Just a stone’s throw away from Clematis Street, you can find Rivales Taquería & Craft Bar, a lively, yet not too busy Mexican restaurant in Downtown West Palm Beach.
The inside is modern and unpretentious. Two 3’ high walls of white glossy bricks with plants on top act as dividers between two sections of tables and the bar, where a painting of Frida Kahlo and some other Mexican artist keep an eye on the tequila and mezcal selection. I like how the top-shelf liquors were in their own section with a neon red background. There were 3 different sombreros on the wall: 1 white with silver trim, another with red trim, and a black one with the colors of the Mexican flag. An old, silent black-and-white Mexican movie was projected onto a drop-down screen, while a UFC match played on the TV. How fitting for a restaurant named ¡Rivales!!
Art is the focal point of the décor here. In addition to the aforementioned, 2 more works of contemporary art are at the back of the dining room. There’s a beautiful mural of a desert scene on the main wall made of purple, orange, and green with the restaurant’s namesake and a few Mexican characters on it. I only managed to get a partial photo, because a few couples were blocking my shot. “How rude!” Yes, Stephanie Tanner, they were.
Highlights from the Art Décor
By the register, there’s another amazing one, which you can see below. Check it out [like] Caramello:
By the bathroom, there’s even more art:
If you prefer a touch-free menu, scan the QR code glued onto every table. On it, you’ll find a large selection of tacos, burritos, chimichangas, bowls, tostadas, quesadillas and appetizers. Out of 12 possible crispy-edged taco selections (each which come with diced onions and cilantro), I started off with 4—americano (ground beef) ($2.25), lengua (tongue) ($2.75), fish ceviche ($3.75), and carne asada marinated in chimichurri sauce ($3.25). You can customize them with cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream and guacamole.
Some of my Closing Thoughts on the Food
I didn’t find anything special about the ground beef and ceviche tacos, as they were rather bland, and being a big ceviche fan, I was a little disappointed. The lengua taco had a distinctive taste, different than beef. I wouldn’t order one again. Not my style, but maybe it’s yours.
The next time I’m here, I’ll try the chicken and shrimp tacos, or maybe the burrito and elotes (Mexican-style corn).
Overall, I would say Rivales Taqueria & Craft Bar! knocked me out more with its art than its food, but I’ll still give the restaurant a second chance for 3 reasons. First, because the service was friendly, and the waitstaff always made sure my glass of water was full. Second, because I had 4ﾠ good carne asada tacos at extremely affordable prices (where else in Florida can you beat this for value?). Third, because of the amazing art everywhere. Thanks for great dining experience and ﾡHasta pronto, Rivales Taqueria & Craft Bar!!
Where to find Rivales Taquería & Craft Bar
¡Rivales! Taquería & Craft Bar
106 North Olive Avenue
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 3453737
rivalestaqueria.com