Many times during their time at Plymouth State, students have found themselves complaining because there was nothing fun to do. How many nights have they spent hanging out with the same friends, at the same house, watching the same television shows? And how many times have students suggested that all this town needs is a good dance club, maybe some live music, or simply a cool place to hang out besides the dorm room or apartment? Well, wish and dream no longer because Jose’s Mexican Grill offers exactly what one needs to cure their desire for excitement: live music, delicious food, great company and something different to do every night.
Jose’s Mexican Restaurant comes from a chain of seven restaurants that first began in Cambridge, MA and spread to other locations throughout Boston due to its immense popularity. The owner (Jose) spent years running the chain and receiving rave reviews from The Boston Globe, The Phantom Gourmet and other reputable critics. Not only did it offer appetizing food for a very reasonable price, but the atmosphere and entertainment left little to be desired. But after years of running the chain, Jose decided to try something different. He sold his restaurants in Boston and moved north to N.H. Now he resides here in Plymouth and claims that his only reason for opening this final location is “just for fun.”
Well Jose, fun is something that everyone seems to be having on 75 Main Street in downtown Plymouth. Since its opening just last year, Jose has expanded his restaurant to include Open Mic nights every Tuesday, live music every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, pool, and more. On any night of the week people can almost be guaranteed that something enjoyable is going on at Jose’s.
Jeffrey Parker, the host of Tuesday night’s Open Mic, said it’s, “both interesting and hilarious. Jose himself even gets up there to sing a few numbers.” Parker encourages people of all skill levels and talents to join. “It’s a community environment down there,” said Parker. “Everyone comes to have some drinks and some laughs. By the end of the night, everyone ends up on stage together singing and dancing. It’s too funny to describe.”
Jose says there are many things to look forward to as well. “I’m in the process of buying four more flat screen TVs, three more pool tables and a karaoke machine. They should all be here within the next month.” He wants to make the bar an ideal place to watch sports games.
The friendly staff is another reason that Jose’s Mexican Grill is drawing in crowds. Hospitable and talkative, the bartenders and wait staff are always enjoying themselves. Jennie, a bartender and waitress, said “I love my job. I have a really good time hanging out with customers and my other employees and also watching the bands. And the more people the better!”
Branden Gay, drummer for the band The Matter which plays frequently at Jose’s, can’t seem to get enough of the atmosphere. “We get to play, eat and drink. We take breaks and hang out and bring guests up on stage. Jose allows us to do what we want and it makes it that much better for the crowd.” Their shows each weekend bring in over one hundred people and seem to be growing in size and popularity.
Entertainment is not the only thing that this restaurant has to offer. Great food for cheap is just one more reason to swing down and check it out. Serving from 5 P.M. to 10 P.M. Sunday through Wednesday, and from 5 P.M. to 11 P.M. Thursday through Saturday, Jose’s offers a wide variety of authentic Mexican food. Awards for his super burritos, homemade salsa, quesadillas and enchiladas line the walls. And his claim that his ribs “fall right off the bone” is definitely no lie. But don’t take anyone else’s word for it, go down and try it yourself.