Patron Mexican

On an M&M night last winter, we decided to skip our first choice in the neighborhood for Mexican and Margaritas: Bad enough that it had a "B" health rating, but then we saw the kitchen staff had pizza delivered in for dinner ... At a loss for another place, we wandered down the block and chose Patron at random. We were in time for happy hour, so we ordered our $5 margaritas, enjoyed salsa, chips and guacamole on the house while we checked out the menu and chatted. I ordered the carne asada tacos: four grilled pork mini tacos, served with rice, black beans, two salsas and garnished with green onions and cilantro. Very tasty. My friends had quesadillas and enchiladas and also liked them very much. The atmosphere is nothing special, but one of my friends had predicted that before we finished our first drink the lights would go down and the volume of the music would go up. Didn't happen. It was quiet enough for us to talk and catch up. The staff was friendly, but my major complaint of the evening was they started asking if we were finished way too soon. Honey, if I'm holding a fork or chewing, or if there's anything left in my cocktail glass, I am not through! Seriously, this happened a half dozen times, cutting into our conversation in mid-sentence. The place was not full, so I don't know why they were so eager to clear our table. They eventually apologized for butting in so often. Nevertheless, the food was good, so I'd go back if I was in the neighborhood. (Summer note: I recently noticed a "Grade Pending" sign in the window, indicating so many violations the joint didn't ever rate a "C." Yikes! I won't go back till that changes.)