I’ve been craving some spicy Southwestern food in the biggest way recently.
Unfortunately, Lean Cuisine fajitas and cafeteria tacos really haven’t been satisfying my cravings. So when it came time for me to pick a spot for this week’s Bites, I had only one thing on my mind: I need cheese, I need salsa and I need margaritas.
Luckily, offers that and more at their bar/restaurant combo on Ruppsville Road in Allentown.
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The Dishes: Chips N’ Salsa appetizer, Sunset Salad and Southwestern Turkey Wrap.
What’s on the Plate? Our chips came with two salsas, one mild and one a little spicier. The Sunset Salad, the Grille’s version of taco salad, was served in a taco shell bowl with the usual toppings and a side of cornbread. My fellow diner’s Southwestern Turkey Wrap was oozing with gooey cheese and served with French Fries and a pickle.
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How’s it Taste? The Sunset Grille’s website boasts their Southwestern fare as the “Lehigh Valley’s Best Tex-Mex” and, judging from my lunch, I’d have to agree. Others don’t hold a candle to this local favorite.
Chips and salsa is a pretty run-of-the mill appetizer, but what I loved about the Grille’s serving was that it wasn’t bottomless, which meant I couldn’t binge on chips and be too full for my entrée. If you’re looking for something a little more exciting, the restaurant also offers Texas cheese fries, Queso Fundito and sweet potato sticks as part of their appetizer menu.
At the risk of sounding too much like Goldilocks, my Sunset Salad lunch was just right. Served in a taco shell bowl, it wasn’t too big to mix or overflow onto the table, problems that I’ve had in the past. The salad can be ordered with chicken or beef and you can select any of their dressings as a topping. If you’re looking for just a little bit of spice, opt for the Jalapeno Ranch. I don’t like steam coming out of my ears, but this dressing gave my salad a little kick and was way more flavorful than my go-to traditional Ranch.
As much as I loved my salad, I had a tinge of food envy when I saw my dinner buddy’s meal come out. Her Southwestern Turkey Wrap, served in a sundried tomato tortilla, was oozing with cheese and served with some crispy French fries (clearly the most important part of any meal) on the side.
Eat This Because: The food and the atmosphere makes you feel like you’re on a mini-vacation. The purple and red chili pepper lights, Corona bottle salt and pepper shakers and vibrant colors let you escape the rainy days of spring. Also, hello, it’s delicious!
The Tab: $19.99. Seriously—how can you beat that?
Etc: Every Wednesday night, Sunset Grille really gets in touch with their roots during a weekly Mexican fiesta. From 4 p.m.-10 p.m., the restaurant serves a completely Mexican-themed meal for $9.99. Start with Chicken Tortilla Soup and enjoy an array of dishes as your entrée, including burritos, enchiladas and Mexican rice. End the night on a sweet note with some fried ice cream—yum!