I ate at ML this evening and was pleased. All of the "complaints" I had could be attributed to being slam packed and first day working out the bugs sorts of things. The food had good flavor, and was actually served piping hot. The menu is very extensive. Not to bad I must say.

ABC

There are no "Soft" openings in Miles City. Everybody knew it was coming! That is a problem when opening a business around here. We are SO GLAD to you, we ALL come out!

I see the ad in the MC Star. What business was there before the restaurant?

We called and ordered out around 2 p.m., figuring it would be kinda slow for them. But it sounded busy on the phone and when he told me that it would take 10 minutes (3 entrees and super nachos), I was a bit surprised. Obviously we didn't show up till 20 minutes later, and it had been waiting for us for 10 minutes.
When we finally got it home, it was awesome. Having had nothing but Taco Johns or Taco Bell for Mexican food in a long time, it was really nice to get some real, authentic Mexican food. I hope they can make it work. (And the prices were very reasonable.)

Slosh

Jack, they are in the old restaurant in the Olive. It's been a restaurant since dirt was young.

From the other topic on the Olive I am led to believe that dirt from when they were young is still to be found there. (in the hotel not the restaurant)

[This message has been edited by Jack McRae (edited 2/8/2008).]

how exciting for Miles City and the best of luck to our new residents and their mexican restaurant. Being one who most of the time, orients her travels around good mexican food (i.e Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona) and have been spoiled by that, i can't wait to try. YEAH. now if we could just get some good italian, i would be one happy camper.

In case you missed it, here's a story about Mexico Lindo from the Star, posted for the purpose of archiving it online:

***

Thursday, Feb. 7
Mexico Lindo restaurant opens
By John Halbert

Mexico Lindo, a family Mexican restaurant with an extensive menu, has opened for business in the Olive Hotel.

Luis Amaya and two nephews - Mundo Amaya and Angel Amaya - are partners in the restaurant business. Angel is running the restaurant they started a year ago in Lewistown, El Rancho Alegre, while Mundo is the chef at Mexico Lindo.

Luis recounted how he started in the restaurant business in California in 1981 as a dishwasher, working his way up through waiter and bartender. Mundo also started as a dishwasher in 1986, progressing through cook to chef. Angel started in the business in 1988.

Luis said a friend of his opened a Mexican restaurant in Portland, Ore., then expanded operations with the help of the Amayas. The Amayas, however, had the dream of opening their own restaurants.

Traveling in Montana, they noticed Lewistown had no authentic Mexican restaurant. They opened El Rancho Alegre with a couple of partners.

With that well established, Luis and Mundo made inquiries in Miles City, and felt very comfortable and welcome with the answers they received.

"All the information they gave me, it was very nice, especially the real estate," Luis said. He said they liked Miles City people and their honesty right away.

Being new in the region presents problems with operations, he acknowledged. Both the geography and network of suppliers are unfamiliar ground, he said.

Luis said Mexico Lindo will concentrate on fresh, quality food.

"All the food, we make it from scratch," he said. "We like it, what we are doing."

He added that at least for now, fajitas are likely to be the main specialty, with carnes azada a close second.

The menu includes about 180 items, including sides and combinations. Luis said the menus of other places he has worked have been bigger.

Luis said the prospect of opening for business is "very exciting, even if it's tough to hire people. We're happy - and nervous."

The restaurant expects to employ 10-12 people.

"We like this town because it's cowboy," he added. "We're from Chihuahua (the Mexican state) and we're cowboy, too."

***

Source: The Miles City Star (http://www.milescitystar.com/)
Date: Feb. 7, 2008

I think it's great that the Chinese place out on Haynes isn't the only ethnic food in MC anymore, and it sounds like these guys are the real deal. I hope it works out for them and I will definitely try it out next time I'm in town.

So I went to ML for the third time since they opened today. Have to say the food was great, but the lime margarita I ordered tasted about like I'd imagine horse piss would taste. FYI.

ABC

The proper way to order a Margarita, is to request a house double on the rocks, with a shot of Don Julio Reposado on the side. Then repeat as necessary.

The proper way to order a Margarita, is to request a house double on the rocks, with a shot of Don Julio Reposado on the side. Then repeat as necessary.

----------------

Nice.

There's just something funny about guys who drink blended margaritas...just sayin'.

The way to order a Margarita is get a double shot of Quervo 1800 gold on the side, drink it and walk away from the green stuff in the flowery looking glass.

"The Man Shot".......salt the soft area between your thumb and pointing finger, on your left hand. Place a wedge of lime in your right hand. Pick up a shot of tequila and drink it. Squirt the lime in your eyes and snort the salt.

Glenna and I have visited Mexico Lindo three times and are grateful that they have chosen Miles City for a new restaurant. I have not been disappointed. I wish the beans were a bit heavier and the Salsa and foods were a little spicier but it sure beats driving to Billings for our Mexican food fix. Viva! Mexico Lindo. Largo pueden funcionan.

some restaurants offer a choice of "spicer salsa" . I wonder if they do....

...WHAT??? There's a new restaurant in town and Eric Brandt hasn't done a post here yet to complain about how bad it is??? FOR SHAME!!!
Seriously, though, there have been a lot of complaints on this site about how bad Miles City restaurants are. A few of those complaints seem justified, but it seems that the pattern always goes like this: people whine for a lack of variety, so a new restaurant opens, so people try it out, so people quit going at some point, so the place closes. SERIOUSLY, GANG, if this new Mexican place closes due to lack of business PLEASE don't complain! I, myself, hope to try this new place the next time I come to town but that may be awhile. Until then, I wish the establishment good luck.

a friend and i ate there at noon today. food was great. price was right.

I was thinking just like Shu. I only get to Miles City every few months. I hate coming to town and finding the closed shell of a restaurant I missed. I am planning on Mexico Lindo in mid-March, and hope it will be there so I can take a second taste sometime around the Bucking Horse Sale.

We heard good things about Mexico Lindo from MC relatives. Hope it's still there the next time we come to visit.

Yum! Ate there last night--it was packed, with a steady stream coming through the door. Food came very quickly. Our server was a rookie, but he did very well and had a great attitude. The food was delicious! I'm sold.

I took my mom there for dinner last night... (Valentines Day). We got there at 5:00, and the place was packed, we chose to eat in the bar, because all tables were full in the restaurant... Pleasingly, our food came fast, and was excellent! Mother claims to not like Mexican food...but after her experience, we may be changing her slowly but shurely!! The cabbage salsa was just as tasty as I remembered it in Bozeman's version of the restaurant...
Also, the owner was very very nice...and came over to all of the tables to ask how the food was... Impressive!!!!!!!!!

Do they take reservations? My older brother is making a quick run from Bozeman today to deliver computers to my younger brother and, frankly, I think Mexico Lindo was part of his inspiration to come before spring break. I probably won't eat there yet because with this cold, everything tastes funny, but I know Bill is raring to go!

No reservations.

Thanks! I'm told they do takeout, though, so we may try that.

Hi,

Yes, I used the takeout last week during lunch hour, and it worked very well. I ordered in house since we didnot have a menu, but they have menus that can be taken home for later reference. Food was very good.

Had lunch there today and it was delicious. Also was quite crowded, which is a good sign that it is here to stay.

My mom is all excited about some takeout but she has to wait until the rest of us are over our colds and can actually TASTE something!

Actually, some Hatches green chili would cure you of your cold.

I ate at Mexico Lindo the other day, and while I'll say the food was decent...it was not as "authentic" as I hoped. I thought the tacos should be served on soft corn tortillas, not hard shells that come out of a package. My only other compliant was that the green chile was so-so. There was very little on my burrito (maybe they were running out). The chile relleno was good.

Overall, I would say the food was good, but I think Mexico Lindo is catering it's taste to the gringos... I mean amigos of Miles City. The place is great for Miles City, but everyone should try some Mexican food in Colorado or New Mexico before they go shooting off at the hip about how great this place is. Just my 2 cents.

My mother in law and I have been to ML a couple of times now - we both really enjoy it! It's a welcome change to the run of the mill here in MC. Great service and great food - keep up the good work!

I have eaten at Mexico Lindo(Pretty Mexico)quite a few times since it opened and the food has always been hot, tasty and has come out to us fast. I also like the fact that it isn't greasy. My dad usually get's an upset stomache from grease and everytime he has eaten there he has been fine. I like the people who work there and am thankful that there is a different place to eat in MC. The last time we ate there I had a Peach Margarita... mmmmmm tasty.

Glad to hear it.

If/when I make it back to MC this summer/fall, this will be one of my first stops downtown.

Hope they have chile relleno...

Mule Train,

Just for the record, the stuff in New Mexico and Colorado is not "authentic" Mexican food either. There is a big difference between Mexican food and New Mexican food. New Mexican food is awesome, don't get me wrong. I go to Albuquerque for work from time to time and Carne Adovada and Chile is always the highlight of the trip, but it's definitely it's own kind of food and not the same as they eat in Mexico.

[This message has been edited by Levi Forman (edited 3/26/2008).]

You can get tacos on either soft or hard shell tortillas.... I prefer the corn, because they fry them, and anything dipped in grease is better! Also, you can request the "special hotttt stuff" if the food is a little bland for your liking!

Yes, they have chili rellonos. Not the best I've ever eaten but pretty darn tasty and I don't set off the smoke alarm making them myself.

roger that levi....new mexico cuisine is the bomb. blue corn chicken cheese enchiladas smothered in green chile sauce is my favorite at El Patio in downtown "Burque." All I'm saying is by authentic is that tortillas whether corn or flour should always be soft. And hot. Not cold and hard, unless I am ordering that at Taco John's. Hard tacos are what my gringo mother makes.

I am very impressed with the new Mexican resturant. I have not ordered anything that wasn't the bomb. I couldn't be more greatfull that they decided to come to Miles City, we needed a new taste beyond steaks and burgers. Only downfall is there is only limited space, and it's constantly busy. Maybe an expansion would be in the near future!!!

I was there again tonight. All the chili relleno discussion got to me.

Anyway, I was reading about the great moment in Miles City history when the Leighton became Hotel Olive. The name change was made February 15, 1908.

There was a description in the newspaper of the new expansion and remodeling. ". . . will be very modern and attractive." All that "modern" decor was no doubt ripped out long ago for another wave of "modern." The dining room, which wasn't quite ready to reopen, was going to seat 80 and be run by a chef from Chicago. I think, based on the description, the bar was where the banquet room and offices are now and what is now the bar was part of the dining room. So, once, you could really pack 'em in there!

I can guarantee, if they moved locations, bussiness would double for them. And regaurding the above Horse piss Margarita, here's your first mistake, you ordered it at the olive. Think about it, any drink more than opening a bottle or popping a can is like chemistry to some people. I ordered a scotch and soda, the soda was flat and tased like it had been caught in an ash tray, filltered and put into my glass. There are other places to drink. Food wise, yes it is a nice change but come on what have they done lattely that has lasted more than a couple months?

You can get tacos on either soft or hard shell tortillas....

Yeah, your mistake was probably ordering combo #712. You should have ordered combo #711

I don't mind the location so much. It's definitely nice to be able to have a couple Dos Equis with your Chile Verde.

I just realized my biggest mistake, scotch and tacos. Wow! I take back everything I said before. I had a dee dee-dee momment. They should look into the KFC building, its about as big and better location? Any one here whats going on out there? If anything?

KFC is closed? That's news to me. Does anyone know the story behind that?

- Dave

One of the main advantages that Mexico Lindo has is the location since they have the bar connected. (i.e. no extra liquor license needed.) Last I heard, liquor licenses were worth their weight in crude oil in Miles City.

BTW, the bacon wrapped shrimp (#61: camarones chihuahua) is the best Mexican dish I have ever had. That and a Dos Equise (XX) and I start drooling like Homer Simpson.

[This message has been edited by Brian (edited 3/30/2008).]

So we went to Mexico Lindo today and all I have to say is "WOW". The food was excellent, the service was fantastic and the prices were amazing!! My brother has eaten at quite a few Mexican restaurants in several states and he says this is right up there with them! I was very pleased! We will definately go back again and again!

to dave's inquiry about KFC.

i heard that it had to do with corporate or franchise office demands in regards to updating equipment that was probably cost prohibitive for the providers. that seems to be the writing on the wall for some of the brand name places in this quaint little community. costs and expectations exceeds benefits. sad to see another restaurant go.

Thanks, Jackie. Like KFC is in a position to be pushy with its franchisers. Sheesh. The owners probably made as much money running it as "Munchies" as they did with KFC and they got to do it their way.

- Dave

i would like to see munchies come back. i know the owners have their hands in several other businesses in town, so don't imagine that will happen anytime soon. But one can only hope.

until then, i will continue to enjoy the new mexican restaurant which i think is quite decent.

Kudos to Mexico Lindo! Muy bueno!

I dined there during BHS.

The food was solid and the service was OUTSTANDING! They didn't even limit their menu during the sale, as many local restaurants tend to do.

I hope they have a long and successful run in Miles City.

I think as long as they have a better selection of beer than most bars around town, I think they'll do just fine.

Haiku for Mexico lindo

Mexico Lindo
We visit you twice a week
By now you know us


.... your amigas

KFC's are closing down due to people protesting against them. They are cruel to their chickens!!!!

The Carne Asada was great! Muy delicioso.

Patti--the local KFC here closed because of disagreements with the head office, not chicken cruelty!

Great food!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"KFC's are closing down due to people protesting against them. They are cruel to their chickens!!!!"



Patti, do you have a link to any news story or press release that details a protest causing a KFC to close down because of this?


I'd hate to think anyone just makes this stuff up.

Hi Amorette! I know, but in other places that is why. I get paid for saying that. Kentucky Fried Cruelty.

I was amused when their ad campaign temporarily labeled them as KFC "Kitchen Fresh Chicken". They must have been trying to get away from the word fried. I don't know about the cruelty to chickens part. They still used the word "chicken". Hmmmm....maybe a switch to carrots might be in order. "Kitchen Fresh Carrots".

I don't think anyone ever protested someone lopping off the top of a carrot with a carving knife before.

Cheers!
FH

400 KFC have shut down.

They must be shutting down those Starbucks due to coffee-bean-cruelty.

From praising a local Mexican restaurant to chicken cruelty - that's a pretty good jump for a thread. The next thing you know someone will be posting mug shots of chicken abusers.

Not all of us are pro chicken abusers. I have a few chickens and consider them my pets. I do eat chicken, but don't like to think about what or who I am eating. Maybe people just don't like fried chicken like they used to. Fried food has those bad trans fats. KFC is pretty much all fried chicken. I don't think I have heard of any baked or broiled there. Shutting down KFC's is good news for my feathered friends. It's also good news for Mexico Lindo-less competition. I had dinner at Mexico Lindo. Those enchiladas (cheese or beef please) with the pinto beans and warm homemade chips are the best in the Wy/MT area.

There's one true test for "authentic" Mexican food. Does the restaurant serve yellow cheese on top of their dishes? If they do, they are catering to American tastes because, except at tourist locations, Mexicans use only white cheeses in their authentic cuisine. Since I haven't yet been to Mexico Lindo, can someone tell me which it is? Also, where can I find a menu online?

No, theirs is not authentic--plenty of yellow cheese and lettuce on everything--and the sopapillas are just fried tortillas (big disappointment). However, they are very good and Mexico Lindo is way closer to authentic than Taco Johns or Cattle-Ac.

Ed: Truly authentic Mexican fare is probably pretty hard to find in this country. "Mexican Restaurants" are basically Tex-Mex, catering to the local clientele. For example, something as simple as a Mexican taco and the American version are two very different beasts.

I kind of think they get a little carried away with the cheese personally. On the combo platter I got it was kind of hard to tell what was the enchilada, what was the chile relleno, etc because they were all swimming in a sea of cheese. I will have to try the burritos next time.

I also noticed that there are a lot of dishes I know from down south that are spelled slightly differently. Maybe that's a regional thing. Anyhow, Mexican food varies from place to place so much that the term "authentic" isn't all that useful other than to say that "Taco Bell is not authentic Mexican food", but then even that's debatable. Most Mexican cheese is white, but that's just an appearance thing, not a flavor thing, and what it tastes like is what matters eh?

Their food is delicious and plentiful. And reasonably priced. They're great with take-out orders. I hope they stay a long long time.

Taco Bell is totally American. I seem to remember a news story about how they were opening up fast food restaurants in Mexico, and the people there were flocking to try out the American food.

The Tex-Mex (a/k/a "Mexican Restaurants") in America -- I love them, and they all seem to have different styles. About the only thing better is a really good Thai or Vietnamese place.

I've eaten at Lindo countless times now and had nearly everything on the menu - and it was ALL good! And the service has always been excellent.

As for "authentic" Mexican food -- there really isn't such a thing. The spices and cheeses and other ingredients used in dishes of the same name vary by region in Mexico itself. Blue corn or yellow corn, rancho vs. refried vs. no beans, hot chiles vs. mild, roho vs. chipotle vs. verde vs. green pork chile vs. you-name-it sauce, even yellow cheese or white cheese -- it all depends on whether you are north or south, mountains or plains, Pacific or Gulf or Carribean coast.

It's the same in America - try fried chicken in Atlanta (soul) vs. fried chicken in New Orleans (cajun or creole) vs. fried chicken in Minneapolis (Lutheran) and you'll see what I mean. And No Fair going to KFC in all those places. That would be cruel!

I love Mexico Lindo!! I must truly say, out of all the restuarants here in Miles City, it is by far my favorite!! If only I was in the mood for mexican food seven days a week, lol!!! I have sampled a couple of items on the menu, but, find that the Shredded Beef Flautas, number26, is by far my very favorite, I order it everytime I go there or order out!! I also LOVE their salsa with the cabbage in it. I find myself craving that and their beans and rice!! And I am not a beans and rice kinda gal, but, my oh my, makes me hungry just writing about it, loL!!!! I just wanted to put out my opinion, and say I am so glad we have an awsome mexican restuarant to eat at and I hope they stay in business for a long, long time....

Thanks a LOT!!! I was going to get my garage cleaned today, now I'm too hungry! It is a superb restaurant, not just in Miles City, but in any town. Long live Mexico Lindo!

Hi,

We really enjoy eating at Mexico Lindo, and try to make it as often as possible. Some of our favorites include Burrito Lindo, Arroz con Pollo, and Fajita Salad with steak. We also like many of their other dishes. We both hope they found a 'long term' home in Miles City.

Just got done eating lunch at Mexico Lindo.....we had the burrito lindo.....it was awesome as usual.

We just ate at Mexico Lindo for the first time yesterday. We loved it! The only reason we ate there was because of all the good stuff everyone on here had to say about it, thank you!

We weren't the only people in Miles City curious as to what the new Mexico Lindo looked like. When we left at 6 the line was out the door.
All I have to say...same great service, same great food, same prices, with an amazing atmosphere. Congrats to the whole crew at Mexico Lindo for a beautiful new restaurant!

Where did they move to?

Old County Market location down from Steadman's Ace Hardware

We lunched there yesterday. The food, decor, and service were wonderful. There was a bit of a line to be seated, but everything went without a hitch. I wish them the best in the new location.

Now I will know where to find them next time I go to Miles City. Thank you!