Local Augusta Mexican Eatery Will Be Featured On America’s Best Restaurant

A local Mexican restaurant here in Augusta will be featured on a national online show, America's Best Restaurant. America’s Best Restaurant is a national media program that focuses on bringing attention to local, independently-owned restaurants.

The restaurant selected for this opportunity was Taqueria El Rey's, owned by Ramiro Galvan. For the show, they will highlight popular dishes at the restaurant and have an interview with the owner.

First, they would like their supporters to decide the 3 items that should be featured on the show.

Supporters of the restaurant have until January 11 to comment their choice on this Facebook post. So far there are a good bit of comments saying that the Quesabirria should be included.

Quesabirria is a popular Mexican dish made with beef birria that is put into a tortilla with lots of melted cheese. The eye catcher of the dish is the side of broth the tacos come with for you to dip them in.

Who ever selects one of the featured dishes and their comment is picked, El Rey’s Owner will be giving out two $25 gift cards to … you guessed it– El Rey’s!

The other thing that community members can participate in is being apart of the show! America's Best restaurant will be visiting the location on January 11, from3pm to 5pm to record the episode.

It is an online tv show. They have published over 842 episodes. The have 2 vans that travel to different locations currently. The production team is based in Florence, Kentucky. So far the show has traveled to 28 states.

The day before they make it to Augusta they will be traveling to Georgia's state capital , Atlanta. Well almost, they will be visiting right outside of Atlanta in Covington, Ga. There they will be visiting a local restaurant named Musulyn’s International Restaurant.

Apparently,  it's National Pepperoni Pizza Day.  And that's great.  I do love some pepperoni pizza.  But I also learned that it's National Queso Day.  If you've ever listened to the Kicks Wake Up Krew, chances are you know my passion for queso. And I do have a list of the best queso in the CSRA... scroll down for my picks!

I've loved queso for as long as I can remember.  And I won't go to a Mexican restaurant without ordering queso.  It's just a non-negotiable for me. I truly believe I could eat queso every single day of the week.  Even though it wouldn't be healthy, I'd be one happy girl!

When it comes to queso, I am slightly picky.  And if you know me, that shouldn't be too much of a surprise.  But I like my queso to be just straight cheese.  I don't mind spicy, but I prefer my queso without jalapenos.  Especially large pieces of jalapeno.

Of course, when it comes to eating the queso, the chips you have to eat with it can play a big part too.  Even though it's not healthy, I do like my tortilla chips to be on the saltier side.  And, I also like the thinner, crispier tortilla chips versus those thicker chips you find at some places. If you know, you know!

When it comes to buying chips at the store, I usually opt for the cheapest ones.  That means I mostly grab the Santitas brand - the white corn tortilla chips.  If I'm at Walmart and they don't have Santitas, I'll grab the Great Value Brand.

I consider myself a queso connoisseur.  And through the years, I've sampled a lot of queso.  So I figured I'd share my top spots to get it around the CSRA. Let me know if you have some additional places for me to try! Email me!

Monterrey is North Augusta is my go-to Mexican restaurant.  I discovered them when I first moved to the area.  I've always had a great experience and delicious food when I'm there.

When I order my queso here, I always request it without jalapeños. And I can eat a small order all by myself, but I will share!

Address: 436 East Martintown Road, North Augusta, SC

This is a newer spot around town. I started seeing posts from them on Instagram and knew I'd have to check them out.  It seemed like such a fun place.  So of course, when I finally made it there, the first thing I did was ordered some queso!

Now, their queso does have jalapenos.  But it's not over powering, and the pieces are small.  It has a great flavor!

And another great thing about Señor Mezcal?  They have an extensive, unique margarita menu.  Each time I go, I have to try out a different flavor!

Address: 4534 Washington Road, Suite 10, Evans, GA

I have to be honest... it's been quite a while since I've visited Barberitos.  But I first fell in love with their queso when I discovered them while living in Florida for a short time.  It's just plain, pure, gooey goodness.  And I also really like their chips!

Address: 1151 Agerton Lane, Augusta, GA

It's been quite a while since I ventured downtown to Nacho Mama's. But I do like their queso, and it's a great local spot to check out if you haven't!

Address: 976 Broad Street, Augusta, GA

And for the times I am really craving queso but don't feel like going out... I have some on hand at home!  We joked about this on the show, but I do keep some of this in my freezer and one thawed out pretty much all the time.  It's the best store bought queso I've found!  They have some with jalapeños, but of course, I get the one without! I can usually find this brand at Walmart.

When asked about his favorite queso in the Augusta area, Dub said Mi Rancho!

Address: Multiple locations around the CSRA!