A year and a half ago, Puerto Vallarta Mexican Restaurant opened at the southeast corner of Central and Tyler in the former Pedro’s Express and Charlie’s Pizza Taco space. The concept was a little different but something not advertised much: made-from-scratch cuisines and higher quality Mexican food. The owner wanted to offer high quality in a casual setting. I stopped by when they first opened and loved it but for some reason never made it back. That ended when I stopped by this past week to revisit the massively underrated Puerto Vallarta.
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602 N Tyler Road
Wichita, KS 67212
316-295-3949
Monday – Thursday: 11am – 8pm
Friday – Saturday: 11am – 9pm
Closed on Sunday
Cash/Card Accepted
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All diners were given complimentary chips and salsa along with beans. The chips were light and crispy but sturdy enough to dip with. We loved both complimentary dips. But the bean dip really stuck out and would be something worth buying if they bottled or jarred it up.
We then started our dinner with some ceviche as an appetizer. To say it was amazing would be an understatement. The fresh shrimp had such a vibrant flavor. Once mixed in with the serrano peppers, onions and cucumber and topped with avocado and a splash of agua chile sauce, we were in heaven. It was some of the best ceviche I’ve had in Wichita.
For dinner, we had two awesome dishes.
The first was the seafood enchiladas which were two corn tortillas stuffed with Monterey jack cheese, shrimp and crab meat. It was topped with a creamy crab sauce, queso fresco, cheese and sour cream. Too often, Mexican restaurants in town serve these thin, not-so-filling enchiladas. Puerto Vallarta did it right. Two enchiladas, nearly the size of burritos, topped the plate and left me stuffed after one. I wasn’t sure what the creamy crab sauce consisted of but I haven’t had anything like it before outside of Puerto Vallarta. It’s addicting. I’m not even sure how to describe it. It’s something food lovers will have to try at least once.
Our next meal was the chile verede which was slow cooked pork in Pedro’s special tomatillo onion green sauce. It was another winner of a meal. The pork was incredibly tender and flavorful. We had to give a round of applause to the person or persons in charge of creating these meals. Their creativity and desire to offer dishes different from what is found at a majority of Mexican restaurants was a breath of fresh air.
We’ve been to Puerto Vallarta twice, loved both visits, and left impressed. As stated earlier, the Mexican food here is unique, fresh and a step above most of the competition.
The staff has been very friendly and inviting. While it took me a while to make my return visit, I’m going to make sure l go back sooner.
So check these guys out. And if you live on the west-side of town, definitely support them. This is one restaurant, you don’t want to lose.
Here’s their menu:
Happy Dining,
Eddy
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