Cholo’s serves up refreshing margaritas in a friendly atmosphere

Going to the North Shore on the weekends today is not as much of the escape it once was a decade ago. Expect a long line of stop-and-go traffic along the two-lane Kamehameha Highway, especially near Laniakea Beach, where passers-by stop to see the turtles, and Haleiwa.

Still, the North Shore has a mellow vibe and open country feel that’s hard to find elsewhere on Oahu. After a day at the beach, you may be looking for a happy hour to satiate your appetite, and there are numerous places to choose from in Haleiwa, which still has small-town charm despite some recent redevelopment.

The experience

Cholo’s Homestyle Mexican restaurant is no hidden hole-in-the-wall, but it kind of has a homey feel, as if it were off the beaten path. It’s right in the center of North Shore Marketplace, which has a parking lot and a number of other restaurants and shops including Patagonia and Wyland Galleries. Il Gelato Hawaii is next door.

If you want a break from the bright afternoon sun, go for a seat inside and you’ll find yourself in a quaint, colorful space where the walls are a bright orange ochre, decorated with an array of Mexican tapestries, masks and figurines. The place was pretty packed on a recent visit, so you might have to wait for a table. You can take a seat to start your drinks at the small bar in the back or on the lanai, which is enjoyable, too. Servers here have a friendly, laid-back vibe. Overall, the spot does have a Mexican feel, too: The hostess who greeted me even seemed to have a bit of a Frida Kahlo look!

The food

The only happy-hour food item is a nachos special ($9, usually $17.50). It comes loaded with three meats — ground beef, shredded chicken and shredded beef — in addition to refried beans, onions, olives, tomatoes, jalapenos and layers of cheese melted on top. It’s a meal in itself, good enough for three to four people to share. The chips are homemade, which is nice, too.

This is a big serving, and it was a little too much for me. The cheese morphed into a glue that held the chips together. Watch out for the jalapenos, too, if you’re cautious about spicy food. Chips and salsa are also served on the house when you first arrive.

If there are only two of you, you might opt for taquitos with sour cream and guacamole from the regular appetizer menu ($6.50 for three, $10.50 for six).

The drink

Can you say “margarita”? The ones here are served large and colorful, matching the bright, patterned tables. House margaritas, including a li hing margarita ($6.50, usually $8), will hit the spot on a hot day. The house margarita is rimmed with salt; another version, bright orange, is rimmed with li hing mui powder if you like that salty-sweet-sour zing.

For a smooth drink, go for the 1800 Silver Cadillac margarita ($10.50, usually $11.50), which comes with 1800 Silver Tequila, Grand Marnier and fresh-squeezed lime juice.

Though it wasn’t on the happy-hour menu, I decided to try the Dragonfruit Berry margarita ($10), which was satisfyingly tart and sweet, and rich in antioxidants, I hope.

The verdict

Family-friendly, dog-friendly, laid-back and fun, with good margaritas and easy parking, this would be an easy choice after any beach or surf session on the North Shore.