When Rubio’s left it’s longtime location in Riverpark recently, I wondered what would go in its place. When Mex Sabor opened I registered it briefly in my mind, but didn’t make an effort to visit right away, but now I’m thinking that may have been a mistake. I’m not sure why exactly, perhaps the fact that Rubio’s was a chain and my brain just associated that storefront as being a chain restaurant, but I didn’t realize until this past week that Mex Sabor was a locally owned independent restaurant and they tout serving authentic Mexican flavors – that caught my attention. North Fresno could always benefit from more authentic Mexican restaurants in my opinion, though I may be biased as a huge fan of Mexican food in general. Regardless, once I knew it wasn’t a chain it moved high up on my “must try” list.
This past week, some former co-workers turned forever friends and I got to meet for lunch at Mex Sabor, and all four of us loved our food! The interior of the restaurant has undergone a significant makeover with colorful jewel toned glass décor and hanging chandelier lighting. The seating is still casual and self-selected, but there is also bar seating now and alcohol is available. The menu though prepared relatively quickly, no longer feels like a fast-food Mexican spot, but instead a full restaurant offering hot combination plates in addition to bowls, salads, tacos, quesabirria tacos, burritos, and much more.
On the day that my friends and I went, it was fairly busy for a weekday lunch, but service was still friendly and prompt. You order and the register and they bring your food to your table via a number stand.
I ordered a two-item combination plate with a chicken mole enchilada and a shredded beef tamale. It came with rice and beans, but I asked if I could sub out the beans and it was served with a fresh salad. I also ordered a bottled Jarritos (I love a pineapple soda with my Mexican food!) and my total was $17 which I felt was very fair for the amount of food I got, and how fresh it tasted. It was so good, I literally can’t wait to go back and want to return with my family very soon. I was able to try their spicy salsa, too, and it was excellent.
My friend ordered chips and guac for the table, and the guac serving was huge and the flavor was excellent. The chips appeared to be made fresh in house, too – once again, large portions. My other friends ordered a tostada salad and bowls, and something we all noted that was great about our food was that the meat quality was very high, and even with chicken breast (all white meat) it was not dry at all. (Such a common issue with such lean meat.) I’ll share photos with you now so you can have a “feast of the eyes” and in hopes of convincing you to also give this great new spot a try.
In addition to great dine-in food, you can also order take out, delivery via partner apps like Door Dash and Grub Hub, and Mex Sabor also offers reasonably priced party platters ($72.95 feeds 10 people)! Grab a printed menu when you stop in next and save it for your next party or work event. The restaurant is open from 11am to 9pm Monday through Friday and 9am to 9pm Saturdays and Sundays.
I drove by the other day and noticed the green building. And wondered what it was like. Now I know and definitely plan on trying this restaurant. Thank you for this fabulous 👌 review.