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Review: Rey Azteca Mexican Restaurant

Mexican Spice in Minneapolis/St. Paul: Review of Rey Azteca Mexican Restaurant

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(credit: David McNew/Getty Images)

A desire for Mexican food, combined with a suburban adventurous spirit, and I found myself venturing out to the southwest suburb of Chanhassen to try out Rey Azteca Mexican Restaurant late last Sunday. Sure, when most of us think of Chanhassen (and the southwest suburbs), we think of dinner theatre and Prince. With delicious food, an enticingly pure Mexican atmosphere and a flexible, friendly staff, perhaps we should begin to correlate the city of Chanhassan with true authentic Mexican food and drinks.

Despite the fact it's located in a seemingly unusual location in a strip mall, alongside a Cub Foods and Spalon Montage, I wasn't deterred. A relaxed casual dining area, complete with a large mural depicting a warm Mayan theme covering the far wall, gave a scenic Mexican feel to the restaurant. Upon my second step into the establishment, as if setting of a triggering effect, a 3-piece mariachi band playing the 'Happy Birthday' song to a young child who delighted in her enjoyment of the festivities. The musical trio walked from table-to-table, playing some traditional Mexican tracks, along with some not-so-traditional selections, such as songs by Johnny Cash all night long. Management was incredibly accommodating, allowing my party of four to grow into a party of six…even after we had been seated.

The enchanting music, along with the instantly delivered Mexican restaurant standard of chips and salsa, made me begin to forget I was even in a strip mall at all. Throw in mug of Dos Equis on tap and one gets the aura of a sidewalk cafe in Cabo San Lucas. The attentive, timely staff seemed to embrace the Mexican heritage (either of their own or of those around them) and gave the atmosphere a greatly enjoyed whirlwind of different languages.

The Enchiladas Supremas, with a side of Queso dip, arrived looking splendid and just waiting to be devoured. I was greatly tempted upon spotted a gigantic $20 margarita at the bar, however I trusted the fact I wouldn't be able to complete this review if I partook in that kind of action. Most people sitting at the bar however seen to thoroughly enjoy their alcoholic treat! Upon finishing my decadent meal, I concluded Rey Azteca's Mexican Restaurant is a great place to eat and enjoy some authentic Mexican atmosphere with the family, on a first date, or simply after hours to try a few of the margaritas and let some inhabitations fly.

Chris Castle has an affinity for all social, artistic and exciting experiences related to the Minneapolis/St.Paul nightlife scene. He is a resident nightclub dj, promoter, and owner of the local nightlife website, TwinCitiesNightclubs.com

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