Real authentic, affordable (New) Mexican cuisine. Garduno’s is located at The Palms Hotel, one of several theme dining establishments at that location and likely to be one of the most affordable ones. The restaurant is a couple of notches above the "classic" Mex-chain fare offered by Cozymel and other cut-and-paste places. We’re talking fresh mex here, as in fresh salsa, sauces, and fine cooking. And no beans on/with everything!

For lunch or dinner, the must-try items have to include the soups and chile. I love the posole, a huge bowl of good stuff. The meundo is also good if you try not to think about the chewy parts that went into making it. But the chiles are also nicely blended with the right amount of spices and meat.

However, the real bargain here is their Sunday Margarita Buffet Brunch, a spread that offers a good selection of their food, including hot churillos, a salsa bar, all-you-can-drink strong Margaritas, an omelet bar, two types of Mex-style scrambled eggs, the chile, and various other nice things to sample. Put on top the wandering band, and it’s worth driving out to the Palms on Sunday.

About the only flaw I’ve had is in the service. Of my three trips there, two times the waiters seem to be a little bit rushed and not overly attentive. I’ve had better service from the waiters at the Strip buffets. On the other hand, I ended up paying less than at the Strip buffets as well.

Overall, Garduno’s goes onto the 21 List for both Mexican and Sunday Buffets/Brunch.