Wednesday, July 9, 2014

The Painted Burro in Somerville

Davis Square is probably one of my favorite neighborhoods in Somerville, and we're lucky to live right outside of it. Davis is full of great craft beer, delicious food, and even has a movie theatre where you can drink beer while watching a film. Yeah, Davis is pretty much the coolest.

One of Z and I's favorite restaurants in Davis is The Painted Burro (brought to you by the same folks behind Posto and the soon-to-be Rosebud American Kitchen & Bar). The Painted Burro consistently has delicious, innovative Mexican food and fantastic margaritas, which both pair well with the fun atmosphere and the friendly waitstaff. (Remember when I helped judge their Guac Off?).

I returned to The Painted Burro on a recent humid night for drinks and dinner, and the Pineapple Habanero margarita was an ideal way to kick off the evening. (I didn't mark down the price, but it's probably around $10-$11).

Pineapple Habanero margarita from The Painted Burro | The Economical Eater

This refreshing margarita on the rocks was slightly sweet with a kick of subtle spice. It really hit the spot on such a hot evening. 

A meal at The Painted Burro always begins with complimentary chips and salsa, but I highly recommend ordering some Mango Guacamole ($10) to help use up your chips with. 

Mango Guacamole from The Painted Burro | The Economical Eater

This fun take on traditional guacamole adds juicy mango and serrano chile to the mix for a sweet-and-spicy flavor. The guac was obviously fresh, and borderline addicting (as most guacs are).

Another appetizer worth getting here is the "Cholo" Corn Cob ($6).

"Cholo" Corn Cob from The Painted Burro | The Economical Eater

Perfectly split between three people, the grilled corn is smothered in garlic mojo mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and cayenne. I loved the flavors in this corn, and the cayenne was present without being overwhelmingly fiery. The corn's definitely messy to eat, but isn't that the fun of eating corn on the cob anyway?

For our entrees, everyone at the table ordered tacos, and I went with the one vegetarian taco option (that's on the summer menu): Grilled Summer Squash ($7).

Grilled Summer Squash taco from The Painted Burro | The Economical Eater

The summer squash tacos were piled high with fire-roasted tomato salsa, basil puree, and cotija cheese. I originally thought a summer squash taco sounded kind of boring, but the abundant, flavorful toppings really made this taco delicious and surprisingly filling. 

The Painted Burro also has a few fish tacos on their menu right now, which always remind me of summer. One of my dining companions ordered the Mahi Mahi a la Plancha taco ($7.50), served with avocado, jicama, pineapple and serrano salsa, and frisee, and she highly recommended it.

Mahi mahi taco from The Painted Burro | The Economical Eater

Overall, I had another great meal at The Painted Burro, and I love how they tweak their menus with the seasons (especially considering how often I go there). If you haven't been yet, I definitely recommend checking them out for the consistently good food, strong drinks, and inviting atmosphere. (They also apparently have a great brunch, which I need to check out soon).

What's one of your go-to restaurants? 

The Painted Burro on Urbanspoon

This meal was complimentary, but all opinions are my own.


5 comments:

  1. I have never been here but everything always looks so good!!

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  2. My coworker and I were just talking about this place! Need to get there! Our go-to is Steel and Rye.

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    1. I was just there last night! I only went for a cocktail, but I need to go back for dinner soon - it's such a fantastic spot.

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  3. Ahhh I love The Painted Burro. The tacos are ridiculously good, and I also like their brunch :)

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