Hectors Casa

Hector's is a vibrant Mexican restaurant on Pansosy in the mission. Hector will greet you himself when you walk in with a friendly “Hello my friend!” The decor is wonderful, colourful, and cheerful. He and his wife run the restaurant; she works in the kitchen and he manages the front end. In the summer you can sit out back on the patio painted red, white, and green in the colors of the Mexican flag. It’s an enclosed oasis with Mexican music playing. Hectors is not the most authentic Mexican food because they don't push the boundaries of the Canadian concept of what real Mexican food is beyond tacos and burritos? But it is very consistent and I continue to go and eat there because of the friendly service, reasonable prices, and cheerful ambience as I have been many times. A meal will always start with the free salsa and chips--this is my favorite part, as the salsa (or as they call it, Pico de Gallo) is made from wonderfully fresh tomatoes, onions, and garlic. Unfortunately, beyond the appetizer, the main courses offer little variety. The menu is mostly the same with very little variations. Choosing a dish from the menu at Hectors is kind of a joke with me "what are you having?" Because it doesn’t matter, it all tastes the same; the only choice is you’re filling of either chicken, beef, or chrisio sausage, or if you want it fried or not fried. All items come with beans, fried rice, and are topped with shredded lettuce and cheese. So don’t worry too much about what you order. The lunch menu is from $9.75 to $13.35--very reasonable; however, for dinner it’s about $4 more per item (again with the non-variation same menu for lunch and dinner) and you only get a little bit more. My advice for if you're going there for dinner would be to just ask for the lunch portion--it’s enough to fill you up, and you save money. The food always arrives quickly even if it’s busy. This is also a great family restaurant as kids love it! The food is not hot nor does it have weird spices like more authentic places the menu is the same as the adult one just less expensive for children.Another awesome item on the menu are the margaritas--totally yummy! A must on a hot day. A bit expensive at $6.50 or $30 something a jug. The desert menu is good with Mexican fried ice cream, home-made churos, and rice pudding. Now here is my beef with Hector's dessert menu: they have this plantno frito desert on the menu that sounds awesome. "Fried plantains, the house specialty!" However, they never have it! Ever. It’s like the Polkaroo on the Polka-dot Door--it's rumored to be there but never is. The excuses range from: "oh, you just missed it" or "we had them yesterday" or "they are coming in soon." I swear, it’s becoming a big joke to see how many times I can go there hoping to get this desert so they can all have a good laugh in the kitchen at my expense. I bet one day I will come in and finally they will have it, but it will taste like shit because I have built it up in my mind so much. Anyway, overall Hector's is an awesome place to have lunch. The super friendly staff and wholesome food make up for the lack of variety in the menu!

Rating
Price 4/5
Taste 3/5
Decor 4/5
Service 5/5
Total 16/20