Review: Blockheads (Midtown West)

Among non-authentic Mexican food, this is some of the best I've had. And between living in a town heavy with migrant workers and growing up in a haystack-loving formerly Seventh Day Adventist family, I've had my share of both authentic and non-authentic Mexican.

Blockheads at Worldwide Plaza has a casual atmosphere that exists somewhere between a college pub and a family restaurant.

The restaurant's advertised $7 lunch deal initially drew us into the restaurant. For such an inexpensive offer, the lunch deal had a lot to choose from--rice bowls, tacos, burritos.

Looking at the menu, I immediately became excited when I saw a note on the final page listing the items that were vegetarian- and vegan-friendly. I knew at that moment that Blockheads was going to treat me well.

I ended up with a taco plate with rice & bean tacos and a salad coupled with sides of guacamole, sour cream and tomatillo salsa.

So. Freakin'. Good.

Blockheads composes its tacos in a really interesting way. The tacos begin with a hard-shell corn tortilla, followed by a soft-shell corn tortilla, then layered with rice, beans, lettuce, pico de gallo and cilantro. On top of that, I added a thick layers of guacamole, sour cream and salsa.

The crunch of the hard shell combined with the firm and chewy texture of the soft shell created a dish that was not only interesting for its fresh flavor notes, but also for its texture.

Unfortunately, the quality of service didn't live up to the quality of the food. While the food was exceptional, the service was ordinary, if not on the disappointing side. Our server was less attentive to our needs than I would have liked, and she seemed to really rush through taking our orders. She seemed much more interested in getting to the next table than in explaining the details of the eatery's menu. This was especially frustrating given that the restaurant wasn't all that busy.

My meal came out to being just about $15, including tax and tip. (I didn't go with an item from the lunch menu.) The price is a little higher than some Mexican (or faux-Mexi) spots I've tried, but the meal was definitely worth the cost for its innovative flavors and textures.

Pros

Interesting flavors & textures

Good lunch deals

Something for everyone

Cons

Poor service

A little pricey (but worth it)