Chico’s has served Greenville Mexican food for more than 30 years
Chico’s Mexican Restaurant, 521 Cotanche St., introduced full-service authentic Mexican food and margaritas to Greenville, NC, in 1983, and the downtown eatery is still serving up south-of-the-border specialties 34 years later.
Founders Juan Martinez and Bill Alston searched from Virginia to Florida to find the perfect location to open their first restaurant. They decided on a space in the brick Georgetown Shoppes building on Cotanche Street and Reade Circle, just across the street from the East Carolina University campus. The original menu consisted of traditional Mexican fare and dishes from Juan’s family — such as chile rellenos, chimichangas, burritos and tacos — made fresh from scratch daily.
Although those dishes remain on the menu today, there have been a few changes in the past 34 years.
Current owners Mike Horton and Adrian Vargas, who both began working at Chico’s soon after it opened, purchased the restaurant in 2004.
Originally a small restaurant, Chico’s has expanded several times and in addition to acquiring almost all of Georgetown Shoppes, has added a greenhouse and outdoor covered patio.
The menu has changed over time, as well. Head chef and co-owner Vargas brought his family recipes to the menu as well as creating new dishes. The recipes originate from several regions in Mexico.
American dishes also have been added, including cheeseburgers, Philly Mex sandwiches and Chico’s popular chicken soup.
The separate cantina area serves up a variety of margaritas including such flavors as peach, raspberry, pomegranate and blood orange, as well as other tropical drinks and cocktails.
But diners still are presented with Chico’s fresh, house-made salsa and chips when they sit down. The decor still combines traditional accents from Mexico with beer signs. There are nooks and crannies for private conversation, and there are large booths and round tables that encourage group conversations. The soundtrack is alternative rock from about the time the restaurant opened until today. And somehow, Chico’s remains a hip place to eat and drink while being very family friendly at the same time.
The Enchilada Suisa — tortilla stuffed with stewed chicken topped with a creamy cheese sauce — is the Wednesday lunch special and a can’t-miss item. The chicken wings are as good as they get anywhere. The fried ice cream is a hit with young and old. And margaritas are available without alcohol for teetotalers and minors.
Reservations are accepted; call 757-1666. The website is www.chicosrestaurant.com.
