Paco’s Authentic Mexican Bistro

If you love Mexican food, then this is your day. Cinqo de Mayo is a special day in local Mexican-food restaurants.  

Here's this week's restaurant pick: Paco’s Authentic Mexican Bistro

Overview:   Situated in the BearBrook Commons in Marlboro, Paco’s Authentic Mexican Bistro is the centerpiece of the shopping plaza. Paco’s serves traditional style Mexican with a twist. Staying true to its Mexican heritage, Paco’s places a bowl of chips ($1.95) with a side of home-made salsa at every table.

Decor:  Open for two years, Paco's has a very casual atmosphere with their Wall of Fire as the focalpoint. The Wall of Fire is for daring who love hot sauce – and Paco’s has over 100 varieties for purchase. There is a large area where diners can sit, order from wait service and enjoy their BYOB Corona. There is the take-out section of the restaurant with chalkboards listing menu items such as the Scallops Quesadilla  ($10.95) , where you can order your meal to go (delivery is available to a limited area).

The Drinks:  Paco’s does not have a liquor license, so those who like a Corona or Margarita must provide their own. Paco’s does have soda and other drinks by the can or bottle.

Appetizers:  Pacos has several appetizers ranging from Corn Fritters ($3.95) and Plantains ($4.95) during lunch to Appetizer Specials such as Choriqueso ($9.95), Mexican sausage topped with Monterrey jack and cheddar cheese to coconut shrimp ($9.95). Traditional soups such as Chicken Tortilla ($4.95) are also available. The Garbage Salad ($9.95 lunch/$12.95 dinner), while sounding like Paco’s leftovers, really contains chopped salad, mushrooms, onion, carrots, baby spinach with shrimp, chicken and beef. 

Entrees: Lunch entrees at Paco’s range from Steak Sandwiches to traditional Mexican fare like quesadillas, tacos, burritos enchiladas and fajitas.  I had the Enchilada Lunch Special ($6.95), two hearty enchiladas -- one beef and one chicken. I opted for the spicy, but mild and medium spice are also available.   All lunch entrees are also available during dinner service. Paco’s does have an interesting Entrée Specials menu, which next time I will be sure to try.  The Flautas De Camarones ($17.95) are crispy tortillas loaded with shrimp and topped with guacamole, lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, Mexican cheese and a basil tomato sauce.   

Desserts:  Since I was there for lunch, I chose not to have dessert – but Paco’s offers a Chimichanga Rice Pudding Burrito ($7.95) as well as other American style desserts like S’mores Deep Dish Cookie Pie ($3.95).  Service: The service was great at Paco’s and considering the restaurant was filled for lunch, my meal came very quickly. 

Signature Dish:  Molcajete Popocatepeti ($21.95)  Hot sizzling lava rock filled with marinated beef, chicken and shrimp.

Paco’s Authentic Mexican Bistro

Bear Brook Commons

455 Route 520

Marlboro, NJ

732-851-4848