Plaza Mexico: Sneak Peek

/ Updated on January 29, 2018

Plaza Mexico Restaurante has taken over the space formerly occupied by the rather short-lived Stoney Lonen by the Harris Teeter in Long Neck. The new spot is at 26506 Victoria's Landing Road. There are a number of Plaza Mexico restaurants in Maryland and Pennsylvania. The closest ones are in Waldorf, Md. and North Beach, Md. Click here to take a look at their general website.

We (finally) made our first trip there a couple of weeks ago, and had the pleasure of sitting at the bar. Diego was our bartender – and also the waiter for the bar patrons AND the surrounding tables WHILE handling the service bar as well. Several of our local restaurants need a few Diegos. He knows his stuff.

Though the food presents well visually, I suspect that the kitchen still needs some fine tuning when it comes to taste. There was little distinction among the various elements of the dishes. I know that pretty much all Mexican food (like Italian food, let's face it) is basically the same ingredients arranged differently on the plate (OK, a bit of an exaggeration, but you get what I mean…). But the tamale really didn't taste much different from the enchiladas or the relleno or the carnitas, and so on and so forth.

Fans of Mexican food go to Mexican restaurants for the bright taste and rather aggressive (not necessarily “hot”) spices. If the proprietors are “throttling back” the flavors in order to not offend the spice wimps and the complainers (“Ohhh…that's too SPICY! Are you trying to kill me!?”) they are making a big mistake. This will invariably result in a lackluster clientele developing no loyalty eating a lackluster menu, while the people who TRULY like and appreciate Mexican food will simply go somewhere else that is not afraid to give them what they expect. Sadly, that lackluster crowd that craves nothing other than blandness will eventually move on to another bland restaurant – and the true Mexican food aficionados – who could have been a loyal fan base – will never return.

Again, the presentation was very nice, and the service (at least at the bar) was excellent. But I hope these restaurateurs wise up and serve dishes that are authentically spiced enough to keep the Mexican food lovers coming back. After all, they do have some competition in the area.

I believe in second chances, and I will certainly return to check the place out again. Hopefully I will be able to tell the difference among the various elements of each plate and not have everything tasting pretty much the same. There are already enough local restaurants that do that already. For hours and more info call 302-945-3111

The Rehoboth Foodie

About the Author

"My goal is to promote Rehoboth Beach dining while remaining honest and impartial. I don’t gush unless a place deserves it, and I don’t pull punches, either. With so many good places to eat around here, it just doesn’t make sense to waste the calories — or the money — on anything less." View all articles written by The Rehoboth Foodie

Add Your Comment
  1. Avatar Julie says:

    Surprised by the bad reviews. I hope Rehoboth foodie will go back again and perhaps try some of their Seafood dishes as these are where I think they excel. Their Arroz con Mariscos dish is one of the best I’ve had.

  2. Avatar AL says:

    Truly surprised to see so many bad reviews. We go often and truly love the place, it is always busy too. Love the street tacos (the salsa served with this is excellent), burrito al pastor, chori pollo, fajitas and quesadilla texana and if you want really hot try the shrimp a la diabla… I used to feel that the rice was over cooked but last 2-3 times the rice was perfect. Drinks are a little pricey, but otherwise we love it.

    • Avatar Jess says:

      We love it!! My wife and I go almost every week. I am Mexican-American, born in California. This is NOT TexMex – this is real Mexican food. It is authentic. I was brought up in a Mexican household, both parents, 4 siblings, and we ate Mexican food all the time. This is REAL Mexican Food from Mexico!!

  3. Avatar Myers Gebhart says:

    We have been there three times at the bar. Food was average with small servings. The last time we went I ordered a burrito and received 1 taquito. I didn’t have the fight in me to complain. They should just have a slot in the front door where you can drop money you don’t want. Never again.

  4. Avatar doreen shaffery says:

    this place sucks! been there as a local, which they should count on for the winter. brought our family there for a goodbye dinner, it was horrible. food was cold, service sucked. we were one of three tables in the big room. the other table said they would never come back (we said the same). another table left with the same comment after never being approached by a server. the place was empty and the food and service sucked. worst part was the manager hid in the kitchen instead of dealing with customers complaints. NEVER AGAIN!!!

  5. Avatar D Rocks says:

    1st time will be the last. Margaritas we’re watered down in warm glasses. A Couple came in after we ordered and got their meals before us. One of our meals came right after theirs but the second NEVER came. Then something broke behind the bar and everything stopped while the manager and bartender tried and couldn’t fix it. We asked to talk to that manager before leaving but he went in the back and sent a subordinate instead. We’re done, lots better places in the area.

  6. Avatar Vic says:

    Went in for dinner tonite. Food was good but the rest of my party received their drinks except for me. Asked the hostess to please check on my drink because I haven’t seen my waitress. Took 2o minutes to get my drink. Will probably wait till they have their feet on ground with opening till I dare go back.

  7. Avatar CB says:

    We’ve been there three times and every time was good food & service and got something different each time. Margherita’s were good as well with several different flavors. Brought some particularly fussy friends to go and they really liked it.

  8. Avatar Len Fesi says:

    Worst TEXMEX I had in a long time…maybe it needs some time. I ate there the first week it opened.The enchiladas were small and tasteless. Not encouraged to go back.

  9. Avatar Dave says:

    Have dined at Plaza Mexico several times. For East Coast Mexican, it’s acceptable. Service is decent. Margaritas (which is not a Mexican cocktail BTW) are ok. In short, a good opening. Will need time to mature. If you like hot, try the Pollo Al Chipotle.

  10. Avatar Deborah Waters says:

    Bad experience on Cinco Dr Mayo! Waitress forgot my drink. My grilled chicken taco salad was lettuce, half slice of tomato, and about 3 oz chicken. No guacamole, or beans, or sour cream for the low price of $9.50. It was really dry so I asked for extra salsa. My last straw was when I got the check and found out they charged me for the extra salsa! One visit and off the list. We should have gone to Mariachi!

  11. Avatar joyce hillriegel says:

    The food was very good but it discouraging to pay 9.00 for a margarita and find it to be warm and flavorless.

  12. Avatar JOAN AND ROBERT HAMILTON says:

    We had a most enjoyable meal at the Plaza Mexico restaurant on Long Neck, DE. The staff were welcoming and very attentive and the food was delicious. Needless to say we will be back many many more times.

  13. Avatar Tom says:

    Dined at Plaza MexicoLong Neck last evening (Fri) We were seated immediately by friendly staff. The restaurant became crowded when we left at 6. Good to have something local. Unfortunately, our shrimp taco platter was a disappointment. The shrimp were grilled and tasty with one slice of avocado. The vegetables were absent except for one slice of cabbage. the black beans with chopped onion on top were savory and hot. I am still waiting for the rice which was to be with the platter. I might try the restaurant again as it has been open only two weeks. Maybe they will get it right next time. Just thought I’d pass this along.

  14. Avatar Silverfox75 says:

    Since I’m a California transplant, good Mexican food is hard to come by so hopefully this group will be competitive. As for why we’re in LSD, taxes my friend, taxes! And yes, we do need a Kohls and Target. Why should we have to go to MD to shop these stores?

    • Avatar Erin says:

      I agree too about the Kohl’s and Target comment. I used to live in Harford County and they have one of these Plaza Mexico up there. The food is really good and prices are reasonable. I am looking forward to something besides “small plates” restaurants and pizza places. Hope it makes it!!

  15. Avatar Mike says:

    Do you have a date for the opening?

  16. Avatar Dave says:

    We do need a good Mexican place, and Long Neck in general is underserved for quality dining.

    And the last thing we need is a Kohls or a Target. That’s why we left VA, MD, NJ, NY, etc. Who would want to recreate the metropolitan environment we all left to get away from?

  17. Avatar roscoe says:

    Lets hope it is better than most Mid Atlantic, Northeast Mexican Food dine in chains. It will be nice to have an alternative in the area.

  18. Avatar Susan Crichley says:

    We all are looking so forward to a good Mexican place close to our homes

    Now we need a Starbucks, Kohls or Target☕️

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