VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — It can be hard to find a locally owned Tex-Mex restaurant serving up fresh and original options daily, but here in Hampton Roads, that's where Cowboy Neil's Cantina steps in!
"It's just a place where you escape the daily life and you come in here and live the Cantina life," said owner Neil Waranch.
The beauty of Tex-Mex is that it allows for more creativity when creating these dishes.
It gives Neil and his team the ability to not only do the basic taco or quesadilla but add a certain Texas flare that you wouldn't necessarily find at a standard Mexican restaurant.
"They are adventurous with food, which is fun, because I'm a little bit of a foodie and if you have any kind of food preferences, they really work with you," said Customer Sara Smiley.
The dishes are just as pretty as they are flavorful!
Their fried avocado and Chilaquiles with their cowboy crema sauce drizzled on top and their Philly-inspired taco served with their vegan cowboy rice and beans.
My favorite was the Flautas, also known as taquitos, served with avocado, pickled red onions, mango slaw, cilantro, grilled mixed peppers and onions, queso and drizzled in their cowboy crema sauce.
If you're in the mood for some tequila, they've got you covered with more than 52 different types.
As "Cowboy Neil" himself says, "It's all about festive vibes, tasty spicy food and just some really good Tequila."