El Loro Mexican Restaurant   

While the owners hail from Guadalajara, Mexico, the restaurant's unlikely location is reminiscent of the hundreds of exceptional mom and pop Mexican restaurants that dot the landscapes of states that border Mexico. True to the genre, and a little further north, El Loro's piece of real estate on Highway 13 in Savage doesn't do justice to its fare. In addition to the usual American favorites, El Loro's menu features a massive selection of authentic dishes, each with a detailed description for the linguistically challenged. Margaritas are, of course, as authentic (and delicious) as possible. A majority of the waiters speak very little English, but are completely at ease with having to repeat themselves, so don't hesitate to ask. In a time when customer service is a rare commodity, employees and management get high marks for being outgoing, friendly and efficient. The bottom line: El Loro isn't up-market, but it's the real deal. -- NJ Smith