Tommy's Mexican Restaurant

If you want to step back to an era where Mexican food was a novel concept in the greater American psyche, then head to Tommy’s. This Mexican cantina has been in the Richmond for 58 years, so it’s clearly doing something right. But we’re not quite sure what.

There are diner-esque red booths next to laminated tables, a burgundy carpet, and a claustrophobic-forward vibe. The food is overall fine, but the unsalted chips and guacamole, lackluster salsa, and ceviche served in a bowl of iceberg lettuce make it feel like Tommy’s is catering to a palette from 1965. The Yucatecan section of the menu shows some signs of life—the poc-chuc has a tinge of charred flavor and a hint of orange. More disappointing is their “world-famous” margarita, which is nothing special. If you find yourself here, just go with something straight-up from their extensive tequila selection.