Located in The Shoppes at Palmilla (where Chin’s was originally) is a great Mexican restaurant. The restaurant has seating both inside and outside on the deck. Juan Pablo Lozo (JP), the owner, who told us that the restaurant was modeled after the traditional cantinas on mainland Mexico. He wants it to be a place where friends and family gather, not only for good traditional food by for games, parties, and events. The menu at Senora Cocina Casa & Cantina reflects JP’s desire for a cantina style menu. It starts our with Botanas Cantineras – tortilla chips and six different salsas to warm up your palate before your main course. This incredible spread is complimentary to the restaurant’s diners, and has a great range of flavors to enjoy with the tortilla chips.

The appetizer menu includes salads, soups, ceviche, and crudos. For more main courses there at Tostadas, Tortas, Tamales, Tacos and Tlayuda (nachos), as well as bigger dishes – chicken, grilled fish, short ribs, breaded beef, beef tongue, and grilled fish. There is also a daily special for every day except Tuesday, when they are closed. The special the night that we were there was lamb barbacoa, prepared in salt for six hours and then baked for four. The menu also makes it clear that they have 100% plant-based alternatives with a completely separate kitchen, guaranteeing no cross contamination for their vegetarian and vegan guests.

Six of us from Pueblo Campestre went for dinner. We chose Senora Cocina specifically because one couple are vegans and were interested in the separate kitchen and menu to meet their tastes. Three of the group ordered fish tacos. Each serving had two tacos with a big piece of fish – topped with pickled onions and other with chopped onions, tomatoes, cucumbers and more. I decided on the Mushroom tostada, which was topped with avocado slices. Marian’s selection was a grilled cauliflower dish with lots of other vegetables, jalapenos, carrots and leeks. Dave chose a vegetable bowl and a bowl of rice, which he mixed together to make his meal. Everyone was very happy with the food and with the service provided to us by Bruno.

We would highly recommend trying Senora Cocina Casa & Cantina. You can even play foosball or watch your favorite games on the televisions mounted around the restaurant. The prices are also very reasonable.