El Puente - Springfield

New to the area we've been hard pressed to find the same quality authentic Mexican food we'd become accustomed to, growing up in LA county. It took us more than 15 years to find one in Reno, Nv after relocating to Northern Cal. It's usually the small hole in the wall mom and pop shops that make the best authentic Mexican. Starting over in our area of Missouri it's been pizza, pizza, pizza...and gas station food. So we take every trip to the bigger surrounding cities as an opportunity to find our new watering hole, so to speak. Up to this point, it has been disappointing. I miss Cotija cheese, something I've found extremely difficult to find, in restaurants as well as grocery stores. I had hoped to compare Chilaquiles recipes to determine my choice of restaurant but haven't found even one that offers it. With that said, we were directed to try this place during a doctor's appt. Seeing the sheriffs cars in the parking lot was a good sign. It means the locals enjoy the fare. Atmosphere was pleasant enough, though we were seated in a separate room by ourselves. I would've liked to spy the plates on other tables. Sadly, no chilaquiles here either. Service was quick and consistent. A huge portion of delicious homemade chips and salsa. I told hubby to remove them from my presence before I became too full to eat my meal. I ordered beef taquitos w/rice and beans. My husband a burrito combo. Even in Reno I did not find a better plate of refried beans. They were exactly like my friends grandma made in LA! She didn't speak a word of English, but her food was to die for. The rice was equally good. The taquitos we're crispy, juicy, and flavorful, but the guacamole was a little thin. Thankfully I had the foresight to request no lettuce and tomatoes because many places use lettuce and tomato to cover up the sparse offering of guac. Sure enough, the serving size I received was just sad. Often times fountain drinks are hit and miss, but the formula here is perfect. Perfectly equal in carbonation and flavor. I'd come in just for a Coke, chips salsa. I'd tell you what my husband thought of his burrito if he could get over the small portions for the price long enough to tell me. He is right. I get times are hard everywhere but these prices do not fit the portions. Which is why I removed a star. I would've removed 2 over my hubby's dissatisfaction, but my lunch was too delicious to ignore. Note to owner: Please offer Chilaquiles Cotija cheese. Albondigas Pozole. Maybe bigger portions thin out the guacamole a little less. ...and you will make this food snob a regular satisfied customer.

This place is always a solid Mexican choice in town. Service is always good. The salsa is great. I've had plenty of different entrees....Ive even had this stuff catered in at work. A great place and I really like the place.

I will definitely eat there again. The burrito was excellent and I really did like the sauce. I will definitely eat there again. The burrito was excellent and I really did like the sauce.

The Chile relleno was lacking cheese and was full of seeds and cold. The shrimp cocktail was room temp when it should be nice and cold. The side of rice was so bland and a waste of money. I was staying at the hotel next door and thought this would be easy yummy food. I ended up eating the chips and salsa while my cocktail sat in the freezer. They said they would remake it but tit wasn't worth the walk which is about 50 steps

The wait to be seated/acknowledged was long. The location of where we sat was questionable. The wait for a server was ridiculous. The server was absolutely perfect. The food was sufficient. The cost was reasonable. The cashier added a 1 to our ticket. We will not ever return. With no explanation the cashier added 1 to our ticket as if we wouldn't notice. We feel she stole from us. At the absolute minimum she should have communicated the reasoning behind the additional cost, or the restaurant should have absorbed the 1. I realize it's 1. ONE whole was not worth a scene, yet for the restaurant ONE whole cost them a repeat customer who tips well.