First Impression: Los Cuernos

What: Los Cuernos is a new Mexican restaurant by Taqueria owners Andrea and Phil Barraza. It’s located at 499 Washington Boulevard (Newport).

Interior: No more dining in cramped quarters. Los Cuernos is a spacious, bi-level restaurant that spans 5,600 square feet. Its walls are adorned with vintage Mexican posters, photos of rock n’ roll legends, and murals of Mexican icons. It’s colorful, a bit rustic, and even livelier than the Barraza’s downtown taquerias.

The Menu: Thanks to its larger kitchen, Los Cuernos is able to offer more traditional entrees than Taqueria. Here, for example, you’ll find a few seafood options such as the Pescado a la Veracruzana (Red Snapper) and the Camarones al Mojo de Ajo (Garlic Shrimp). Otherwise, you’ll find a similar mix of tacos, quesadillas, tamales, and soups. Prices range from $5 for a tamal to $22 for the Red Snapper or Grilled Steak entrees.

Nopalitos Tacos ($4/each)

We Loved: The ambiance at Los Cuernos is downright fun. One minute you’re listening to Hall & Oates and the next minute you’re hearing a Spanish ballad by Mexican singer, Ana Gabriel. I like that it doesn’t try to be cool or trendy. Service is also friendly and efficient. As far as the food is concerned, most of Taqueria’s main dishes are available at Los Cuernos. (And they taste just as good). The homemade chips and salsa are still on the house and the double-tortilla tacos are stuffed and packed with flavor. (Heads up — the margaritas are on the strong side). I haven’t stopped by for brunch yet, but their brunch menu looks promising with some unique additions like Torrejas (Mexican French Toast on Portuguese buns).

Could Be Better: I wanted to like Los Cuernos more than I actually do, but the problem is that some of the new dishes are too safe. The Pescado a la Veracruzana (Red Snapper), for instance, is borderline bland. It’s a generous fillet of fish that’s cooked perfectly, but it lacks that Mexican flair. I’d love to see more ambitious plates like a few mole dishes or anything that shows off Mexico’s wide range of chilies. Los Cuernos is still young and its menu will likely evolve, but right now my favorite Los Cuernos dishes are the ones already available at Taqueria.

Margarita de Jamaica/Hibiscus ($10)

Final Take: Los Cuernos is a fun spot that brings many of your favorite Taqueria dishes to Newport. Go for the atmosphere, but we’re hoping they add more adventurous Mexican dishes to the menu.

Pescado a la Veracruzana ($22)

Margarita Menu Brunch Menu

Los Cuernos | 499 Washington Boulevard