When Temazcal Cantina first opened in the Seaport in 2011, I liked the food and the view but was frankly put off by the iPad menus (despite being an Apple fan) and a scene that seemed to be trying a bit too hard.
When I heard that Rebel Restaurants (which also runs Tony C’s Sports Bar & Grill and Jack’s Coal-Fired Pizza, among other popular spots in and around the Boston area) was bringing their Mexican-inspired tequila bar and eatery to Legacy Place, however, I decided to give it another chance.
Boy, am I glad I did!
While the suburban outpost offers much of the swankiness of the Seaport, the Temazcal in Dedham (and, so I would assume, in Framingham, Burlington, and Lynnfield) are far more family-friendly and focused on the food. So even though there is a glowing wood bar that is overhung by copper-clad directed speakers that allow fans to catch every call from the customizable flatscreens without interrupting more romantic plays and backed by stacks of gleaming bottles (including a literal arsenal of over 250 tequilas that can be enjoyed by the shot or the shotgun or mixed into amazing margaritas and other tipply treats), a fire-warmed patio and an semi-secluded upstairs balcony that works well for meetings and private fiestas, there were also coloring books for our “Little Monkeys” (Love you, Girls!) and big comfy woven cushions on the wide banquette benches that made it easy to relax and enjoy!
In addition to the afore-referenced tequila menu (that features a hand-picked set of “reserva” varieties), Temazcalalso offers wide ranges of wines, beers (Mexican and otherwise), a trio of sangrias and a mouth (and sometimes eye)-watering menu of margaritas that ranges from the Classic to ¡En Fuego! On the back end of the meal, Temazcalalso offers Mexican hot chocolate and Mexican coffee with PatronXO, as well as creative teas and other digestifs.
Speaking of before and after, Temazcalgets everyone’s appetites started with a delicious trio of red and green salsa and homemade, pork-infused bean dip. Other apps and savory sides include a tuna tartare stack, creamy queso fundidoand guacamole, mac and queso migas, and an entire ear of Acapulco street corn. Speaking of large vegetable portions, the fresh and delicious salads can be a meal unto themselves and come in such flavorful flavors as Veracruzanagrain (with kale, wild rice, quinoa, and pomegranates), a Mexican-flavored Caesar with black beans and the signature Temazcalbeet salad with jicama, toasted almonds, and juicy raisins. If you have room after whatever you order (which is recommended), the postrelist includes churros con chocolate, flan, and a lightly corn flake-coated fried ice cream that is treat for any special occasion (or just a Tuesday with the family).
As with any good taco, however, it is what is in the middle that counts! And Temazcalshies here as well with authentic takes on tacos, burritos, and other South of the Border stars that you will not want to keep away. Among the high points of the varied main menu are lettuce-wrapped tuna tacos, Pueblasalmon, grilled veggie chilaquiles, shrimp, steak, chicken, or carnitasfajitas, and the Temazcalmixtasgrille, with tenderloin, shrimp, chicken, chorizo, and sweet mashed potatoes.
While Dedham and the other suburban locations may not have the original’s ocean view, there is lots of fun shopping and activities to enjoy before and after your meal and parking is at least a bit more reasonable, all of which make Temazcala great spot for food and drinks that you should not wait to return to.