Bites Nearby: Anita's Mexican Restaurant in Livermore

When you find out that Anita's Mexican Food in Livermore has been in business for more than 19 years it really isn't hard to believe. The staff concentrates on simple, old-fashioned Mexican dishes. The recipes, which have been handed down from generation to generation, use fresh ingredients and the result is delicious.

Anita's is an ideal weekday lunch destination. You are seated immediately and served chips and salsa the minute you get to your table. Your drink isn't far behind that and in a matter of five minutes, the entree arrives.

I've been to the restaurant on numerous occasions and my all-time favorite dish is the super soft tacos  a la carte: two corn tortillas piled high with juicy chicken marinated in mild salsa, sour cream, guacamole and cheese for $7.95. 

My companion had the veggie burrito, which is ginormous (I know this isn't a real word but it's the only one I can think of  to describe this monstrosity). It is packed with rice, whole beans, guacamole, sour cream, lettuce, cheese and salsa. This huge entree costs a mere $5.95. You can also get Anita's veggie burrito, which adds broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms and bell peppers for $1 more. 

Owner Jesus Garcia explained that Anita's has a variety of seafood items on the menu because the family came from an area near Puerto Vallarta where seafood is frequently on menus. The restaurant serves fish tacos, shrimp served several ways and even Caldo de Camaron (traditional Mexican shrimp soup). 

One tip I can offer about is that you can only get the delicious carnitas on weekends. And get there early: The carnitas are only available until they sell out. 

Prices are right at Anita's — burritos are less than $10. Specialty platters, which include rice, beans and tortillas, range from $7.75-$11.95. The restaurant also has a nice selection of starters. For beverages, they have soda, Jarritos and a full bar. You can get food to go at Anita's, which also does catering and can handle private parties. 

Anita's is a light and vibrant place with colorful murals all around. Then there are the somewhat random decorations, including an airplane sticking out of the wall. Yes, an airplane.

Anita's Mexican Food is at 2124 Railroad Ave., Livermore. 925-455-1145. Open seven days a week, Lunch Monday - Friday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.; dinner Monday - Thursday 4:40 - 9 p.m.; Friday dinner until 10 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.