I was hoping to add Atilano’s to the Holy Trinity of Mexican food in Spokane (De Leon, Guerrero, and Tumbras) and make it… I don’t know? The Holy Square?

Regardless.

The trinity will remain just that, not because Atilano’s is outright awful or anything, but it lacks that little panache which is needed to make it special.

Take the tacos: way too greasy and with the American touch of cheddar on top make them instantly forgettable, and only serve as a reminder that De Leon is five blocks away.

My carnitas platter wasn’t much better. The carnitas themselves were flavorless and, again, a bit too greasy. The refried beans, meanwhile, were not bad, and while the guacamole won’t win any flavor awards, it at least had a quasi-fresh flavor to it, even though parts of me suspected it came from a can.

The bean tostada didn’t fare much better as it was mostly drowned in iceberg lettuce and cheddar.

Atilano’s, then, kind of reminds me of a mix of a traditional Mexican place, and the more “eh” sit-down places we see around town. (The Cathay Inns of Mexican food.) The result is not fantastic, but as Atilano’s has only been open for a few weeks, they have good chances to fix their mistakes.

And seeing they’re open until midnight? Who knows, they might end up in the rotation of late-night dining options.

Agree? Disagree? Post your own review over at Taste Everything Once.