicos and water. We chowed down on two baskets of chips (they were replenished, no questions asked) while we waited. It took a bit of time for the food to arrive, but nothing unexpected for freshly prepared Mexican. (If you want it fast, order Taco Bell.)

The meal was, quite frankly, delicious. The shredded chicken inside my rolled tortillas was perfectly seasoned, and the sauce they used was flavorful and mild. The refried beans were a bit on the runny side, but they were hot and hadn't really had a chance to congeal properly.

The waitress was attentive, and refilled our drinks without us having to ask.

When we asked for the check, there was a very minor confusion when our waitress forgot to add in the coupon we brought, but she corrected the bill without argument, so it seems she did genuinely forget. No hard feelings; her service was exemplary otherwise.

We requested to go boxes and dutifully set aside half our dinner, but when we got home, we tore right back into it. So much for my diet.

Final tally:

Location: A - Tucked between Hojo on Atlanta Highway and a Precision Tune. Easy to turn into, and relatively easy to get out of. Take the back exit to access a traffic light for a left turn onto Atlanta Highway. The main parking lot is a bit small considering the size of the establishment, but even on a Friday night we found a spot near the door. There is more parking around the back.

Atmosphere: B -- Nothing has changed tremendously in the establishment since it was La Cazuela. The booth backs have recently been reupholstered, but the seats are still cracked vinyl. The walls are a friendly adobe and there are paintings. There is a private dining room off to one side for large parties, although I have never seen it in use.

Service: A - Wait staff super friendly and attentive.

Price: A+ - Very, very reasonable. You won't find cheaper Mexican outside of a fast food joint.

Food: A - Tasty! A little on the bland side, so if you like your food with more chiles and chipotle, be sure to request the extra kick on your dish so you won't be disappointed.

Overall grade: A. Skip On The Border or Chiles and eat local instead. Worth eating at without a coupon.