Cicada Cantina is a newcomer to Elk Grove and definitely delivers great Mexican food. During these times of Stay-in-place and quarantines, occasionally, we want to go out and have a nice dining experience. At Cicada, the establishment is set up so you and your group can dine together in a nice outdoor setting. I personally missed dining out and coming here was definitely a great experience.

First Impressions

Coming here during these times is quite scary for some as well as confusing. With all the changes that have been occurring with COVD-19 business standards in California, it’s certainly difficult to follow for businesses. Nonetheless, Cicada does a great job of ensuring the safety of you and your guests. As we walk towards the entrance, markers are set to indicate 6-feet spacing between patrons.

As we were seated, we were set up with a big menu that has an awesome selection from starters, drinks, entrees, and everything else. I can definitely state that the menu has a great variety in terms of Mexican food. The drinks list as well is definitely tempting. They also have happy hour on the weekdays so definitely check that out.

Atmosphere

The place is lively as the patrons seated outdoors definitely make it a fun place. Expect frequent groups patronizing Cicada as the outdoor seating is definitely equipped to do so. Also, there is a TV playing sports which definitely nice when it’s live. Additionally, Cicada set up an outdoor seating area away from the general outdoor dining area. Overall, the atmosphere definitely serves a range of people as there are two outdoor seating areas.

The Menu

Cicada offers a range of great Mexican food from their menus. They offer breakfast, lunch, dinner, a kid menu, dessert, a dog menu, and finally, happy hour. Throughout the menus I viewed (Dinner and Happy Hour), I was amazed by the selection they offered. Cicada also provides free chips and salsa when dining during dinner. From the menu, Cicada offers appetizers, soups, salads, vegetarian plates, signature dishes, classic Mexican dishes, burgers, enchiladas, and fajitas as well as a variety of sides to choose from.

Food

With the awsome selection that Cicada Cantina offers, it was definitely hard to decide what we wanted. We settled with things that seemed different as well as awesome.

Poblano Tacos

Served on blue corn tortillas laced with Monterey jack cheese, roasted poblano chile, sautéed onion, Suiza sauce, cotija Mexican cheese, and cilantro. If you like cheesy tacos, this one was pretty good. It reminded me of a cheesy Mac’n’cheese without the macaroni.

Individual Nachos

Essentially, these nacho bites are topped with guacamole, sour cream, and melted jack cheese blend. Enjoyable but I wanted nachos.

Horchata

One of the best horchatas I have had in a long time. Clean tasting with a good balance of everything. If you like horchata, I would recommend trying this one.

Molcajete AKA The Rock!

This one is definitely awesome to have in a group. The Molcajete is served in a sizzling lava rock that is extremely hot! The Molcajete has almost everything you can think of. From grilled Cicada chicken breast, carne asada, to jumbo shrimp that is in a mildly spicy sauce with portobello mushrooms and tomato. We thoroughly enjoyed the molcajete as it had everything. It could serve about 4 people as a sampler type of dish. Definitely, I recommend this one.

Steak Fajitas

Steak sizzling on an iron skillet with red and green peppers, onions, iceberg lettuce, pico de gallo, Jack cheese, sour cream, and guacamole. It smelled and looked so good. The fajitas come with red rice, refried beans, and tortillas. This is a classic option that I always go with.

Pozole

Pozole is a pork braised hominy soup that is served with cabbage, lime, onion, oregano, radish, cilantro, avocado, and dried chiles. Cicada’s pozole is definitely good and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Good for a group.

Overall

Cicada Cantina is one of the few Elk Grove establishments that have outdoor dining. Nonetheless, the food here is very delicious, and the staff is awesome. There is nothing I could complain about given the times of COVID-19. After having an early dinner here, I was thoroughly full and happy. Cicada Cantina definitely made my evening a memorable one. Elk Grove Tribune recommends this place!