Going out to eat is a fun treat that the whole family can enjoy. The problem comes when you are trying to decide where to eat. Kids loves things like fast food and chicken wings the parents might not always be up for that kind of food. Going for something like Greek food or Latin restaurants may not be the best plan if you have children. The ethnic foods should be saved for date night because of the money that gets wasted if a kid does not like or want to eat their food. However, if you do get a chance to try out some Latin restaurants, you will not be disappointed. There is some great food available at these kinds of places. Let’s look a little closer at what Latin restaurants have to offer that makes them better than other kinds of restaurants.

The Food and Drink
First of all, it’s all about what you eat. If you don’t like spicy then you can opt for a more mild meal but keep in mind there will probably be at least a slight level of heat to every kind of dish that is served. Latinos like their food hot and there’s no reason why they shouldn’t serve their own cuisine exactly as they see best. They do try to accommodate however, for the uncultured tongue. There are many corn based dishes such as tortillas, tacos, burritos, tamales and more. Guacamole, pico de gallo or chili is usually served as a dipping sauce with anything that you order. There is a Native American persuasion within Latin beverages such as mate and horchata which make them an interesting but delicious combination. The desserts are typically very sweet and include puddings and soft cakes and flan more than real bread based foods.

Entertainment
Not all restaurants will provide entertainment but many do. Mariachi bands are commonly seen at Latin restaurants as well other types of Latin singers and dancers. Latin music is fairly family friendly so you don’t have to worry about kids if you do decide to bring your brood. Even if the restaurant doesn’t have live bands or entertainment, the music that is played on the speakers will still be very upbeat and entertaining. Music such as rumba, salsa, tango and merengue are popular but Latin pop and jazz as well reggaeton can also be heard at any number of restaurants that claim to be Latin based. Latin music is very romantic and passionate even when speaking about political issues and historical messages. The words of most Latin songs are very powerful if you can understand the language.

Decoration
The way that Latin restaurants and other places are decorated is full of bold and bright colors and patterns that are very attractive to the eye. The colors of Latin American flags like greens, reds, yellows and blacks are very popular and you may see a sombrero or two hanging on the walls. Latin restaurants seem to often prefer the ‘bringing the outdoor inside’ type of feel, stringing lights around the place as well as building with brick walls or brick appearance inside. Outdoor type patio chairs and sometimes picnic tables are also used to bring in that feeling. You may notice that Latin restaurants are also fairly dark as far as lighting goes with not many white lights. Yellow lights and other colored lights are mostly used.

Pricing
Latin establishments do not charge a lot of money for their food. It consists of a lot of rice and tortillas and other inexpensive food so they are able to keep their prices reasonable. You may make up for that price if you order alcohol but if you don’t, your whole family can eat for fairly cheap even if you include appetizers and desserts.

There’s many great things about going to a Latin restaurant. It’s not just about the delicious food that they offer but the whole atmosphere and experience plays a part in your evening. You won’t regret a thing eating at a Latin establishment except that maybe you ate to much food.

Keep in mind that although the establishments are not American, you are still expected to tip generously just as you would at other restaurants.