The Capital Region’s brimming Mexican restaurant scene has a newcomer. Situated in the corner spot of a strip near the University Club, Amigo Al’s Tequileria has thrown its sombrero into the ring, opening today.
Amigo Al’s is the brainchild of local restaurateur Brandon Landry, who is also behind Walk-On’s, Smalls Sliders and Supperclub. A new concept for Landry, Amigo Al’s will focus on Mexican cuisine, with a menu consisting of tacos, nachos, bowls and margaritas. Landry, who lives close to Amigo Al’s, says he saw the area as starved of restaurants, so he decided to open one.
“I love Mexican cuisine, and we eat at Mexican restaurants all the time, but really digging into the details and understanding marinades and sauces and spices, it’s been interesting,” Landry says. “We’re not trying to reinvent any wheel. I’m not sitting here pretending like I’m an authentic Mexican chef or anything. It’s really trying to stick to the basics and quality ingredients, making sure that everything is quality first.”
Landry says the menu has variety, but it is also kept simple. You won’t find over 100 items to order from, yet all the classics are covered. Expect a lineup of tacos, quesadillas, fajitas and bowls for those looking for a healthier option. Standouts, based on friends and family taste testing, include a carne asada that uses filet instead of the typical cut, a crispy tuna tostada appetizer, a roasted sweet potato bowl, Hawaiian barbecue pork tacos and short rib enchiladas…