Tia Juanita’s Cocina translates literally to Aunt Juanita (Janie)’s Kitchen. With a name as comfortable and familiar as that, you have to expect good old fashioned quality food and make your self at home service.
Not to disappoint on either, Janie and Miguel Molina’s Tex Mex diner on the south west corner of Parker Road and Alma in Plano is just as it sounds; comfortable, no muss food served to a remarkably loyal and consistent group of regulars and those lucky enough to stop by.
The Molina’s have been around the Tex Mex side of Dallas dining for a long time and they actually met while both were working at Mia’s on Lemon Avenue in the 1990’s. Both left, Janie working for Uncle Julio’s and Miguel working with his brother and sister in law with their Dos and Los Charro’s locations. In 2002 the Molina’s opened in Juanita’s current location as Dos Charros a part of an ever expanding family of restaurants but a couple of years ago they changed the name so now the Cocina stands alone with its own identity.
Set back from the corner, in what can only be described as a strip mall that has seen better days, the Cocina fronts on Parker Road where every day thousands of cars roll past one of the busiest intersections in Plano.
The menu is decidedly Tex Mex with a flair for comfort food. The expected chimichangas, enchiladas and tacos are joined by seafood specialties, Fajitas and sweet flan. To tell you how well I know this place, I moved into the neighborhood over a year ago and would say I average 3 meals a week at Juanita’s. There was a time when I was there every single day for months. Both the food and the welcome atmosphere kept me coming back. I’ve had almost every item, but by far my favorite is the Pechuga a la Parrilla a grilled chicken breast smothered in onion, mushrooms, green yellow and red bell peppers sautéed in olive oil and covered with melted cheese. It is served with rice, beans and pico.
Warm tortilla chips and home made salsa arrive at the table first and where some restaurants make a point to know the name, of their customers, Juanita’s owner Janie has a natural charm for customer service that can’t be taught. While Miguel runs the kitchen, Janie seats guests making a point to get to know the regulars.
During the time when I was at Juanita’s every night, I could recognize the regulars too. Families who come in en mass twice a week, local police officers, fire fighters, teachers and couples are as familiar with the Molina family, Joe and Rodrigo (the waiters) as part of their own. Janie, or her son Scott, who is also a waiter, are always quick to ask for updates on their guest’s families, as their customers are also part of their own extended family.
The place and the people have become a part of the fabric of the neighborhood. Quite a few local PTA associations get together in the semi private back dining room for their meetings. The room also handles overflow seating on Friday and Saturday evenings.
A couple of things to look for on the menu are the pechuga pictured in this post. The Mito’s Pachuga (Chicken Fajitas named after the Molina’s youngest son’s nickname) and lunch specials featuring 5 full sit down fresh prepared meals for $5.50. You could easily spend twice that at McDonalds. Also on weekend mornings they serve breakfast with a distinct Mexican flair with scrambled eggs and jalapeños, fresh flour tortillas and other choices.
Don’t bother looking for a web site, they don’t have one, just good satisfying food.
Prices for dinner range from $8-11.00 for most items and even the most expensive items are still under $16.00 per person. They also serve multiple flavored Margaritas and, of course, Tecate and other beers by the can or bottle.
I have told many people about Tia Juanita’s since moving in around the corner. I have even had business meetings in their back room and it amazes me how many people drive by their location every day and say “I have been meaning to try that place for years.” Well no more excuses, park the car.
The guy most likely in the corner booth is me.
Tia Juanita’s Cocina
1104 West Parker Road Suite 600
Plano, Texas 75075
972-312-1841
