Friday Night Fiesta at Diego’s Mexican Cantina and Tequila Bar

Diego's Dining Room — Nina Lea PhotoDining Room, Diego'sDiego’s Mexican Cantina and Tequila Bar opened in 2012, providing Media a place for a fiesta. On a recent Friday night, we checked in and found the place bustling—the front bar was packed. We had made reservations for 6:30 p.m. and were seated immediately. The inside decor at Diego’s is fairly rustic and simple. Past the bar, a long slim path is lined on the left with booths. The adobe-colored red wall is accented with brick portals. An opening in the wall to the right reveals the kitchen. The dining room opens up a bit in the back. Before Diego’s even opened, we interviewed head bartender Dan Cronin about their extensive tequila menu and we’ve tried some of their excellent (and potent) tequila infused drinks. Now, we were anxious to sample their authentic Mexican cuisine.

Diego Bar — Nina Lea Photo

Despite how crowded the restaurant was, our server was quick to show up and ask for our drink orders. We needed a few moments to review the drink menu. She promptly returned with warm nachos and answered our many libation questions with a smile.

DiegoRita2We decided we needed to celebrate our night with margaritas, so my date and I tried a frozen margarita and a Margarita Fresca. The frozen margarita, rimmed with salt, was tangy and delicious, and we sipped it carefully to avoid brain freeze. The Margarita Fresca was not for the faint of heart—the tequila smacked us with each sip.

I ordered the chicken burrito, which was fresh tender chicken with mounds of rice stuffed inside. Spicy but not overbearing. They charged an extra dollar for the sour cream, so I was surprised to find only a small dollop on the plate. They actually charge a dollar for each add on—cheese, sour cream, guacamole. If you like to get these toppings, plan on adding a few bucks to the meal.

Diego FlanMy date enjoyed her enchiladas, and though I didn’t get a bite, it looked tempting on her plate, smothered with a crumbled cheese and served with a side of rice. Luckily, she shared her dessert with me—the flan was rich and creamy, the perfect antidote after an authentic Mexican meal.

DiegoRitaInstead of dessert, I opted to try their special—a frozen strawberry jalapeno margarita. While it was okay, I felt both the strawberry and jalapeno flavors were muted. I actually preferred the standard frozen margarita more, especially once I noticed the special was $10 while the frozen margarita was $6.

Diego’s Cantina has a happy hour with half-priced drinks but you have to get their early—it only applies to folks sitting at the bar. Dan and the bartenders do serve up excellent mixed drinks and are always happy to discuss tequilas. The few times I’ve sat at the bar it has been a festive time.

Diego’s Cantina and Tequila Bar is located at 214 West State Street, Media, PA Phone number is (484) 442-8741.

Interior photographs credited to Nina Lea Photography.