Pachanga Grill

Pachanga Grill (or Pachanga Cocina Mexicana) is another outpost in Gilbert Cortes' local empire of Mexican restaurants (see also El Azteca and La Palapa). The menu is similar to what you'd find at El Azteca, though somehow the El Azteca versions come out seeming fresher and made with more care. On the other hand, you rarely have to wait for a table at this western Route 40 location. Pachanga offers decent Mexican fare, but I haven't found anything to go out of the way for, yet.

Pachanga Grill does not appear to have a web site, but the menu is similar to El Azteca's.

Pachanga Grill
10291 Baltimore National Pike
Ellicott Cty, MD 21042
410-461-4266

MiCasa

MiCasa, Ellicott City

MiCasa is not the largest, busiest or most innovative Mexican restaurant in town, but we still have a soft spot for it. It does the Mexican basics consistently well, and the service is usually quick and friendly. It's a comfortable spot for a casual weekday meal.

El Azteca

El Azteca, Clarksville

The original link in Gilberto Cortez's family of Mexican restaurants (also La Palapa and La Palapa Too in Laurel). Like the others, El Azteca offers a full slate of Mexican standards as well as an encouraging selection of "Gilberto's Specialities" for variety. El Azteca is smaller than its cousins and doesn't take reservations, but somehow the food always seems a little better. It's fun if you don't mind a possible wait.

Update: El Azteca is on our list of Nearly Best Restaurants in Howard County.

La Palapa

La Palapa Grill & Cantina, Ellicott City

A large, friendly Mexican fixture on Main Street in Ellicott City, La Palapa is the largest of Gilberto Cortez's family of Mexican restaurants (also El Azteca and La Palapa Too in Laurel). La Palapa offers a full slate of Mexican standards as well as an encouraging selection of "Gilberto's Specialities" for variety. La Palapa is great for groups, lunches, dinner or brunch.

Update: La Palapa regularly holds special dining events. Check for them in our Monthly Restaurant Events listings.