For Mexican Food So Wonderful It'll Make You Cry With Joy, Try Moline's Coya's Cafe

Doc Kaalberg

Pulling upto COYA’S CAFE , I see a grown man in the parking lot sitting quietly in his work truck.

He catches my attention because I see him with a half unwrapped burrito in his hand, and tears streaming down his face. I’m genuinely concerned, but I’ve yet to eat today and he looks like he wants to be left alone.

Inside Coyas it’s like part candy store part kitchen of magical offerings. I ordered the Carne Asada Burrito and Carne Asada Tostadas. Monday’s for meat eaters.

A glass bottle of Mexican Coke, and an order up later I’m back in the parking lot next to my brother in burrito. His face seems to be cleared up and he shoots a half grin and a head nod my way before he pulls out of the parking lot. I start my car up and turn the radio on. I have a long drive home so I figure a bite or two will help tide me over. I sink my teeth in for the first bite and Enya starts playing on the radio.

Who can say where the road goes

Where the day flows, only time

And who can say if your love grows

As your heart chose, only time

The flavor hits me so hard tears roll down my face.

My God, I can’t believe I’ve waited so long for this.

I can no longer imagine my life without Coya’s.

The taste is so amazing.

So fresh.

As I get towards the end of this magical burrito journey, another car pulls in.

I raise my burrito towards him, offering a smile and head nod.

He tips his hat, knowingly. I wipe my tears away and drive off.

Your friend in food,

Doc

Doc Kaalberg

Doc Kaalberg is a local QC Native of 35 years. He has traveled the world, and found himself at home here. He served with the famed 1st Infantry Division as a Combat Medic and after being wounded in combat retired to Moline, Illinois. Doc spends his spare time blogging and writing food reviews for the local QC food scene.

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