Mystery Diner Plano: Sabor Nayarit Bar & Grill offers authentic flavors and inviting atmosphere

Sabor Nayarit Bar & Grill has been open just more than a year in Plano, and I decided to bring some friends to try it out. My friends and I share everything, so don’t be alarmed at the amount of food or drinks we ordered.

From the street, it is hard to tell what the large white tent on the corner of South Ben and West South streets is, but open the door and you’ll find that Sabor Nayarit has converted the front of their structure into a heated enclosure full of tables.

Although it was just 2 degrees outside, the patio area was comfortable and inviting with ivy hanging from the rafters and the glow of neon lights in the windows.

Enter the real front door to the host stand on your left and a well kept bar to your right. It is a cozy space and the vibe is a mix of Midwest bar atmosphere with Mexican artwork and decoration. It’s enough to make you thirsty just looking around.

We started with a round of drinks and a plate of ceviche. For those unfamiliar with the South American appetizer, it is traditionally made with shrimp or fish, chopped and mixed with citrus and other ingredients and served like a dip. The meat of the dish is cooked only by the acid from the citrus.

We ordered a combo of the shrimp and fish ceviche, and for our first round of drinks a cucumber margarita, a pineapple smoked margarita and the house premium, Nayarit-rita.

Most appetizers at Sabor Nayarit come in two sizes: large and jumbo. We ordered the large combo, and had plenty for three people. Get the jumbo and you better bring the whole family.

Both ceviches were light and acidic, topped with avocado and served with chips, tortillas and an array of salsas. The shrimp was cool and refreshing with cucumber, onion and tomato. The fish had more southern flavors, mixed with carrot, onion, tomato and cilantro. If you’ve never had ceviche and are willing to step out of your comfort zone, I highly recommend it. If you’re nervous, go with the shrimp.

The cucumber margarita was refreshing and not too sweet, the pineapple smoked margarita was sweet and a bit spicy, and the Nayarit-rita, which comes in a very large glass, made with Patron and a Gran Marnier float, was sweet and boozy.

Sabor Nayarit has an extensive menu, with upward of 100 options. You could eat there every day for a long time and not have the same thing twice.

For our second round of beverages, we ordered a Paloma, a coconut margarita and a mezcalita de pepino. Even if our food was marginal, which it certainly wasn’t, I would come back just for the mezcalita de pepino. Pineapple, cucumber, mint, agave and lime with smokey mezcal and a touch of spice on the rim, this drink is perfectly crafted.

For dinner, we shared a carne tampiquena, chiles rellenos and tacos. The tampiquena was recommended by our server, and it did not disappoint. It’s marinated skirt steak, grilled however you like, and a cheese enchilada covered in molé sauce, served with cactus, grilled peppers, onions and tortillas. If you’re hungry, this is the plate for you. The chiles rellenos is a classic Mexican dish consisting of poblano peppers stuffed with cheese, deep fried and topped with ranchero sauce, sour cream and more cheese. Both plates were authentic and tasty and come in large portions.

The tacos alone are a reason to come to Sabor Nayarit. Grab a couple for a quick lunch stop or have four and make a meal of it. You won’t be disappointed. The pastor (marinated pork) tacos were incredible – slow cooked for a developed flavor, a nice char on the pork for a subtle smoke and a quick dip in the house made salsa for some heat. … perfection. I could have eaten five of them. We also tried the shredded chicken and carne asada tacos. Both were tasty and filling. Do yourself a favor and order your tacos Mexican style (with onion and cilantro). You can make tacos with sour cream and shredded lettuce at home.

Sabor Nayarit offers an authentic south of the border vacation from the frozen rural tundra of Plano, IL. Great flavors and healthy portions for a reasonable price, try it out next time you’re in the area, and bring an appetite.

• The Mystery Diner is an employee at Shaw Media. The diner’s identity is not revealed to the restaurant staff before or during the meal. The Mystery Diner visits a restaurant and then reports on the experience. If the Mystery Diner cannot recommend the establishment, we will not publish a story.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Sabor Nayarit Bar & Grill.

WHERE: 206 S. Ben St. Plano, IL 60545.

PHONE: 630-273-8001.

INFORMATION: www.facebook.com/sabornayarit.