Quick Pre-Congress Theatre Dining
On this particular weekend, we had a pretty heavy schedule. Friday we planned on going to Rosa De Lima , which is the Latin American restaurant at Armitage and Western and then to see our friend Kyle Kanine open up for Patten Oswald at the Congress Theatre. Then on sunday, we planned to go back to the Congress for David Cross, and no dinner plans. Well, we made it to the two shows but the food plans changed altogether. Since Friday turned into a cold monsoon, we opted out to trying a place called Alma Pita, near Racine and Wilson, and then checked out this place Arturo’s for some cheap fast Mexican food before the David Cross show. It was a pretty good choice on our part.
Arturos’ interior is pretty large, and brightly colored. Lots of activity and quick table turnover, with a pretty diverse crowd — from still hung-over young professionals to large families. I chose the carnes asada tacos, and Lois went with the cheese enchiladas. Both were prepared fast, and served with a smile. Nothing really stood out too much with the food, but the tacos were just good and filling. They do, however, serve some pico degallo and chips when you first sit down that knocked my socks off, more spicy than anything, and super fresh tasting. The tacos — at only a $1.80 each — come prepared with all the regular fixings, lettuce, tomato, cheese, etc. but as mentioned before, nothing out of the ordinary. The enchiladas were also really affordable, and you do get your money’s worth – with some serious portions of rice on the side.
$1.80 tacos from Arturo's with the really pink window lighting
By the way, the most exciting thing about this place is that Lois’s Coke was served in a glass bottle. And no, we’re not being sarcastic. There’s just something about soda in a glass bottle that makes it taste that much better.
Our conclusion – quick service + fresh food + reasonable prices = good dining experience.
