Billings’ Newest Mexican Restaurant is Now Open Downtown

La Morenita opened in downtown Billings about two weeks ago. I had noticed some signage going up on the former Don Luis location, and since it's only a hundred yards or so from our office, I was excited to check it out.

I enjoy walking to lunch, and this one is an easy, 60-second stroll from downtown hotels like the DoubleTree Hotel and the Clocktower Inn, and roughly two blocks from the Northern. It's across the street from the downtown post office at 15 N 26th St.

We've been chatting about La Morenita at the office for a week now, and when my co-worker Andy suggested we try it today, I said, "Let's go!" We were seated promptly by a friendly hostess, and complimentary chips and salsa arrived quickly.

The lunchtime crowd was light on a Tuesday.

We ordered a couple of sodas (they serve Pepsi products) and perused the menu. We both settled on similar dishes. I picked the chile verde, and Andy ordered essentially the same dish, minus the green chili sauce, with braised pork. I forgot to note what it's called.

Most of the entrees are under $20.

Our meals were $17.99 each and came with refried beans and rice. The beans were delicious, with nice seasoning, and we had no complaints about the rice.

The pork in both of our dishes was tender and flavorful. Both entrees came with a choice of warm corn or flour tortillas, wrapped tightly in a tinfoil pack.

Both of us cleaned our plates, with little more than a grain or two of rice left behind. We agreed the portion size was appropriate for the price, and we both felt quite full on the walk back to the office.

The restaurant has a beer and wine license and offers over a dozen domestic and Mexican beers on tap and in the bottle. Local brews include Street Fight Ale and Bent Nail.

If you work or play in Downtown Billings, consider supporting this local restaurant. The food is good, and it's great to see one less vacant space in the heart of the Magic City. I'm looking forward to trying more of their menu. It's open at 11 AM every day except Sunday.