Taco Tuesday: The Lakeview Grill

The name may conjure up images of a diner in upstate New York, but don’t let that fool you, the Lakeview Grill serves authentic Mexican cuisine in hearty, affordable helpings.

Located at the corner of Lakeview Road and Highland Avenue, this former pizza parlor and Greek restaurant has been serving Mexican dishes, along with some traditional American fare, since 2008.

Owner Nicholas Paloma bought the building and renovated it to more resemble an authentic Southwest-style cantina, complete with Kokopelli artwork and bright colors.

“We took the place over right around the time the economy went bad, so it was a little slow start for us,” Paloma’s son, also named Nicholas, said. “But lately we have been doing good business, especially when the snowbirds are in town.”

While they do offer burgers, wings, fish sandwiches and steak and cheese subs, it’s the Mexican food on the menu that packs the place around dinner time.

Dishes like chiles rellenos and dinner enchiladas pack just enough punch to please fans of spicy food, while the steak tacos, Southwest fajitas and crispy, chicken-filled flautas are ideal for those who like their Mexican food a little milder.

The best part is that nearly every dinner item is under $10, save for some nightly specials.

They also offer five different desserts, a kids menu, and serve beer, wine and Mexican soda as well.

Basically there’s something for everyone.

“We hope the word starts to get out to more locals that we are here,” Paloma said.

If the Lakeview Grill keeps serving delicious, authentic Mexican meals at affordable prices, that shouldn’t be a problem.