By PERRY SMITH / Staff Writer

PELHAM – Two Pesos has been a popular spot in Shelby County for almost seven years with its variety setting it apart from other restaurants.

Owner Carlos Medina, who also owns Guadalajara in Hoover, said he likes to test the menu with a combination of traditional Mexican dishes and options people might not see anywhere else.

The menu is currently being expanded to include dishes unique to Los Reyes, a town in Medina’s home state of Michoacan, Mexico. He said these dishes were inspired by his mother’s home cooking.

MENU

With five or six authentic new plates planned, Medina said the menu changes regularly. The restaurant has a wide variety of enjoyable appetizers, including nachos with steak, chicken or shrimp. For those who appreciate a little spice in their meal, there’s the Spicy Ceviche Martini, which is shrimp marinated in lime juice with avocado and a tomato ceviche salsa served in an oversized martini glass. Another addition is puffy tacos, often found in San Antonio, which are cooked in fresh, fried corn tortillas. Medina plans his own twist to the recipe that he thinks customers will enjoy.

For dessert, fried ice cream is always a crowd pleaser, and of course, a flan served with cajeta (carmel) sauce and fresh fruit.

ATMOSPHERE

Medina said in the next couple of weeks he hoped to bring back an authentic Mariachi band to play one night a week. The live entertainment, along with dozens of tequila drinks at the bar, makes for a fun and lively ambience. The restaurant has happy hour from 2-7 p.m. everyday and features $3.50 margaritas. Merengue, salsa and mariachi music all can be heard throughout the restaurant and on the patio, which Medina said was a popular dining area when the weather is still nice.

SERVICE

Friendly customer service is very important, and walking into Two Pesos, you will always be greeted by smiling faces and a staff that is helpful and courteous. The service must be excellent, as manager Enrique Zamora said a lot of Two Pesos customers often visit two and three times a week. He added that staff and customers usually know each other by name and customers often request their regular server.

FIND IT

201 Southgate Drive

Pelham, AL 35124

987-3800

HOURS

Sunday-Thursday: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m