A spontaneous decision to go to Mexican Mike’s for dinner Monday night resulted in a feliz family of four.

Just back from a weekend away and facing an empty refrigerator, we popped into the Caldwell storefront with kids in tow.

The restaurant changed hands recently and we had only tried it two or three times before. While we were generally happy with past meals, we left this time feeling extra satisfied. 

Dinner started with what seemed like a good omen—warm and crispy chips and salsa ($3). The pico de gallo was fresh with a nice bite. 

The adults ordered two burritos ($8 each). The Veggie Burrito was filled with a medley of vegetables, guacamole, cilantro lime rice, black beans, shredded lettuce, jack and cheddar cheese and sour cream. The Chicken Tinga Burrito came with tender shredded chicken, roasted tomatoes, garlic, onions, chipotle sauce, cilantro lime rice, black beans, shredded lettuce, jack and cheddar cheese and sour cream. Both were fresh and big enough to get two meals out of them.

One child ordered a cheese quesadilla ($6.50), which was large and packed with jack and cheddar cheese. The other, a less adventurous eater, ordered chicken tenders ($6) off the starters menu. The chicken came with an order of perfectly cooked fresh cut fries.

There’s plenty more to try on return visits to Mexican Mike’s, including eight other burrito options, a selection of tacos and additional quesadilla combos, as well as house specials, sandwiches, soups and salads. Watching your carbs? Scrap the wrap and order your burrito in a bowl.

Dinner specials are also available and Mexican Mike’s is now open for breakfast. The special breakfast menu includes omelets, breakfast burritos and, of course, huevos rancheros.

Most of the décor remains the same, but the old pews that served as booths are gone. Walls remain lined with black and white pictures of diners holding enormous burritos.

The menu challenges you to eat “El Papa Grande Burrito” in 15 minutes. If you can do it, the burrito is free and your photo goes up on the wall of fame. Another popular special is all-you-can-eat Taco Tuesdays for $7.99.

The Caldwells are plentiful with fine Italian and now have some good Mexican to boot.

Mexican Mike's

392 Bloomfield Ave.

Caldwell

973-228-9555

www.mexicanmikes.com (under construction)

Mexican Mikes is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays. Closed Sundays.

The restaurant delivers to the Caldwells, Roseland, Essex Fells, Verona, Fairfield, Pine Brook, Cedar Grove and Montclair.