(menu)
So, stop number two on the culinary tour of Pottstown was a place I had been to previously, Juan Carlos on Penn and High Streets. This time it was raining out and I had come from the liquor store so I entered the restaurant with my raincoat on, a liquor store bag in one hand and my purse in the other. The Hostess greeted us and showed us to a table and immediately asked if there was something I'd like her to open. I appreciate getting access to my alcohol as quickly as possible, but give me a second to take off my coat and catch my breath first.
I love the decor in Juan Carlos. There are little alcoves with frosted glass that is back-lit and lots of stone facade. It's tastefully done for sure.
The lady that seated us was also our waitress. She returned with our wine and poured us each a glass and before we could even look at the menus she asked if we'd like to order something. I don't feel like she was being rude and rushing us along, but I don't think she eats out much or maybe doesn't take the time to enjoy it when she does. In any case she offered to bring us chips and salsa. I saw something on the menu about freshly made chips so I was excited. What we got were warmed tortilla chips, but I'm almost certain they were from a bag...maybe they were freshly made at Herr's. The salsa was medium spice, a little watery, but not bad.
The menu was pretty basic for a Mexican place. They have enchiladas, chimichangas, fajitas, quesadillas, etc. They also have some entrees with steak or chicken. The falafel on the menu seemed strange, but who doesn't like falafel, right? We ordered the Tequila Lime Chicken and the Combo Enchiladas with one of each type: pork, chicken and cheese.
Visually what came out was what you'd expect at a Mexican takeout place. Yellow rice and refried beans may be traditional, but they don't present well as you can see from the pictures.
Overall the food was OK - there really wasn't much special about it. The rice had peas in it, but was very plain. The refried beans were typical refried beans.
The enchiladas came out extremely hot. They must have broiled them on the plate or left the plate under the warmer because the plate was hot as well. They took a while to cool down. The meat was shredded inside. The pork was dry and the cheese enchilada was completely bland.
The Tequila Lime Chicken was tender and moist and had grill marks on the outside which added flavor. The tequila lime sauce was thick which was surprising, and a little spicy. I ate all the chicken, but was craving something lighter and more creative on the side. All those rice and beans weigh you down. I'd suggest adding a second or third option for sides like a cold bean and corn salad or even a garden salad.
The waitress offered to take our plates before we were done eating. Once again, she wasn't being rude, just bad timing or poor observation skills. She probably just needs more experience. For $16 each I could say it was a little pricey for what we got. The more fine dining feel of the space did not fit the cuisine. The food wasn't bad, but I won't be rushing to go back. The location is excellent, right by the Steel River Playhouse and Art Fusion 19464 in downtown Pottstown.
We saw a couple people we know there which is one of my favorite parts of going out in town. Feeling more like a Potts-Vegas resident everyday. :)
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