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Why you should eat at Armando’s

The best new Mexican restaurant on the Corner

<p>The salad de camaron is $9.50.&nbsp;</p>

The salad de camaron is $9.50. 

Armando’s, the newest restaurant to open on the Corner, is the perfect place to indulge in endless chips and salsa. Located on 14th Street, right next to Basil, Armando’s is especially attractive because it is much closer to all the action on the Corner than Guadalajara, Mono Loco or El Jaripeo. The food is affordable and really great quality for the price. I predict Armando’s Mexican Restaurant will be an instant success. 

I went to Armando’s for the first time for a late lunch on a rainy Saturday afternoon with my good friend Margaret, another first-year. We were seated in a comfortable, well-lit booth as soon as we entered. The interior is simple and very clean. The subtle decorations and muted colors minimize distractions and allow the delicious scent of the kitchen to take precedence. The restaurant is sectioned off into a few different rooms, which is nice as it minimizes the noise of other diners. I noticed a few TVs around, meaning that this could be a great new spot to enjoy a basketball game. 

The service was quick and our meal started with the classic large basket of chips and salsa. I also decided to order a side of the cheese dip as well. This was the best part of my meal. The chips were thin, crispy and not overly salted. The cheese dip was amazing. The texture was velvety and the dip was warm and had just enough bite that it wasn't boring. And best of all, it had the taste of real cheese, unlike many queso-type cheese dips I’ve tried. I would even go as far as to call this my favorite queso in Charlottesville. The salsa was refreshing with minimal spice. It had a chunky texture and looked freshly made. The only problem with the chips and dip is that I ate so much I couldn’t finish my main dish. 

The menu is extensive and full of options for every diner. I had a tough time narrowing it down, but I eventually chose the enchiladas verdes, two chicken enchiladas with special green salsa and a side of beans and rice. Margaret ordered the salad de camaron, a grilled shrimp and veggie salad with a side of lettuce, cucumbers, avocados and cheese. Both dishes came out at the same time, about 10 minutes after we ordered. 

My meal was warm, flavorful and cooked perfectly. I don’t usually order enchiladas because they tend to get soggy and lose their texture very quickly, but these held a little crunch and stayed fresh the whole time. The refried beans on the side were covered in cheese. They were good but nothing exceptional and definitely best when mixed with the warm rice. Best of all, this dish was only $6.25.

Margaret said her salad was great and her vegetables were “well seasoned.” I tried a piece of the grilled zucchini and can say I agree. Her salad de camaron was $9.50. I thought it was wonderful that they included some healthier options, such as the salad, on the menu. Eating a more nutritious main course is a great way to justify eating a whole basket of chips with a little less guilt. 

I’m so excited to return to Armando’s. The Corner desperately needed a good, cheap Mexican restaurant that is walking distance from dorms and apartments. The interior was comfortable and welcoming, but not too exciting. The food was the standout element because it was such a steal and had impressive quality for the price. I can’t wait to go back, order another bowl of the cheese dip and try the rest of the menu. Armando’s is a definite win. 

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