FOOD & DRINK
Jose’s Blue Sombrero Spices Up Downtown Tosa Dining BY SUSAN HARPT GRIMES
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estled in the downtown heart of Wauwatosa, the building occupied for 38 years by the Chancery was fully remodeled and relaunched as a new location for Jose’s Blue Sombrero in 2018. The change seems to suit the space perfectly. Anyone who may have felt the Chancery had become a bit out-of-date in its last few years on State Street will appreciate the new airy and bright feel of the interior and relish the open-air balcony and ground floor street side dining opportunities that Jose’s offers. Judging by the sizable crowd of smiling people, sipping margaritas while munching on fresh chips and salsa on a recent warm spring evening, it would seem Jose’s is offering some robust competition to other dining venues in the area. When dining at a Mexican restaurant, guests often expect a good margarita, and that is something that Jose’s has in spades. You can, of course, get a very good traditional lime margarita. But, if you like experimenting with different flavored drinks, Jose’s offers upwards of 15 different options including fun flavors like blackberry, dreamsicle, mango, kiwi and peach. There is also a very respect-
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able list of over 30 different kinds of tequila to enhance your tasty beverage. Depending on how much margarita you want to drink, there’s a range of sizes from 12 oz (starting at $6) to a full pitcher for the table (starting at $24). Or try it El Tornado style, a margarita swirled in the glass with frozen sangria. Another expectation most diners have of a good Mexican place, is excellent guacamole, which happens to be another solid offering at Jose’s. The best way to begin a meal here is with the Tableside Guac ($10.45). The interaction with staff is always a pleasant experience, watching their skilled guacamole preparation can be quite informative, and the result is an excellent dip for Joe’s fresh tortilla chips, made just the way you like it—spicy, with lots of lime or extra garlic.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE Jose’s menu includes something for everyone. Gluten free and vegetarian options are clearly marked. Spice levels are indicated. Traditional foods like tacos and burritos are available with many variations. Some, like the Root Vegetable Tacos (two for $8.95), make for a delicious, meatless departure from the norm, filled with roasted carrot and
Photos taken by Michael Burmesch. Background/accent texture by bpperry/Getty Images.
ROOT VEGETABLE TACOS
