Rosa Mexicano

At the center of the trendy “live, work, play” district in Atlanta known as Atlantic Station, sits Rosa Mexicano – a glittering jewel of a Mexican-inspired restaurant.

When Rosa Mexicano first opened its doors in Manhattan New York during 1984, it was considered a revelation in Mexican food. Pulling from all that is colorfully beautiful, exciting and delicious about Mexican culture, the restaurant turned the typical taco stand on its head and basked in the adulation that came in droves.

So when Atlanta designed and opened Atlantic Station, the restaurant got on board. The entertaining atmosphere of the hip urban neighborhood is perfectly paired with Rosa Mexicano’s, so staking out a location here – the first in the South – was more than plausible. And Atlanta is better for it.

Never seeming at a loss for patrons willing to fill seats, the restaurant grabs you as soon as you walk through the front doors. Giant arrangements of exotic flowers escort you out of Atlanta and to a coast far away. Soaring ceilings draped in festive party lights set off colorful walls and furniture in hues of oranges, reds, blues and yellows.

But it’s the modern art that perhaps most engages customers. Never mind the iron tribal art affixed to the walls or the artsy event lighting that creates its own designs throughout the building; the most eye-popping thing about the restaurant’s main dining room has to be the dramatic 18-foot high waterfall wall that is dotted with tiny white Acapulco divers lined up against its bright blue background.

Talk about a conversation piece.

And the food doesn’t hurt Rosa Mexicano’s reputation either.

At dinner, diners can expect fare such as Guacamole en Molcajete (made tableside, $12) and Flautas de Pollo (rolled crispy chicken tacos, $8.75) as appetizers. Main courses include Mariposa de Huachinango (red snapper brushed with guajillo chile, $26), Tablones (grilled boneless beef short ribs, $23.75), Pato en Salsa de Zarzamoras (roasted duck breast served over mashed chile de árbol sweet potatoes, $23.75) and the Budín de Pollo (soft corn tortillas filled with pulled chicken, Chihuahua cheese and roasted Mexican peppers, $17). More familiar favorites – with a gourmet twist – like enchiladas and tacos are also on the menu.

Stop by for a drink or for a special event, the restaurant also has as well-stocked lounge and bar area, as well as a private dining room that can seat up to 70 guests.
 

- by Christine Foster, Atlanta Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Christine Foster

Christine is a freelance writer currently living in North Atlanta. She has worked as a reporter for numerous newspaper, magazine and online media companies, including the Florida Keys Keynoter and The Sunday Paper in Atlanta. When she's not working Christine enjoys baking and antiquing.