Why: 2 Margaritas Grill is located in the bright yellow, stand-alone restaurant, on Fourth Plain Boulevard near Gher Road, and has been under new management since Jan. 1. Family-friendly dining and a full sports bar provide an array of Mexican entrees, including seafood items.
What I tried: I had the chili Colorado made with pork and served with fresh pico de gallo, rice, beans, and tortillas. My dining companion had the fish tacos served with rice and beans, and substituted shrimp for the tilapia fish with which the tacos are normally made. We tried the churros for dessert.
The chili Colorado did not disappoint. Bite-sized pieces of tender pork doused in a mildly spicy chili sauce were appetizing all on their own. I chose the house-made corn tortillas to accompany my dish. These made-to-order white corn tortillas were pliable and made a perfect wrap for all the ingredients on my plate.
My dining companion found the shrimp tacos very appealing and noted the generous amount of ingredients within each taco.
Instead of a heap of rice and beans, both of our entrees included a reasonable portion of both, more akin to a layer, making our overall meals a satisfying amount without overdoing it — which allowed room for dessert.
The churros are served with dollops of whipped cream in between sections of scrumptious, fried-dough pastry filled with dulce de leche. Chocolate drizzle and maraschino cherries finish the plate for an attractive presentation.
Menu highlights beyond what I tried: Among the seafood options is the Seafood Platter, which includes a medley of shrimp, scallops and tilapia fish with vegetables. The Borrego y Mas sounded delicious. This dish is comprised of two marinated lamb shanks baked until tender and served with marinade sauce, pico de gallo, avocado and refried beans, rice, and your choice of house-made flour or corn tortillas. Another option for this dish is to pair one lamb shank with an enchilada, chili relleno, tamale, or a chimichanga. On my next visit, I plan on trying the traditional Albondigas Soup made with meatballs and vegetables.
Atmosphere: Bright, festive colors create a cheerful vibe throughout the space. Seating consists of large, upholstered booths on the perimeter; tables and ornately carved and painted chairs fill in the room. Pony walls topped with plants and decorative items section off the dining floor to create a more intimate experience. Several large-screen TVs are viewable throughout the restaurant and bar. Lighting is mainly ceiling can lights and a lot of natural light is allowed in during the day through large windows.
Other observations: Chances are you have probably driven by the restaurant and may not have been inclined to stop for a meal. Its early years were plagued with poor health scores. With new management in place, the health score reflects a conscientious staff and quality food preparation. The manager stopped by our table several times and showed interest in making sure our dining experience was excellent. I was also impressed by the cleanliness of the restaurant.
Cost: Appetizers are $3.95 to $12.95. Egg dishes, sides, and vegetarian options range from $1.95 to $9.95. One and two combinations served with rice and beans cost $7.95 to $10.95. Seafood selections are $13.95 to $16.95. Chicken dishes cost $12.50 to $13.95. 2 Margaritas Specials start at $12.50 and top out at $17.95. Burritos cost $11.50 to $14.95. Enchiladas are $10.95 and $11.95. Fajitas for one costs $14.95 to $17.50, for two costs $26.95. Soups and salads range from $6.95 to $15.95. Limited American fare includes a cheeseburger for $6.95, a bacon cheeseburger for $10.95, and a grilled cheese sandwich for $4.95 — all come with french fries. Desserts are $3.95 to $4.50.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.
Where: 10412 N.E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver.
Contact: 360-260-7151; www.dosmargaritasgrill.net and on Facebook.
Health score: 2 Margaritas Grill received a score of zero on Nov. 21. Zero is a perfect score, and Clark County Public Health closes restaurants with a score of 100 or higher. For information, call 360-397-8428.
