As any parent with 2 young children knows, the opportunity to go out on Date Night rarely shows it's face. Last Night, my wife and I had such a chance. With the mother-in-law at home with the kids and pizza on the table. We went out! I was very excited to try something new. I guess I shouldn't get my hopes up!

I can't remember the last time we had dinner and a movie, so I was excited. We headed to the Tempe Market Place mainly because I wanted to see Star Trek on the Cine Capri screen there!

As we walked around looking for a place to eat, San Felipe caught my eye. It looked fun, there was a bunch of people on the outside patio, the music was playing. It looked like a happening place.

We were seated within a minute or two. They sat us at a GIANT booth table meant for about 10 people. They also sat us behind about 6 ASU students who were loud, obnoxious, and intoxicated. We almost got up and moved to another table.

The atmosphere is fun and the place was clean. They have a lot of TV's up so you can watch all the games and events. Inside it reminds me a Chuy's (which I wish we would have gone to).

I ordered a Mexican Iced Tea. Happy hour drinks are 50% off. Thank goodness, because at full price ($8) that would have been the worst thing I ever drank. It tasted like some concoction I would have made at a party in High School.

They delivered the chips and salsa. The chips were so-so, a little too thick in my book, they were dry and they wouldn't hold any salt. The salsa was good. A little on the on hot side, it was very chunky, which I like. It has some black beans and some corn in it. They only give you this little tiny cup of it though.

It took about 20 mins after our order was placed, but our food arrived. The plates were "Very hot" which usually means, food is "very dry". It was. My wife ordered beef Fajitas. I thought her food was pretty good. The meat was tender enough and it tasted good. It came with all the condiments like pico and guacamole, beans and rice. The actual quantity of fajitas on her plate was a little small. Most places, give you enough to share. Price, $16.95

I ordered the Mango Chicken. Mine was a sad looking chicken breast on a small plate. It was charred to hell. It had about a 1/2 cup of diced mango's on it. No real sauce. The chicken was dry and chewy. It came with beans and rice. The beans were so-so. They were smothered in cheese and the edges were dried and cracked since it probably sat in the oven too long getting "Very hot". The rice was ok, not too much flavor. Price $12.95.

The rest of the menu was pretty sad. There was a bunch of appetisers like wings, mini tacos, nachos, fried stuff. There was 1 or 2 taco dishes at $9 each, there was a $20 burrito. There was a handful of fish/sea food dishes. And some "gringo" food like a burger and pizza. All their prices seemed really high and the quality of the food was sub-par.

I don't understand why it was so busy. Actually I was really impressed that the whole Market Place was busy and even the Harkin's Theather was pretty busy. This was on a Tuesday night!

If you're looking for a good "baja bar" to hang out at, I would suggest Chuy's, they're all over Phoenix, Tucson and S. Cal. Same kind of atmosphere, the food is better, the drinks are better and the prices are lower. If you're looking for good Mexican food, might I suggest Abuelo's. They're in Chandler, Scottsdale, Phoenix, and other places around the country.

As for the movie... I loved it! Can't wait for a sequel, I thought for the most part, the cast was well picked, the story was good. Great FX, and it followed the Star Trek story well.

San Felipe Cantina

2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy
Tempe, AZ 85281

www.sanfelipescantina.com

• Hours: Mon-Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m. 

• Good for Kids: No 

• Takes Reservations: Yes 

• Delivery: No 

• Take-out: No 

• Waiter Service: Yes 

• Wheelchair Accessible: Yes 

• Outdoor Seating: Yes 

• Alcohol: Full Bar