The popular Temazcal Tequila Cantina, which quietly opened in the Seaport District several years ago, quickly made a haute name for itself when word got out about its addicting dishes of Mexican fare – think lobster guacamole, street corn and plantain empanadas. Since then, they have expanded to Lynnfield and just opened a third location in Burlington, which we visited with a fourth soon to open at Dedham’s Legacy Place.
Photo Credit: Temazcal Tequila Cantina
The completely renovated two-story restaurant, which opened in the former Papa Razzi space, features an outdoor patio for al fresco dining, a three-piece mariachi band playing at night and did we mention one of the largest collections of tequila? (There are more than 250 varieties available). The gorgeous restaurant combines natural materials like reclaimed wood, steel, wrought iron and brass that exude a rustic feel with modern conveniences, including outlets for phone chargers and big- screen LED TVs on both levels.
When you first enter the restaurant, you know you have arrived somewhere special as you walk through a specially built archway that resembles entering an actual Temazcal, which originated from pre-Hispanic Indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica as part of a curative ceremony to purify the body for both spiritual and health reasons.
Photo Credit: Temazcal Tequila Cantina
We recommend getting started with their spiced up En Fuego Margarita crafted with in-house jalapeño-infused tequila, Patron citronge, fresh lime juice, blood orange puree and agave nectar.
Photo Credit: Temazcal Tequila Cantina
Starters include lobster guacamole, queso fundido Mexican cheese fondue, shrimp rellenos and our favorite, roasted chicken taquitos in crispy corn tortillas. Move along to a mixed grilled of steak and shrimp or blackened fish tacos served with black beans and rice. Other signature dishes include grilled skirt steak tampiquena (cheese enchilada, black beans, queso fresco, salsa roja, and Mexican rice) and Salmon served “puebla style” (seared Atlantic salmon, quinoa, kale, bell pepper, and salsa la casita).
Photo Credit: Temazcal Tequila Cantina
Finish it off with a sweet taste of fried ice cream, a tasty combination of creamy vanilla ice cream rolled in cornflakes and coconut, deep fried and served with Mexican chocolate and whipped cream.
Photo Credit: Temazcal Tequila Cantina
