When I first heard that this restaurant was opening, I was more than skeptical to say the least. Yet another Mexican restaurant, in the Itaewon area when it’s already bulging at the seams with them. Don’t get me wrong, I love Mexican food, but I was not sure what this new chain had to offer for us food enthusiasts. However, go I did, and I was not in the least disappointed.
The restaurant is huge for Itaewon, it’s in the site where the old Macaroni Market used to be. Despite it’s vastness there was already quite the queue waiting to get inside when we arrived. We went to put our name down on the list and found it was a 20 minute wait. Now Fat Girl is not fond of standing in line, but I politely refrained from screaming, “Don’t you know who I am?” As I cast my eyes around the restaurant, I spotted that they had a few seats at the bar and asked if we could have a drink while we waited. They of course agreed so we sat down at the bar whilst the delightfully named bar tender “Baggie” got us a drink.
The drink menu is pretty decent, lots of different margaritas, fresh or frozen, and a variety of beverages you can have upturned into one. I went for a frozen raspberry margarita with a bottle of Bernini in it (sparking rose) for 15,000. It was very sweet but delicious to me. I also ordered up a cilantro mojito (8,900), this was also exceptionally good and a great take on the classic.The Fat Boyfriend had a couple of beers (5,500), which came in very well frozen mugs, which was most to his liking despite the cold weather.
While we were sipping our drinks we were presented with the free bottomless chips and salsa. The chips are fried in house and the salsa is very tasty. If you’re not in the mood for a meal, you could easily just come here for a cocktail and eat the free chips and salsa to keep you going.
A cocktail later we were shown to our table. The menu is huge with plenty of options, tacos, fajitas, burritos, and a plethora of appetizers are on offer. I always enjoy eating as much as possible so we opted for the sampler (28,000). It was a giant platter, which 3 or 4 less greedy people could easily share. The Fat Boyfriend and myself decided to split it. On the platter were 4 quesadillas, 4 flautas, 4 loaded nachos, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, and a really yummy cheesy dip. It was a large plate of lovely Tex-Mex delights.
We also ordered a chicken Bordurrito (18,500). It was a hearty sized burrito cut into two with a nice flavour running throughout. It was stuffed with chicken, rice, caramelized onions, peppers, and sour cream. It also came with a side salad. But the appetizer platter actually pretty much defeated us. Although I must confess that I had already been on the foodie crawl earlier in the day. I don’t want to to think I’m losing my edge. So we both tried the burrito for research purposes and had the rest wrapped up to go, along with a few appetizers we couldn’t manage. They even wrapped up the tortilla chips we didn’t eat and the salsa, which I enjoyed as a delicious breakfast treat the next morning.
Overall I really enjoyed my dinner at On the Border, there was a great atmosphere in the restaurant, and this is somewhat what you are paying a premium for. It’s not the cheapest Mexican food on the block, or the most authentic. But it’s fresh, tasty and comes in large portions. They have great big drinks and good food to match, which I think is worth a treat.It’s always nice to have a taste of home and that’s exactly what On the Border is.
On the Border is located at 737-37, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. To get there take a train to Itaewon station (Line6) and come out of exit 2. Keep walking straight, for about 200 meters, until you reach the Hannam building. On the Border is on the 2nd floor. You can call them on 02-792-0682 or checkout their website for more details.
As a special treat for all my wonderful readers, the lovely people at On the Border have given me a 20,000 won gift certificate to give away to one lucky person. If you would like to win just share this post on your facebook page by Midnight on Monday December 16. I shall select a winner at random by picking a name out of a hat. Good Luck!