Authentic Mexican Food at its Best: Real Hacienda in Owensboro, Kentucky

Anytime I write a Real Hacienda (Owensboro) review, I run the risk of being overtaken by an intense craving for their rice, chips & salsa, grilled chicken tacos, cheese dip, refried beans, and Pollo Loco.  This time is no different – I just started the review and the cravings are already hitting.  I think I’d walk across glass right now for some of their cheese dip.  Words can’t even describe how amazing it is.

Real Hacienda has two locations in Owensboro (3023 Highland Pointe Dr, off of HWY 54 and 4820 Frederica St), and each one is out of this world delicious.  Of all the authentic Mexican restaurants I’ve eaten in, I believe Real Hacienda has the best salsa. It’s consistently great and the chips are always fresh and crunchy.  The complimentary chips and salsa are just one of the things I love about restaurants like Real Hacienda. It just seems extra cool, to me, to give your guests something “on the house” like delicious chips & salsa as a show of gratitude for choosing them over every other restaurant in town.

Frankly, I think it’s a sign of graciousness that all other restaurants should copy.

Two of my three daughters are absolutely OBSESSED with Real Hacienda, so when it’s their birthdays, we don’t even have to ask where they want to eat.  We simply write Real Hacienda followed by about 8 !!!!!!!s on the calendar and look forward to fantastic food.

The Real Hacienda on Frederica is the one we frequent the most – simply because it’s closer to us. In fact, it’s one of our favorite places for lunch.  Their grilled chicken tacos (soft shell or hard shell) are fantastic, as are their bean burritos and cheese enchiladas. It’s always tough to decide which one sounds best.

I love when you go to a restaurant so regularly that the servers and hosts or hostesses recognize you.  There are several at Real Hacienda who say, “Diet Coke” before the words even come out of my mouth. They’re always very friendly at both locations, too.

The pictures in this post are from a recent dinner at Real Hacienda. I almost always order Pollo Loco because it’s extraordinary. The tender, flavorful chicken blows me away every single time and the rice is possibly the best rice in the world.  It’s great every single time. I’m also wild about the guacamole salad on the side.

Naturally, the most important thing about a restaurant is the quality and taste of their food, and both locations of Real Hacienda are consistently fantastic.  However, there are a few “extra” qualities I judge restaurants on (whether I’m choosing where to eat or writing a review).

1. I like to feel like I”m getting a good amount of food for my money. Come on, times are tough, and no one wants to be taken advantage of when it comes to their money.  Real Hacienda is one of the absolute best deals around. The food’s VERY reasonably priced and you get a generous amount of everything.  I’ve noticed over the past few years (with a cranky economy) that several restaurants have been giving less and less food. A few of my favorites have been the worst about it, actually. You can also tell a difference with appetizers in most restaurants – you get far less than you used to but, by no means, have they lowered the prices. Real Hacienda (along with Olive Garden, Beef O’ Brady’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, and a few others) has never cut back on their serving sizes and never compromised the quality of their food. They haven’t adjusted the prices either. Like the rest of us, they’re simply riding it out while still doing right by their customers. I’ve got a ton of respect for the few restaurants approaching hard times that way. Respect and loyalty.  Real Hacienda is simply one of the best deals around for great food at a great price. PLUS, they throw in all the chips and salsa you can eat!
2. I like clean, attractive restaurants. Both Real Hacienda locations are gorgeous. They’re absolute works of art and the more you look around, the more you find to love.
3. I love servers who are friendly and on the ball. Real Hacienda servers are both.
4. Certain restaurants are simply more enjoyable to eat in than others.  I’ve mentioned it before, but a pet peeve is when hosts/hostesses sit you right beside another full table when there are tons of tables to choose from. Oddly enough, I’ve never had that happen once at a Real Hacienda. They seem to gravitate toward giving you a table where YOU’LL be the most comfortable as opposed to where THEY want you.  The tables and chairs are large and comfortable, the ambiance is relaxed and fun – they’re just really cool places to enjoy a great meal.

The next time you’re in the mood for great food, a great deal, and an all around wonderful experience, head for one of the two Real Hacienda locations in Owensboro (3023 Highland Pointe Dr, off of HWY 54 and 4820 Frederica St).