Geek Beat: Martha’s Mexican Restaurant – San Antonio, Texas

Trying to pick a Mexican Restaurant in San Antonio Texas is like trying to find a needle in a needle stack. There are so many good Mexican restaurants in San Antonio, someone could make an entire writing career just reviewing them. I’m not going to tell you that Martha’s is the best Mexican restaurant ever. I am here to tell you that the food and atmosphere at Martha’s (818 N.E. Loop 410 location) is top notch, however.

I went to Martha’s at my brother’s suggestion. He touted the good prices, great food, and cold beer. I don’t drink, but for most people, that is three for three. We dined at Martha’s on a Friday night and the parking lot was full (So far, so good!). Walking in, we were met with the sounds of a live Mariachi band and the smell of fresh tortillas being made. There was a family of about six in front of us, waiting to be seated. The Hostess greeted each family member by name and asked four or five questions that show that the folks at Martha’s know their customers. I liked this place and hadn’t even had a bite to eat! We are asked if we would rather eat inside or out.

We chose to eat inside and the interior had tiled mosaic walls which gave it a festive, old Mexico feel without out being too cheesy. Once seated, our waiter promptly took our drink orders and seemed to be enjoying his job. Our drinks came quickly as well as the bowls of Chile Con Queso (Hot cheese dip with chopped tomatoes, onions and peppers $4.95) and Queso Flameado (Seasoned chorizo with melted Monterrey Jack cheese and flour tortillas $5.75) we ordered as appetizers. Martha’s filled up quickly and the Mariachi bands volume increased accordingly. At times I felt like they were a little loud, but what live group isn’t?

I often start my judgment of a Mexican restaurant with the tortilla chips; if the chips are bad, the restaurant is normally a fail. Martha’s has excellent chips and their salsa is top notch. The Queso could have had just a little more kick, but I like my queso spicy. The Queso Flameado there is what I like to call a “heaven in a bowl.” Imagine a bowl of melted Jack cheese mixed with wonderful semi-spicy Mexican sausage served on homemade tortillas. If that doesn’t make you want to cheat on a diet, I don’t know what will!

For my dinner, I ordered the Mexican beef lovers special which consisted of a beef Enchilada, beef crispy taco, beef puffy tacos, a beef chalupa, rice, and beans. I figured that would be a good cross section of Martha’s offerings and it was. The food was hot, the presentation was great, and it all tasted good. The fresh, hot, homemade tortillas completed the meal. It was quite the value at $8.95! The menu had a good cross section of the Mexican standbys and few items that will appeal to Gringos as well. Their lunch menu looked good as well with lunch specials starting at $4.95 and working their way up to $7.95. The lunch specials run from 11 AM until 4 PM Monday through Saturday.

After eating at Martha’s, my stomach was full and my wallet wasn’t empty. Martha’s has an overall rating of about 4.5 stars on most of the internet reviews and I would agree. If you are in San Antonio and looking for quality Mexican food at a reasonable price, give Martha’s a try. The Riojas Family knows what they are doing and have worked hard to put their knowledge into the preparation and presentation of their food.

About Cape Rust

Cape Rust is an international man of thespionage. Born and raised in San Antonio Texas, he joined the U.S. Army where he served 12 years six as a Military Policeman and six as an all source Military Intelligence Analyst. Being a fat, bald version of James Bond, his geek interests are wide (like his belly) and varied. His collection of gadgets (electronic and travel related) are only rivaled by the amount of pockets found on most items of clothing he wears.

• View all posts by Cape Rust →
• Blog