Salsarita's Fresh Cantina

A Salsarita's recently opened up in downtown Buffalo in the past few years. At its Chippewa location we went too, we could have also faxed our order form so they do pre-order. They have a big catering menu and to our surprise, they would deliver too since we were looking for a Mexican place around in Buffalo that would deliver. However, it was a really nice day out so we walked there to get the full experience which only took a couple minutes to walk to.

When we walked in, it reminded us of a Subway for Mexican food except it has more of a margarita bar atmosphere than it being too Mexican. There’s a line and stations to put fillings in your order. There’s an area for a bar serving alcoholic drinks though we were unable to review the drinks for lunch. They have daily specials calling them: Mad Mondays, Tasty Tuesdays, Wild Wednesdays, Thirsty Thursday, and Fun Fridays. One of us got the Wednesday special which were the Nachos and a fountain drink. They had pizzas but we weren't tempted at all to get any and we didn't see anyone else having pizza.

We also got a taco and a burrito to compare. It was $2.79 for a beef taco. However, the burrito was $6.29 and all for an extra 4 dollars was the size of the shell as the only difference... and that was the price of a small burrito. The nachos, priced at $7.29, were the highlight. In a Subway type of line, we could say what we want on them like grilled chicken, lettuce, jalapenos, sour cream, etc. in front of our faces and it was rather quick. Ours was so buried with toppings that it was hard finding chips underneath it all when we were eating. We ended up using our forks to get through most of it initially. The guacamole tasted homemade and not from a can and had a very fresh taste. The hot salsa we got was the best part. There was an excellent kick to it as how it should be hot without being disgusting, too light, or too strong.

The service was indeed fast. We were in a long line but it didn't feel like it and only looked like it. One of us didn't get a drink, but was offered water which was very thoughtful. It was the busiest lunch place we've ever been in at Buffalo. It was so packed with workers who all look like they were on their lunch break and the music was playing moderately loud. It's also another place that has Coke products only.

At first, the Salsarita's on Chippewa was a weird location to put it on. It feels like it should be in a mall. After seeing everyone enjoying the food and atmosphere, this place is here to stay there. Everything tasted fine and it didn't quite feel like food from a chain even though it is. We also wonder if they have drive-thrus at their other locations. There's two in the suburbs now including one on the eminent Transit Road. The downtown Buffalo one we went to should also find additional success with no Taco Bell or Mighty Taco places in the area and it is a definite option for catering.

Final Rating: 4.0 out of 5

Salsarita's Fresh Cantina
www.salsaritas.com
110 West Chippewa Street
Buffalo, NY 14202-2007
(716) 845-5237