Cali Burrito: Mexican Food, California Style

Cali Burrito in South Whitehall packs in the customers. The restaurant strives for healthy options, even offering brown rice and tofu in its burritos.

I used to think all Mexican food was pretty much the same: meat, beans and cheese loaded with calories in a crispy or soft tortilla. The only difference being quality, quantity and price. Some places, like the Mexicana Grille in Allentown, claim to be more authentic, adding the herb cilantro to its tacos and salads. Taco Bell offers Mexican fast food at fast-food prices and On the Border is a Mexican grill. So count me surprised by our first dinner at Cali Burrito, 3104 Hamilton Blvd., South Whitehall. I’d heard others rave about the burritos there but figured they just like to eat a lot for a little money. It’s true you get a lot of food there, but my husband and I enjoyed the fresh ingredients and taste as well. Calling itself a “…

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Bites Nearby

Bites Nearby: Mangos Coastal Cuisine

A full service restaurant with a casual spirit

On the surface, this restaurant’s name -- Mangos -- and its colorful image of three mangoes may connote more of an island theme, but a review of the lunch and dinner menus reveals a generous selection of Mexican dishes. A variety of seafood also makes a notable appearance. Appetizers in the Mexican vein include nachos, quesadilla, pulled pork empanadas, spicy beef taquitos and fried tomatillos. Seafood options are calamari, mussels, seared ahi tuna and guava glazed shrimp skewers, the latter two served with piquant mango salad. Sandwiches, burgers and tacos are prominent at lunchtime, with many of the choices around $7.29-$8.99. Sandwiches are Cubans (classic pressed style) and flat breads. The traditional Cuban is prepared with ham, pork…

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Let's Eat Out

You Don't Have to go to Mexico for an 'On the Border' Experience

The Allentown restaurant serves up traditional Mexican food with culture-inspired surroundings.

As soon as you walk into On the Border, you’re greeted with an atmosphere so colorful, you won’t know where to look first.  Round wooden beams crisscross the high ceiling, lights are strung corner to corner and every wall you look at is either stone, brick, turquoise, or gold.  Potted plants line the half-walls and dozens of Mexican-inspired ceramic plates, clay pottery, and copper decorations splatter the dining room.  And if that’s not enough, there’s a giant “Fajita Grill” archway where you can watch several cooks play with fire. On the Border’s menu is influenced by traditional Mexican foods like black beans, carne asada (grilled beef), green chiles, and salsa.  It features an array of Tacos (like the Grilled Mahi Mahi), Enchiladas, …

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Sunset Grille Offers a Casual Mexican Experience

Head to Upper Macungie Township for a taste of Mexican cuisine.

For some authentic Mexican cuisine, head down the road to Sunset Grille.  The worn brick-and-stucco walls, wrought-iron decorations, and warm, southwestern color scheme add to the Spanish feel of the restaurant. The menu features classic Mexican dishes like Enchiladas, Fajitas, Chimichangas, and Tacos, as well as homemade Chili (something I don’t come across at a lot of places).  In addition, there is an assortment of burgers, wraps, salads, and dinner entrees such as Beer Barrel Steak, Lemon Butter Tilapia, and Santa Fe Chicken. And don’t forget to try the wings.  With 10 different sauces to choose from (like Honey Lime or Sesame Teriyaki), you can mix and match chicken or shrimp for a nice appetizer. My meal:  A Leinenkugel’s Summer …

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