5 Burro

Yes, it's true! Columbia Street has a third Mexican restaurant to add to it's resume, 5 Burro is open in the old Pit Stop locale, just a few blocks from the trendy food-truck-turned-restaurant Calexico and the sophisticated panoramic view of the Manhattan skyline favorite, Alma. 5 Burro has been a Forest Hills institution for twenty years and now its owners, Marla and Jorge Cornejo, have opened a sister restaurant in Brooklyn. The space boasts a large outdoor seating area in the backyard (rumor has it they will cover it and heat it for the winter months) and the large menu includes aperitivos, sopas, ensaladas, quesadillas, nachos, fajitas, entradas, and especialidades like the Chuleta en Salsa Verde for $18: 2 Grilled Pork Chops Topped with Spicy Green Sauce with Mexican Rice and Vegetables, and the Camarónes Veracruz for $18: 8 Jumbo Shrimp Sautéed with Tomatoes, Onions, Mixed Peppers, Olives and Capers.

I went with some Realty Collective friends last week and I have to say I was less than impressed. The quesadillas were bland and un-inventive, the Peños Rellenos were greasy and just tasted "fried," the salsa was mediocre and the entrees were extremely overpriced. My assessment? Better food at Calexico, better atmosphere at Alma, better prices at both of the neighborhood's more senior establishments. What I will go back for? The bar special. 2 for 1 drinks every day and night if you sit at the bar. And the bartenders are pretty entertaining, not to metion easy on the eyes. The bottom line: go to get your drink on, eat if you're drunk or if you have a groupon. What do the rest of our readers think? Have you tried 5 Burro yet? Let's get the conversation started, please comment away!