Midterms are quickly approaching, and time has become more of a commodity. As a result, I found myself wanting to eat out more and cook less. It was easy to look around Pullman for a good restaurant, but I chose a spot that I have been absolutely bombarded with suggestions for.

La Casa Lopez is a Mexican restaurant located just a short drive over to Moscow. Affixed with a bright orange banner out front and located on Main Street, the restaurant is hard to miss and has an outdoor seating area to enjoy the weather in the warmer months.

Open from 3-8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, I would recommend that you call ahead before you commit to an evening out. While we didn’t need a reservation, checking to make sure the restaurant can accommodate you saves headaches later on.

The restaurant has the hustle and bustle right when you walk in, although it wasn’t overwhelming. If anything, it is encouraging that a restaurant serving Moscow and the Palouse for nearly 28 years is that busy. Despite the crowd, we did not have to wait long to sit down at our table.

Greeted with a basket of tortilla chips, salsa and an extensive menu, my party pursued our choices. The menu was massive, close to three full pages worth of food and two devoted to drinks. Expect everyone in your party to be silent as you file through this labyrinth of a menu.

It was hard to decide what to get with so many choices, although I eventually settled on a fajita burrito and a Piña colada cocktail. All in all, I doubt you would be disappointed by anything on the menu, and it seems to cater to everyone’s taste.

Amber Vosk, senior music education major, said she really enjoyed the mole enchiladas and the tortilla chips when she went.

“The serving sizes were huge!” Vosk said. “I am usually not the biggest fan of that combination, but I decided to try it anyway, and it was delicious. I had enough to take home with me the following day for lunch.”

I heartily agree with Vosk as my fajita burrito felt like it was enough to feed two people. The pork in my burrito was absolutely succulent, mixing well with the grilled onions and other fillings that came spilling out. Served with beans and rice, the food was both delicious and filling. I would easily order it again when I inevitably end up back at La Casa Lopez.

My Piña colada cocktail didn’t disappoint either. Incredibly sweet while still being able to taste the bite of alcohol, it proved a great companion to my burrito. More than delicious, it also made me want to explore the drink menu a bit more when I go again.

Tim Reidy, sophomore computer science major, said he went to the restaurant with a few of his friends and loved the food and atmosphere.

“You could hear the classic fajitas sizzle across the restaurant coming to our table,” Reidy said. “Everyone enjoyed their food,  and my fajitas were really good. If I wasn’t so full, I would order again.”

The only thing that may have been a bit disappointing was the price tag. With most options leveling just under $20, La Casa Lopez is neither cheap nor expensive. I don’t expect to be going every week, but it is a price that won’t leave you crying when you see the bill.

If anything, the serving sizes make the bill worth it. With great quality to the food and drinks, you get what you pay for.

If you need a break from the dining hall or don’t want to make dinner tonight, go out to La Casa Lopez for a delicious bite to eat!