Cottonwood Café Berkeley St. Boston, MA

Visit Cottonwood Café’s website, and the first thing you read is this:

The American Southwest
Founded on Indian Legend.
Cultivated Through Spanish Tradition.
Captured by the American pioneer,
and brought to life byCottonwood Restaurant & Café

What?

The description of the restaurant, much like its name, leaves you wondering what the place is really all about. So, here’s my take on it. Cottonwood is an above-average Mexican (they call it Southwestern, but I can’t tell the difference) restaurant with prime, downtown Boston real estate.

Within blocks of eateries such as Skipjack’s, Grille 23 and Smith & Wollensky – where it’s not unusual to find a $50 entrée on the menu – Cottonwood’s menu is a little more recession-friendly. Entrees are in the $20 range. Their signature drinks – a wide variety of margaritas – come by the glass or the pitcher and range from $7 - $10 a glass (think standard wine glass, not Cancun spring break margarita glass).

Enough about the money, though, let’s talk about the food. My painfully predictable (but just as painfully handsome J) husband ordered the mixed grill, a fancier version of your standard fajitas, complete with chicken, pork loin and steak. I went for the enchiladas verdes – a flour tortilla chock full of chicken, cheese, all smothered in fresh pico de gallo. Both dishes came with rice, beans and guacamole. Portions are big, and the food is good. Not great, but good.

With a big outdoor seating area, Cottonwood is great for a spring or summer evening. Inside, warm colors and a subtle southwestern touch makes the place inviting and comfortable. A lively bar is separated from the more intimate dining room, offering a good spot for friends to gather or couples to reconnect. And based on the number of students and their families who were there kicking off Tufts’ graduation weekend, it does a good job catering to large groups, and even the occasional youngster.

Overall, you get what you pay for in terms of food at Cottonwood. The service is efficient, but certainly not something to shout about. What sells the place is the location… complete with people watching potential and free validated parking nearby.

The tab:

Atmosphere – 7.5
Service – 7
Food Quality - 7
Presentation - 7
Average Entree Price - $12-$26
Kid factor - 6 (didn’t see a kid menu, only a couple teenagers in sight on a Friday)
Extra perk – Free validated parking on weeknights after 5 and anytime on weekends
Restaurant Website: http://www.cottonwoodboston.com/