The Atmosphere of Los Portales is Alive!

There are many Mexican restaurants in Iowa City, like Diamond Dave's, El Ranchero, Panchero's, or Taco Bell. But many of those don't have quite the atmosphere as does Los Portales.

Between the familiar faces or the lively crowd, going to Los Portales is always an enjoyable experience. Last Thursday I made it out to Los Portales with a friend and was expecting to have my usual, the best item on the menu (in my opinion), the "quesadilla special." This plate of goodness comes with two buttered and fried tortillas, encasing savory steak, with other ingredients like lettuce, tomato, and sour cream. I also knew that I was going to see some of the same waiters who are always smiling and having a good time. The hostess is also very pleasant to speak with, she's upbeat, which is exactly what Los Portales is like.

After getting to our seats, I realized that there was quite the party going on. Karaoke was in play and a big group of people were running to the microphone and back to their seats every other song. I knew that I wasn't going to need a menu, but I didn't realize that lime margaritas were on sale for $2.50. (Now this is a deal, considering that they are very generous about keeping the drinks worth your money, even if they are $6) Note: Try getting a splash of grenadine in your lime margarita, my friend introduced me to the combination, and I believe that the waiters might now be used to the addition.

Throughout our meal the karaoke kept up. The music was lively and our waiters even braved the microphone and entertained the crowd. We were told that karaoke is at Los Portales every Thursday and Friday, with the possibility of Saturday in the future. The deals are also plentiful. The $2.50 lime margaritas aren't always the case, one waiter said. But they try to have a special very often, it just depends on what their customers are asking for the most in a given evening.


*Also, if you ever happen to know that someone's birthday is coming up, Los Portales is the place to take them. Bringing the birthday girl/boy to Los Portales should guarantee them fried ice cream, possibly in their face. Though this ritual may be a thing for "regulars," I'm sure it wouldn't be a problem to request the embarrassment, since it has been done before (twice to my observations). Either way, they will get serenaded while wearing a giant sombrero.


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