There are a ton of amazing restaurants in every state. However, nothing is better than a family owned restaurant native to one area. In Connecticut, there are a lot of Mexican restaurants, but not many Tex-Mex, and that is where this hidden gem comes into play. In the city of Middletown there is a small but mighty restaurant that is extremely unique. Here are the top 8 reasons Coyote Blue is a hidden gem, and the best Tex-Mex restaurant in Connecticut!

8. The Location

Directly off of exit 10 from route 9 is this little restaurant. It’s perfect when you are driving back from the beach to just stop by and grab a margarita, or two.

7. The Regulars

With a family owned restaurant comes the people who are referred to as regulars. These are the people that come in every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and have been for the past 10 years. They get the same drink so we can have it ready for them as they walk through the door, and they are always the ones with the biggest smiles on their faces. They are truly a fellow coyote.

6. The Atmosphere

Coyote Blue has its own unique look. It has coyotes everywhere, horseback riding gear, random license plates from the south west, and a lot of interesting chachkies. You could have the best game of I Spy in this place and you see something new every time you’re there.

5. The Food

There is so much food…always. I have not yet been able to finish an entire plate of food. Not only do you get a lot of food for a really good price, but it tastes AMAZING! Shredded beef, taco beef, chicken, mushrooms, enchiladas, burritos, tacos, tostadas… The list goes on and on. The cooks do an amazing job all of the time.

4. The Flexibility

The menu allows for a lot of flexibility. Gluten free? No problem. Vegetarian? No problem. Tostada without the bowl so it’s basically just a bunch of food in in a regular bowl? No problem. Margarita without triple sec and water instead? Still, no problem.

3. The History

Coyote Blue used to be a breakfast restaurant until Jo-Ann, the owner, decided to call her sister Donna and their friend Drew to help her change it up. Coyote Blue opened in 1993 and has been open ever since. The lounge/bar area was added and there have been renovations done, but it has always felt like home. The name Coyote Blue actually came to Drew in a dream!

2. The Waitresses

These ladies (and one male bartender) are some of the nicest and most genuine people. Their smiles light up the room and they actually care about what you have to say when you are telling them stories. You feel connected to these ladies and get to know them very well. They refer to you as guests instead of customers when you are there which is comforting. They do everything they can for you and it is really awesome!

1. The Margaritas

This is definitely the number one reason Coyote Blue is a gem. Their margaritas are unlike any other. They have sooooo many types of tequila and their lime juice they use is one of a kind. And if you don’t like the lime juice, you can ask them to use the ripe or “skinny” mixture with it instead. Warning, they are strong. But don’t worry, they offer half size margaritas too! This place thinks of everything. Margarita up!