Is a New Upscale Mexican Restaurant Worth the High Price?

 

A friend who had been a couple times to La Minerva Cocina & Tequila was skeptical about the question posed in the headline above. 

“I could go three times to Los Reyes for what I spent there,” he said about an older Mexican restaurant not far from La Minerva in North Charleston. 

Wanting to see Minerva for myself, I made a reservation for Friday at 6:45 p.m. This would be the first visit to the eatery that opened in December at 1881 Dorchester Rd. in the Cedar Grove Shopping Center near the Wescott, Coosaw Creek and other neighborhoods in the busy Dorchester and Ashley Phosphate roads area. 

The restaurant's exterior doesn’t reveal much. Not seen in this photograph is the outdoor seating. Inside, the look is glittery, spacious and, yes, upscale. 

On the far wall is an image of Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, war, art and justice. In Guadalajara, Mexico is a prominent statue of Minerva. From a manager (the owner's daughter) we learned that this is the hometown of one of the restaurant owners, hence the name. The restaurant's website says La Minerva is "upscale" and that the food here is “inspired by the vibrant flavors” of the Pacific coast Mexican state of Jalisco where Guadalajara is located.

Music on this night was live, provided by a saxophone player. At one point he came to the table next to us where diners were celebrating a birthday. 

On this Friday night, the restaurant never got more than half full. I thought it would be busier, especially after having to wait a few hours for confirmation of my online reservation. 

At our table was this nice touch, my name on a folded card. But Hornwood or Homwood? This would be the night’s only miscue. 

Well, I do have a minor gripe and that is how we were repeatedly referred to as “guys” by our server and other staffers who stopped by our table. “Can I get you guys water?” And, “How is everything so far guys?” This is common at other restaurants too. Let's drop the overuse of guys, please guys! 

We did like our table by a window. The seating was comfortable and roomy. The tables are not too close to each other. The glassware, silverware and plates are all of high quality. And so was the service. 

The owners, Raul Salazar and Alondra Ramirez, are experienced Charleston area restaurateurs. They have Rio Chico restaurants in West Ashley, James Island, Mt. Pleasant and Summerville. The prices at these Mexican restaurants are less "upscale" than La Minerva's. 

How about this heart-shaped glass for an after-dinner drink? And the large round ice cube? Nothing old fashioned about this Old Fashioned cocktail. Unique flourishes, indeed, at La Minerva Cocina & Tequila.  

We started with cocktails ($8 for my gin and tonic-nice price!) and the house-made “nixtamilized” corn chips with queso ($8). tasty- too tasty as I ate way more than I should have. 

For entrees, we both ordered tacos. We went conservative being our first time here. The menu includes octopus and beef tongue. The tacos come in twos with a half dozen or so types from which to choose.  We both had the quesa tacos with the house-made masa tortillas and quesa Oaxaca, which is defined as a “semi-soft, white, stringy Mexican cheese with a mild, buttery and slightly salty taste.”  The meat is birria, a braised short rib in chiles, spices, herbs, red onions, lime, cilantro and consome (or consommé, a type of broth). 

It all added up to delicious. Cost for the dish: $16. 

As a side, I had the elote preperado street corn ($5).

This was spicy and scrumptious! 

Alesia had the black beans, also $5. Nothing fancy with the beans I decided after a few tastes. 

I really enjoyed the taco and corn meal and only struggled a little to finish it because of the chip and quesa overload. 

I guess I had room for dessert, so ordered the flan ($7). This was also delicious with its Mexican baked custard “infused” with tequila, layered with caramel, topped with whipped cream and berries. 

Our food and drink total tab came to $133.90, plus tip. My friend was right saying we could have had three meals for this amount at a more run-of-the-mill Mexican restaurant. 

But I left La Minerva Cocina & Tequila very pleased and impressed. I would and will recommend it and plan to via social media and other means. 

Yes, it is upscale and pricey but worth it in my book. And being a quick five-minute drive from our home is another plus. La Minerva is also open for lunch. 

I look forward to returning!