We refuse to compromise on quality in our restaurant. That's why we source our fresh ingredients locally. No matter what time of year, you can be sure you're eating the best of the season. Abuela's traditional recipes with a modern twist!
I was not very impressed by any of the things I got. The only thing that was good is the mango margarita.
The chips weren't very good and the salsa was decent but really really mild. I got the salad and was disappointed that it was all lettuce and only a few bits of corn, black beans and pico. Disappointed by the vegan options and the fact this salad which could have been amazing was not good.
Our server was really nice and helped us get everything we needed. But the food I got wasn't amazing. My group liked some of their tacos.
This place stood out for it's Elote queso. It's worth every Penny!
I ordered the #4 combo with coastal (shrimp) enchilada & a fried fish (pescado) taco. The enchilada was good, especially with the cheesy sauce on top!l.'
My fiancé ordered the tequila chicken burrito with red and green sauce on top.
Service was great too.
For what it's worth, I think Cantina is a nice addition to an area that is in desperate need of locally-owned Mexican restaurants that dare to go beyond the typical Tex-Mex and Chipotle rip-offs that oversaturate these types of neighborhoods.
Cantina is owned by the same restaurant group that runs The Social on 83rd, as well as the Haymaker. If you're impressed with those restaurants, you'll likely be impressed with what's offered here.
My girlfriend and I have dined here twice and I feel that their guacamole and elote are both solid choices if you're wanting some quick appetizers. Tacos are just okay, but neither one of us were really impressed with their carne asada. As for enchiladas? Sorry. We've been spoiled at other places and should have known to not even bother.
For dessert, I was pleased to see an old favorite of mine (fried ice cream), which is everything that good fried ice cream should be. Plus, it's not priced like you're ordering another full-blown entrée, which is a good thing.
Honestly, under most circumstances, I'd probably be a bit harder on Cantina. However, given what else is available in the area, I think Cantina is just fine. Servers are friendly, the environment is fun, and the prices are fair.
Decor, service, and ambiance are the best attributes that this restaurant has to offer.
I tried to get the chollo colada but they were out of something to make it, so I switched up to the Mexican mojito. It was a good mojito maybe a tad bit too much simple syrup but still had a great taste.
Followed that up with their white sangria which is straight trash. Just a $5 bottle of wine with orange rinds in it.
Got the loaded elote and dang is it loaded, so much so that it's difficult to get into without it going all over the table. Elote was basic. Middle of the road. They give you a small smattering of bacon on top which they could have mixed with the corn but decided not too. The pickled onions were absolutely great.
Great atmosphere, but the food and drink are lacking.