El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant
Get some authentic, creative, and inspiring Mexican food right in Albany, New York. For fifteen years in a row, El Mariachi has been voted No. 1 Best Mexican for the Best for the Capital District Reader’s Poll in Metroland Magazine and the Capital Region Living Magazine. Patty Bermejo-Bhola and Freddie Bhola opened up this restaurant with the desire to serve authentic Mexican and Spanish food to the Capital Region. Patty Bermejo-Bhola comes from a family of five brothers who have been in the restaurant business for 25 years. Coming from the cultural colonial city of Puebla, Patty strives to bring her home city’s food to the restaurant which is why they offer traditional specialties including mole poblano, pipian (a pumpkin seed sauce), and gorditas poblanas. Several of their dishes have even been selected as Dish of the Year by the Times Union. Using the expertise of her family, the Bernejos also brought in Spanish cuisine from Southern Spain, including Paella and other seafood dishes. Several of their recipes started with their great-grandmothers and have been passed down from generation to generation. Sample from over 80 kinds of Tequila, house-made Sangria, and specialty margaritas.
The Menu at El Mariachi
The offerings at El Mariachi include soups, Tapas, or small appetizers, traditional Mexican dishes, traditional Spanish dishes. vegetarian options, seafood, and grilled specialties. The Cochinita Pibil is a local favorite, including tender roast pork loin marinated in orange juice, achiote, and a blend of Mexican spices, served with Mexican rice and black beans. The Seafood Paella comes prepared with clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops, lobster, and saffron rice. Or you can try some classic tacos with a choice of Carne Asada, Chicken, Beef Tongue, Pork, Mexican Sausage, Barbacoa, or Marinated Pork, all served in fresh corn tortillas, topped with cilantro, onions, and green salsa on the side. Check out their full menu here.
Take Amtrak to El Mariachi
Visit this traditional Mexican restaurant via Amtrak to Albany-Rensselaer Station in Albany, New York. The restaurant is only 2 miles from the station.
