Rudy's Mexican Restaurant

To celebrate Mrs. Nagel's birthday this past Saturday, we headed to Rudy's Mexican Restaurant in Milwaukee. Rudy's is a Nagel family hot spot, and also happens to be one of the first places I spent time with Peter's parents. I was already inebriated when I went to Rudy's the first time, but not so much that I couldn't appreciate their delicious margaritas. Mexican food is probably my favorite thing to have when dining out, so needless to say, I was very excited for my second trip to Rudy's.

We arrived to find, much to our surprise, that Rudy's was unusually busy. Perhaps it was the unseasonably warm weather, or just hungry patrons heeding the call of tequila. While we waited for a table, we enjoyed a pitcher of margaritas. One can never go wrong with a margarita. If it's bad, drink another one and you won't remember anyway.

While we waited, I surveyed the decor. Peter tends to have more to say about design and ambiance, whereas I concentrate more on fitting as much food and drink into me as humanly possible. I'm making a concerted effort to look at restaurants with a more discerning eye so that I can keep up with him. No matter how crowded or empty, boisterous or quiet, pretentious or unassuming, I always feel comfortable in Mexican restaurants. Knowing that delicious fajitas are waiting for me instantly puts me at ease. Rudy's is no except to that constant despite the swell in business on that particular evening. Peter will disagree with me, but I adore the lighting at Rudy's. The ceiling is decorated with dozens of metal lanterns reminiscent (to me, at least) of a planetarium. I also appreciate the ample parking Rudy's provides, despite being in a busy downtown neighborhood. Now that I've made my obligatory comments about the setting, I can move on to what really matters: yummy food and booze.

Since the Nagel family visits Rudy's so frequently, they already know what they want without looking at the menu. Not that I should talk since I order some fajita based dish every single time I eat Mexican. Everyone seemed to enjoy their food greatly. Peter had enchiladas con mole, which I thought were delicious. Per my usual style, I had chicken fajitas, which were delicious. The tortillas were perfectly warm and tasted homemade, and the guacamole was so wonderful I wanted a second helping. To top off our meal, we had blue tarantula margaritas and shared a chocolate-cinnamon dessert for Mrs. Nagel's birthday.

Perhaps the best thing about Rudy's is the wonderful, friendly service. The servers clearly recognized Mr. and Mrs. Nagel, as well as Peter's brother, and greeted everyone at our table. Our waiters had a shot of tequila with the birthday girl and led us in a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday." They were exceptionally fast with our food and amazingly responsive to dangerously low levels of margarita at the table.

I may be a bit biased because I live for Mexican restaurants, but I loved Rudy's. Good food (preferably fajitas and margaritas) at a reasonable price in a comfortable environment with friendly folks--my idea of heaven.

restaurant rankings and stats

ambiance - 6

beer & wine selection - 7

food variety - 6

service - 9

accessibility - 7

design - 7

taste - 7

price - $$

Would we recommend? Yes

Style- Mexican

Dress - casual

Location - 1122 N Edison St., Milwaukee, WI

www.rudysmexican.com