By Chris Dearman
With outstanding Mexican cuisine and a fun atmosphere that’s perfect for a family night out or a romantic dinner for two, the Hacienda San Miguel House of Tequila and Aztecas Restaurant & Cantina are not to be missed.
With six locations along the Gulf Coast, these family owned and operated restaurants allow you to escape and relax while enjoying expertly prepared dishes of colonial Mexico, using only the finest and freshest ingredients. From time-honored Tex-Mex favorites to genuine Mexican dishes, you are invited to enjoy a true "Taste of Mexico,” and see why Hacienda San Miguel and Aztecas are favorites to both locals and tourists’ alike.
Having opened the original Aztecas in 1994 in Mobile, the newest location on Route 49 in Gulfport recently celebrated its one year anniversary. It’s a must-visit destination on the Coast, featuring a beautiful courtyard patio surrounded by palm trees, fountains, and strings of lights hanging from the rafters that will make you feel as though you have been transported to Mexico.
Your meal begins with complimentary homemade chips & salsa, for which you can also order add-ons such as queso, guacamole, bean, and shrimp dips. From there, both the lunch and dinner menus have an excellent variety of dishes from which to choose.
You will want to start with an appetizer or two, with delicious soups, salads, nachos, and other traditional fares to choose from. Many go with the San Miguel Sampler, which is a large platter of a chicken quesadilla, chicken flauta, black beans, and steak nachos served with sour cream, guacamole, fresh jalapeños, and pico de gallo. It’s the perfect start to get your taste buds ready for the main course.
Mouth-watering fajitas are one of the favorites, with steak, chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms sautéed in BBQ sauce with bell pepper, onions, and tomatoes. Served with rice, beans, tortillas, and a guacamole salad, after eating your stomach not only will be full, your palate will thank you. If you are looking for a healthier alternative, try the Fajita De Pescado. The grilled tilapia filet with bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes served with white rice and fresh lemon is indulgent without the guilt.
For those looking for truly authentic, try something found under the Antojitos Mexicanos section of the menu. There you will discover dishes prepared as you would find if dining in Mexico. You can’t go wrong with popular items such as the Alambres, which are steak tips grilled with bell peppers and onions, served over flour tortillas and a signature tomatillo sauce that’s finished off with grated mozzarella, or a plate of five marinated pork Tacos Al Pastor.
On my visit, I went with the Molcajete, which is a delightful assortment of carne asada, chorizo, grilled chicken, shrimp, jalapeños, and queso fresco served in a heated stone molcajete bowl, with green onions, guacamole, and tortillas. Pairing with a large Coronarita, an exquisite frozen margarita topped with a Corona beer, it made for the perfect meal that won’t soon be forgotten.
Both Hacienda San Miguel House of Tequila and Aztecas Restaurant & Cantina are open seven days a week from 11am-10pm, staying open until 11 pm on weekends. Come out to listen to live music on Wednesday and Friday nights, and enjoy the full-service bars with plenty of TVs to watch your favorite sporting events. Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 3-7pm and special-priced Margarita Nights on Wednesdays.
Aztecas Restaurant & Cantina
9400 Highway 49
Gulfport, MS 39553
(228) 265-7263
Aztecas Restaurant & Cantina
2405 Highway 90
Gautier, MS 39553
(228) 497-2100
With six locations along the Gulf Coast, these family owned and operated restaurants allow you to escape and relax while enjoying expertly prepared dishes of colonial Mexico, using only the finest and freshest ingredients. From time-honored Tex-Mex favorites to genuine Mexican dishes, you are invited to enjoy a true "Taste of Mexico,” and see why Hacienda San Miguel and Aztecas are favorites to both locals and tourists’ alike.
Having opened the original Aztecas in 1994 in Mobile, the newest location on Route 49 in Gulfport recently celebrated its one year anniversary. It’s a must-visit destination on the Coast, featuring a beautiful courtyard patio surrounded by palm trees, fountains, and strings of lights hanging from the rafters that will make you feel as though you have been transported to Mexico.
Your meal begins with complimentary homemade chips & salsa, for which you can also order add-ons such as queso, guacamole, bean, and shrimp dips. From there, both the lunch and dinner menus have an excellent variety of dishes from which to choose.
You will want to start with an appetizer or two, with delicious soups, salads, nachos, and other traditional fares to choose from. Many go with the San Miguel Sampler, which is a large platter of a chicken quesadilla, chicken flauta, black beans, and steak nachos served with sour cream, guacamole, fresh jalapeños, and pico de gallo. It’s the perfect start to get your taste buds ready for the main course.
Mouth-watering fajitas are one of the favorites, with steak, chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms sautéed in BBQ sauce with bell pepper, onions, and tomatoes. Served with rice, beans, tortillas, and a guacamole salad, after eating your stomach not only will be full, your palate will thank you. If you are looking for a healthier alternative, try the Fajita De Pescado. The grilled tilapia filet with bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes served with white rice and fresh lemon is indulgent without the guilt.
For those looking for truly authentic, try something found under the Antojitos Mexicanos section of the menu. There you will discover dishes prepared as you would find if dining in Mexico. You can’t go wrong with popular items such as the Alambres, which are steak tips grilled with bell peppers and onions, served over flour tortillas and a signature tomatillo sauce that’s finished off with grated mozzarella, or a plate of five marinated pork Tacos Al Pastor.
On my visit, I went with the Molcajete, which is a delightful assortment of carne asada, chorizo, grilled chicken, shrimp, jalapeños, and queso fresco served in a heated stone molcajete bowl, with green onions, guacamole, and tortillas. Pairing with a large Coronarita, an exquisite frozen margarita topped with a Corona beer, it made for the perfect meal that won’t soon be forgotten.
Both Hacienda San Miguel House of Tequila and Aztecas Restaurant & Cantina are open seven days a week from 11am-10pm, staying open until 11 pm on weekends. Come out to listen to live music on Wednesday and Friday nights, and enjoy the full-service bars with plenty of TVs to watch your favorite sporting events. Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 3-7pm and special-priced Margarita Nights on Wednesdays.
Aztecas Restaurant & Cantina
9400 Highway 49
Gulfport, MS 39553
(228) 265-7263
Aztecas Restaurant & Cantina
2405 Highway 90
Gautier, MS 39553
(228) 497-2100
For more information about Aztecas visit www.aztecasrestaurante.com
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