For authentic Mexican, try Beto's by Stig Overaas, Outpost staff Beto's is located in the outskirts of downtown Reno, but offers true Mexican food for a price that is hard to match. Photo by Stig Overaas I still remember when I first arrived to the States and had my first Mexican meal at Taco Bell. It was great! I got instantly hooked on tacos and burritos, and from that point I constantly tried to convince my friends to eat Mexican food whenever there was a chance. But then I went to Mexico, which completely altered my conception of what a good burrito should taste like. Coming back to Reno, my interest for Mexican food was rather slim, that is, until Beto's arrived as an answer to my prayers. Beto's has it all: A great variety of true Mexican tasting dishes, good beers, fast service and good atmosphere. And it's very affordable. When first stepping in to Beto's, you are confronted with a huge wall-to-wall board above the counter that displays the various dishes and combinations of dishes that you can order. Chances are that you'll be so overwhelmed by the many choices that you can't make up your mind, at least until someone taps your shoulder and asks if you're in line. The big menu above the counter offers many delicious dishes in many variations Photo by Stig Overaas The food at Beto's is just stunning. The tacos are prepared such that you'll think you just got them from a taco stand in Mexico. The corn tortillas are so loaded with spicy meat that you can barely roll them up so that they'll fit in your mouth. If you want to try something more exotic than the regular chicken or steak, Beto's offers goat meat, head meat, brain meat and other variations that you might find interesting. I personally keep to the more traditional stuff. I think the $4 combination meals are the way to go. You can either chose three tacos, two tacos and one enchilada, or whatever combination you want. My favorites are the three-taco combo and the burrito combo. Any of the 10 combo plates offered comes with rice and beans and will satisfy your stomach for hours. If you are really hungry, however, you can order additional tacos for a buck, or check out the fajita. The beverage selection is a little slim, but it's hard to complain when you can get Corona, Dos Equis and Pacifico for a couple of bucks. One concern is that Beto's is getting increasingly popular as more people discover this place. This leads to undesired lines that block the way for the food. But, the crew at Beto's is efficient and the line disappears in minutes. Also, when you have made your order, it only takes about four sips out of the beer before the food is served. The restaurant is hidden between Virginia Street and Keystone Avenue on Fifth Street. It's hard to find if you don't know where you're going. But once you find it, I promise that you take note of the surroundings so that you'll be able to pass the word about Beto's to all your friends. Beto's Mexican Food (775) 324-0632 575 W. Fifth St. Reno, Nev. HOURS: 10:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. daily PRICE RANGE: $4- $10 HIGH POINT: Great Mexican food at great prices LOW POINT: Sometimes a big line to order food PAYMENT OPTIONS: Cash only Posted Sept. 29, 1999 Copyright 1999, Nevada Outpost TOP