2227 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 527-5430
Parking: in parking lot
Last Visited: April 16, 2006
Food: 3 to 4 stars
Atmosphere: 2 to 3 stars
Service: 2 to 3 stars
Price: $ to $$
It’s easy to find VIP. Just look for the restaurant with the cactus out in front. VIP is getting close to being a hole in the wall. The parking lot during my visit in 2003 had a big pothole right at the entrance. Fortunately upon returning in 2006, the pothole was gone. The booths inside the restaurant were very lumpy and there was a dip in the center of the seat. When you walk in, the atmosphere is that of a diner. It’s clean, but the seats were ripped and in need of repair. In 2006, the place had gotten a fresh coat of paint, was a bit brighter, and though the seats weren’t the best, they were much improved.
Upon our arrival, we received glasses of ice water and chips and salsa. The salsa is a bit spicy, just enough to brighten your palate.
The menu is fairly extensive. From the tables, you can see the cook in the back making putting the dishes on the counter to be taken to each table. I would describe him as a short order cook with wide skills – both Mexican food and American food.
The portions are decent, and the food is pretty good. I think that’s what keeps people coming back to VIP. Their sign out front says home of the Best Chile Verde, so of course, I had to try the verde out.
- Enchiladas Verde – A large dish is filled with two chicken enchiladas with verde sauce and rice and beans. I’m not a verde expert, but this was really good. Good enough that I would go back and try it again.
- Fish Tacos – Two tortillas are topped with the makings of a big taco. The food is fresh and the flavor is great.
- Burrito Supreme – I tried a carne asada burrito (choice of meat if you prefer another kind) and found it to be very satisfying. Filled inside with carne asada, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, lettuce, beans, and rice, it had great flavor. It was topped with a light (relatively light in color and richness compared to others I have tried) enchilada sauce and some cheese. Delicious and filling, it’s probably the second best burrito in town (at least according to my tastes).
- Burrito Verde – If you like spicy chile verde (sauce made with tomatillos), this is the burrito for you. The burrito is filled with large chunks of diced pork. My dining companion likened it to a spicy and rich curry texture and flavor. Each bite was a mouthful of spices. If you like your burritos and meat mild, this would not be the one to select. The meat warms your insides; it’s not tough nor fork tender, but right in between. Good for those who like spices. $6.95
- Club sandwich – Slices of turkey are layered with bacon, lettuce, and tomato slices. The bread is toasted until golden brown, but it’s not quite crispy enough (or maybe just doesn’t stay crispy enough). I like my club sandwiches to be a bit heavy on the mayonnaise – this one is good for those who are leaning on the health conscious side – not quite enough mayo for me. I selected fries for the side dish and got wonderful crinkle cut fries, but you have to eat them fast. Once they’re cool, they’re no longer crispy. You can still see the oil glistening, enticing you to eat more. The sandwich comes with fresh fruit slices – one piece of apple, and one orange wedge. Okay. $6.25
Don’t let the atmosphere of VIP deter you. If you like Mexican food, you’ll probably enjoy VIP. VIP offers American that is okay, but I would stick to the Mexican food. The Mexican food seems authentic to me, and if it’s not, well, I still think it tastes great. Service varies – not quite as attentive or friendly as they could be, but okay – not rude – there is room for improvement. Try it out for yourself.
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