Chico’s & Charlie’s

Themed Tex-Mex, the décor was ranch style with cacti and colorful tiles thrown in, so our expectations on arrival were very low. We were, however, pleased to find that we had arrived in time for happy hour (daily 6-8pm), and immediately ordered margaritas all round. Also available one-for-one were the house pours and Kilkenny and Heineiken on tap. All the drinks promptly arrived, the cocktails were well mixed and, most importantly, the beer arrived cold and perfectly poured from the tap. While we browsed the menu and, unable to stick to one appetizer, opted for the snack sampler comprising mini beef and chicken chimichangas, chicken and pork sopes (mini-pies), chicken and cheese quesadillas, and jalepeno poppers. Each came with a yummy sauce condiment and we were more than impressed, especially with the poppers—which were sweet, tangy, and spicy. When we decided to linger between courses, the staff were suitably accommodating, and allowed us to take our time. The mains reinforced our surprise at just how good the food in this humble establishment is. The deep fried prawn chimichangas Tex-Mex style were decadently cheesy and full of flavor, while the condiments for the steak fajitas were readily refilled on request. Unfortunately, the chicken burrito was a little bland, but this was easily rectified by adding sour cream. Already stuffed, for dessert we chose the ancho chocolate cake, which was a little floury and heavy but certainly not dry, while the banana chimichanga with goats’ milk caramel cream sauce was hot, sweet and delicious. The service was excellent, and all the items ordered arrived without delay. However, while servers very reasonably continued to bring drinks ordered during happy hour after the promotion had ended, there was some confusion later as our bill was incorrect. Unperturbed, our waitress rectified the situation without complaint. By the time we left, the restaurant was at capacity—and we stumbled out full and content.