The greater Lowell area is utterly pathetic in the Mexican/TexMex arena. Its one saving grace is La Hacienda on Daniel Webster Highway about a mile north of the Pheasant Lane Mall. La Hacienda, unlike the On The Borders and Chili's of the world, La Hacienda is truly authentic with a few Nor'east American innovations thrown in -- such as the "seafood nachos". As a matter of fact, the list of appetizers is headed with TEN choices of nachos, followed by ten more appetizer selections. There is a plethora of great entrée selections, from full meals to combination plates, or you can go a la carte. The fajitas are fantastic, far better than what you find in the chain restaurants. I go for the shaved steak chimichanga and a pitcher of sangria. Let me tell you, if you haven't had sangria at La Hacienda, you're just drinking fruit punch and lousy wine. This is the fruitiest sangria, and it packs quite a punch itself. If sangria isn't your thing, there are plenty of other specialty margaritas and other drinks available. Top it off with a La Hacienda fried ice cream. That's a meal you won't soon forget!
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