Story and photos by Rachael Osborne

A new Mexican restaurant has moseyed into town, creating quite a bang among the locals. Desert Moon, in Plattsburgh, New York, has met the mark in Tex-Mex cuisine. Things are run a little differently here than most restaurants. This is not your average fast food joint.

Queso enchiladas with rice and beans

Unlike typical fast food places, Desert Moon's food is fresh. Everything is made that day, including their complementary homemade salsas. The restaurant doesn't even own a deep fryer or microwave. Most meals are served with a side of rice and beans. A hint of lime can often be detected, adding a nice punch to the dish. The Southwest-inspired fire-roasted veggies, crisp and ripe, are a nutritious alternative to greasy fries.

The queso enchiladas, grilled chicken in a melted cheese-filled tortilla served with rice and beans is a filling meal, full of Southern flavor: a hint of pepper, diced chives, and pico. The Texas BBQ pizza also puts a unique Southwestern spin on the traditional pie. With grilled chicken, caramelized onions, pico de gallo, and sour cream filling, this pizza has a zesty kick.

A place setting for two

The taco salad is also quite popular and filling with shredded lettuce, chili, sour cream, pico de gallo, Monterey jack and cheddar cheese filling, along with your choice of chicken, steak, or fire roasted veggies.

The design of the restaurant itself is colorful and aesthetically pleasing with a complete desert mural painted by a local mother and daughter. The service is friendly, the atmosphere is bright and fun, and the place is virtually spotless. Most dishes range between $5 and $6; and their soft taco selection and appetizers are closer to $3. For a fast food joint, you really can't beat Desert Moon.

Desert Moon
334 Cornelia St
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518-561-8301

What's your favorite Mexican restaurant? Let us know!