Los Cabos Mexican Grill (CLOSED)

NOTE: Los Cabos has closed. Pedro's Taco Shop has opened in its location.

Located at 948 Walker Avenue in Greensboro’s College Hill neighborhood, Los Cabos serves Mexican appetizers and entrees as well as vegetarian items and a la carte tacos. Vegetarian items are available, as are lunch combos and daily food and drink specials.

Years ago, this space used to be occupied by El Carreton, a fairly dreadful Mexican restaurant that stayed afloat by virtue of offering cheap eats and drinks right near UNCG’s campus. Its successor, Los Cabos, is an upgrade in many respects, but it still probably benefits most from its proximity to campus.

Location aside, Los Cabos does have one other major point in its favor: the service is excellent. During a recent visit, the front-of-house staff were friendly and inviting while our server was both accommodating and fast, a real pro. That, plus the interior décor (we sat in front of a captivating dolphin mural) create a welcoming environment.

Unfortunately, the food is a major disappointment. The menu offers the usual suspects (tacos, quesadillas, fajitas, and some familiar entrees) without any unique standouts. The lunch specials are quite affordable, but entrée pricing ($10-plus on almost everything) offers no great value, particularly given the neighborhood. An order of carnitas had some semblance of seasoning, but the meat was dry and slightly tough. A spinach and mushroom quesadilla, on the other hand, wasn’t overcooked, but the flavors were flat. Nothing here merited an “mmm,” let alone a “muy bien!”

For College Hill denizens, Los Cabos fulfills a need: it’s Mexican within walking distance. And while its predecessor showed how much worse that could be, it still doesn’t offer much of a lure to anyone outside the UNCG area.

6.5/10