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Comments2-Minute Review: El Puente
Another day, another Mexican joint. Or so it seems in Springfield. I shy from many Mexican food reviews; they just all seem the same. I tried El Puente, though, because it’s in the same newish shopping center as Parlor 88. Surely such digs equal high-quality food, right?
The place: In spite of the yellow awnings, the exterior is attractive and the interior open and comfortable, if not terribly inventive. One design note: The tables are fantastic, with carvings and three-dimensional layers.
The service: Our waiter was friendly, but not swift. Our “we need one more minute” with our menus turned into 10. El Puente’s take-your-ticket-to-the-register set-up is an underused one.
The food: This is where things got disappointing. El Puente has the prices of more inventive local Mex joints (like Maria’s) but lacks the inventiveness. Still, we could have handled it if the food we did order had been stellar. Unfortunately, between myself and two dining companions, only the chicken burrito and my bottled cerveza earned a “yum.” The cheese dip was gloopy, the soft taco fell apart, and the enchilada sauce poured over everything tasted like the blandest Ragu you buy off the shelf at Wal-Mart. Thumbs up, though, to the chips and salsa.
Verdict: As much as I despise giving negative reviews, I have to point you away from El Puente. You’re not going to despise it, but you’re going to spend less for more flavor at Cielito Lindo.
