Guero's Mexican Grill (now Esparza's Coppell)

Guero's Mexican Grill

Today's review is yet another Tex Mex place in Coppell.  This one is on the southeast edge of town on the corner of Belt Line and S. MacArthur.  If you have driven by this place, you really need to take the time to stop in.

This has quickly become our favorite of Coppell for several reasons:

First and foremost - the service!  The staff an Guero's are all outstanding, and they help each other out too.  The simple fact that they are all friendly and attentive goes a long way.  Next (for me at least) is quite possibly the best table side guacamole I've had (and I've tried it at all the usual places).  You could make a meal of just that.  Beyond the table side guac - the menu offers choices for every person in many styles.

Some dishes I highly recommend are the Pollo Ala Parilla, and Brisket Quesadillas.  To be honest, however, I've not anything bad here.  They also have brunch on both Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 2pm.

The atmosphere here is very casual - which is exactly what I am looking for on a Friday after work, when you just want to enjoy the ending of the week and relax.   They have ample patio seating outside, and inside several T.V.s in case you want to catch the game while you are there.

Bottom line is - if you want good Tex Mex in a friendly and relaxed way - Guero's is your place.  I know it is mine!

UPDATE:  Even though it has always been part of the Esparza's family - Guero's is now officially re-branded as Esparza's Coppell:  http://www.esparzastexas.com/ 

Hard Eight BBQ

Hard Eight BBQ in Coppell is my latest in this blog of Coppell Cuisine.  This place isn't among the hustle and bustle that is near the crossroads of Sandy Lake and Denton Tap, but rather closer to old town Coppell out by itself.  On any given day you come to this place - you need to expect to wait in line (out in the heat) before you can walk up to the grill and point at the BBQ you want.  This, by the way is the fun of it.  You order your meat by the pound (and and believe me - you probably need to choose 1/4 and 1/8th pound portions if you plan on more than one type of meat).  After your meat is weighed and placed on a tray - you go inside to pick your sides.  Salad, jalapeno corn, bread, fries, and Mac and Cheese to name what I remember.   You then get your cup for your drink and find a seat.

The beverage station has the soft drinks, water and tea (or if you ordered beer - you can get that at the bar).  Also by the beverage station is the bean pot, full of THE tastiest beans.

So what is good, and what isn't?  Well that is a matter of taste.  Half the fun is getting to the point where you start eating.  Here is what I like....

I like the beef brisket, the sausage, the ribs, and the poppers (bacon and jalapeno wrapped chicken or shrimp).  From a side standpoint - the beans (which are complementary) are first on my list.  Then the Mac N Cheese.  The fries are good - but if you order them, be prepared to share them!

As far as the sauce is concerned - the flavor of their spicy sauce is much better than their mild.  The spicy isn't all that spicy either - so I recommend at least giving it a try.

This place isn't cheap, but for the atmosphere, experience, and good time you will have for decent BBQ - it is one place you have to visit at least once!

J. Macklin's Grill

Now that we've been living here in Coppell for more than a couple months, it is time to add to the list of some of our favorite places to eat in this wonderful community.  This posts feature is that of J. Macklin's Grill just north of Sandy Lake (just past the Tom Thumb) on N. Denton Tap Rd.

J. Macklin's is an award winning grill, that really does have something for all tastes.  From the famous State Club Chicken Tenders (a can't miss), to the Spinach Artichoke Dip, to the Hummus.  You can't go wrong, and that's just with the starters!

Their Salads are awesome, and I personally recommend the Strawberry and Goat Cheese salad!

Likewise, if you are in the mood for a burger or sandwich - they can cater to just about any taste you desire.  Again, a favorite of mine is Jake's 50/50 - which has pulled pork, bacon, mushrooms, onions and provolone cheese.  I almost ALWAYS get this sandwich.

However, if you really want a treat - skip the sandwiches and go straight to the entrees.  Two can't miss picks are the Dr. Pepper braised short ribs, and the Fried Chicken and Waffles.  Don't forget to save room for the short bread for dessert!

There is also a kid's menu section - for all the favorites you children always order!

Come on the weekends between 9 and 2pm for a great brunch selection too!

Many Saturday nights, they also have live music on the patio - which is a great way to wind down after doing all those Saturday chores and errands!

All in all, this place really does have something for everyone, and with its friendly servers, and great food - you won't be sorry (unless of course you DON'T try this place).

http://www.jmacklinsgrill.com/

Rosa's Cafe

The first place I am putting my stamp of approval on here in Coppell, Tx is a wonderful gem of a place called Rosa's Cafe and Tortilla Factory. Located at 705 N Denton Tap Rd. it is easy to get to (just off of 121).

http://www.rosascafe.com/

It is has quickly become a "go to" place for Gina and me. This place serves up Mexican and Tex-mex eats! Our first visit was the day we closed on our home here in Coppell. It was lunch time and we decided to dine in. You order and pay at a counter, get your drink (or drink cup), and your order number. You then venture out to seat yourself, fill your drink, and grab any salsa you would like at the salsa bar. At lunch this place is packed with customers.

The food is ready very quickly, and you know it when, because your order number is displayed on a screen. That is your cue to go up and pick up your food at the pick up area. Back to our seat, and oops - I forgot utensils. A quick few steps to the fountain drink area (where the utensils are as well) and we were ready to dig in.

The food here, while served quickly, is not "fast food" by any means. It is quality food, authentic too. Certainly a nice surprise on our first visit, but now an expectation after several visits.

Rosa's has a drive-thru that is the fastest I have ever seen. From the time you complete your order to the time you have your food and are driving off it is less than 2 minutes. We have tried several different items on the menu, and everything we have tried has been very good. The consistency of the food quality and taste makes this place an easy choice, and an easy recommendation.

If you have never tried Rosa's - give it a go!

Welcome to Coppell Cuisine!

A move to a new place opens up the opportunity to explore all new places to eat, and that makes things more fun.  Last year Gina and I tried to do a Restaurant Resolution in the Birmingham area and made it about half way through the year before our busy lives slowed that down.  No resolution this time, just taking our time finding the gems in our new home of Coppell, TX!

Coppell is a bedroom community of Dallas, tucked away between Grapevine and Irving just north of the DFW airport.  It has 70 different places to eat.  Some of them, of course, are places like Pizza Hut, and Subway - you know - the national chains.  Others are donuts/bakeries or drink establishments (smoothy and coffee joints), so those probably won't be covered here.  But you never know!

Gina and I have eaten at 4 places already, but we won't review them just yet.  Plenty of time for us to take you through the Coppell Cuisine!

Stay tuned!