By Marta Rose-Thorpe
I recently enjoyed a tasty lunch at San Marcos Mexican Grill in Pier Park, which opened several months ago. This spacious, breezy eatery plays lively Mexican music and gives one that festive feeling of “I’m on a fun vacation and may never come home!”
My server, Rogers, was wonderful throughout the entire meal… friendly, made great recommendations, and was extremely attentive. He shared that the Camarones a la Crema is his favorite dish… grilled shrimp cooked with bell peppers and onions in a creamy chipotle sauce. After much deliberation – their menu is substantial – I decided on the Burrito Del Mar, a very similar dish to Rogers’ favorite, with a side of black beans. A large flour tortilla was stuffed with rice and refried beans, peppers and onions, and succulent, juicy shrimp… wrapped tightly and drizzled with a velvety, creamy, cheesy chipotle sauce. I ate the whole thing! My side dish of black beans was piping hot, capped with onions and peppers, and I spooned some cool fresh salsa on top. The whole meal was an outstanding fusion of tastes, textures, and temperatures – a sensory delight!
San Marcos is a great choice for lunch if you are in the area; their special lunch menu is served Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. On a future evening visit, I will enjoy a margarita or frozen cocktail – San Marcos has many to choose from – and I want to try the Tacos al Pastor… pork tacos marinated in chipotle sauce and pineapple. My eye also caught the Hawaiian Fajitas… steak or chicken with bacon, ham, poblano peppers, and pineapple.
San Marcos’ full menu includes appetizers and dips, soups and salads, and entrees featuring fajitas and traditional Mexican cuisine with seafood, chicken, steak, pork, veggies, or any combination. San Marcos has a Kids Menu for children 12 and younger. Desserts include all the classic favorites you’d expect (and hope for!) including flan, churros, tres leches cake, and a cheesecake burrito.
San Marcos Mexican Grill is located at 101 Bluefish Drive in Pier Park (next to Panera Bread). Hours are Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information and to check out their menu visit sanmarcosmexicangrillpierpark.com.
