Sabor Mexicano’s authentic food stands out

Why: Sabor Mexicano got its start at the Vancouver Farmers Market with homemade chicken tamales before opening up a restaurant on Main Street in Vancouver’s Uptown Village a few years ago. The boutique restaurant offers a pared-down selection of Mexican cuisine favorites and some Mexican beverages not often featured in larger restaurants.

What I tried: I settled on the homemade tamale plate, and my dining companion had the chile rellenos. We also tried the street tacos al pastor.

The tamale was an appetizing balance of moist masa and shredded, tender chicken breast, and it was topped with enough sour cream to include in every bite. Sabor is one of the few places that offer chicken tamales; most restaurants are limited to pork.

I appreciated the whole beans served with my meal instead of the typical mash of refried beans that many Mexican restaurants pair with meals. The whole beans brought more substance and texture to the dish. The rice had a just-made quality with infused flavor, and it was not too dry.

My dining companion enjoyed the chile rellenos, which were smothered in a delicious red sauce.

The street tacos, as simple as they were, were a treat. With street tacos, it’s all about the meat, and the marinated pork did not disappoint. It was packed with flavor, and the tacos’ tortillas were fresh off the grill with a pleasant toasted quality. Topped with a tasty mix of cilantro and onions and garnished with radish and lime, these street tacos are a must try. Homemade sauces are available to add to the tacos as well.

Atmosphere: The space has a small dining area up front, and more seating near the kitchen. Walls are decorated with countryside landscapes. Sombreros, antique furniture and other items add an eclectic flair without cluttering the space. The restaurant was cozy, and although it was full on the evening of my dinner visit, it was not too noisy for conversation.

Menu highlights beyond what I tried: The sweet mole enchilada filled with shredded chicken and covered with homemade mole sauce topped with lettuce, pico de gallo and cotija cheese sounded tasty, as did the camarones encremados, which consists of shrimp, mushrooms and onions in a cream sauce. From appetizers, the spicy cucumbers marinated in lime juice, salt and spicy chili powder sounded intriguing. Beverages include Agua fresca, horchata, lemonade, Coke products, Mexican soda, ice tea, coffee, Mexican hot chocolate, local and imported beer, margaritas and mixed drinks.

Other observations: The waitstaff is very friendly and attentive. The food has an authentic, homemade character, and the atmosphere has a homey, one-of-a-kind quality. Although we have numerous Mexican restaurants in Clark County, this one is among the few that stand apart. Limited outdoor, street-side seating is available, weather permitting. Take-out is available.

Cost: Appetizers cost $2.50 to $7.95. Street tacos are $2.50 each, except for the shrimp tacos, which are $3.25 each. Burritos are $7.75 and $8.75. Quesadillas cost $5 for cheese and $6.50 for meat. Shrimp specials are $13.95. Meat dishes are served with corn tortillas and cost $10.95 to $12.95. Specialty chicken entrees cost $11.25 to $11.95. Enchiladas cost $8.95. Chile rellenos and tamales cost $4 to $10.95. Hominy soup is $4 for a small bowl and $7.25 for a larger bowl. House specialties cost $12.95 and $13.95. Dishes for kids under 12 are $3.95. Desserts are $3.25 and $4.25.