Cafe Pacifico has been serving up Tex-Mex food since 1982 a bringing a kick of Latin flavour to Covent Garden.

The Venue
Blink and you’ll miss it, Cafe Pacifico is tucked down a side street off Long Acre. Look out for the small neon sign and follow it inside to the colourful venue. Think old school Mexican cantina, with old fashioned Spanish posters decorating the cheerfully painted walls.

The Atmosphere
The lunch crowd seems to be mainly made up of office workers in casual meetings, groups of friends and American tourists stumbling in from Covent Garden, while on weekends it can get pretty raucous. Service is stupendously slow, and ordering, requesting a drink and asking for the bill requires a big process involving lots of arm waving and attempts at eye contact.

The Food
The menu is varied, with typical Mexican dishes like tostadas, chimichangas, fajitas and tacos, but there are some surprises in the appetisers. If you’re in the mood for something adventurous, go for the mango, jalepeno and brie or lobster and papaya quesadillas – definitely not your typical taco.

Although Mexican staples like nachos and enchiladas don’t taste bad, exactly, they seem bland and not very authentic. Food doesn’t look to be all that expensive on the menu, but somehow it inexplicably adds up and you wind up wondering how you’ve just paid practically £20.00 per person.

The Drink
If there was ever a place to try out a variety of Latin drinks, this is it. From minty mojitos to Mexican beers to smooth daquiris, the drinks are varied and creative. Don’t miss out on the margaritas, which come in about ten different flavours. Prices are great for Covent Garden, and if a bunch of your mates want some margaritas you can get a pitcher of eight for just under £30.00. Non-drinkers are catered for as well with several different types of fruity concoctions.

The Last Word
There’s a severely sad shortage of Tex-Mex food in the capital. Although this place isn't spectacular, it’s worth a try as long as you’re not expecting it to taste like you’re in San Antonio.

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