Luis Jr’s Mexican Food is one of at least two Mexican restaurants in Old Sacramento. Established in 1965, it is considered by many foodies to be one of the best – if not THE best – Mexican restaurants in the California capital.
70 Days Across America
Luis Jr’s Mexican Food has passed the test of time, but I didn’t know that when I passed the placed while exploring Old Sacramento.
The historic district – which is home to more than 50 structures dating back to the California Gold Rush – houses numerous food and beverage outlets, and this is where I decided to have lunch.
After a very satisfying lunch, I went an event, where a lot of local foodies were present.
Embarrassed that I wasn’t eating anything – little did I know that food vendors would be showcasing their edible wares – I apologized, explaining that I had had a very filling lunch at a Mexican restaurant.
“Where did you eat?” someone asked.
“A place in Old Sacramento,” I said. “It was VERY good!”
“Did you eat at Luis Jr’s?” another person asked.
“Yes! That’s it,” I said.
“I hope you know that you ate at what many people consider to be the BEST Mexican restaurant in Sacramento!” he responded, and everyone around the table seemed to agree.
The Starters …
I started by ordering a Margarita. I was reassured when nobody asked what type of Margarita I wanted because to me there is only ONE type of Margarita.
That encouraged me to bypass the tacos and burritos and salads and explore the rest of the menu.
As I was exploring the rest of the menu, a generous portion of tortilla chips and salsa arrived.
There were so many of them, in fact, I took half of them back to my hotel room for a snack that evening. I didn’t have dinner. I was still full from lunch.
The Lunch …
There was an extensive menu with the usual dishes you would expect on the menu of a Mexican restaurant in California.
I gravitated to the “combination plates” on the second page, and plate number 10 with a chile relleno and a beef tamale caught my eye.
It came with Spanish rice. refried beans, lettuce, and what the menu described as “a salad”.
When my lunch arrived, OMG! It looked great, and it tasted better. There was lots of sauce and lots of cheese just the way I like it!
The Ambiance …
The restaurant was located in the basement of an old building, opening onto a small subterranean courtyard.
There was a colourful mural just inside the front door, with a cozy dining room to the left and a bar to the right. There were both booths and tables in the dining room.
The staff were friendly and professional. The Oakland Raiders were playing, and many of the other customers – who seemed to be regulars – were dressed in Silver and Black.
The Verdict …
The service was friendly, the atmosphere was comfortable, and the food was the way I like it – yummy and unpretentious.
I’ll give Luis Jr’s Mexican Food an enthusiastic two thumb’s up!
The Damage …
The bill for one came to US$22.19. I left a tip, bringing the bill up to US$25.
Where
Luis Jr’s Mexican Food – 900 – 2nd Street, Sacramento, California. Tel: (916) 823-5515.