Mexican next to Pho Dat Trahn - Columbia?

[Warthog]

Has anybody tried the new "Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar" that moved into the space that used to be the little Asian grocery store next to Pho Dat Trahn in Columbia?

[Trip Klaus]

I believe you mean Azul 17. If so, I seem to be in the minority about it. I don't like it. It's menu is more upscale in concept than places like El Azteca or La Palapa. Perhaps more akin to Diablita or Miguels in Baltimore, and not inexpensive.

I'm not a fan of paying for midling chips and salsa. I don't like that at lunch they don't offer things like the al pastor taco, because "the taco maker comes in at 4". Well who makes the other tacos that are available. I still prefer the tacos at R&R at the Shell Station. The chicken soup I found bland like something from a can. I have only tried one of the dinner entrees which I can't even remember. Frieds have both liked and hated their cebiches so I don't know what that means. So for me I don't have a single dish I can recommend. I'm not saying it was horrible, just expensive for the quality and too bland for me.

For a tequila lover the place is great with dozens to choose from and fresh lime and agave nectar for mixers instead of that premade junk. It becomes too loud and nightclubby for me later in the evening, but some people like that.

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La Palapa
8037 Main St, Ellicott City, MD

El Azteca
12210 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, MD 21029

[Warthog]

Thanks for the data point. I'm the sort who is much more interested in the chow (preferably at a "good value" price point) than the decor and other trappings of "upscale", so your review was a useful input. I'm willing to pay a bit of a premium for other aspects of the total experience, if the price point is still a good value when considering the food, but it sounds like that might not be the case here.

[ivysmom]

Co-workers went for lunch once. They were NOT impressed with the food and said they would not recommend it. They said the food was nothing memorable.

[HowChowBlog]

I wanted to love it, and I have only been twice. But the price point raised my expectations to a point that the food didn't meet. I agree the fresh juice nectars were great fun, and the idea is just terrific. But the price makes it a pretty expensive night, and I had the same thought as Trip Klaus -- the tacos at R&R are just so much better.