Way out on rustic Bannerman Road, a modest hand-painted sign simply states “La Hacienda II”. If you ever see it- it’s easy to miss if you’re not looking- turn in, park in the small gravel parking lot or pull around the back- there’s plenty of room back there- and prepare to enjoy great Mexican food that could compete with any restaurant in my hometown of San Antonio. If you’ve ever been to San Antonio, you know what a huge compliment that is!
La Hacienda Dos has a full bar, live entertainment, a large and neatly kept patio, and a wide range of Mexican food for you to choose from. I have been several times and my high expectations are always met and exceeded.
You can't see it here, but the thing was literally smoking AND steaming like a tiny delicious volcano!
One thing I appreciate about La Hacienda is that they are not afraid to bring the heat- but not at the expense or instead of great flavor! Their salsa is delicious and has a good deal of the peppery heat and flavor evident when only the freshest ingredients are used. My most recent order was the Molcajete Caliente Verde, and they do mean caliente in every sense of the word- I was cautioned several times by our kind waitress that the dish was VERY HOT. I was presented with a HUGE literally smoking molcajete (the ancient mexican version of a mortar, made from stone and shaped like a bowl with legs) brimming over with tender marinated steak and roasted potatoes swimming in a steaming bath of salsa verde, topped with queso fresco and pico de gallo, fresh tortillas and guacamole salad on the side. (For those turned off by the tangy green tomatillo sauce, the Molcajete Caliente also comes in Rojo, with carrots and red sauce instead of potatoes and green sauce.) And yes, it was MUY CALIENTE both in taste and temperature!
There is something for everyone at La Hacienda Dos, even those who would prefer to stay away from spicier items. I would highly recommend the Antojitos la Hacienda, which consists of a taco, a quesadilla, two flautas, an enchilada with mole sauce, a sopito (similar to a canape), a tamale and a side of beans. The presentation of this plate is also stunning, albeit a little more understated than a humongous steaming molcajete. 
This is one of my favorite dishes because you get to try a little bit of everything.
I look forward to visiting this Tallahassee treasure again and again. Their friendly waitstaff, huge menu selection and simply brilliant food have hooked me and I hope you get to experience it soon!
Have you ever been to La Hacienda Dos? What do you think? Let me know!
