Cantina Laredo

 

7

15

Debbie R.

Austin, TX

Yes, it's a chain. Yes, it's not cheap. Yes, you probably shouldn't go here if you're having a hankering for some undeniably fantastic Mexican food.

But don't go here for the food. Go for the drinks. And if you have breasts, go on Thursday night. Thursday is Ladies' Night--a term I generally abhor but will embrace in this case. Margaritas are half-price, and ladies, they're good and strong. My definition of a good margarita is one that makes me want to stay out all night. After two of these, I never want to go home again.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

2

13

Jesse R.

Austin, TX

I went here for the first time the other weekend, and I thought it was very good, and the service that I had was very friendly.

I had the Durango plate, and the Mole sauce was good (better than some of the other attempts I've had around town).  The chile rolleno was very good (they seemed to have used a good quality chile and cheese).

But, seriously, folks, go for the flan.  THEY HAVE THE BEST FLAN I HAVE EVER HAD.  Maybe it was because it was "brand-new" (the waiter first told me I couldn't get it because it was too early and they hadn't made it yet.  When I looked sad, he told me to hold on; he went to the kitchen and actually got one they had JUST finished.  That's nice service).  So, yes, the flan was GREAT.  It had this hint of orange in it that really made it outrageous.  

The margarita was good, too.  I honestly don't care if it's a chain.  Not all chains are evil.  No, this isn't a local restaurant (although need I point out that even chains employee local citizens), but it's good.  And, I agree, this is not cheap Mexican food.  But, do you always have to eat cheap Mexican food?  I think the answer to that should be, "No."  

Try Cantina Laredo.  If you don't like it, then, well, you at least can right another negative review.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

9

63

Charity E.

Austin, TX

I sat out on the patio for a mid week happy hour. It was nice because the patio is shaded in the late afternoon. The margaritas were strong and a good deal. The queso was average. Waitstaff was friendly, although did tip a pitcher of ice water on my lap which wasn't fun. And afterward, only offered an apology, not even extra napkins to clean myself up.

I didn't try ordering anything else off the menu. I would say this place is only mediocre, which is expected of a chain restaurant.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

0

5

Carl W.

Austin, TX

My Quest for decent mexican food took me to this overpriced 'high end' chain.  I believe they are owned by the cool river folks.  The food is decent but incredibly overpriced.  I believe that you are paying for the decor more than for the ingredients.  Drinks are not bad but also not cheap.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

2

3

Etienne P.

Austin, TX

We had a great experience at Cantina Laredo this last Friday night.  We got there around 6:30 and the restaurant wasn't packed.  The atmosphere is warm and welcoming and the place is very clean.

Service was prompt and efficient.  Our waiter was courteous and suggested a very good tequila for our top-shelf margaritas.  The margaritas were delicious and big! I disagree with the other reviewer who said that the tequila doesn't matter if you're going to add a bunch of cheap fillers.  From personal experience, a higher quality tequila makes a world of difference in margaritas made with fresh lime juice and Cointreau instead of cheap margarita mix. Of course you wouldn't want to put some top dollar tequila in there, but a reposado or a good silver tequila will be much more enjoyable than your bottom of the barrel cheap tequila. But I digress!

This place calls itself a gourmet mexican restaurant and offers higher end items on the menu. Don't go there and expect to pay Maudie's prices, you will be sadly mistaken.   We always order the "top shelf" table side guacamole. It is guaranteed fresh since they make it right in front of your eyes.  Delish! No brown mystery guacamole there, period. You even get to decide how hot and garlicky you want it.

I had the sauteed shrimp shrimp basted in garlic butter.  It comes with rice, sauteed veggies and the butter sauce on the side.  Perfect for diet-conscious diners.  I ordered a couple of flour tortillas with it and made myself a couple of tasty shrimp soft tacos! The shrimp was cooked to perfection (I am very picky about my seafood) and the butter sauce was delicious.  The veggies were funny tasting to me though.  Not because they weren't fresh, but just the way they were prepared.

All in all, a very good dining experience.  Probably not the place you'd go if you are looking for a cheap and quick tex-mex meal, but it's a great place to bring friends a family from out of town.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

28

29

Jens B.

Austin, TX

Last night we dropped in on ol Cantina.  We usually sit up at the nice big marble bar.  Bartender immediately came over to us, and we ordered some drinks.  I got the top-shelf margarita, which was quite tasty, and Sue her vino.  We were hungry, so ordered the guac done table-side, and in this case Bar-side.  Ok, this is weird, but they have a guy that works the bar area, that just gives me the creeps.. I don't know what it is about him.. just ick.  We decided to share a plate, instead of getting one each.  Enchilada's Vera Cruz was excellent, and when it was brought to us, they split it on two plates with full sides.  Now, I had another rita, and we had done HH at Fado's, so we can't remember whether they charged us extra for the split plate thingy, but nonetheless it was a very nice gesture.  - 1 star for prices which are err.. pricey, and -1 star since they do not offer Tio Chon Enchilada's.. oh that's Maudies...  :)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

5

7

amanda v.

Austin, TX

A trusty workweek lunch-place. A few points, though:

- It's not cheap.
- The "cup" of soup is actually a small(er) bowl; when paired with a house salad, it's a perfectly sized lunch-meal.
- The queso is excellent on some days, and lukewarm and chunky on others.
- The pepper salsa is my favorite; I'd drink it if it weren't for the tasty margaritas.
- Speaking of, the margaritas are occasionally too potent for workweek lunch drinking.
- Though not listed, you can also order the soft tacos with sauteed vegetables (a delicious option with onions, peppers, tomatoes, green beans and potatoes).

Also, I always find I have a better dining experience when I sit in a booth. And since Cantina feels a bit cramped to me, I recommend waiting for one.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

0

8

T. G.

Austin, TX

All I can say is service is horrible.  The waiters and waitresses are slow the kitchen is slow.  I am big on service and if it is bad it doesn't matter how good the food is, the food starts turning bad.  If you go there just notice the waiters and waitresses disappear in the back and don't reappear until 10 minutes has gone by.  I wonder if they are chatting or taking smoke breaks, I don't know but it is slow.  Bringing out the food is also slow it doesn't matter if it is just you and someone elso or a big group.  Big groups are worse I think because they can't seem to the get the order right or forget and order.  Two out of the three times I have been there they forgot my friends order.  Another time, they made a mistake on my friends credit card and charged the full meal of 8 people on it when 7 of the people put in cash and all the manager can say is 'we all make mistakes'  Thank goodness it wasn't a life and death situation where I can say 'we all make mistakes.'

I tend to write more but I am tired today will update soon.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

95

284

Isabelle K.

Austin, TX

I love their patio. Sitting outside in downtown and enjoying breeze and the green tea smell from the spa nearby is wonderful.
The food is good too. I love their grill, especially shrimp skewer. I like their chicken taco too. Full of flavors. Cheese based food is OK.
This location doesn't have mosquitoes outside, but if you walk one block to 2nd street and around Rue restaurant, there are a lot of mosquitoes. Don't know why.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

79

231

matt S.

Austin, TX

Checked out this place Friday night and it was OK.  We had the Botanas Platter which was an assortment of appetizers.  The shrimp skewer was the best, very tasty.  We sat outside and there was a breeze which made it very pleasant. The rest of the appetizers were OK, nothing to write home about.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

3

5

Rene F.

Austin, TX

Some of the entrees are a bit pricey compared to most ultra-casual Austin restaurants, but still within medium range. Friends and I have been here quite a few times and every entree we've tried was of excellent quality. The freshly made table-side quacamole is wonderful in that you can ask the server to spice it up (or down) however you like. But my very favorite thing about Cantina Laredo is the Mexican Brownie -- a huge pecan brownie brought to your table on a platter sizzling with melting Mexican Brandy Butter and topped with a huge scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. It is decadent and delicious and worth the trip.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

2

12

Dominique F.

Austin, TX

I have never been so upset at a restaurant in my entire life.  I am a strict vegetarian, and since they have almost no vegetarian choices on the menu, I ordered cheese enchiladas.  No where on the menu did it say that they come with a carne asada sauce. Why would anyone put a meat sauce on cheese enchiladas?   I live in Austin and order cheese enchiladas all the time and I have never had one put a meat sauce on it unless it specifically said so on the menu, which of course then I ask for something different.  When I complained, the manager blew me off, like it was normal to do so.  I will never return to this restaurant again.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

300

417

Michelle C.

Austin, TX

This place is decidedly meh, IMO.  Food is totally overpriced and not very good.  I like their salsa, and the "made fresh" guacamole appetizer is very tasty, but not $8 worth of tasty.  After that, it's all pretty  much downhill from there.  I've had their tacos al carbon, their fajita salad, and their ceviche - all meh.  Tastes like chain restaurant food...because it is.  Plus, you have to jockey for street parking and the atmosphere is totally boring.  There is no dearth of excellent Mexican food in Austin; save your money and spend it on the good stuff.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

113

428

Larry M.

Austin, TX

Not bad on a lazy afternoon. Margaritas are large and comparable to the price, UNLESS you get the expensive tequilas which is dumb since using  a filter on a kick ass tequila is pointless.

The brisket tacos were fine, not like I'd-do-you-if-you-were-a-person, brisket-taco good, but fine. Once I added the pepper flake salsa (not the bland standard salsa) to them, however, awesome.  This sauce could go on bread, sorbet, cereal...and still be delicious.

Corporate-looking space inside, but calm compared to hustle and bustle out. Service was attentive and laid back. Worth comparing to our more illustrious and unique gourmet Mexican joints, but pricey in the little money maker that is our 2nd Street district.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

328

361

Kevin N.

Austin, TX

Here's the thing about Cantina Laredo.  I'm sure that it's going to get panned by the 'Mexican Food elite' in this town...the food isn't particularly ambitious but is well made, the atmosphere isn't haute or completely original but is entirely comfy and welcoming.  When I stopped in this weekend, it was packed.  My meal was satisfying and hit the spot, the beer was cold and the service prompt.  And the way I see it, I'll give up a little hole in the wall with irregular hours for something I can count on.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

19

86

Stephen V.

Austin, TX

I loved this place when it first opened - but that was mostly because they were giving away free margaritas since they didn't have a liquor license.  And they're big margaritas - but certainly not $8 margaritas.  The warmed salsa is delicious and I enjoyed the chili relleno and pork enchiladas, but nothing to defend the price.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

0

10

M S.

Austin, TX

Not too pleased with their food.  Their queso was not tasty at all and  their food is overpriced.  They do have some good fajita nachos though.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

38

234

Kyle V.

Los Angeles, CA

This place is a bit pricey for what you get. So make sure you are not paying if you do come here. That way you can appreciate the food for what it is and not feel ripped off in the end.

I think all things are not created equal on this menu. I give really high marks to the CAMARON POBLANO ASADA. It is a pepper filled with cheese, mushrooms, and shrimp wrapped in steak, and it is amazing. The freshly made avocado is...really refreshing. Mine was made with a bit too much spice, you might ask them to lay off on that unless you are a big spice fan.

All in all, another comfortable dining experience.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

195

455

Susie G.

Austin, TX

Bleh and Boo. Not only did they sneak secret jalapenos into the queso, but they charged out the butt for the margaritas, shoved us in an aisle so people would step around/over us to get past and charged so much for food I literally turned white when I saw the menu ( I was dreaming of my credit card getting declined post dinner cause of the prices.) The waiter wasn't too friendly. I'm not sure how a place like this could survive downtown with such a bad atmosphere. The fajitas were good. A friend and I spit them. Not worth the price, but at least the food is yummy.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

7

63

Anthony I.

Austin, TX

You can skip this 'cantina' entirely.  There were no weird aliens playing annoying synth music, no Han Solo, and no Greedo -- so they might as well just call it the Laredo substandard mexican food joint.

The $8 standard margarita didn't match the stuff you get from a mix at home and was way too small to get the job done.  I would start discussing the failure of the food to measure up to my dining expectations, but it's just not worth it.  Let me put it this way -- the only area with which I found no complaint was the service.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

4

19

Chris L.

Austin, TX

If you are going to open a Mexican chain restaurant in Austin, it had better be good. Unfortunately, this chain restaurant doesn't come close to par to the other Mexican restaurants in the downtown area (Las Manitas, Manuel's, El Chile, Guerro's, El Sol y La Luna, etc...) The premium margarita was from a mix - frankly, it could of been Chili's! The server was unsure of what type of sauce came with the enchiladas, nor was she too eager to find out. The prices were ridiculous, given that the food was poor. With all the great mexican restaurants in Austin, give this place a pass.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

0

43

gray v.

San Francisco, CA

too drunk to remember the food but mostly, not impressive. expensive...that i remember

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review