Poblanos “Pollo Alegre” dish is a seasoned chicken breast grilled with mixed vegetables, served over a bed of rice and topped with melted queso cheese. The dish is $12.95.When it comes to eating Mexican food in the Scenic City, few people seem to know there are more options than the area’s five Amigo restaurants. So when Poblanos Mexican Bar and Grill opened near Coolidge Park, I was eager to give it a try.
Located in the building that formerly housed Pisa Pizza, the restaurant has been renovated inside and out by owners Steve and Irma Hyde. They’ve created an inviting atmosphere and, on a recent Saturday, my wife and two of our friends dined outside on the new patio.
THE MENU
IF YOU GOWhere: Poblanos Mexican Bar and Grill, 551 River St.Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday, noon-10 p.m. Sunday.Price range: $4.50 (cheese dip)-$22.95 (fajitas for two).Phone: 423-490-7911.Website: poblanosofchattanooga.com.
Although Poblanos’ menu is smaller than a lot of other Mexican restaurants, it has all the normal staples as well as a few surprises. I feel like Poblanos is trying to distinguish itself as a more authentic and more upscale Mexican restaurant. Patrons can find everything from two corn tortilla tacos for $6.95 to fajitas for $14.95. There are nine appetizers, including guacamole ($6.95), Mexican pizza ($6.95) and ceviche ($10.95), a combination of shrimp, tilapia, cucumber, onions, tomato and avocado served in lime juice, with tortilla chips for dipping.