El Paisano exterior. Photo by Carla DeMarco.

Little extras can really enhance the dining experience. After 28 years of being in business, El Paisano's owner, Natalia Palacios, has learned that giving more than is expected can pay dividends in repeat business. The combination of great value and consistently good food is why El Paisano is one of Silver City's most popular Mexican restaurants.

During our first El Paisano experience, our pleasant waitress took our order in a timely fashion, then said we could help ourselves to the salad bar, which comes free with the meals. (The plates are piled so high, you really don't need salad.) We strolled over to find a fresh ensemble of lettuce, bell peppers, tomatoes, purple onions and croutons. The blue cheese dressing was delicious and full of big, tangy chunks.

The thick, smooth salsa arrived promptly, accompanied by chips that seemed fresher than most. Later, we found they are made fresh daily. The salsa was very flavorful, "picante" enough to tickle the tongue but not so hot you have to request a second glass of water.

I had ordered a glass of White Zinfandel wine, which they didn't have (a problem they assured me almost never happens.) So I decided to strike out into the unknown with a peach-flavored malt liquor drink that was wonderfully fruity, delicate and refreshing; not repellent as its name - "Fuzzy Navel" - implies. Later, my waitress surprised us when she said my drink was on the house since my original choice had been unavailable. My companion enjoyed his favorite Mexican beer, Tecate.

El Paisano interior. Photo by Carla DeMarco.

Before our entrees arrived, our bus girl actually wiped our table slate-clean, a very unusual but welcome gesture. Then our guacamole and bean tostadas (with a choice of yellow or blue corn tortillas) and chile rellenos stuffed with diced chicken arrived on heated plates. Everything was fresh and delicious. The guacamole was slightly hot, thin rather than creamy. Just as we were feeling stuffed as teddy bears, we could not pass up the classic Mexican dessert, a plate of steaming sopapillas and honey.

During another recent stop, we ordered the supreme nachos. Our eyes popped out as we greeted a confetti-colored mountain of chips, cheese, ground beef, guacamole, beans, sour cream, lettuce and tomatoes. By the time we hiked up to the middle and devoured half, we were full. Next time I'll bring a few friends and maybe we'll make it to the end.

El Paisano seems to be a good attitude restaurant that gets good business for good reason. The place attracts a lot of families and large parties, probably because the extras like salad bar and dessert add up to great value. Prices are competitive with other Silver City Mexican restaurants.

Almost obscurely tucked away in a residential neighborhood, El Paisano is located at 802 E. 15th Street. It's open 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. six days a week and closed Mondays. The phone number is 538-5803.