El Patio Mexican Restaurant
Fiesta, siesta, margarita. Repeat.
The history of the margarita is a bit hazy. There are many stories of its creation, including that of the hotel manager creating the margarita because his girlfriend liked salt in her drinks. Or the bartender in Juárez who did not know how to make a Magnolia, so he improvised and made what is now known as the margarita. Or the woman (named Margarita) who served a tequila and Cointreau drink to her socialite friends and word spread of “Margarita’s drink”. Regardless of how the margarita came to fruition, one thing is certain. Margaritas are one of the most widely loved and ordered cocktails in this country and the best margaritas in Kay County are found at El Patio Mexican Restaurant.
One of the greatest things about a margarita is its ability to be diverse. Fruit forward, traditional, floral, spicy, frozen, on the rocks, there really is something for everyone when it comes to variations. The Melendez family has made El Patio the go-to spot for handcrafted margaritas for 20+ years, and there is no shortage of margarita selections on the menu to satisfy every tequila drenched craving.
Highlights on El Patio’s menu include the Texas Margarita, laced with orange liqueur for an extra umph of crispness; the Sangria Margarita, frozen and mixed with El Patio’s own Sangria blend for a fusion of fruity and sour; the Jalapeño Margarita, featuring jalapeño infused tequila, lime, sour mix, and fresh jalapeños, delivering a kick of spiciness. But it’s hard to beat the House Margarita. Well known for a reason, it’s the perfect blend of tart, sweet, salt, and sour. It’s summertime in a glass.
Chilaquiles Rojos are perfect for soaking up some of that sweet, acidic tequila goodness. Corn tortilla chips, bathed in tomatillo salsa and red salsa, are topped with steak and melty cheese. Served alongside beans, freshly made pico de gallo, and guacamole, this dish has a richness and a punch at the end that will wake your taste buds up. Important note: Chilaquiles are an acquired taste. As the chips are soaked in salsa, it is very possible for the chips to lose some of their crunch if not eaten quickly. Fortunately, eating quickly is a skill I possess, making chilaquiles (originally a breakfast dish) one of my favorite Mexican dishes.
In a way, it feels like Mexican fare has circumvented the way we eat and drink in this country. How amazing it that there are so many options to get your Mexican fix, and still most places have something that makes them stand out from the others? Tequila and lime combined with sunshine are celebrated every day at El Patio, so grab a seat, order an icy, refreshing margarita and enjoy life.