New diet-friendly dishes

Las Margaritas offers drink and food specials

Las Margaritas Mexican Restaurant and Cantina, located off of Highway 58, features a menu filled with delicious Mexican favorites, including some healthier options for 2013.

"We've got the tilapia filet and that's very popular," says assistant manager Sergio Trejo. "Our low-fat quesadilla is healthier because it has the diet tortilla - and is tasty."

The low-fat quesadilla is stuffed full with spinach, mushrooms, onions, zucchini and steak or chicken and is served with lettuce and tomatoes on the side for $6.50. The lighter side of the menu features a traditional grilled chicken salad as well, which can be topped with a routine salad dressing or one of the restaurant's salsas.

photo Huevos rancheros

A new heartier dish at Las Margaritas is the huevos rancheros: two over-easy eggs topped with salsa roja and served with rice, beans and tortillas for $6.95. The Super Taco Salad has captured the hearts of regulars, although it is not on the menu. Anyone can order the salad that includes American and white cheese-topped chicken, steak and shrimp on a bed of lettuce, avocados, onions and tomatoes in a taco shell for $7.50.

"The freshness is important," Trejo says. "We try to make everything the day we are going to use it. The salsas and the meat and everything is prepared day by day."

The popular Mexican restaurant not only provides a chance for guests to save their calories but also their cash, with drink and food specials throughout the week.

Every Monday through Thursday guests can enjoy two-for-one margaritas or any of the house liquors for $4.50. All day, every day, Las Margaritas' bar serves 32-ounce domestic beers for $2.75. Tuesdays are popular nights for cocktails because Sex on the Beaches sell for $4.50 after 4 p.m.

Monday through Thursday, are taco days with 99-cent hard-shell beef tacos available at lunch and dinner.

LAS MARGARITAS MEXICAN RESTAURANT AND CANTINALOCATION:4604 Sky View Drive, off of Highway 58PHONE:892-3065HOURS:Sunday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

"So we can have some more options for guests, we might add new dishes for this year," Trejo says. "I think for the 13 years we have been here, the customers that come a lot know all the people we have, and when someone leaves they ask about them because they have known them for a while."

The staff members, who often get to know repeat customers by name and order, invite everyone to come in on their own for a quick lunch or with friends and family for a leisurely meal filled with plenty of good company, conversation and, of course, food. For events and gatherings there is a party room that can seat up to 60 people. On pretty days, the outdoor patio is also a popular place to congregate.

Upcoming Events