Restaurant Reviews
Sanger Colima's
Reviewed by jamescollier on Nov 07, 2009
What's it like?
I've never met someone more invested in tacos than Mike Oz. I credit him for introducing me to Guadalajara (among other local taco shops), and if I counted the number of conversations I've had with him over tacos...well, I'd lose count.
Both of us were intrigued by a recent claim that Sanger Colima's has the best Mexican food in the Valley, especially since we both live in Sunnyside (for those who don't venture down this way, Sunnyside is close to Sanger). Naturally, we decided to judge that claim based on the tacos.
First, the location: it's convenient, if you're in Sanger. It's right off of Jensen, and inside it's clean—a bit warm, but clean. We were greeted promptly, and service was decent.
Tacos a la carte are $1.75, which I'd consider a good value considering the amount of meat. We ordered the same plate so we could compare notes: one carne asada, one adobada, and one carnitas taco. The carne asada was good, but a bit less-than-tender, and ultimately forgettable. The adobada was better, but by itself not worth the drive. The carnitas, though, we're awesome. Tender, pulled pork, complemented by a subtle homemade salsa. That's what I'll come back for.
A final note about the chips and salsa: they both tasted store-bought, though I'm certain the salsa served with the tacos was homemade. It's not a big deal, but I could have gotten those at the Super WalMart down the street. Oh, and by the way, there's a super clean, Super WalMart down the street.
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Comments
Kevin Kennedy (not verified) | Mon, 2009-11-09 12:41
I think an additional thing to note about both the tacos and menu in general at Colima's is the wide range of choices available. Try the barbacoa or lengua tacos next time with some menudo or one of their caldos. I also like the Siete Mares (Seven Seas), but make sure you bring your A-game appetite for that one.
The place is almost always packed, particularly on weekend mornings, which is a pretty good "review" in and of itself.
You can also follow them on Twitter @sangercolimas.
jamescollier | Mon, 2009-11-09 13:46
They definitely had a full menu - I was tempted to venture off the taco tour. We must have caught them after the rush (about 12:30 on Saturday), as only about half the restaurant, maybe a little less, was full.
Kevin Kennedy (not verified) | Mon, 2009-11-09 14:17
Also they may have given you the salsa they give with the chips, which is not as potent as the salsa picante. I also make sure to stuff my tacos with their fried jalapenos, which are yours for the asking. In other words, con todo.
jamescollier | Mon, 2009-11-09 14:39
The salsa served with the tacos wasn't what was served with the chips - I ding them for the chips and salsa (see the review), but what they served with the tacos was complementary in flavor, and not overpowering. I also have an above-average threshold for spice.
Kevin Kennedy (not verified) | Mon, 2009-11-09 15:02
I think your complaints about the chips and salsa are valid and also all too commonplace with most Mexican restaurants. Sometimes their chips are fresh and pretty tasty, other times not so.
I think the fried jalapenos are a must no matter where you go, and most Mexican restaurants give you the cold ones out of the can like you are eating a hot dog or something.
maria culbertson (not verified) | Mon, 2010-05-17 08:59
I was extremely disappointed, the salsa tasted old, there were a group of hispanic men that were obviously hung over, talking loud with foul language, when i brought it to the managers attention to say something to the men, i was told that it was not a big deal and that he would not talk to them, I walked to them and told them to have respect for the women and kids and they said ok. I have never been back.