Neighborhood Mexican the Standard at Tijuana Joe's

Overview: A few weeks ago I wrote a short review about another East Cobb restaurant and several people mentione to me that I "really" should have mentioned . It seems that Tijuana Joe's has been the neighborhood Mexican restaurant for years and has a very loyal following.

Located at the intersection of Johnson Ferry Road and Lower Roswell Road, Tijuana Joe's certainly doesn't look like anything special—its stucco exterior and garden deck are friendly enough. Inside the interior is dark and is illuminated by white Christmas lights. It's lunchtime and the bar is busy. Looking around at the strategically placed TVs, people chatting and everyone chowing down, I begin to see this restaurant's charm. It's a neighborhood place, the food is good, and it's cheap.

The Food: For $4.95 you can get a BOWL (not a cup) of tortilla soup, and it’s delicious.

Shrimp Broccetta: $10.25 for 12 shrimp topped with sauteed onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, cilantro and smothered with thinly sliced cheese. Served with french fries.

El Grande Tamale: $5.95—A delightful mix of beef, chicken, pork, chorizo, potatoes, carrots, green peas, tomatoes, green onions, cilantro in ground corn, 'masa' all baked in flavorful plantain leaves. very authentic.

Chile Poblano: (2 sizes, $3.95 and $6.95) I judge a Mexican restaurant by its Poblano pepppers and Tijuana Joe’s has great ones. Similar to bell peppers, these chile poblanos are stuffed with succulent white cheese, then packed full of beef or chicken and set atop a light and tangy sauce.

The Drinks: Many kinds of margaritas, many kinds of beer!

Need To Know: Wi-Fi hotspot, Trivia Thursdays, mariachis on Fridays, www.tijuanajoes.com.

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Location: 690 Johnson Ferry Road.

Info: 770-321-1233.