t’s entirely fitting that this spot is named after the unlikely trio of heroes from the movie of the same name. For these owners are also an unlikely threesome to operate one of the city’s most successful Tex-mex emporiums, since none of them are from south of the border. Originally from Ontario, Claude Legault teamed up with Quebecer Charles Lemieux and Bangladesh native Abul Shamin to create a fun, friendly foray into Mexican cuisine for Montrealers six years ago.

Situated on St. Catherine and between St. Mathieu and Guy, it is very popular with students from the surrounding area. Fortunately, this stretch of the street is undergoing a much needed facelift eliminating abandoned buildings which should soon result in the resident panhandlers seeking more hospitable haunts. But area conditions notwithstanding; nothing seems to ebb the flow of traffic to 3 amigos. Even on my last visit on a blustery, cold winter Wednesday night, the place was almost packed to its 400 seat capacity. And during the summer, it never fails to amaze me to see their sad excuse for a terrace (tables literally dumped right on the dusty sidewalk without so much as a railing to separate it from passersby) always full to max. Quite simply the draw is the food.

It is consistently good and reasonably priced and there is also a surprising selection of non-Mexican specialties. Cajun burgers, fresh fish catch of the day, baby back ribs and even teriyaki stir-fry accompany every kind of south of the border dish known to man. I can honestly say I have never had a bad meal here. In fact, my last order of make-your-own-shrimp fajitas was absolute perfection with a generous portions of plump, beautifully grilled shrimp served on a sizzling platter. Also a draw is the usual slushy suspects of oversized frozen daiquiris and margaritas and some creative concoctions like the strawberry-chocolate pina colada.

Then there’s the décor, which my companion aptly coined as “Cheesy, but cool.” It’s a comic slapdash collage of murals, piñatas, palms and Mexican memorabilia all lit up like Christmastime even in the off-holiday season. My only complaint is the service. Maybe I have always had the wrong waiter on a bad day, or maybe they are perpetually understaffed and over-busy, but service here has always been bordering on sullen in stark contrast with the proposed atmosphere. (Lighten up guys, you’re bumming out the décor!) Though I wouldn’t go so far to say it has ever been really slow or inefficient. But there is one redeeming staff member dressed up as a Hollywood version of a “desperado” who wanders from table to table slinging bottles from his holsters offering impromptu tequila popper shots to those inclined to party a little heartier. In all, 3 Amigos gives you a great bang for your buck and I highly recommend it for special occasions. Reservations are recommended but not mandatory. – S.C.