Welcome to Acapulco Annie's Mexican Restaurant

I've been here a few times now, both as part of a larger group and as a couple, and every time I'm disappointed.

The only reason we have been here so often is that it is within walking distance of home but even that can't draw me back there again.

Every time the wait staff are surly and in some cases rude, the food is average (and I don't just mean that it's not 'true' mexican food but it is relatively tasteless and in most cases you’re lucky to be able to tell the difference between one meal and another) and the exorbitant price you pay for this poor service and food is completely stunning.

The ambience is fine but that still can't make up for all its other failures.

For me there is something about eating at a Mexican restaurant that is synonymous with a really fun silly night out, frozen margarita’s at happy hour, good spicy food, great company and a lively atmosphere. Last night was no exception when my partner and I went for dinner with another couple at an old favorite, Acapulco Annie’s Mexican Restaurant in Tuart Hill.

When we arrived at 6:00pm the restaurant hadn’t yet opened (supposed to open at 6:00pm) and this meant that there were a few people milling around downstairs waiting to get in. Once the 4 of us were seated, we were a little uncomfortable with our allocated place which was right in the middle of the room, next to two larger family tables with children. As our Mexican nights can tend to become a little happier and noisier than usual and we didn’t want to disturb the families & kids, so we explained to the waitress who was seating people that we would prefer to be seated in the corner or a more secluded table. She looked rather put out and told us that the other tables were already booked. We were surprised at this less-than-gracious response, especially considering that we too had booked, a week prior. We didn’t see the problem as there were plenty of empty tables for 4 people around the room yet – as it had just opened the place was literally less than a quarter full. We explained this and politely re-iterated our preference and she seated us in the corner which was great. The décor at Acapulco’s is typical Mexican restaurant, but somehow, with the dark wood and slightly dim lighting it all works well and makes you feel relaxed and cosy.

We started off with the traditional happy hour - from 6-7pm you can get 2-for-1 cocktails. The only drawback for me was that the 2-for-1 drinks offered were all exceptionally sweet which don’t sit well with my savory taste buds. I had 2 before switching to standard spirits, but as we were catching taxis the others made the most of the Margaritas and Tequila Sunrises.

For entrée the four of us shared a trio plate of dips - Chili Conqueso, Guacamole and Chili con carne and a basket of corn chips. If you give Acapulco Annie’s a try then make sure you try the Chili Conqueso, it’s so hot and cheesy and divine it almost makes you want to lick the bowl. There were plenty of the dips to go around but the corn chips were a bit light on and we had to order another basket.

Two of us had the combination fajita’s (beef, chicken, prawns) which are strips of meat cooked with onions and capsicum and served sizzling on a cast iron plate, with soft flour tortillas, guacamole, sour cream and salad. I like the concept of making your own and I don’t think I have ever ordered anything different from here, as the Fajita’s are really yummy. The others had burritos, tacos and enchiladas and enjoyed these. We were full to bursting after the meal and could not have even entertained the idea of dessert. It’s not fine dining by any means, but for Mexican, the food is great.

The waitress who served us throughout the night was nice and very patient with our constant requests for more drinks, corn chips etc.

My family was a big fan of The Crazy Cactus until it closed down. We decided to visit Annie's last father's day after several people recommended it.

I have to say it was quite nice, but the general consensus was that we preferred the Cactus - their meals just seemed tastier (and larger).

I had the chicken quesadillas since I was not able to order the seafood quesadilla without fish. It was fairly average. We also shared a plain nachos, which were quite nice.

As mentioned, overall the food was quite nice but it did not live up to our expectations or our memories of the Crazy Cactus.

We went here Saturday for a friends birthday. To make things easy for a large group she had chosen at $25.50 set meal (there is a bar for drinks but I think you can BYO wine only for around $4 per bottle)

First was nachos and dips and corn chips for the table including a cheesy dip (cant remember the name) guacamole and a bean dip.. all were nice. The nachos were okay, a bit skimpy on the cheese.

Second was the choice of a chicken/beef or seafood enchilada which came with a beef taco on the side. The enchilada was quite tasty (i had chicken), the taco okay but impossible to hold! A very messy (and large) meal hehe.

Dessert was a sundae, sorbet (various flavours)choc mousse or crème caramel. I chose the mousse which was very nice and a cup of coffee (lukewarm)

All in all, the food was adequate, definitely nothing to rave about but tasty and there was lots of it for the price. A good way to go for a large group (I think we had 40 people). The cocktails were yummy (2 for the price of one 6-7pm) and the staff were very efficient and friendly. I will go back and try the normal menu at some stage.

I totally love this restaurant!

The Crazy Cactus in Morley was our favourite Mexican place before it closed, but Acapulco's has it beat hands down.

It might not look like much from the outside, but it's everything you could ever want a Mexican restaurant to be!

The decor and ambience is relaxed and friendly, and unsurprisingly Mexican themed. The menu is easily the best I've seen anywhere - covered in little jokes and random pieces of information.

The service is fast and friendly - meals arrive quickly even when it's busy.

The meals are fantastic - a large array of Mexican dishes, all well presented and extremely tasty (I've had the chimichanga twice now). Most of the meals aren't very spicy either if you can't handle that. The prices are great too - I don't remember seeing anything above $25.

If all this wasn't good enough, there is also COCKTAIL HAPPY HOUR! Every night between 6 and 7, an assortment of cocktails are 2 for $10. The pina coladas are great. Trying to say "Acapulco" after a few rounds of cocktails is great fun ;)

If you like Mexican food, GO TO ACAPULCO'S!