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MARENGO — If you’ve scrolled through social media in the last year, you’ve probably seen those viral desserts that look exactly like real fruit. Perfect lemons, peaches, and mangoes. Then you cut into them and find a decadent treat inside.
I was eyeing these for months when Abuelos Mexican Grill popped up on my feed; a small, locally owned spot in Marengo, run by Luis Alcauter and Milibeth Garcia, two folks who left their jobs to chase a dream and bring something special to a community they care deeply about.
“We’ve been visiting Marengo for years, and we love the town. When the previous owners, family friends, were closing, they reached out … and we took a chance,” Luis explained.
Life’s short, dessert first
The first thing you notice is how real they look. Peach, mango, lemon, grape. Each one is so pretty you almost hesitate to bite.
Almost.
Hayley, my culinary companion, leaned over, “You just need to take a big ol’ bite.”
I braced myself, expecting hard-packed ice cream. Instead, the delicate shell cracked with a soft snap and gave way to silky, custard-like cream that melted cool across my tongue.
I started with lemon. Soft and mellow, not tart, as I expected. The citrus shows up quietly on the finish, subtle and refreshing.
Grape tasted like a cold glass of Concord juice turned into ice cream. Fruity and deep, rich without tasting artificial.
Peach was more white peach than Georgia peach, light and gentle, creamy and delicate.
The mango was aromatic and tropical, like a perfectly ripe fruit; you can smell it before you even taste it. Bright and juicy, sunshine on a stick. The flavor was bold and bright, and for a second, I forgot it was gray and 14 degrees outside.
These treats hold their shape, even upside down on the table. They barely softened. No drips. No sticky mess. It’s perfect for kids or anyone craving a little whimsy in their desserts.
Dessert was delicious, yet I wanted to see what they take pride in, the creations they make in their own kitchen. I told them to surprise me.
More than dessert
First came the quesabirria taco: double corn tortillas, tender shredded barbacoa, gooey melted cheese, onions, cilantro, and a cup of consommé for dipping. That first dunk sealed it. The broth, a dark amber, was rich without being too salty; herbs danced throughout, adding a touch of freshness. The tortillas were crisp, the beef juicy, each bite perfectly balanced.
Then came the Cali burrito: steak, queso, lettuce, sour cream, guac, and seasoned fries tucked inside- yes, fries.
Every bite, an explosion of flavor: creamy queso and sour cream, bright guac, savory steak, and crispy, seasoned fries adding crunchy texture. This was rich without being heavy, indulgent without going overboard; everything worked in perfect harmony.
Mid-bite, the table next to us leaned over. “What did you get? That looks amazing!”
It’s impossible not to swoon.
We have plenty of Mexican food options around in Mansfield, but this is something I would drive back for. Viral ice cream may have brought me to Marengo, but the food made me want to stay.
But it does beg the question…
How did viral Chinese fruit ice cream end up at a Mexican restaurant?
Partly to honor the building’s history, “This used to be an ice cream shop a long time ago,” Luis said. “We wanted to give that back to the community.”
What started as a Facebook post turned into a steady stream of curious customers.
“We offer these things closer to our community, so you don’t have to go all the way to Columbus to find unique stuff,” Luis said.
The heart behind Abuelos
“We’re just normal people with big dreams,” Milibeth said.
Abuelos Mexican Grill is run mostly by Luis and Milibeth, who built the menu from the ground up, testing flavors, tweaking recipes, and combining family wisdom with their own ideas.
“Abuelos means grandparents,” Milibeth explained. “We wanted to make this a place where everyone feels welcome, like you’re at your grandparents’ house, where you feel the love, you’re spoiled, through the food and through everything.”
Walking through the doors, you feel it — the warmth isn’t just in the tacos or viral desserts, it’s in the intention behind every choice: the smells, the greeting, the small touches. Small-town charm without pretense, big dreams without ego.
Viral ice cream might get you in the car, but the heart, the food, the story, this is why you return.
Abuelos nachos: topped with melted cheese, beans, choice of meat, lettuce, pico, sour cream & guac (photo from Abuelos Mexican Grill) Credit: Abuelos Mexican Grill 
Loaded fries nest: crispy seasoned French fries, drizzled with queso, topped with meat, lettuce, pico, chipotle sauce, sour cream & cheese (photo from Abuelos Mexican Grill) Credit: Abuelos Mexican Grill 
Double corn tortilla: topped with meat, onion and cilantro (photo from Abuelos Mexican Grill) Credit: Abuelos Mexican Grill 
Cali burrito: season fries, meat, queso, lettuce, sour cream, and guac (photo from Abuelos Mexican Grill) Credit: Abuelos Mexican Grill 
Fried tortilla bowl: filled with rice, beans, meat, lettuce, pico, sour cream, Chipotle sauce & cheese (photo from Abuelos Mexican Grill) Credit: Abuelos Mexican Grill 
Torta Supreme: butter-toasted torta bread, beans, meat, lettuce, pico, sour cream, guac, ad melted cheese (photo from Abuelos Mexican Grill) Credit: Abuelos Mexican Grill 
Enchilada burrito: filled with rice, beans, meat, lettuce, pico, topped with enchilada sauce, cheese & sour cream (photo from Abuelos Mexican Grill) Credit: Abuelos Mexican Grill
Bite Club: a local column highlighting the food, flavors, and stories that make our communities special. Know a hidden gem or a must-try order?
Email me at Shelbi@SourceBrandSolutions.com.
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