Mario's Mexican Restaurant Plano

"Plano eatery offers seasonings, selections true to Mexico’s best dining"

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Mexico is now number one to China in the variety of food dishes served. The Ibarra family, headed by brothers Francisco and Arturo, celebrates the gastronomic cornucopia by offering a limitless array of culinary delights at their restaurant, Mario’s Chiquita.

One menu favorite at Mario’s Chiquita is the popular Chile Relleno (stuffed sweet peppers) served a la licha. This unique style of Chili Relleno is accompanied by white rice with jocaque, a type of sour cream. Cream also brings out the best in El Pollo en Salsa de Cilantro, chicken in a cilantro cream sauce.

Francisco Ibarra says the wide variety of chilies used in authentic Mexican cooking gives each dish a special flavor. Mario’s Chiquita uses these a variety of chilies in all its sauces.

A few examples include Chile Cascabel, which dresses a popular chicken dish. Chile Poblano stars in salsas, rice, Chile Relleno and Rajas con crema, sliced smoked poblano chile with onions and cream. Chile Ancho makes an appearance in El Adobo de Tablita Adobadas, marinated and grilled pork, and in Carnitas Adobadas, marinated and fried in pork pieces.

Mario’s Chiquita also offers a variety of salsas and sauces such as Salsa Verde, Achiote, Chimichurri and Salsa de Chile de Arbol to complement fish, shrimp, pork and chicken dishes.

In addition to the many authentic Mexican dishes, the restaurant also offers Tex-Mex favorites.

The Ibarra family has worked in the Dallas restaurant business for 32 years, Mr. Ibarra says. Originally located on the west side of Central Express way, the Ibarra decided to move to the east side, fronting the popular Plano destination, Fairview Farms.

Mr. Ibarra says they couldn’t be more pleased with the restaurant’s new home. Fairview Farms is a big draw, especially on the weekends when the Farmers Market is going on,” he says. The restaurant’s loyal clientele happily followed the brothers across the highway.

“The quality of our food is what keeps customers coming back,” Mr. Ibarra says, noting that about three out of four diners are repeat visitors. That attention to detail begins every morning at 8 a.m., when cooks come in to start the prep work, which continues until 10:30. “At that time, the staff moves to the line to get everything up and running for our 11 a.m. opening.” Mr. Ibarra says. Managing the restaurant as a family operation ensures quality and value, he says.

Serving great food at great prices seems like a good recipe for continued success, and a great Happy Hour line-up doesn’t hurt either. On Monday and Tuesday, Happy Hour runs from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. On Thursday and Friday, it’s from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and on Wednesday, Happy Hour lasts all day.

“We offer imported and domestic bottled beer for $2.50, frozen or on-the-rocks margaritas are $2.50, and top-shelf margaritas and wine are 3.50.” Francisco says. Those prices are good throughout the restaurant, and the bar offers half-price appetizers during Happy Hour as well.

The spacious restaurant contains separate rooms for private parties, and outdoor deck-patio can hold up to 60 people. If a larger venue is required, Mario’s Chiquita can provide off-site catering for any number of guests.

Find out why three out of four diners at Mario’s Chiquita are repeat customers by visiting at 3310 N. Central Expressway.

The restaurant opens at 11 a.m. and closes at 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; at 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; and at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Phone 972-423-2977 for more information.

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