Corona, CA: Miguel's Jr. offers family-recipe favorites

This week was a challenge. I struck out three times before I found a good spot for this week's lunch review. The fourth try turned out to be a great place - Miguel's Jr., located in the Heritage Crossings shopping center near Roanoake Road in Fontana. I spotted it while driving by on Cherry Avenue, and decided I would give it a try.

The original Miguel's restaurant opened in 1973 in Corona and in 1975 the first Miguel's Jr. fast-food restaurant opened.

The family-owned chain now includes three Miguel's restaurants and 10 Miguel's Jr. fast-food locations in the Inland Empire and Orange County.

The dining area is nice, with a colorful decor and ample seating (indoor only) with both booths and tables. Food orders are Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday placed at the counter and food is brought to the guests. Drinks are self-serve, with unlimited refills.

Miguel's Jr.'s menu features homestyle Mexican food based on family recipes including tacos, combination plates, nachos, salads, tostadas and several burrito varieties. Burritos start at $1.99 for a bean and cheese to $5.59 for Miguel's garbage burrito. Salads include a small Jr. Taco Salad, $5.09 for a small or $6.39 for large with a choice of shredded chicken or beef.

I decided the small was more than enough for me after asking to see the two sizes. The large is almost enough for two people.

My lunch arrived shortly, in less than five minutes, which was great since I had driven around for 20-30 minutes hunting for a place for lunch.

The taco salad was piled high with a layer of crisp tortilla chips topped with finely shredded chicken, refried beans, lettuce, cheddar cheese, chopped tomatoes, a generous serving of guacamole and a dollop of sour cream. A small cup of dressing was included, but the sour cream and guacamole were enough. In fact, they were perfect. The small smaller portion salad was just right for me.

The Miguel's Jr. menu also includes quesadillas starting at $2.79, nachos for $6.39 with a choice of shredded beef or chicken, and three taquitos for $3.49 with fresh quacamole. There is also a kids menu for children 12 and younger with a choice of one item and refried beans, Spanish rice and drink for $4.39.

Miguel's Jr. is a great spot for lunch - lots of great menu choices, affordable, and delicious.