Rita’s has got fillings. Lots and lots of fillings. You can have your taco stuffed with grilled veggies or chorizo tofu or a spicy chicken tinga. And Rita’s has got margaritas, probably lots of them, too. Somewhere between all that choice and all that booze, Journal readers named Rita’s Margaritas and Mexican Grill their runaway favorite for Mexican food cravings.
Rita’s has four locations, one in Arcata and three in Eureka. For those who specified, Arcata was the hands-down winner.
The menu is huge — mole and machaca and even menudo. A friend tells me those 80-plus items (not counting sides or appetizers or breakfasts or even burritos) are a minefield. It takes a little experience to sort the brilliant from the blah. With enough repeat visits, he swears, I’m gonna love this place. Nearly 40 percent of you agreed. Maybe that’s the marketing plan?
Most wistful answer: “Let me know when you find it!”
Most gusto: “La Chaparrita, fighting the man one taco at a time.”
— Carrie Peyton Dahlberg
The Breakdown: Rita’s 39.2%, Carmela’s 12.6%, Pachanga 6.6%, Luzmila’s 6.1%, Chapala 4.7%, Voter Turnout: Third.
This article appears in Best of Humboldt 2011.
Surprised by this. First, my Rita’s experience and palate puts them last on that list. They don’t even make their own tortillas, and don’t bother stuffing whole chiles for their rellenos.
And arguably the best, Don Juan’s in McK, did not make it at all. I guess that’s one of Humco’s little secrets.
It’s too bad the big towns always win out in these contests. La Hacienda in Orick deserves an honorable mention in this category!
Solar Bozo said it, and Chris makes a valid point. If you think that Rita’s is the best Mexican food, you need to venture out.
I agree! Ritas does not make their own tortillas. The chips are even basic bag type ones. Th chili rellenos are not made right. Its sub-par. Esmeraldas in Eureka is great for the tortillas! Luzmillas in mickinleyville has great Carnitas!!
Since moving into the old Stanton’s location, service has been poor, food mediocre and the arrogant attitude has gotten worse. Definitely NOT the best mexican food in Humboldt. Being from Mexico, I speak from experience!
I can’t believe Carmela’s always gets rooked in these stupid contests. They are just as good, if not better, then the infamous Ritas. They serve free sour cream with the chips and salsa, hellooooo! Can you say, genius?!
They’re the best! They do make their own tortillas and chips and i love it! If you want a real margarita and great service I would not venture anywhere else!