Ray and Molly Dunlea, owners of Waldo’s cozy Irish-style pub, The Gaf, made a shrewd decision to turn their snazzy but short-lived Swizzle Martini & Wine Bistro, at the corner of Gregory and Wornall, into a moderately priced Mexican restaurant. They invested a few pesos in some new tables and booths, curtains, mounted neon beer signs, a serape and a sombrero for the walls, and Cantina del Ray was born. The menu isn’t large, but it contains all the Tex-Mex dishes that most Midwesterners like best: tacos, burritos, chile rellenos, and espinaca (molten spinach-and-cheese sauce). In a nod to the locals, the menu lists Brookside Bean Nachos and a Ward Parkway Pork Burrito prepared in a “pipian mole” that is actually made with peanut butter instead of pumpkin seeds. Unlike the destination spots on Southwest Boulevard, Cantina del Ray is just a laid-back neighborhood joint that appeals to families with squalling toddlers or tables of screaming queens – and everyone in between. — Charles Ferruzza
Price: $$
Payment Type: All Major Credit Cards, cash
Parking: Free, Street
Reservations: Not Accepted, Not Necessary
Attire: Casual
Showing 1-1 of 1
My wife and I went here last night and were impressed. The place was packed at 5:30 on a Friday, which is understandable for a new restaurant that everyone wants to try. The hostess was extremely nice and apologized for our wait. We didn't care about the short wait because while we waited we had a few margaritas which were large, cheap, and surprisingly good (Ponak's is still the marg king though). Oh, and they were potent!
The food was very good. I had a veggie chimichanga and my wife had a chili relleno. Both were good and full of flavor (although just a tad salty). I also must mention their chips and salsa - the chips were light and crispy, and their salsa was quite tasty and WARM! I'm so used to cold salsa that it really threw me off, but after a few chips I was wondering why everyone doesn't serve their salsa warm.
Also, there are a pretty decent array of vegetarian options.
All of the staff was nice and attentive. I look forward to returning.
Rating Detail:
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Value: 4
Overall: 4
like
dislike
