Habanero Hots - Lodi, Ca

After working my cutting horse in Galt I found myself hungry and in need of a food review. I cruised south on Highway 99 and saw a Pacific Pride sign on the side of the Highway so I made my way that direction. Driving over the bridge I passed a restaurant by the name of Habanero Hots! Located at 1024 Victor Road, in Lodi is where I was about to explore some fine Mexican cuisine. You have to really twist my arm to eat Mexican you know?!

As I walked in the place seemed a little into the whole "Hot Sauce" theme. There were hundreds of different bottles of the stuff as you walk in the lobby. For sale, to sample or even decor. They were into sauce! I enjoy sauce myself, so I knew this was my kind of place.

You walk through the bar to get to the restaurant part. Which is fine. It just makes me laugh that at 12:30 on a Wednesday afternoon the bar was more packed than the restaurant. Must stir up some stiff drinks! The decor was cute, lots of talavera tiles and paintings on the wall - very colorful. I sat at my booth and was greeted to a warm basket of well salted chips. The salsa was decent, lots of onion, green onion and cilantro. I had a lone chunk of tomato in it - he must have been lonely sitting in the dish... all by himself.

I figured my best option was the Lunch Special - click on the picture to read. Give it a whirl.

The salad came with my Lunch Special option. It was great. The photo does not do justice to it what so ever. It was topped with this crunchy topping and dressed in a vinaigrette that was out of this world delicious. I will return to try their many options of salads - no doubt! Very impressed at this point.

My Lunch Special was.... drum roll please.... Cheese Enchilada! Surprise, surprise. It was cheesy, check. Had lots of sauce, check. And came out scorching hot, check. All things that thoroughly impress me when getting my standard dish. The beans were tasty because they had a crust on them. I know that sounds weird, but I enjoy it when they are put under the broiler for a minute or two. The rice was special - it had peppers and tomatoes cooked through it and also had a crunchy type texture from the broiler. Why do I enjoy that so much? I am not sure...

All in all this place was fun. I read the menu front to back because the description of their food was clever. This for example caught my eye, Texas Armadillo Eggs -From authentic Texas armadillos! They are plump and juicy, with a hint of jalapeno spice. Served with fresh, cool salsa ranch dressing for dipping. (Ask your server for the straight story). They also serve Tequila Flights which sound like fun, John, Dude & Donnie's Favorite of the Month: 3 1 oz. shots, El Conquistador, Anejo-Corralejo Triple Distilled, Don Fernando Anejo..$20.00. The atmosphere was pretty chill and seemed to be a locals favorite. Would I return? Yes. Can't wait to try those Armadillo Egg's! ;)