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Cafe Azteca
- Hours:
Mon 11 am - 3 pm
Tue-Fri 11 am - 9 pm
Sat 12 pm - 9 pm
Sun 3 pm - 9 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
80 reviews for Cafe Azteca
Review Highlights
"Best Mexican food we've ever had."
(in 8 reviews)
"I cannot wait to go back."
(in 3 reviews)
"Bring on the margaritas - which were awesome."
(in 11 reviews)
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80 reviews in English
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Review from John I.
Andover, MA
12/3/2011
Highly recommended whether you're a couple or a family out with the kids. The food is amazing - truly the "real deal." Cost is modest: my wife and two children have a great dinner for about $55 (including a drink for me and my wife).
The interior decor is wonderful and the service is good. There probably is no other reason to visit Lawrence but this is the one reason you need to be there. This is the sort of place I leave thinking "man, I am so happy Cafe Azteca is around." -
Review from Deb S.
Methuen, MA
1/15/2012
Best kept secret in Lawrence! Incredible food at incredible prices.
Highly recommend this place to anyone looking for great food! -
Review from Stephanie Y.
Plaistow, NH
1/11/2012
Good food, big menu ( something for everyone) reasonably priced. Great margaritas, service good, beautiful decor. Super busy most nights, expect a wait.
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Review from Dan R.
Lawrence, MA
12/28/2011
Great traditional Mexican food. The atmosphere is excellent. It transports you from a New England mill city to a family kitchen/dinning room in Mexico! Food is good, portions are just right and the service is helpful and courteous! If you are in the Merrimack Valley, you have to eat here.
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Review from patrick S.
North Andover, MA
7/20/2011
To start let me say, I LOVE Mexican food. I am obsessed with Mexican food...I am generally disappointed with Mexican food in the North East...that is, until Cafe Azteca entered my life.
This place is amazing and a truly hidden gem. Easy to walk by from the outside with a helpful sign advising motorists to "take any valuables with you" before parking...once you go in, you'll forget all about where you are.
The decor is incredible, Day of the Dead motifs, a mariachi guitarist in full garb (but not at all cheesy amazingly), and a menu designed by a clearly talented artist serves as a sort of "scavenger hunt" for all of the art in the place (would be great to keep kids and drunk friends busy while you tuck into the best Mexican food in MA).
The food...wow...what to say? It is perfect. Homemade salsa, authentic Mexican dishes, and some American influenced favorites...but it really is an education in Mexican food. They do it right.
The staff is not only friendly and helpful, they're all passionate and knowledgeable about the menu. Absolutely go for the daily specials or anything the server recommends. I love a restaurant where I don't have to order, I just have to tell the server what I'm in the mood for...this is that kind of place. Want a lighter seafood dish? Done. How about a meal that will sit in your gut for hours giving you the pleasant lightheaded super full sensation that comes form pork, cheese, and lots of beans? They're on top of that too. Oh, and the drinks are just as incredible.
Priced just right, this place is destined to become my new favorite spot. -
Review from Ryan S.
Atlanta, GA
7/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you are in or around Lawrence (Im sorry if you are) give this place a shot if you are hungry. You might go through some sketchy looking areas but will end up in a fairly pleasant downtown park.
The place is poorly marked but its there and its probably open. Inside you will find a friendly staff, some decent tex-mex and good dessert. :) -
Review from Patrick H.
Melrose, MA
5/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
So... you're probably not thinking of Lawrence Ma as a dining destination, but I have to say, if you are looking for authentic Mexican cuisine that is a true notch above the ordinary, Cafe Azteca is well worth the visit.
First, the decor is delightful. A series of rooms, with a variety of art and Day of the Dead decor greets you.
Chef (direct from Mexicon City) owned and operated...the food is no less than spectacular from the ubiquitous chips and house made salsa to the standard Mexican fare you may be accustomed to seeing but rarely get at this level of finesse and execution.
However, do yourself a favor and skip what you're used to from a Mexican restaurant and listen intently to what the specials of the day are. WOW!
On our most recent visit, I had a scallop dish that knocked my socks off!
Additionally, the service is fantastic. -
Review from Sebastian S.
Windham, VT
11/9/2011
Excellent food, great waitstaff and easy on the wallet.
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Review from Jason P.
Lowell, MA
11/15/2011
We have been to this restaurant two times, and all 4 people that went loved it! The service is wonderful and so is the atmosphere! We have ordered many different items off the menu, including there margaritas, and all of it has been tasty and delicious. We even like the fresh chips and salsa served right away. Go Cafe Azteca!
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Review from asra a.
East Haven, CT
1/12/2012
wasn't impressed with the service, waitress did not come to check up on us, literally just took our order and brought us our food. food was ok, although my friend was vegetarian the waitress forgot to mention that they use chicken broth in their rice. place is cute, food was ok- i ordered a chicken chipotle tamale which the waitress said as spicy and it definitely was not. did not order dessert due to crappy service.
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Review from Bill G.
Salem, NH
1/21/2011
I made my first visit last Friday night. Where the hell have I been for the past 10 years?? I can't believe I haven't eaten here before! My wife and I met 2 other couples for dinner. The parking was easy and free on street. Just pay attention to the sign because one of our friends parked about a block up in a 20 minute only zone and found out they do tag at night!
I had the Mole Poblano and it was awesome! I have to admit I had never even heard of Mole before never mind try it until I saw some reviews her on Yelp. I am so glad I tried it. It was great. My wife had a seafood special that she said was terrific as well. Everyone enjoyed their meals. The margaritas were very good. We had the sampler plate for an appetizer and it was very good also.
The Chef's wife (owners) came over to our table to tell us what was on their specials menu for the evening. All of the staff were friendly, attentive and prompt with our orders.
I will visit this restaurant again. The prices were reasonable. In fact, I think I will see if I can talk my wife in to us doing take-out from there tonight! -
Review from John B.
Andover, MA
Updated - 8/29/2011
Great food but the waitress was kind of rude. Ive been there two dozen times at least . A tv at the bar would be nice :)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/1/2009
I have been to this place over a dozen times and I think this place has the best Mexican food… Read more »
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Review from john g.
Melrose, MA
11/14/2010
We had dinner there last night and the place was absolutely packed. The server said a local newspaper had just ran an article on them that generated quite a bit of interest. The bar was small ('cozy') and we were able to get a couple drinks and waited ~ 45 minutes for a table. The bartender was friendly but obviously over worked.
The chips were good and the salsa fresh, but bland. I asked for hot salsa and they brought a green mix that wasn't spicy at all. We ordered the guacamole as an appetizer and received a big bowl of creamy guac and more chips - it was good and unlike any guacamole that we've had before.
The GF ordered shrimp fajitas and I had the puerco a la crema and it was good but again, bland. It was suppose to be mildy spicy with cheese on top but had neither. The server was friendly, but clearly frazzled. The owner came over to say hello and see how everything was with our meal. The menu had a nice variety of dishes not often found at other mexican restaurants and parking was easy. The prices were also quite reasonable for meals and appetizers.
A solid meal but nothing special this evening. -
Review from Daniel S.
Medford, MA
12/12/2010
Great Flan, just like my mom's, but don't eat it with whipped cream. I don't know where that comes from.
I also love the Mole, which is fairly authentic and tasty. I haven't strayed too far from this yet.
The salsa they serve with the chips is very tasty.
Margaritas are well prepared and well balanced.
Have had dinner with small and large groups, always pretty good experience.
The food's great, the service is good, prices are decent but on the high side; generally like this place very much. -
Review from Yoli D.
Boston, MA
7/4/2011
I love Cafe Azteca and get take-out from there almost weekly. Their enchiladas, fajitas, and burritos are very tasty. Chips and salsa good too, though I think they should be free with take-out as they are for dining in. The guacamole is too creamy, like they water it down or mix it with sour cream.
The prices change from lunch to dinner which is fine, but the the take-out menu doesn't point that out and there is no take-out menu with dinner prices. One day I went for lunch and tried a new dish that I really really liked. I liked it so much, I went back and ordered the same thing for dinner. Much to my surprise when I went to pick it up, I found that the dish was $3 more and when I got home and began to eat it, I could taste a distinct difference from the previous meal. The meal was very bland and the chicken had the funky-chicken taste to it. When I called to complain about the experience, the manager was short and unaccommodating. To me it's always disappointing when management of an establishment responds negatively, bc they are are a direct reflection on everything else in the restaurant.
Even though after that experience I took a break from Cafe Azteca for a while, I have now starting going back. Other than the one bad experience, I have had great food and great service every other time. -
Review from Jim H.
Methuen, MA
6/9/2010
We've been going here since they opened practically. It's easier since they added on a couple years ago.
This is our familiy's favorite place to go whenever we are celebrating a milestone. Our kids have grown up eating Azteca! Our daughter couldn't wait to get home from college to eat there.
I always try and have different things, and with an extensive menu, thats not hard to do.
On weekends, there is a strolling guitar player in the evening.
We bring friends from all over here and they love it too...
great homemade chips and salsa to start - and they sell bags of the chips as well.
Margaritas are awesome and thye feature several different tequillas too.
Well worth the trip into Lawrence. -
Review from Ashley F.
Boston, MA
5/11/2011
LOVE Cafe Azteca. There isn't a place around that I'd rather go to for mexican cuisine. Great atmosphere and service. Although Chimichungas aren't so out there, i'm a fan of Cafe Azteca's!
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Review from Christopher M.
Malden, MA
2/2/2009
Café Azteca serves authentic Mexican food in Massachusetts. That feat, in and of itself, is deserving of a positive review. However, once the shock and awe of finding Mole Poblano on a menu east of the Mississippi and North of the Mason Dixon Line wore off, I came to the disappointing conclusion that Café Azteca, for all its authenticity, really isn't that all good.
We arrived on a Sunday night to find the restaurant empty; not surprising given it was Superbowl Sunday, but I figured it could only mean more attention for us.
But in spite of the lack of customers, our friendly waitress had to leave mid drink order twice to ask the bartender questions, then later came back to the table twice to confirm what we had ordered. Fifteen minutes later, three drinks arrive, but it took another five minutes and a reminder for the forgotten forth drink to materialize.
My drink order was fairly simple; Don Julio Anejo, on the rocks. When the waitress set a glass down in front of my, I thought she was bringing me ice water - it was a full sized table glass with a bit of ice floating in it. Then I got a wiff - it wasn't water, it was tequila alright. My "tequila on the rocks" must have been a fifth of a bottle! And I was charged for a double as well, $16 for a shot of tequila. Fortunately I was too hammered to argue by the time the bill arrived.
When dinner arrived, I was a bit disappointed. The mole poblano was as plain as it comes - a pile of rice, a couple pieces of chicken covered in mole sauce. While the chicken was tender and flakey, the sauce was unbelievable bland and the rice was dry/borderline stale. After a brief survey around the table, I found the burritos were well received, but the enchiladas verdes were also thought to be rather bland.
I give Café Azteca 2 1/2 stars, rounded up simple because they're not another Tex Mex burrito factory. And should I find myself in Lawrence with a hankering for an enchilada, I'll give them another try. But for the time being, they'll stand as a me'h in my book.Listed in: Fiesta en mi Boca - Mexican…
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Review from Lawrence M.
Glendale, CA
6/19/2008
My boyfriend highly recommended Cafe Azteca, based pretty much on memories from his childhood. As such, I walked into this hole-in-the-wall in Lawrence with ever-so-slight hesitation. I must say, though, that this place far exceeded any expectations or even hopes I had before visiting.
The chips and salsa were fresh, and we started out our meal with the queso dip appetizer. It was mildly spicy, really rich, and incredibly cheesy, with just the right smattering of fresh diced tomato and sliced scallions on the top. It was brought to the table hot, but not *so* hot that we would burn our mouths upon diving in.
For my meal, I had the enchiladas entomatadas - a pair of shredded chicken-filled enchiladas topped with a just-zesty-enough tomatillo salsa, sour cream, black olives, and avocado slices. This was served with a side of refried beans and rice. The enchiladas were absolutely delicious, and even though the black olive slices clearly came out of a can, everything else tasted unbelievably fresh. The rice was spiced just right and the beans were the perfect texture... not firm enough to pack into a ball and throw at someone (like at a certain Springfield, MA Mexican restaurant that shall remain nameless), but not so runny that you can't even tell they started their lives as, well, beans.
My boyfriend got a chicken burrito that he said was well above average on the flavor scale.
The only two areas where this place falls ever-so-slightly short are the atmosphere and the hours. The inside of the restaurant is just a little on the gloomy side for my taste, with a high, dark ceiling, one small window in our general area, and brick walls. The only saving grace were the 20 self-portraits of Frida Kahlo hanging around our table (that stern unibrow cheers me on even the darkest of days). Also, the restaurant is only open until 9 PM at the latest on any given day, so it's not really well-suited to night owls like myself.
HOWEVER - when we got the check, I damn well nearly fell out of my chair. For two entrees, two sodas (with free refills), and an appetizer, the bill only came to around $28. $28!!!! This is UNHEARD of for Mexican food of this caliber, or frankly any Mexican restaurant that isn't a Taco Bell. The value of this place is off the charts.
I highly recommend a visit to Cafe Azteca. The food is delicious, the service is friendly, and it's really, *really* cheap. -
Review from Matthew A.
Salem, NH
7/14/2007 4 photos
What a great little gem in Lawrence. I wanted to go here after reading other Yelpers reviews and they were spot on. This place is really cool and authentic.
Our waiter was quite scattered but our food came out fast and was delicious. Started with complimentary chips and salsa and the salsa was red and thick, not too hot or watery.
I ordered a pork dish which was thinly sliced pork with red onions, tomatos, spinch, in a tomalillo sauce.
My Dennis had his usual chicken burrito which was huge and filled with white meat and cheese. The dishes came with refried beans and rice. I also had a house magareita which was made perfectly.
The whole restaurent was very clean and painted bright colors with of poems and quotations painted on the walls in both spanish and english.
I took some pics which I posted for you all to see. I will def be back here. Our bill came to $34 w/o tip. -
Review from Minda H.
Methuen, MA
1/25/2008
From the outside, Cafe Azteca doesn't look like much (complete with bars on the windows) but inside it is like entering a cozy villa in a busy Mexican town. The atmosphere is miles above the standard Mexican kitsch found in most "authentic" restaurants, and the food is really great.
But , I do have to confess that Azteca has become one of those restaurants where I go and order the same thing every time, though I have sampled other portions of the menu. The portions are all large, the margaritas tasty, and the chips are usually nice and warm. Staff is always friendly, but the Chile Rellenos Petra truly rock. If you've never tried chile rellenos before, try these first - they'll set your standard from now on. If you are already a relleno fan, these will be your downfall. You might never be happy again in a place that doesn't do rellenos as good as Azteca.
Give this place a chance. The menu has lots of appealling choices(both standard and not-so-standard options) and a great deal of character. My bet is that you'll go home pleasantly surprised, and full! -
Review from Debbie B.
Stoneham, MA
9/24/2008
If you hail taco bell as a great place to get Mexican cuisine. Don't go here. If On The Border chains hold a special place in your heart- skip Azteca and leave more for the rest of us.
However if you are interested in what Mexican food is supposed to taste like- Make the drive to Lawrence and go here. The tortilla soup they have on special occasionally is one of the best I have ever had. I try and expand my choices from the menu but its hard since I fell in love with their homemade tamales back in '99. I compensate by tasting what everyone else got and its always fantastic (despite the fork stabs I get to the hands from my family).
The queso dip on the starter section of the menu is an all time favorite takeout item of mine as well.
The atmosphere is cozy- But I loved this place way back when it was literally a hole in the wall. It will not disappoint. And if it does- go ahead and hit up the taco bell in downtown Lawrence....I dare ya! :) -
Review from Ellen E.
Lowell, MA
10/28/2010
I've been going to Cafe Azteca for about 15 years now. Having had authentic Mexican food in my travels, nothing in this area has ever compared until I was introduced to Cafe Azteca.
The staff is friendly, helpful and always patient. We never feel rushed, despite how crowded the restaurant is. The food. The food is fresh, delicious, flavorful and always arrives hot. I don't think we have ever been there when Mary hasn't come to our table to see how the food is.
The restaurant has gone through many changes over the years, all good. As they have expanded their space, they kept true to the 'village feel' of it. Nothing was sacrificed as they grew, not the food, not the service and not the atomosphere. Mary and Antonio have done a wonderful job at building their business.
The worst experience we ever had at Cafe Azteca was right after they were written up in the Boston Globe. The line was out the door! We were disappointed that the secret was out on our favorite little restaurant!
Our children love being serenaded by Charro. When he sings traditional folks songs you can't help but feel like you have been transported out of Lawrence and into a small, Mexican village.
It's hard to say what to order, because often we will each order something different so we can all have a bite of everthing!
If you've never been to Cafe Azteca try it, you won't be disappointed. -
Review from Aimee G.
Salem, MA
4/24/2008
Now im not big on mexican food.....but boy this place is amazing. The food is yummy....drinks are yummy....and I love the quaint cozy atmosphere. Great place for a date.
The menu selection is huge and its hard to decide what to order, but everything that was ordered by my party was great. Our waitress was on the young side and probably not very experienced, so the service was not the best in the world and the food did take some time to come out because they were very busy, but it would not keep me from going again.
This place is in downtown Lawrence. Its on the small side and not very big on appearance....but definitely big on taste! -
Review from Chris C.
Danvers, MA
4/14/2010
This place is really good for Mexican food, as I'm sure all the other reviews highly suggest. I've been here only once, so I can only give it 4 out of 5 stars, but as far as I'm concerned, I will be coming back. I ordered the chicken enchiladas, which was made to perfection. The chicken was juicy and tender, and the enchilada gravy like sauce was very good without overtaking the flavor of the enchiladas. The flavor of everything just worked in perfect harmony, so to speak.
The portions are fair. You don't get too much, and they don't skimp you out. I think my dinner was actually portioned perfectly. You get free chips, which I think is expected at any Mexican joint. The atmosphere was electric, and the service was polite. It was a busy night, but we still got a table after waiting just about 5 mins, give or take. I would give this place a 5 out of 5, but I need to experience consistency before giving it such a rating. If my next visit or so holds up to what I experienced, the 4 out of 5 will turn into a 5 out of 5. I highly suggest this place to anyone who enjoys Mexican food. -
Review from dajian x.
North Andover, MA
6/16/2011
Good consist quality Mexican food and service. Plenty of room with good service. Waiting area by the bar. One room has attractive murals. Watched it expand from one area to its present large size. Usually there very good specials and very good dessert. Wide array of food; never had bad meal.
I recommend this place. -
Review from Kate G.
Burlington, MA
12/6/2009
It's 6:15 on a Sunday night, after first contemplating dining in we opt to go in and get take out. We had never been here before so I wanted to see the place and try what all the fuss is about. Now I get it. I definitely do!
This place is awesome! I had peeked at the menu online and had an idea of what we wanted but of course when I go to order it I forgot the name of MY dinner, so after just describing what was in the dish the staff knew what I was talking about even though as I found out it's not on their printed menu! A plus there! And they were so nice.
We got a BAG of salty chips, which were baked perfectly, and accompanied by a HUGE tub of sweet, and spicy red salsa; a Quesadilla Chiquita and a Fajitas de Pollo.
To say we were impressed would be an understatement. The meals were perfect, just enough on each plate. The sides were amazing! Best beans I have had, mixed with cheese = awesome! Friendly & prompt service. I cannot wait to go back.
Next time though we are eating in! The decor & atmosphere just waiting inside for my order was beautiful. This will be a definite food destination.
To think I have lived in Lawrence for almost 2 years and never went here. Now I know what I was missing!Listed in: I do like to eat..., Mexican
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Review from describe the f.
Boston, MA
10/2/2010
Nice location across from a park. Easy parking. A little slow to be greeted at the door. Be sure to sit to the left or in the back.
Drinks/appetizers: good house margarita. Good cold beer. Chips and salsa served promptly. Thick, sweet corn chips. Salsa is good and crunchy, but a little flat on the flavor. We ordered the budin de quacamole. It's not your typical guac, chunky tomatoes, jalapenos, and onions in a creamy avocado sauce. Delicious!
The rest of the meal was solid, too! -
Review from Dirgni S.
Chelmsford, MA
4/24/2010
I don't quite understand the high ratings. Yeah, this restaurant is better than Taco Bell, but it isn't good. The place is kinda cute and the service was fine.
When we were seated the waitress brought over warm chips and salsa. I liked the salsa.
I ordered the tamales. This place cheats on the preparation. The meat and other stuff is supposed to be rolled inside the masa. But here, they just made masa logs and put the meat on top -- along with some monterey jack cheese. I will say the masa was well prepared and the meat was pretty tasty. I could do without the cheese.
The rice was waaaay too salty and kinda dry. The refried beans were glop and should be replaced with regular beans.
Go to Tacos Lupita instead. Yum.
Note: If you give this place fewer than 4 stars be prepared for another yelper (who gives 70% of the places he reviews 5 stars) to send you messages informing you that he thinks you're a "douchembag" and a "dolt" for not agreeing with his high praise for the joint. I'm not saying who authored the messages, but if you go to the restaurant, "be sure and tell them Peter Rollins sent you." -
Review from Peter R.
Dennis, MA
11/11/2009
I can't believe I haven't done this place sooner. It's my favorite Mexican place. I've never met anyone who didn't love this place. I wish I (still) lived closer to it, I'd go all the time!
Try the chicken mole, you'll be really glad you did, y esté seguro decirlos que Peter Rollins le envió! -
Review from Mari H.
Billerica, MA
3/14/2011
Loved this place. Met some friends here so we had a party of 6 and there was a little wait, but it wasn't bad at all, plus it was FABULOUS. Very worth the wait!
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Review from Bob C.
Haverhill, MA
3/21/2006
I like Mexican Food but it is usually done el Taco Bell for Americans.
Not here------ Cafe Azteca serves authentic dishes -- if fact they do not serve Tacos. Service is great, prices reasonable and never a line. They just doubled their size, started taking creditcards and serving alchohol. Taken many people here -- they all loved it.
Best kept secret in Lawrence -
Review from Sarah P.
Revere, MA
4/28/2009
My hubby and I have been talking about going to Cafe Azteca for a few years now and we finally made it there a few weekends ago. It was really a delightful experience. It actually felt a little bit like the restaurants you find in Amherst, MA where I went to school (they have the best food out there!).
We went around 9PM and the place was packed. The atmosphere was cheerful and the other diners were respectfully enjoying their meals. The decor is festive with gorgeous bright colored murals on the walls and poems in Spanish and English. There was a mariachi singer dressed in traditional garb who had a lovely voice and he added to the fun.
The food was great! They give you fabulous tortilla chips and salsa to start with. We got a grilled vegetables and chicken quesadilla to start, and it was so delicious. The best one I've ever had. It wasn't greasy and came with delicious guacamole. For a main course I got a spicy jalapeno shrimp dish, and my husband got a chicken and spinach dish. Both came with rice and beans. Both entrees were perfectly portioned and great tasting. It was hard to choose an entree because they have a lot to choose from, so I will be going back for sure! They have all of the typical Mexican food offerings like fajitas and tacos but also a lot of things I had not seen before. The things we ordered seemed very authentic and were reasonably healthy too.
They have a few dessert options including flan (of course) but I was too full for dessert. The waitstaff was fantastic. The prices were more than fair. Overall, it was even better than I hoped it would be. A great place to take your family and groups because it is fun and there are so many great things to choose from. Definitely check this place out because you will not regret it! -
Review from Pickle P.
Jamaica Plain, MA
4/7/2007
Marisol has it right on. Cafe Azteca is great. Catering mostly to the more moneyed crowd from adjacent towns like Andover, Cafe Azteca is a little gem in Lawrence - and Lawrence needs gems. It's my hometown, and I've spent seven months eating my way through Mexico, so my standards are high all around.
It might be a little jarring for folks used to the Fajitas and Ritas cheese smothered version of Mexican - it's lighter, spicier, and mole is on the menu!
The chef and owner even came out to talk with us after our dinner, very nice. The staff was friendly, though not knowledgeable about Mexican food, and unprofessional as in "I'm so sorry, I forgot your friggin' plates." That aside, I love Cafe Azteca and highly recommend it. -
Review from Enthusiastic P.
Andover, MA
5/7/2011
We love Cafe Azteca. It's a favorite. Authentic, delicious food, tasty drinks, fun, friendly staff, and appropriate prices to boot. The colorful, comfortable atmosphere with tons of engaging stimuli is warm and pleasing. It's our stand-by; and I can't wait for our next visit.
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Review from Dave B.
Maynard, MA
11/27/2010
Not a bad place but I've had better. Good prices, decent selection, decent service. They brought me the wrong margarita but ran back a minute later with the correct one. For the money you get what you pay for. No reason to pass another Mexican restaurant to go here. But its not bad. Just on street parking, but if you go at night, parking should not be an issue.
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Review from Jessie Z.
1/23/2010
Love this place! it was just by chance that we ended up here and it was so freakin good! i can't wait to go back. a little off the beaten path (or at least my path) but so worth it. i had the tamales con pollo and they were killer! i'm dreaming about that dish. the prices were reasonable as well.
i'm drooling now just thinking about it. -
Review from Aileen T.
North Andover, MA
3/31/2011
5 stars for food and prices
4 stars for ambiance
3 stars for service
I'd recommend this place and we'll be back.
Yes the salsa wasn't totally fresh made but for a winter salsa in New England, it wasn't bad and my kids ate it up. The rest of our meals were very good, fajitas and chipotle chicken. The guacamole had either mayo or sour cream added which gave it a creaminess which was OK. The kids meals are sized for toddlers so order the sides if you have older kids. They charge fair prices for tasty food, so worth a try if your looking for Mexican in the area.
We were there on a Wednesday and the service was lacking and inattentive. We had to flag her down to get refills of our drinks. But it wasn't so bad that we wouldn't come back, it just could have been better.
And take other people's advice and ask to sit in the room away from the door. The draft coming in during the winter is COLD!Comment from Patrick G. of Cafe Azteca 4/5/2011
Cafe Azteca would just like to clarify that our Guacamole… More » -
Review from Kevin L.
Reading, MA
5/10/2009
Mexican twice in one week; made for a helpful comparison to last weeks visit at "Cielito Lindo."
Right off the bat, the atmosphere was an improvement. The layout was divided into three rooms of festive murals, exposed brick and hung artwork giving the illusion of being a much bigger place than it actually was.
Per usual, our seating was greeted with nachos and salsa, but this time the salsa was cool, fresh, chunky and delicious. Bring on the margaritas - which were awesome. Another improvement.
On to the veggie burrito for comparison. It was much smaller than "Cielito Lindo's" and with rice and beans served on the side instead, but it was still delicious - just different.
Overall, it was a great dinner and we enjoyed it better than "Cielito Lindo." I hear on Saturday nights they've got a Mariachi singer which I look forward to seeing on our next visit.
So far, so good. It'd be tough top this. Next time you're in the market for a great night of Mexican food, make it "Cafe Azteca." -
Review from Nathan K.
Chelmsford, MA
11/8/2010
This place is a true gem. I've been there several times and have never been disappointed. Staff is friendly, knowledgeable and, most of all, competent. The menu is excellent, with many authentic choices not often found at your average "Mexican" restaurant" (like mole sauce). Prices are very reasonable and the food is always delicious. And I have to plug my new favorite item: the bean dip is exceptional - I'm still trying to figure out how they season it.
