Imagine Bebe's as Biddeford's first step to a hip pub scene

The city has been trying in recent years to revitalize its old mill image, and it has definitely made some progress. This old mill town could really morph into a hip pub scene, not unlike Providence or even the Old Port, with a few more restaurants and pubs.

The signs are there in the ethnic eateries that line Main Street.

One we enjoy going to for music and drinks is Bebe's Burritos & Cantina. The atmosphere, hospitality, comfortable seating, service and appetizers are top-shelf.

We went for dinner recently and were a little disappointed, since Mexican food is a favorite. But we think Bebe's is worth a second chance.

The meal started well with housemade margaritas. The bartender checked to see how we liked them, which is always nice. Why just assume the customer is enjoying a house dish?

Also, while it may be a small detail, the tortilla chips are fresh and salty, not like they were dumped on our table from the last basket that sat out.

Given the place's name, we had to try a burrito, though it is not our favorite entree. We went with a chicken burrito ($7.99), but you can also order burritos with beef, sweet potatoes or roasted vegetables.

It was far from the best burrito we've sampled. It was loaded into the spinach wrap we specifically asked for, and the chicken was tender.

But all that rice is just not our thing, so this dropped Bebe's rating.

However, we also sampled a bowl of chili ($4.99), which is one of our favorites, and everything on the side from the garnish to the grated cheese was clearly fresh. The cheese nearly tasted organic, it was that creamy. And the chili was loaded with chunks of meat, not just ground beef.

The guacamole is homemade, and it's worth ordering extra ($2.99 small; $3.99 large).

The nachos ($6.99) are also done well, with homemade salsa in different flavors if you prefer.

We forgot to ask for a side of the pineapple, mango salsa ($1.99 small; $3.25 large), but given the spicy nature and freshness of Bebe's regular homemade salsa ($1.25 small; $2.25 large), we are going back soon to sample it.

We also want to try the fajitas and enchiladas.

In fact, Bebe's has so much going for it with its laid-back brick-and-wood space, roomy seating on different levels and lively music scene, we think it's worth exploring.

The Features Staff of the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram anonymously samples meals for about $7.

Bebe's Burritos & Cantina