A popular South MS Mexican restaurant has reopened, but to mixed reviews. We investigated
El Molcajetes was a popular Mexican restaurant in D’Iberville that temporarily closed its doors in December as it moved into a bigger building.
It’s just reopened as Los Molcajetes right outside the Scarlet Pearl casino with an expanded menu.
The original location had many fans and there was plenty of excitement around the return of the restaurant. But the initial reception has garnered mixed reviews.
Posters to the MS Gulf Coast Foodies Facebook group expressed disappointment in certain aspects of their experience. For some, it was the depth of taste. For others, it was poor service.
Not everyone left wanting more, though, and the new restaurant has secured a number of positive reviews.
With folks teetering on the fence, we decided to investigate for ourselves.
Vibe — 4.5 out of 5
The new venue has a old-time feel to it with painted-blue brick and Southwestern trimmings. The interior features beautiful texture paintings, a saloon-style door to the restrooms and Mexican ponchos on the walls.
Those walls run sandy yellow and deep sky blue. The bar is courtyard brick and the tables are lined with rainbow runners.
There’s also a covered outdoor seating area that features a pool table.
It’s a simple approach, but not nearly a half-baked one. It puts you in a place you know cares about the importance of genuine ambiance. The eye test is passed with flying colors.
Food — 4 out of 5
I had never been to the original location, so I have nothing to compare this meal to.
The first criticism I came across was in regard to the chips, with multiple patrons disappointed they weren’t the same as they had been. The chips were, indeed, fairly average. They were lightly salted and a little bit on the stale side.
That said, the cheese dip was fantastic. The salsa was a little thin for the shortcomings of the chips, however. This part of the meal has potential.
The California burrito was a popular menu item and it has carried over into the new menu.
The monster is stocked with steak, rice, beans, tomato, lettuce and sour cream. It’s topped in queso and chili.
And it’s 100 percent gas. Any fans of this dish should be plenty happy with what they’ll find here. I’m an Azteca’s guy (throw your stones), but the steak in this burrito clears what I get from Azteca’s pretty easily. It has a standout flavor that’s rare in many chain Mexican restaurants and is complemented well by the light kick brought by the chili.
Every bite is slammed and the whole thing is more than filling.
I was swayed (with little effort) into finishing my meal with a dessert and had flan. I must admit I had never had flan.
My only disappointment is in you, reader, for not putting me on sooner.
Pudding topped with cream and chocolate syrup and a strawberry served in a plate of cinnamon sauce? If there is a Pulitzer for Mexican dessert, then stop the count. I found the winner.
My assessment is brief: it’s worth the revisit. My only other critique is the current lack of a liquor license. Not that I would drink on the clock, of course.
Just fix the chips here and we may have a genuine banger on our hands.
Value — 4 out of 5
I came during lunch, which meant I got to enjoy the extensive lunchtime menu.
The burrito was $10 and it kept me fed for the rest of the day. That’ll play in my book.
The experience is only heightened by the phenomenal service. Two different servers frequently checked on me and the food arrived with incredible speed.
The rest of the menu is somewhat in-line with the industry standards and it certainly isn’t expensive-leaning.
The kinks are being ironed out here, but don’t write off your former favorite Mexican restaurant just yet.
Address: 10085 Gorenflo Road, D’Iberville
Hours: Monday-Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
