Mad Mex Lakeside

1 Reviews on “Mad Mex Lakeside”

• Naor Wallach

  This is a fun chain that I’ve enjoyed going to many times in other parts of Pittsburgh, so imagine my disappointment when I recently visited the one that just opened in my neighborhood!Our first attempt to visit was on a Friday night – waling in to the establishment, we were immediately assaulted by the sound system. While I did not have a meter with me, the noise level just inside the door must have been over 70 decibels! I could not make myself heard, even while yelling!! This is NOT the way to enjoy a meal, so I turned around and we went somewhere else.A couple of weeks later, we decided to try it again, this time earlier on a Saturday. Same situation! Blasts of noise so loud that I would rather be next to a jet engine. No thanks.Third attempt was also on a Saturday, but this time for lunch. This time, I could actually tell that the background noise was actually supposed to be music. Oh!The restaurant had only a few patrons in it, so we were seated immediately. I’ve always liked this location since it overlooks Canonsburg Lake and one side of the building has large windows you can look out of. While looking over the menu, we could gaze on the almost-frozen lake. A final word on the sound system – even though it was now set to a reasonable volume for background music, it was horribly mis-adjusted. The Bass was set way too high, so even Dean Martin singing Christmas songs had the floor vibrating. What is it with this place and its horrible sound?We decided to order one of their Fall specials, the Mole Enchilada, and the Dancing Burrito. Our waiter was not particularly busy, as he had only two tables to work on, but the other table had a gaggle of young females that he must have known as he spent most of his time talking with them, and ignored everything around him. Consequently, it took us a while to put our orders in, even as we were sitting directly in his line of sight!When our food arrived we were very disappointed in the mole. Mad Mex does not do a normal Enchilada – it is set up more like a lasagna with layers of filling between flat tacos with the sauce poured over the top. The sauce – remember this is supposed to be a mole sauce! – was completely flavorless! It was some sort of goopy unrecognizable material deposited on top and draped around the sides. The fall special filling had brussels sprouts, mushrooms, and other vegetables, but they were so overcooked that everything was soggy. To top it all off, it was barely lukewarm!On the other hand, the dancing moms burrito was excellent! The filling had some spicy elements to it and it was piping hot! Another strange difference: With both dishes we got a wad of what MadMex calls Pico de Gallo. With the Burrito, it was chunky from the veggies and there was a hint of chili heat. With the special, it was plain tomato sauce. What gives?This was a very disappointing meal in what is one of my favorite chains! I’m hoping it was just an off day at the kitchen as we will give it one more try. Also, can someone competent go and fix their sound system?

  March 21, 2017, 6:40 pm

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