THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Arana Taqueria y Cantina

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Arana Taqueria y Cantina Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant & décor: The word Araña means “spider” in Spanish, and this colorful, softly-lit Mexican restaurant sports a wall-size, 3-D, pink back-lit spider within. “Spider” also just happens to be the nickname of executive chef Richard Papier. Expect vintage drugstore tile flooring and artisan star-shaped lighting fixtures, and a center wraparound bar that’s a focal point.

Likes: Araña offers a different type of Mexican cuisine.
Dislikes: Parking is a challenge.

Food & Drinks: Cuisine is inspired by foods of the Yucatán. The menu lists a dozen taco varieties, ranging from common choices such as al pastor, shrimp or fish to the more exotic pibil (highly spiced pulled pork cooked in a banana leaf) and lengua (braised beef tongue). It’s worth the trip just to try the bone-in mojo pork chop or the crispy chips with a choice of four distinctly different salsas. Additional offerings cover all the bases, from chicken mole to a slow-roasted pork torta. Margaritas are diesel strength, and, let's face it, that is half the reason you're there. Tequila lovers should ask about the Tequila Society club, which is for tequila and mescal enthusiasts. Wines are limited to about a dozen selections, but they have been carefully chosen to complement the cuisine. For dessert, try the chocolate flan with raspberry purée.