No Way Jose

No Way Jose Café (12 East Cross Street, Federal Hill, 410-752-2837)

by Kit Pollard

In a Tex-Mex kind of mood? With a fiesta-themed interior and fantastic daily specials on Mexican beer and margaritas, every day is Cinco de Mayo at No Way Jose Café.

Housed in a narrow but deep building on an alley in the middle of East Cross Street, with tall windows that, when it’s warm out, open out into the busy street, No Way Jose always feels like it’s in the thick of the party. It’s an ideal place to start out an evening, sharing a plate of chicken nachos or quesadillas and a couple of margaritas before heading out to see what trouble Federal Hill has to offer. But it’s equally perfect for the long haul, with a lively atmosphere and fun (if cheesy) jukebox.

The margaritas are amazing – strong, but not too strong, striking a perfect balance between sweet and tart – and fans of both Mexican and cheap beer will be pleased with the restaurant’s selection. The menu runs to traditional Mexican-American food, including excellent tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas and burritos. Groups can grab the back tables downstairs or, for a somewhat quieter meal, one of the tables upstairs, and settle in for chips, dips, and drinks. Don’t be surprised, though, if the table next to you joins in your fun. At No Way Jose, everybody’s out to have a good time. And everybody does.

No Way Jose has happy hour every day from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., including on weekends, with $3 margaritas, $3 Mexican beers, $2 Natural Light cans and 5 for $5 beef tacos. Additional specials throughout the week include:

Monday: Half-price burgers and sandwiches

Tuesday: Fajitas for two plus a pitcher of margaritas or sangria for $19.95

Wednesday: Half-price nachos plus the same fajitas for two special as Tuesdays

Thursday: Happy hour all night

For more information about No Way Jose’s menu, specials or events, call the restaurant at 410-752-2837.

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