In the mood for Mexican food served with a friendly smile? Ixtapa in Silverton is the place to go.
“We are very friendly and welcoming,” said co-owner and manager Jose Salazar.
Ixtapa in Silverton has sister restaurants named Sun Blas in Wilsonville and Molalla. All sell simple Mexican dishes – lots of burritos, enchiladas and chimichangas, said Salazar – but some specialties, too.
“Our fajitas bring the people in,” he said, noting there’s a choice of chicken, pork, shrimp or steak. The “Platillos Mexicanos” portion of the menu, all priced $12.45, features many dishes with steak, as well as chicken served in delicious ways. Pollo a la crema or chicken en mole, anyone?
In addition, camarones (shrimp) fill another section of the menu, and include six items, $12.95 each, made with the popular seafood. A fish soup, campechana, consists of octopus, prawns, onion, tomatoes and cilantro. Salazar said campechana is “typically for the Latinos,” but for the non-Latinos it could be fun to try.
Lunch begins at 11 a.m. and is served until 3 p.m. You can lose yourself in a generous Ixtapa burrito – rice, beans and a choice of meat wrapped in a flour tortilla then graced with guacamole, sour cream and tomato slices – for just $6.75.
Lunch prices range from $6.675 to $10.25.
At dinner hour, order the molcajete soup made of beef and chicken strips sautéed in a mild spicy sauce with onions, mushrooms and tomatoes, then topped with melted jack cheese.
A whole meal, it is served with sliced avocados, tortillas, rice and beans.
Deep-fried chicken burrito, a chimichanga with salad or a quesadilla all are reasonably priced at $6.75, or there’s arroz con pollo (rice with chicken) at $10.25. Egg dishes such as chorizo con huevo (spicy sausage and eggs) and huevos rancheros are available, too.
You might prefer to try three tacos de carne asada, or steak tacos made with a soft corn tortilla, char-broiled steak, pico de gallo sauce and guacamole. Two enchiladas de spinach sound enticing – spinach is sautéed with onions, mushrooms, tomatoes and cilantro, stuffed into corn tortillas and topped with green tomatillo sauce and melted cheese.
Ixtapa’s menu includes appetizers, salads, desserts and beverages with a few American burgers and a kid-size portion selection for those age 12 and under.
“We have a full bar in a large lounge that can be used for banquets and meetings,” Salazar said, “and our happy hour is from 3 to 6 p.m. weekdays.”
Ixtapa prides itself on its service, not only friendly but quick. Most people are served within 10 minutes.
“Thanks to everybody that’s been supporting me for the last nine years I’ve been in business in Silverton,” Salazar said.
“I really enjoy it here and hope to stick around the longest, so we’ll to continue to do our best.”
Ixtapa is located at 321 Westfield St., Silverton, near Safeway.
Hours: 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Phone: 503-874-9111. A take-out menu is available.
