701 Sonoma Mountain Parkway, Petaluma, CA 95954
(707) 775-3325
Parking: in shopping center parking lot
Last Visited: April 9, 2005
Food: 2 to 3 stars
Atmosphere: 2 stars
Service: 2 stars
Price: $ to $$
Chunky’s, located in the same shopping center as G&G Market, was recommended to me by cywang. Enter Chunky’s and find that it’s bright from natural lighting coming in through the windows. The establishment contains about ten tables. The menu contains combination plates, tortas, tacos, burritos, and a grill menu. So if you don’t like Mexican food, you can also opt for burgers and fries.
There are two refrigerators with bottled drinks, and two stands, one for silverware and water, and the other for chips and salsa. Both of the stands are self serve. The chips are in a big tub under two heat lamps. The salsa – pico de gallo, green chile salsa, and red salsa are in a stainless steel counter.
The environment wasn’t very impressive when we walked in because the tables had not been bussed. Almost every vacated table contained dirty dishes, chip baskets and the like. While we were ordering, most of these tables were cleared, but there were still remnants of salsa and crumbs. This dropped the otherwise friendly service from three to two stars. An additional reason for the two star rating on service was that I had ordered a drink, but they forgot to bring it.
The chips and salsa were also not particularly good. The salsa lacked flavor, and although you can get as much as you like, this pico de gallo didn’t leave me wanting for more. The chips were also fair. I’m not sure what the chips that come with the nachos are like, but if they’re anything like these, I would rather pass. The other food items that were ordered were much better.
- Shrimp Burrito (regular) – The shrimp burrito at Chunky’s is filled with the makings of a fajita dish. The hot burrito is wrapped in foil, whether ordered to go or for dine in. It’s steaming with about ten whole shrimp, choice of beans, red bell peppers, green bell peppers, onions, salsa, and rice. The burrito is made with a soft flour tortilla, and I selected refried beans and mild salsa. This was a great combination. The rice is moist and the shrimp is fresh. The flavor combination is terrific. I was pleasantly surprised by the quantity of shrimp that they generously give. A great burrito to try out. $6.95
- Taco (regular) – The regular taco comes with two flour tortillas, choice of meat, shredded lettuce, and choice of salsa. I selected carnitas and spicy salsa. The quantity of meat was quite surprising. Instead of the usual small spoonful, I found a mound of meat on top of the tortillas. The meat was topped with the lettuce and salsa, and served with an eighth of a lime. The carnitas was moist and tender and the quantity was impressive. There was enough meat that it couldn’t be held together by the tortillas. At this price, it was a great bargain. $2.25
- Agua Fresca – Today’s flavors were strawberry and horchata. What I found most interesting was that the sign said that you can get free refills. Rarely do you see agua frescas offered with free refills; in fact, I would say I haven’t seen it until now. I had a strawberry agua fresca, and it wasn’t the best that I’ve had, but since strawberries aren’t quite in season anyway, it’s alright. Small $1.60, Regular $2
Chunky’s lives up to its name. If it weren’t for the chips and salsa, they would have gotten a solid three star food rating. They offer a large quantity at a very reasonable price – great value. The quality is not the best I’ve tried, but it certainly ranks as pretty good for Sonoma County. The shrimp burrito is great. Check it out some time.
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