Fresno is a venue for many authentic Mexican restaurants. Among these establishments, Toledo’s Mexican Restaurant has made a name for themselves in the local food scene. Through tradition and loyalty to their roots, Toledo’s stands out as truly authentic.
Toledo’s first location was opened in 1991 on Blackstone Ave. by Sam and Martha Toledo. Since then Sam has opened two other locations on Clovis Ave., and on Fresno St. Today the restaurant is owned and operated by the children of Sam and Martha; Jesse, Carmen, and Andrew.
The atmosphere inside of the Blackstone location is one that resembles a typical restaurant across the border. Toledo’s features a mariachi band every Sunday at varying times for all locations. During my visit, the band happily played for all of the customers taking song requests at every table. One man even got up from his seat and sang a few songs with the band. As I glanced around the room, I saw pleased customers enjoying the music and interacting with each other, for many recalling past experiences.
Toledo’s is famous for their Albondigas soup, chips and salsa, and authentic Mexican dishes. I ordered the Chili Verde burrito topped with melted cheese along with Spanish rice and refried beans. The food came out of the kitchen exceptionally fast at a very warm temperature.
While the service was very hospitable, the food was not as pleasing. I found the beans to be a little dry and lacking flavor. I would have preferred more seasonings on the meat as well. I would describe the food as average tasting. Next time I would try to order something different. Despite this however, the portions were a sufficient size along with a reasonable price.
While the mariachi band served as great live entertainment, the volume of the band does have some other affects. I cannot recommend visiting Toledo’s during the mariachi performance for a date, unless you and your partner both want to sit and listen to the music. The music is very loud and can make conversing difficult. However there is always indoor seating, which provides another way to enjoy the food without the noise of the band.
All things considered, I would only return to Toledo’s if someone invited me. I can’t say I would personally choose to eat out there again unless someone else particularly wanted to. While the atmosphere and the food are good, in the extremely competitive Mexican food industry here in the valley, I believe there are better places to spend your money.
These writers can be reached via Twitter: @Phillip11499 and @JustinHFeather via email: Phillip Christopher and Justin Houts.
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