Anejo Mexican: Muy Bueno or Flat as a Tortilla?

Wildlight is booming, and millennial families there are craving fresh dining spots. Though restaurants are popping up, Anejo Mexican was one of the first to stake its claim. But is it worth the visit because it’s good or the only Mexican cuisine nearby?

Anejo Mexican’s design is striking, with wood accents and sleek black metal finishes, lending it a rustic-meets-modern feel that captures Wildlight’s trendy atmosphere. Inside, the color palette leans cool, with blue and amber lights that cast a soft glow, creating a vibrant but relaxed setting. It’s a bit like Cantina Louie’s but with a cooler, more polished vibe.

The restaurant was noticeably understaffed; we had to wait a while to be seated, and it took about 15 minutes for our server to take our orders. With just a couple of staff managing the floor, service felt stretched thin. We also found they were out of several proteins, including shrimp. Hopefully, it was just an off night.

When the food arrived, it looked and smelled fantastic. We started with the shredded beef empanadas and Monterrey tostadas. Oddly, the empanadas came with shredded chicken instead of beef, but they were perfectly crisp on the outside, with juicy, tender meat inside. While unexpected, the chicken was well-seasoned, complemented by a tangy green sauce that added a refreshing brightness to each bite. I’d order them again in a heartbeat. The Monterrey tostadas were also tasty, though not as memorable.

Anejo is known for its margaritas, and the menu boasts an impressive range, from classics to everything in between. The Juanita margarita, slightly tangy with a hint of sweetness from watermelon, and the Selena, bursting with strawberry notes, are fan favorites.

My entree was a sight to behold. I ordered the birria burrito, and it was enormous — almost as long as my forearm and packed with tender meat, earthy beans, and seasoned rice. While the birria itself had a deep, savory flavor, the burrito was slightly dry, leaving me wishing for an extra splash of sauce to bring it all together. And in case you’re wondering, this isn’t even the biggest burrito you can order.

Next up was the mole poblano. This dish doesn’t boast bold colors, but it delivers a deep, rich flavor. The rub on the chicken combined cocoa, cumin, and red chile powder, creating a smoky, earthy bite. The unsweetened cocoa adds a rich bitterness that balances with the warmth of cinnamon, offering a taste that’s simultaneously complex and comforting — a treat if you have an adventurous palate. If you’re unfamiliar with mole, the flavors can be surprising, especially the unsweetened cocoa, but I liked it.

For dessert, we tried the churros and sopapillas. The sopapillas were lukewarm and just okay, making me wish we’d gone with two plates of churros instead. The churros were the evening’s unexpected standout, filled with a sweet custard that complemented the warm, soft dough. Coated in cinnamon sugar, they had a satisfying crunch on the outside with a silky smoothness inside — an ending so tasty it left me wishing I’d ordered another plate.

Anejo Mexican has a lot to offer, but it’s not cheap. Be prepared to spend a pretty penny, but you will receive tasty, generous portions. While it won’t be winning any awards for service, the restaurant does get a huge thumbs up for making a memorable dining experience.