The Bottom Line
- Mexican comfort food, presented with style.
- Beautifully designed space.
- Reasonably priced.
- Relaxed setting welcoming to kids.
- Yummy margaritas.
- Slightly disorganized wait staff.
- Somewhat slow service.
- More expensive than many Mexican restaurants
Description
- Cuisine Type: Mexican
- Arcos Restaurant
129 S. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21231
Phone: 410-522-4777 - Open Mon.-Thurs. noon.–11 p.m.; Friday-Sunday noon–2 a.m.
- Price: Moderate
- Recommended for kids: Yes
Guide Review - Arcos Restaurant
Like the décor, Arcos’ menu is low on frills but still satisfying. The barbacoa de res is made of chunks of beef that are slow-cooked and spiced to perfection. Served on skewers with veggies, the dish ($16.50) is tender, juicy and mouth-watering. The barbacoa de carnero, or steamed lamb ($15.50), looks more like traditional pulled barbeque but is recommended only for those who really love lamb. Unlike the barbacoa de res, the meat’s strong flavor overpowered any attempt by the chef to personalize the dish with spices.
Arcos also serves up Mexican standards—such as tacos, enchiladas, tamales and chiles rellanos—with style. And speaking of Mexican standards, Arcos blends a perfectly acceptable house margarita at a perfectly reasonable price: $3 during the weekday happy hour from 4 p.m.–7 p.m.
The kids’ menu (though a bit pricey at nearly $7 for an entrée only) is a cut above the norm as well. The tacos dorados, for instance, were presented attractively in a bed of lettuce. Ordering a plate of Mexican rice, which is spiced lightly, is perfect for young palates.
The restaurant’s service was friendly but not always well-organized, even during an uncrowded midweek visit. But that’s a small quibble at such a beautiful, relaxing restaurant with tasty margaritas.
This restaurant usually participates in Restaurant.com's discount program.
