Palenque Mexican Restaurant

Having lived a good stretch in Texas, I'll be honest — I've never found truly great Mexican food in Spokane. That said, Palenque does a solid job, and the service has always been friendly.

Palenque is a Liberty Lake mainstay overlooking the Trailhead golf course, known for shaken-to-order margaritas and sizzling fajitas. The menu runs long — combos, enchiladas especiales, carnitas, chile verde, chicken mole, ceviche — and regulars call out the smoky salsa, the street tacos, and the enchiladas verdes.

Opinions do split: some find the flavors run together and lean mild rather than bold. But the portions are generous, the margaritas are the real deal, and with a patio and quick, welcoming service, it's an easy, reliable choice on the east end.