From the outside, a large brick building in the heart of Water St. pushed slightly back from the main road behind a few other restaurants, bars, and breweries. As you approach, you can see the roof top patio bustling with people and strung with shining lights. As you enter the building you may notice there is no ramp entry just three steps to reach the heavy door that you must pull upon entry.
Once inside, there are two flights of narrow stairs to climb to get to the restaurant. Nothing is spectacular about the halls except a huge sun mural against the wall where the two flights of stairs meet. There are no other accommodations in or out of the building that don't involve navigating stairs which unfortunately means it is only accessible to a certain group of people. At the top of the second flight you will find the hostess desk, dining room and entry to the patio. There is a third flight of stairs that lead up to the bar and lounge area. The dining room and bar is reminiscent of a large multi-floored authentic Mexican cantina. Tiles were brought in straight from Tijuana, along with light fixtures, sculptures, and tables. Stucco pinkish beige walls were designed and constructed by architects from Mexico. The entire vibe on the inside feels authentic to South of the border.
Ah, that's right we're at Tio Juan's Margaritas. This is a local favorite with Industry Night every Monday, all you can eat $10 Taco Tuesdays, 1/2 off naked Margaritas with a live DJ Wednesdays, and Trivia Thursdays. Everyday except Saturday and Sunday, there are two chances to catch happy hour prices on drinks and appetizers in the bar area. Once from 4pm to 6pm and again from 10pm to 12am or 1am depending on the day. The kitchen is open all night running a limited menu for those who can't catch the restaurant before the dining room closes at 8pm. Plus on the weekends, Saturdays and Sundays, you can score up to two free kid's meals with the purchase of any entrée. The downside is that this offer is only available in the dining room and not available to guests who choose to sit on the patio or in the lounge. They play mariachi music in the dining room, no music on the patio, and there is a jukebox in the bar and lounge area that plays mostly today's hits and takes requests for the small fee of three songs for $5. Margaritas' multitude of atmospheric options offered suggests that they aim to be a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike and feel inclusive to any group but this must be within the physical limitations of being able to handle all of the stairs that come with the experience.
The food is probably some of the most authentic Mexican food you can find in this area of Connecticut and it's fresh spiced scents fill your nose as you walk up the stairs to the hostess desk. The chimichangas and burritos are the size of your forearm. Twice a year they do a taco gigante special that is a taco as big as your head. They offer two different types of beans, refried pinto and black , and a tomato based rice with almost every entrée on their menu. Every sauce featured on the menu from crema to hacienda and chipotle barbecue to avocado ranch is made from scratch daily. They have over eight different sauces that are house made and six different house made dressing options. The chips are made fresh from scratch and come bottomless with house made salsa for every order. Carne Asada comes smothered in tri color sauces the colors of the Mexican flag, and there are even a few sampling platters that come with two to three of their most popular menu items. My personal favorite is always the chicken chimichanga with extra sour cream and guacamole, rice and a double portion of black beans on the side.
Margaritas aims to be diverse and rich with Mexican culture. It is both a family and adult entertainment spot that is enjoyed by many locals all year round. All together, Margaritas seems like a relatively welcoming and inclusive restaurant but the physical restrictions of the restaurant make it inaccessible to a large group of people. It is unfortunate that so many have to go without enjoying a fresh margarita and all you can eat tacos on a Tuesday because of the ignorance of the architects who made the building.
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