Let’s play a little word association.  What do you think of when you read the word “red”…or how about “green”?  I asked some friends, and for red, they said meat, blue and heart.  For green, the answers were tree, grass and leaf (I see a pattern, here).  And then I asked what their first thought was when I said, “red and green” and most responded that they thought of Christmas.  Now, for me red makes me think of salsa and green makes me think of avocado, tomato, cilantro and onions mixed together to make the most creamy and delicious guacamole.  And where can I find the perfect spot for some really tasty guacamole and mouth-watering salsa?  That would be Sammy’s Mexican Grill, 3091 Route 20, Unit 111, Elgin, IL, whose interior walls are even painted in a roasted red pepper red with avocado green accent walls!

To find Sammy’s from the center of Elgin, you hop on Route 20, and head west about one mile past Randall Road, and it is up on your left hand side, just past Nesler Road.  It is located in the one-and-only group of shops out in those parts.  Sammy’s Mexican Grill, fondly known as just “Sammy’s” is unexpectedly a sports bar, a night spot, and a casual but nice dining spot that serves a wide variety of authentic Mexican dishes that range from the traditional to those with a modern flair.

Sammy’s is an ideal option for dinner with friends, and this last Saturday night, on a whim, a group of friends all decided to meet up for dinner.  We were at the baseball fields all day, and we longed for good food and a well-made margarita.  After much discussion, we decided that we did not want to drive very far.  Thankfully, we have many decent options in Elgin, and we agreed on Sammy’s.

I really enjoy going out to dinner with friends, as many people do.  It’s more of an experience with friends that it is to rid a hunger pain.  That’s why when I go out to dinner, I like a place that is good for conversation, has some liveliness to it and of course, has good food and service.  Sammy’s Mexican Grill fit the bill on all our needs, and to top it off, Sammy’s has a serious selection of domestic and imported beers and an incomparable margarita menu!  Another plus…for all those interested in cheering on your favorite team,  there are plenty of plasma TV’s to watch your favorite sporting events in HD!

When you do stop by Sammy’s you can try one of their signature dishes such as “Sammy’s Alambre” that is made with bell peppers, onion, bacon and melted cheese with guacamole rice and beans.  Or try Mar Y Tierra – the best in surf & turf that includes skirt steak and jumbo shrimp, both grilled to perfection, served with chile toreado, pico de gallo and more!  Or you may opt for the more traditional Mexican dish, like Sammy’s choices of antojitos –snacks that are actually very substantial – such as their Chimichanga or my favorite, Sammy’s Burrito Suizo, topped with melted cheese and ranchero sauce.  All I can say is, “exquisito”!  Let me know your favorite Sammy’s Mexican Grill menu item - will it be one of their House Specialties, or maybe a Veggie Selection or a dish from the Seafood Platter options.  Whatever you pick, you will be happy with the fresh ingredients and the ideal blend of spices to make the most enjoyable dining experience!  Like I said, “Exquisito”!

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