The latest gathering of the SupperClubSix convened at Pardo's Grand Buffett on Southwest Boulevard. Kathryn was the host and she chose a restaurant to challenge our American perception of what Mexican cuisine really is all about.
Pardo's is located in an old store front and serves authentic Mexican cuisine. The building has a bright yellow facade. Most of the restaurant is filled with a large buffet. There are only a dozen or so tabletops. The buffet is the main attraction but you can order off the menu.
The buffet consists of spicy pork or chicken, sauteed beef with jalapeno peppers, camerones, chile rellenos, beans , corn or flour tortillas and a salad fix-in's -- all for only eight bucks. You can't beat the price. Everything is made from scratch. Not the reheated fare you typically get in Mexican restaurant chains.
Our reviews were mixed. Some members enjoyed the authentic fair and wanted more while others wanted salsa and chips ala an American Mexican restaurant. I was one of the members who went back for seconds. A few of us lacked the constitution for real Mexican food. These members shall remain nameless but it was about half the members. I will spare you the details.
The staff was very friendly and leave you with the impression that they have a lot of regulars so they enjoy when they see new faces. I think this place would get alot of after hours business as the people head home from down town. If you are craving dishes slathered in cheese with a wait staff covered in flair, this isn't your place. However, if you want a taste of genuine Mexican cuisine at a dirt cheap price, it is worth a trip.
Warning! No alcohol is served. Don't worry, Restaurant Club was fully prepared and made sure to schedule pre dinner drinks at another establishment. Dinner only took 30 minutes so we returned to close out the evening with another round.
