Mariachi Restaurant

Mariachi restaurant is only open after 6 p.m., but it is worth the wait for its unique dining experience. While a wide variety of ethnic foods are still not available to the Palestinian restaurant conneiseur, Mariachi's in Bethlehem offers nearly authentic Mexican food (a real treat when you have had enough of felafel). Brightly decorated in sombreros and tapestries, Mariachi's in the Grand Hotel has a polite and diligent staff that will ease your way through a Mexican menu with Oriental variations. The complimentary tasty refried beans and nachos served in an attractive coal-warmed pot also help.

A wide selection of appetizers includes the traditional quesadillas or a more Arabic mix of salads. The fried green pepper salad is delicious, as is the guacamole, and crunchy cheese croutons on a leafy green bed. Any dish that requires tortillas makes use of the locally available thinly baked Syrian bread, with a different, although not disastrous, result.

For the main meal, the diner may choose from chicken or beef or fish (although the seafood may not always be available). Chicken balls dipped in barbecue sauce are not so appetizing, but the piping hot "tortillas" served with chicken and peppers for stuffing hit the spot. Enchiladas, burritos, and chimichangas, are all available for the Mexican food lover.

At the same time, your spirits will be warmed by the fast - paced salsa music accompanying your meal or the alcoholic drink of your choice. The restaurant has a wide range of mixed drinks, wines, and tequila for those who want the complete south-of-the- border experience [US border, that is]. Mariachi's is an all-around strong restaurant. Its service is good, its food is hearty and its atmosphere pleasant. Appetizers are as little as $2.50, while entrees don't go higher than $15. Perhaps the selection of good cheeses could be more closely guarded, or the substitution of breads rethought, but this restaurant is definitely worth coming back to.

Location: Near Bethlehem University in the Grand Hotel
Menu: Mexican. Alcohol served in abundance

Rating Scale:
++++ next to heaven
+++ a place to come back to
++ if you're hungry you'll eat anywhere
+ not a ghost of a chance

Phantom Diner Rating: +++

Note: The views expressed in this section reflect the Phantom Diner's personal experiences in the restaurants featured.