Taqueria Patroncita

The food here is fabulous!! Don't be fooled if someone tells you they're taking you to the Mexican restaurant at the Conoco gas station. It occupies a space that's been inhabited by a Cajun restaurant and then a wing place. When you walk it, it's not much to speak of. The huge wall mural from the Cajun restaurant is still on the wall. There's seating for about 20 or so people. So if you're looking for a restaurant with character, this is it :)The salsa verde phenomenal, tacos dorados fantastic, the chicken quesadillas yummy. Basically, I haven't had anything there I wouldn't order over and over again! The chicken in the quesadillas was so tasty, and had a little kick. The steak in the tacos dorados tender and flavorful.

Came down from Hardy and had a nice burrito for lunch. Large portion and filling, very mild, I didn't see any peppers at all. Perhaps owners have changed hands? Called "Mexican Mama's" now.

Forget about your usual Americanized fare of Mexican food - nothing here is smothered in a 2-inch layer of cheese. What you get at La Patroncita is probably as authentic as you can get north of the Rio Grande. The proprietor is very friendly and the wait staff is comprised of her son and grandsons. What should you order? On any day, dig into the beef tostadas; the kinds that is piled so high that you have lime juice and gravy dripping down your arms when you try to take a bite. Heaven! Also, try the tacos asada - it sounds simple but the spice and char on the strip steak is great. However, if you are visiting on Friday, definitely get a tamale, or five. Best tamales I have ever had. On weekends, there are shrimp ceviche, shrimp soup and menudo (spicy tripe soup that is a great hangover cure). Understand this: you can get all this in Batesville, a town in the middle of Nowhere, AR. Eat here and smack your own head for being so lucky.