One of my usual tests for a new bar is to ask the tender to surprise me. This one introduced me to a Bulletproof, a cousin to the Old Fashioned, and was a house special. The drinks were strong and wonderfully mixed. For tasties, I ordered a Filadelfia and a Spicy Sapanaro, while she ordered a Filadelfia and the Carne Trozi. The tacos were perfect balance of messy, self-indulgent pub food and masterfully crafted pieces of culinary art. Crunchy? Soft? BOTH? Perhaps you want a black bean and jack taco, or a classic one of roast beef, or another of brisket or spicy or mild or... I could go on and on. The Filadelfia in particular had this sweet sauce on top, beautiful moist pork, and a nice heat that sits on your pallette, and was wonderfully balanced. I also tried a Cafe Duro -- hard coffee -- that was basically a tequila-variant of the White Russian. And yes, it was as delicious as it sounds.
You can mix and match or get three of your favorite, and I promise you, nothing you order will be a disappointment. The staff is quick, efficient, wonderfully friendly (and even at the end of the night on a weeknight the place was half-full! There was a regular remarking it was the least busy he'd ever seen the place), and better than competent. Our barman was not only a skilled mixologist, but friendly and patient with my curious questions and our indulgent experimentations.
The southwest decor was all decked out for Halloween/Dia de Los Muertos, and the owner of the chain has each pub painted by the same artist, a personal friend who decorates the walls with fantastic chalky skeletons in all manner of merriment, and particularly festive this time of year. Tacos are served wrapped individually in foil to keep them hot and fresh before they get to your table, and placed in little brown paper boats for sustainable clean up. The monthly special margaritas are served in mason jars, lined in salt, and the impressive bar has a fantastic selection of spirits for anything else you might fancy, if you aren't inclined to sample one of the magnificent specials on tap at the moment -- yes, even the beers and ciders on tap are cycled!
If you're ever in Cleveland, make sure you set aside a night (and morning...) aside to check out this amazing bar.