La Olla Mexican Cafe: A Dining Review
On a Friday in early December 2021, Neighbor Roy, Friend Gus and I went to La Olla Mexican Cafe on North Silverbell. The address says Tucson, but I think it is really in Marana. In other words, it’s north of Cortaro Road.
Upon entering the restaurant, we saw it was well decorated for Christmas with a fully lighted tree in one corner and streamers hanging from the ceiling.
Gus ordered the chicken tortilla soup and a taco. The taco normally includes a crispy flour tortilla shell filled with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, sour cream and house salsa (8.50). But Gus asked for just a plain taco, sans refried bean, etc.
Roy ordered just the chicken tortilla soup: roasted Anaheim chiles, onions, and tomatoes slow simmered in chicken stock, garnished with manchego cheese, avocado, sour cream, and tortilla shards (Cup 4.25 | Bowl 6.95).
I ordered two ground beef enchiladas with cheese, refried beans, and rice ($13.95). And my usual margarita, of course.
I’ll let Roy tell you about his experience.
“We dined at La Olla Mexican style restaurant. It was a little hard to find as it isn’t in a major Marana strip mall, but be patient–it is well worth the search. Upon entering it was ablaze with Christmas decorations. We were promptly seated, we joined a friend already here. The first thing I noticed was the prices–not in Tucson anymore. Chips and salsa were already on the table, but were promptly added to–and Yes–they had hot tea. I ordered the chicken tortilla soup–when it came it was loaded with chicken, tortilla strips, and appropriate veggies–clearly the best soup I have had in any restaurant in the Tucson area for many years. The service was excellent, the food was excellent–and despite the Christmas decorations–you knew that you were in a Mexican restaurant–and a darned good one at that. On all criteria, it was top of the line–a well-earned 4 saguaros–and cannot wait to get back to try other dishes.”
Gus told me afterward that his chicken tortilla soup was very good but his taco was nondescript. I commented that he shouldn’t have ordered it “plain”.
My two enchiladas were excellent and the rice and refried beans a hardy compliment. Like Roy, I award La Olla Mexican Cafe four saguaros. Very fine service, Excellent food. And pleasing decor. We might just have to put these guys on our best list. At least until there is a line out the door.
La Olla Mexican Cafe
8553 North Silverbell Road
Tucson, AZ 85743
(520) 579-0950