Fresh fiesta in Moiliili

Moiliili’s dining scene continues to grow, and the latest addition is bringing plenty of Mexican favorites to the table. Popular Mexican food spot Frida’s recently opened in Puck’s Alley, giving me the perfect excuse to pick up a few dishes and share a feast with the family.

The stretch of University Avenue by Puck’s Alley is quickly becoming a food hub, with new restaurants opening across the street and a food truck park nearby. With so many options within walking distance, it’s an ideal dining destination not only for University of Hawaii at Manoa students, but for residents and visitors exploring the neighborhood.

Frida’s original location is in Ewa Beach, so I was pleasantly surprised to spot its bright restaurant sign along University Avenue while driving past a few days ago. Having another Mexican food option closer to town is always welcome, especially one with an extensive menu of familiar favorites.

Inside, the space is casual and comfortable, with about 10 tables for guests looking to dine-in. For those on the go, Frida’s also offers online ordering and delivery.

The menu is packed with choices, from tacos and burritos to quesadillas, enchiladas and traditional Mexican dishes.

Popular options include Frida’s taco plate ($20.95), featuring carne asada tacos served with pico de gallo, guacamole, rice and beans.

If I’m dining in next time, I have my eye on Frida’s fajitas ($29.95), a hearty combination of carne asada, chicken, shrimp and chorizo sautéed with onions and bell peppers. The dish comes with tortillas, lettuce, rice, beans, guacamole and pico de gallo, making it a feast of its own.

One thing I appreciate about Frida’s is its portions. Many of the plates are hearty enough to satisfy a big appetite, but I think the best way to enjoy the menu is to order a variety of dishes and share them family-style.

For our meal, I ordered the corn taco plate ($18.95), which comes with your choice of meat, cilantro, onions, rice and beans. Meat options include carne asada, chicken, pork, grilled chicken, pastor, chorizo and ground beef, giving diners plenty of ways to customize their plate.

Another standout was the birria quesadilla ($22.95), which was even more generous than I expected. Filled with savory, tender beef and cheese, the tortilla is folded around the filling and served with consommé for dipping.

The rich, flavorful broth adds another layer of goodness to every bite, making this one a great option for anyone craving something hearty and comforting.

I wasn’t feeling too adventurous that day, so I stuck with a familiar favorite — classic enchiladas ($20.95). I opted for ground beef topped with green salsa, but diners can also choose chicken or cheese and finish their enchiladas with red or green salsa. The dish comes with rice and beans, rounding out a satisfying meal.

Although I enjoyed keeping things classic, I’m already thinking about what to order next.

Frida’s super enchiladas ($23.95) are high on my list, featuring two green chicken enchiladas and two red ground beef enchiladas, topped with lettuce, pico de gallo and queso fresco. It’s the best of both worlds for anyone who has trouble choosing between red and green salsa.

Beyond the dishes we tried, there’s plenty more to explore. Those craving traditional Mexican comfort food can choose from flautas ($17.95), tamales ($16.95), pozole ($22.95) and chile relleno ($16.95).

The pozole, a Mexican soup made with hominy and pork and served with corn tortillas, is another dish I’d love to try on a future visit.

For those with bigger appetites, the burrito selection offers everything from a classic burrito ($16.95) to the Diego Grande ($23.95), loaded with carne asada, chicken, chorizo, rice, beans, lettuce, pico, guacamole, sour cream, cheese and a choice of red or green salsa.

There are also nachos, loaded fries and chimichangas for anyone looking to switch things up.

If you’re dining with little ones or prefer to keep things simple, the quesadillas are another option.

The cheese quesadilla ($14.95) and classic quesadilla with your choice of meat ($17.95) both come with rice and beans.

While Mexican food options can sometimes feel few and far between on Oahu, Frida’s is a welcome addition to the neighborhood.

Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch between classes, picking up dinner for the family or sitting down for a casual meal with friends, there’s no shortage of comforting and filling dishes to enjoy. And with a menu this extensive, there’s always something new to try on the next visit.