One does not simply drink a swirl.
A swirl is part of an experience, if not handled carefully, will be one you quickly forget.
Bay Area chain restaurant Aqui Cal-Mex has quickly become most famously known for their “Industrial Swirls.”
An Aqui swirl is a mixture of their classic “Industrial Margarita,” tequila, lime juice and vodka, along with 7-Eleven slurpee adjacent flavorings, and sometimes more alcohol to create a unique and individual taste.
The Aloha Mai Tai Swirl is my personal favorite. It makes me feel like what I imagine an Instagram model feels like while sitting in a cabana on a tropical island.
Adding the word “industrial” to anything immediately evokes a sense of fear in me I cannot particularly describe. Especially when it becomes associated with alcohol.
But before you stop reading this and rush over to Aqui for a swirl, take this one piece of advice with you, a swirl is NOT for the weak.
Aqui has a limit of two swirls per customer, but I guarantee after one you will be feeling real pretty.
Aqui is not necessarily a “normal” restaurant either. Instead of sitting down and waiting for a server, customers wait in line to order and retrieve their
own food.
The ambience of the Willow Glen location is relaxed, but can get a little difficult when trying to find seating depending on the time you attend. I waltzed in on a Saturday night around 7 p.m. and almost had to fight for a chair.
The location also has a back patio for seating if you prefer to feel the cold air on your alcohol flushed face.
Since I like to live my life on the edge, I thought ordering a salad with my swirl would be a spectacular idea. And to my surprise, disaster did not ensue.
The food can be described as Mexican-American which is why I opted for a salad instead of something like traditional enchiladas. Think Chipotle, but sit-down restaurant grade.
I ordered chips, which have unlimited refills, and the Lime Avocado Chicken Salad. Both were delicious.
The salad was large and carried a fair amount of chicken. This was perfect prepping for drinks, as stated in my previous article.
I am not a monster and I proceeded to eat my chips with salsa like a civilized individual. That was when Aqui really shined in my eyes.
The chipotle salsa was something otherworldly to me. The flavor was incredible and it held just a hint of spice. I was almost tempted to force the bartender to mix it into my swirl.
Overall, I’d say Aqui is a great place for dinner and a pregame before heading to the bars.
Not everyone goes to the bars after having swirls, but once the alcohol starts flowing I can’t keep myself away from the bar.
If you’ve made it this far, I’d say congratulations! Pick yourself up and head to Aqui, but drink with caution, or your world will start to swirl.
