It's the Little Things

Taqueria La Diligencia is an eyecatching restaurant.

It features orange and purple walls. Typical Mexican paintings hang next to each of the booths. There is an outdoor patio where diners can enjoy a cool South Texas evening. It also features tables where larger groups can chat. The owners paid great attention to detail in designing the restaurant to give it personality. From wagon wheel napkin holders to colorful salt and pepper shakers, nothing was overlooked.

It looks someone spent a lot of time ensuring that the walls, tables and art harmonize in the restaurant and they did their job well. But while the restaurant feels like someone spent a lot of time in its appearance, it also has signs that the work may have been in vain.

On my two visits to the restaurant, I was the only one there. On the first visit the restaurant was out of Coke, on the second they were out of ice. I didn't mind the lack of Coke, because I am Diet Coke junkie. But I did miss the ice in my soft drink. I also found it strange that few of the napkin holders actually held napkins.

The taqueria offers a variety of tacos, flautas and papas. They also have a wide selection of breakfast tacos. On my first visit I ordered the tacos de trompo, or marinated pork tacos ($4.40). The six tacos were tasty, but a little dry. On my second visit, I was impressed that the restaurant was willing to make quesadillas, although they weren't advertised on their menu. The quesadillas were great - toasted, yet not burnt on the outside, and full of cheese on the inside. And I'd be hard pressed to find a better price - $.75.

I liked La Diligencia. The wait staff was friendly, willing to improvise and interested in making food that their clients will enjoy. The food was good for the price, but I feel like the restaurant has given up on itself. I think with a little more attention to detail - napkins, ice, soda - the restaurant could solidify its success.