Inexpensive excellence right around corner

By Emily Espinosa

"What would you like Amigo?"

Angelica Milan shouts from across the counter. Her voice quickly mixes with the sound of chopping, hissing griddles and the Mexican ballads throughout her restaurant.

Henry's Fresh Mexican Grill is a student favorite because of a hospitable atmosphere stocked with delicious, authentic Mexican food. In contrast to the fast-food chains that typically gobble up starving college co-eds, Henry's is a breath of fresh Oaxacan air.

For prices that are tough to beat, one can rub elbows with a life-size Marilyn Monroe cutout and watch their meal made from scratch. The small restaurant is often packed with Santa Clara students in the evening looking for an alternative to campus dining options. From the fresh salsa bar and tortilla chips, to the booths of chomping undergrads, Henry's provides a social scene in addition to a satisfying meal.

"We sit at the same table every Sunday and order the same thing," agreed Santa Clara baseball players Matt and Drew Ozanne, Matt Paradise and Blake Leyva.

The reason for their dedication is simple:

"The food."

"It's close. You can walk."

"It's a taste of home," said Leyva, an Orange County native.

"They are very nice and provide fast service," said the group about the workers serving up their burritos. "They make you feel welcome."

"We really enjoy working with the students here because the way we treat them, is the way they treat us back," said Milan. "We like being in a community that is so accepting."

Milan, along with her husband Gildardo, began the business six years ago. Their success has hinged largely on the business that comes from the university.

"I always wanted to open up a restaurant, and when the building went up for lease, my husband helped me start it," said Milan, originally from Oaxaca. Her menu consists of authentic recipes passed down through her family. "In Oaxaca, you just cook."

The couple owns two businesses and Angelica is responsible for running the restaurant, while Gildardo stops in frequently. She can be found manning the register and the kitchen daily, always making her customers feel at home.

"We treat [the customers] as if we are really friends," said Milan. "If a customer doesn't have money, we often give them something, whether it be nachos or a taco, because we never want anyone to leave hungry".

The restaurant's most popular dish is the Oaxaqueño Burrito, according to cook Liborio Martinez. The menu describes it as a warm, grilled and crispy flour tortilla with melted jack cheese, meat [chicken or steak], pico de gallo, and guacamole sauce.

Henry's menu ventures from the basics, with the "Low Budget" section offering burrito and taco options ranging from $1.42 to $4.81, "Fresh Salads" for those looking for a lighter meal and "Mexican Desserts" including churros and flan.

When asked her favorite dish, Angelica offers no specifics.

"All of them are my favorite because they are made fresh when you order it".

Henry's is a true haven for those seeking a homemade and authentic meal and the good-natured staff creates the complete service, making it more than just a place to eat.

The restaurant is located just north of campus at 787 Franklin St., across the street from the Alumni Sciences building.

Contact Emily Espinosa at (408) 551-1918 or eespinosa@scu.edu.