By Nicolette Emmino
Bienvenido a Cozymel's. Cozymel's is located just one exit before the University, behind the Source Mall on Corporate Drive. There are a plethora of shops and activities surrounding the Mexican restaurant, whose name plays on the Mexican city Cozumel. It is ideal for a girls' or guys' night out or even large groups of diners looking for a "bite" out before a movie at the theater located across the street.
Cozymel's is a picturesque restaurant authentically mirroring some restaurants in Mexico. However, unlike many restaurants in Mexico, the food was not superb. Rather, it was merely adequate and mildly enjoyable. The restaurant does provide an enjoyable experience if you are content with average food.
Worn down Mexican furniture and wicker baskets filled with Mexican spices and herbs line the insides of Cozymel's, and guests are seated at older wooden tables with brown cushioned booths.
No fine china at Cozymel's; instead, your meals are served on blue, orange and green dishes and bowls that add to the rustic experience and allow you to feel like you're in Mexico. Guests arrive at their table to a bowl of red and white tortilla chips with fresh salsa, unlike the kind available in a jar.
Cozymel's offers a wide variety of Mexican-American delicacies written on the menu in Spanish. You can enjoy their Flame Grilled Marinated Fajitas that can be made with the meat or fish of your liking, such as chicken, steak, pork or shrimp, or you can enjoy a combination of four of these that can be made for one person for 16 dollars or two people for 32 dollars.
The fajitas come out sizzling on a black skillet and are accompanied with warm tortilla wraps, rice and beans, as well as diced tomatoes, guacamole and sour cream to add to your wraps.
If you're not in the mood for a heavy meal, Cozymel's offers a variety of exciting appetizers, including cheese or chicken Quesadillas or Nogales Nachos. A lighter Fajita Salad is available as well.
If you are expecting five star service, Cozymel's is not the place for you. But if you are looking to have a good time, Cozymel's just might provide you with what you are looking for. The wait staff, wearing blue or red button-down shirts, is not helpful in the decision making process and are not very attentive to your needs while eating. They were friendly but did not shine.
For the 21-and-over crowd, Cozymel's is most appealing with their "South of the Border Cervezas" and extra large margaritas, such as the "Cozy Cadillac Margarita" made with Don Julio Silver Tequila, Grand Marnier, sweet and sour and fresh lime. The Mexican music plays throughout the evening, and the bar is accomodated with flat screen TVs. Cozymel's makes a great spot for a quieter night out to have some fun. Due to its mediocre food and service, Cozymel's only gets two out of five Burritos!