Two-Minute Review: La Fiesta Grill

Looks like Schlotzsky's, tastes like authentic Mexican.

La Fiesta Grill (3825 S. Glenstone Ave., 417-886-7040), the new Mexican joint on South Glenstone, still has the same basic decor and style of Schlotzsky’s, the former tenant, except for adding a few Mexican paintings, a few more seats and a bar. The menu is typical of local Mexican fare, nothing out of the ordinary except for two items: catfish tacos and a meatball dish; both went for the stiff (for Mexican) price of $8.50.

I wanted to try the catfish tacos, but my girlfriend was paying so I went for the special taco salad (pictured). At $5.75 it was a steal. It included beef, chicken, beans, lettuce, tomato, cheese, sour cream, guacamole and came with a side of chips smothered in queso. My girlfriend had the No. 24, which included two chicken burritos covered with queso and served with lettuce and tomato on the side.

What really stood out to us was how fresh everything was. The salsa and guacamole seemed like they were made just for our table. I also like that it took more than 45 seconds to cook my food, unlike most Mexican joints. It was nice to sit and chat for a little bit before the scorching hot plates came out. The tortilla chips were warm and the salsa had the perfect amount of spicy flavor to balance the boldness of the cilantro. Oh yeah, La Fiesta Grill also has a plasma TV, which seems to be becoming a staple at Springfield eateries. La Fiesta Grill es bueno, even if I did feel like I was eating at La Schlotzsky’s.