After a convincing recommendation from a friend, I decided to check out the popular Mexican eatery, The Lime, on South Howard. It is safe to say that it did not disappoint me. Friendly service, delicious food and an urban ambience made for a superb dining experience and a Friday night well spent.
When I walked through the door, I immediately picked up a “modern” vibe. With a slogan like “Fun, Modern…Mexican!” I suppose I should have been expecting that. The layout of the restaurant was very simple and clean, yet it had an incredibly exciting feel. The dimmed lights, energetic music and casual nature of the place seemed to attract a younger adult crowd.
The restaurant itself isn’t huge and seating can be hard to find, so make sure to call ahead if you’re bringing an entourage with you. One of my only complaints regarding the atmosphere was that it was difficult to hear over the blaring music. As much as I love music, I don’t want the sound of Nicki Minaj drowning out my conversation with friends.
Despite a busy crowd, the service was still up to par. The chips and salsa basket was frequently replenished and we did not wait on the food for an extraordinarily long time. My waitress was also upbeat and friendly and didn’t give off the typical “I hate working here” vibe. I was sure to leave a good tip, as I received genuinely great service on what is one of the busiest nights to go out to eat.
In general, I find that the quality of the food will make or break a restaurant despite how appealing the ambience and service is. Let’s just say if The Lime was on campus, I’d be tempted to eat there for every meal. Sorry, Salsa Rico. First of all, The Lime offered a creative twist to typical Mexican cuisine, spicing it up with some bolder flavors.
The food harkens back to authentic Mexican roots, giving a spicier, more genuine taste, as opposed to a bland, sweet one. For ten dollars, I indulged in the popular Fajita Fiesta Bowl, a conglomeration of rice, beans, chicken, guacamole and, of course, a hint of lime. The dish was composed of somewhat ordinary foods, but the flavor had an unbelievably unique taste. The chicken was not overcooked, but it was still nicely charred and grilled. To top it off, the chicken was paired with cilantro and seasoned rice. The menu also included classic Mexican favorites like tacos, quesadillas and enchiladas for the more traditional tex-mex lovers.
All in all, the food was the best part of the entire restaurant. The presentation, taste and creativity of the dishes were all essential to the excellent meal. For those of age, they usually have drink specials and reasonably priced Margaritas.
If you’re willing to drop a few bucks (the food is a bit pricier than your typical Chipotle or Tijuana flats), I’d highly recommend The Lime for a night of fine eating. If you’re searching for a quiet, home-style restaurant or a place to go on a date, this may not be your place. The loud music and large crowds that dwell there make it more akin to a club than a restaurant. However, for those looking for a trendy spot with exciting food and atmosphere, it’s worth every penny.
Critic’s Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Griffin Guinta can be reached at griffinguinta@gmail.com