Brandon Smith, Contributing Writer

Tequila: it’s not just a stiff drink that seniors fear before the final football game of the year, or a drink that conquers its victims through an enticing worm at the bottom. Instead, Tequila has become a delicious shrine to Deacnation and Mexican food. Located in the shopping plaza that houses the likes of Lowe’s Foods and Papa John’s, this La Carreta wannabe has a variety of bean laden dishes with a quaint, intimate feel.
The greeting of “Hello Amigos” has a corny yet satisfying ring as you enter the establishment. It gives you the feeling of Mexico with a hint of suburban Winston-Salem. As you sit down, the never ending chips and salsa begin, but there is an added bonus unlike any other. A spicy ranch sauce trumps the familiar taste of traditional salsa, only whetting your appetite for the enchiladas yet to come.

From the heights of the salsa you begin your journey into the land of the unknown. All dishes (be it Tacos, Enchiladas, or Chalupas) look the same. Beans lay the foundation of a cheese and beef smothered tortilla, capped off with a mountain cap of sour cream. The meals are beyond tasty, but need I reiterate, it all looks the same.

Service is incredibly swift and although the waitress may speak more Español than English, the staff is attentive and courteous. Wednesday nights they are more than willing to serve you another domestic beer for a dollar, Thursdays they beg to give you a pitcher of Dos Equis for $1.75, and Tuesdays they push Margaritas like it’s their job. Actually, it is their job, but the assortments of drink specials are nonetheless attractive on any day of the week.

The decorum of a traditional Mexican restaurant is vibrant colors and the traditional yellow walls. Tequila takes this standard formula and adds a hint of Wake Forest. An enormous deacon head expanding from wall to wall addresses patrons from its prominent post on the ceiling. As if this patriotic memorial to Wake was not enough, beloved former lineman Tyson Clabo’s collegiate jersey and a Wake the Nation poster grace the walls.

Mexican restaurants cannot vary entirely much from place to place. As far as taste is concerned, Tequila provides nothing less than a solid meal that will surely fill you up. Prices run from $6 to $17, so it may be a bit pricy for a Mexican restaurant. Nonetheless, it’s Mexican, it’s good, and it’s a little piece of Deacnation outside of the bubble.