Lago Tacos **2.5/5 stars

So true. 

Yes, we're here to talk about tacos, not emotions. Screw emotions.

So a few months ago Heidi's disappeared in a puff of smoke (RIP) and out of the ashes rose Lago Tacos, a comfortable, slightly-better-than-chain taco joint. Joining the likes of the Herkimer and Lyndale Taphouse, I fear it won't be long before this place becomes a total douche magnet. But let's live in the moment, shall we?

Special friends

What I love most about Lago is their patio with the covered bar. It is a bit of an oasis in a land of concrete claustrophobia. It makes me nostalgic for ocean front cantinas and shitty mexican beer. Kind of.

Hey, mix me up another Cuervo Sunrise, bro

Lago was quiet this Sunday morning. Not sure if the brunch word hasn't gotten out yet, or if people have already shrugged it off. 

I was more than slightly disturbed when our server didn't know what a mimosa was, or if they had them (of course they do.) We also ordered a variety of dips with chips (everything looks more fancy when you put it into a ramekin, but really it's just refried beans, guac and some salsas.) Tasty, tho!

Marky, Laurel, Davey

The bloodies are pretty decent AND they come with a deep fried penis, I mean, pickle.

Hmmm...

The menu (apologies for the blurry photo), is what you would expect from a taco joint. Burritos, tostadas, chilaquiles, rancheros...

We waited around for a good while, enjoying our DFP's and variety of dips. Then they delivered fried danishes. Built-in Brunchitizer™! Score! 

So these are the Chorizo Tostadas. Mui, mui bonita! I would put this dish at the top of the menu. Note: Their meats are really good.

And the Pork with Green Chile. Really great flavor, but too soupy for me.

And this is the Rancheros... Kinda weird. If you love beans (and you know I do), then this is your man. But the dish seemed to be missing something...

And it wasn't the toothpick that was buried in David's flauta...

What the...

Stabby.

They were nice enough to comp that meal...but seriously? I'd say skip the brunch and come here for happy hour. The tacos are good and you get a lot for your $$. Hurry, before another uptown bar falls victim to the Embroidered Jeans Brigade.

Wash your hands.

Tiny Diner ***3/5 stars

One of the only covered open patios in town, the lofty blue solar panels make Tiny Diner look more like a futuristic, self-sustaining wicken space village than a classic joint. Cool. We were being chased by rain this fine Sunday, so it was nice to be able to still enjoy outdoor seating. However, if you prefer to sit inside, don't worry about claustrophobia. It's not that tiny. I've only given you a view of the back bar, which wraps around, but there's plenty of seating in front as well.

We were greeted by a nervous host who obviously had the new-girl jitters, but she managed to get us on the list and get us a cocktail menu. We opted for the pear bellini (beer and wine only.) It was only a few minutes before we were seated next to a couple of dudes at one of the community picnic tables. Our neighbors turned out to be bike friends and one tiny, adorable puppy named Artie. Score.

 

The menu is pretty extensive - featuring a rotating theme by city. Right now it's Philly, which means Scrapple is on the list. Scrapple is a mush of pork scraps and trimmings combined with cornmeal, flour and spices. The mush is formed into a semi-solid congealed loaf, sliced and then pan-fried before serving (thanks Wikipedia). Congealed meat scraps... hmmm. I'm gonna have to skip that one. Thank god there are lots of other options...

Our friends got the biscuits and gravy and the traditional farmer's breakfast. The biscuits were confirmed to be delicious. Pretty nice looking 2-egg platter as well...

While we waited for our food, we roamed the garden and made a peace offering in the blair witch hut. Random, but cool.

Me and J-love

Window for the full-moon sacrifice.

Finally, our food arrived. We got the breakfast sammy and the veggie omelette. Pretty regular stuff here. The chef went ninja on my veggies. They were cut up so tiny I couldn't even chew them. Kinda weird. But, the pancakes are extra good here. So good they rival the Lowbrow. Side note: The only downside to the space-age roofing is that your food has a blue tint to it... not super appetizing. iPhoto couldn't fully rectify the situation...

So Tiny Diner wins points for interesting design, for not actually being tiny and for serving pretty standard food and drink. It's also a good option in an area of town begging for more decent places to brunch. Thanks Kim B. for spreading the love. Until next time...