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Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana
Categories: Restaurants Delis Restaurants Mexican Delis, Mexican [Edit]
1215 S Germantown RdGermantown, TN 38138
(901) 751-1200
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
72 reviews for Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana
Review Highlights
"Best Mexican in Memphis and possibly the Southeast."
(in 22 reviews)
"...baked bread for tortas, Bohemias, watermelon agua fresca."
(in 3 reviews)
"...made tortilla chips, pico de gallo, guacamole, some lettuce..."
(in 6 reviews)
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72 reviews in English
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Review from Art L.
Culver City, CA
12/18/2011
Seriously good, delicious, authentic, modern Mexican food. Been here several times for lunch. Let's see, I've had De Huachinango (red snapper), De Carnitas Mexico City (shoulder beef); De Callo de Hacha Gigante (scallops) and De Huevo con Chorizo (egg with chorizo) tacos. I could eat the entire menu this place is so good. Unpretentious little place in a strip mall; seating is very tight and even more limited; owner is very friendly; ingredients are very fresh. Oh, plus they have home made tamarindo. How authentic is that? Highly, highly recommended.
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Review from Nancy K.
Memphis, TN
9/26/2011
We came here after reading the rave reviews on yelp and also after desperately craving authentic-tasting Mexican food in a land of bbq. My boyfriend and I both ordered the fish tacos, which were fresh and yummy. I'd give the tacos 5 stars but we're giving 4 stars just because of the price. These tacos are expeeeeensive. Yes, I get that they use organic ingredients and food from nearby farms etc but to pay $26.11 for two orders of fish tacos (this is including tax but no tip)? a little too much.
There are 4 tiny tacos in each order and they are single layered tortillas, which (I think) used to be double layered. why the downgrade?
Yummy but I'll be coming here once every few months to keep my wallet from being emptied out. -
Review from Kathryn K.
Memphis, TN
2/9/2012
Best Mexican food I've ever eaten! I go there at least once a week. Amazing menu with a variety of delicious options. The specials are often some of their best dishes. Go out of your comfort zone and try something new like the elote or oxtail stew. You will not regret it.
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Review from Andrew B.
Bethesda, MD
Being from out of town I found it a bit hard to find from the road as it is part of a new shopping center. Inside was very clean, and new feeling. I was greeted by the owner who was very enthusiastic and friendly.
The menu has a lot of Mexican choices. If your looking for American style tex mex you won't find it here but you will find of delicious sounding choices. How often do I find myself with the option to have a traditional tortuga$? $13.06 for a coke and a fish tortuga, (sandwich) and chips. I was told it would be about 10 minutes but it took about 8. The tortuga was good sized and served with a good amount of home made tortilla chips and a teeny tiny cup of pico de gallo.
The food was solid. I enjoyed it, and wouldn't be opposed to coming back if I eveer found my way near there again. -
Review from j g.
Arlington, TN
1/11/2012
Pork carnitas tortuga......ah don't compare it to any other mex u have had . In a class alone. Kinda rush rush so for first time come off hours to ask questions if needed. Does crazy lunch biz. Worth it! Quality over quantity.......
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Review from Janne Z.
Arlington, TN
1/4/2012
I'd call this place Mexican food, but NOT TexMex, CaliMex or New Mexican. I suppose I prefer New Mexican food, so not every dish tickles my fancy here. That said, the tamales are FABULOUS! Yes Pricy, but they do have two $$ by their name. The fruit drinks are very good, but again, pricy. You certainly can't eat here often. Word to the wise, if you want tamales, get there early as they tend to run out, I think they are hand made and judging by the size of the restaurant, they can only produce so many on any given day.
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Review from Shannon F.
Gilbert, AZ
12/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wow for Mexican in Memphis this palce is the best i have eaten here. I am from Phoenix where the is incredible Mexican food on every corner. I can honestly say that this is some of the best i have EVER had regardless of location. I hope they stay small so they can always stay on top of their game!
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Review from William S.
Arlington, TN
11/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
We have been coming here since they opened. The best Mexican food on the planet every time!!! I just started yelping but I would have given this place five stars every time and we been here at least 20 times! This place is by far better than any tex-mex you will find in Texas. I have been to several places in the Dallas and San Antonio areas. This in not your free chips-n-salsa, you get re-fried beans and rice with every cheesy Mexican place. This is the real deal!!
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Review from Mike K.
Memphis, TN
6/14/2011
So, it all began when I walked in and noticed how high the prices were. The high prices didn't deter a crowd and long line, but what if it was spectacular? I stuck it out. When I got to the front I asked if I could order a mix of tacos, the answer was no. All taco orders came with 4 of a single type of taco... okay, maybe they were really good, right? I ordered the tacos al pastor. (note: carne asada was a special of the day. If this place really was authentic to mexican food there is no way carne asada would be a special... its a staple. No amount of the pretentious attitude these guys have can argue the truth)
While waiting I read the various signs put up through the restaurant. "This is real food not border food made in a garage" and "This is food made by a mexican chef not menudo made by mexican workers" are a couple examples of the overall theme of their signage... I was a bit offended but still had hope for the food.
The food came. It was good. Not worth the price, ESPECIALLY if this place were to exist in Mexico City or in the border towns this place looks down on. The green salsa they have is the best I've ever had, though. Points for that. The food was good but it didn't taste "authentic" to me, I've only been Mexican my whole life, though, so maybe I don't have the qualifications required to rate this accurately. The white folks there loved it, though.
I'm harsh on this place because it was all a let down. If I were in Cali and had to choose between chipotle and this place, chipotle would win without a thought. I would choose most other border town Mexican places over this for the same menu items and a lower price. I'm not gonna go back to this place, the food was good, but not great. The price was high, too high. The restaurant was too small and crowded, it was all in all a bad time. Go somewhere else. -
Review from Gary P.
Memphis, TN
10/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
My wife and I stopped in here for a quick lunch. Thirty minutes later we got to the front of the line to order. This is a very small place but because of the quality of food, this place is packed. We had the Carne asada and the pork tacos, both were very good. The only problem we had was trying to find seating and the price. Four small street tacos are pricy at $12.95. Having said that, this is the best Mexican food in Memphis,
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Review from Larry S.
Germantown, TN
10/19/2011
Love this place. It is FRESH good food. Very crowded at lunch, but the line moves quickly. I love the snapper sandwich. It is run by father and son. Not your typical mexican restaurant. Highly recommend!
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Review from Lena M.
Memphis, TN
The food was pretty tasty. The atmosphere light and bubbling. The quantities were decent but not an exorbitant amount of food especially for the price (10$ for the main dish.)
Arrive either early or late but not at noon as the first come first serve seating is limited and somewhat small.
The owner is quite personable.
I may go again to try the sandwich.. but it is a lil pricey for my lunch budget, 20$ w the elephant tacos, flauta and a fountain drink. -
Review from T S.
Arlington, VA
9/23/2011
This place is fantastic....really really fresh food. I asked the manger to pick and it was great. Fish tacos and the watermelon drink!!!! Plus the staff is cleaning the bottom of chairs and tables....I love that!!! No one ever cleans that part, so refreshing to see!
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Review from A W.
Collierville, TN
7/9/2011
I would like to join raves reviews about Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana. The place is relatively clean. The decor can be described as modern: clean lines paired with bold colors and textures. The mascot is quite cute.
The food was absolutely fresh and light. Portions are of a European size.
De Huachinango was nice flavoured and mild. Pork in De Carnitas Mexico City was not salty and had good texture. -
Review from Gabby B.
Collierville, TN
6/21/2011
Great food! This is the only authentic Mexican food restaurant I have found in Memphis. The quality of the ingredients and preparation are far superior.
The agua de jamaica was perfect on a hot and muggy summer day.
The torta de carnitas was incredible. Great soft bread with juicy carnitas and fresh avocado. yumm -
Review from Sara D.
Tempe, AZ
1/13/2011
Bottom line- Deli Mexicana had fresh ingredients, a friendly atmosphere, and fast service.
The pros:
FRESH ingredients
Amazing fruit drinks (order the mango)
Crisp tortuga bread
The Cons:
A little bland (be sure to ask for another side of salsa)
Small place with few tables
I was surprised at how packed the place was for a Monday night. I figured that was a good sign! We were greeted by the owner who recommended the avocado toruga and mango juice for me, promising I would not be disappointed. My boyfriend ordered the filet tortuga. and the watermelon juice. We received our drinks, which were excellent! They tasted like pure fresh-squeezed fruit. However, the mango was by far the best of the two (watermelon was a touch too sweet). The meal itself was good (fresh, perfectly cooked), but lacked the kick I would expect from a mexican restaurant. Both of us could not detect any seasoning. My recommendation would be to ask for an additional side of salsa (they provide a VERY small cup for both the sandwich and chips).
Overall I would come back in! -
Review from Nolen G.
Canton, MS
4/4/2011 7 photos
After reading up on this place on Yelp! I was able to order with confidence the Brisket tacos, Fish Tacos, Guacamole and the BEST Corn I have ever had (must have)
As I worked down the menu I looked like a regular until I saw them deliver the corn and I asked "What is THAT!"
Perfect sweet corn on a stick rolled in what tasted like a mild blue cheese. Pepe described it to me as a Mexico City street vendor staple. I was not disappointed.
The place was packed! I had to talk my wife off the fence when we got there as it was full with no tables available. By the time our food arrived we had secured a nice corner table for 3. We squeezed the four of us in just in time for the guacamole and corn. We made quick work of this just in time for the tacos to arrive.
The brisket tacos were tops. I would say a full 10 out of 10. Portions are good, the meat was tasty and the toppings were fresh, fresh, fresh.
Fish Tacos to me were about 7 out of 10. I like lightly breaded fish in my fish tacos but my wife loved the grilled fish. The green guacamole based sauce that comes with the tacos was very spicy and nice.
We ate all of this with 2 beers and 2 sodas for $50. Not bad for 5 star authentic Mexican food.
Not Tex-Mex!
Check out my photos in the gallery! -
Review from Robert R.
Memphis, TN
3/24/2011
I had heard that this place was good. I was not disappointed. I lived in Austin for two years and sampled a lot of delicious Mexican and Tex Mex. Since then, I have missed great quality and delicious Mexican food. I can honestly say that this place can hold its own against Austin's finest if not best them. Though the food takes a little bit of timeto get out, it is worth it. This is not a Chipotle or Swanky's were they throw diarrhea into a tortilla. This place uses the freshest stuff you can get and local if they can get it. You can tell all the food is slow cooked and cooked/seasoned well. I was with three other people and we all tried each other's food; each one was fantastic.
This is the way to do food, folks. It's not pricey, it's prepped and cooked perfectly, and all the people who work here were super kind.
If you haven't been here yet, go ASAP. I hope these guys open up a place in Midtown. I will eat there every week and bring my friends (note to mgmt: open a store in Midtown. Please!!!!!!!) -
Review from Marlin M.
Memphis, TN
3/9/2011
I've only been once, but I found it to be comparable to taquerias you find in California. I had the tortugas de pollo with chips and salsa and it was delicious! The quality of the ingredients was definitely top notch. I can't say much else since I've only been once (I plan on changing that soon).
My only complaint is that it's kind of cramped for space in there. I had to sit at one of the counters on a bar stool along the window crammed in between other people I didn't know. I prefer a more personal dining experience where I can sit at a table. -
Review from Mike L.
Littleton, CO
7/7/2011
This was my first time here. I had the fish tacos. The fish was good, but overall just okay fish tacos. I've certainly had better. The food here is over priced. The tacos came with pico de gallo, and a green sauce which they called guacamole. They are extremely stingy with both. If this place were located in Houston, TX it wouldn't last long. There are too many places there that do it better and cheaper, but being located in the bbq capitol of the world you could do worse. When in Memphis I prefer a Mexican restaurant hidden in Cordova on Houston Levee.
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Review from Judith B.
Memphis, TN
4/12/2011
I heard about this eatery a week ago and stopped in today for lunch. Pepe, who appears to own the place was sitting at the cash register and I asked for his recommendation. After asking whether I was eating in or taking out, and finding out how long it would be from the time I was served until I ate, he recommended the fish tacos.....they were wonderful, not at all expensive, and I appreciated the thoughtfulness with which he chose his recommendation. The fish was light (not fried), the flavor delicate, and simple, and it came with home made tortilla chips, pico de gallo, guacamole, some lettuce and cucumbers, and a wedge of lime.
The restaurant itself is a casual bustling place. If you are eating there, you order at the counter, and then take a table. The aroma is spicy and very appealing as well. I will definitely go back again and again to this place for lunch, and likely for dinner as well. -
Review from Kyle W.
Memphis, TN
7/9/2011
Perhaps I'm used to my Mexican food being more Americanized, but I was not entirely impressed. With all the 5 star ratings, I was expecting to devour everything on the menu. I had the tacos, and since i couldn't decide between the brisket and spicy pork, I got both. I was shocked that 8 tacos would cost me 26.11$, but i was convinced that Yelp would prove correct. I was wrong in my conviction. The shells of the taco weren't that tasty, even if they were authentic. The meat itself was actually delicious. The toppings were a little lacking. Also, almost as soon as I finished I encountered some stomach issues. I was not impressed, and the price is prohibitive for me. I don't mind paying for a quality meal, but I do mind paying for a stomach ache.
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Review from Jorge G.
Charlestown, MA
Updated - 12/2/2011
I am gonna have to start sending email requests to Yelp to ask if they can add six star reviews. Now we are finally settled in Memphis and have come to Las Tortugas a few times and it never disappoints. WOW is all I can say. Great food, super fresh, I attended Le Cordon Bleu in Boston and worked under some of the very best there, and I am very picky when it comes to food especially Latin one (born in Peru). This is the real deal, I have only found ONE other place in the US that is this authentic -as far as Mexican food this is IT- and this good. Mind the price, again you get what you pay for and the attention to detail (the small things like the real pico de gallo that once you try it you will be sold), the respect for the ingredients, the cleanliness of the place, the engagement of their employees (I was wondering about the "aguas frescas" and this lady behind the counter told me with exciment on her eyes "you MUST try the wantermelon one" and boy am I glad I listened to her), the atmosphere and personal touch of Señor Pepe and his son, I can go on and on. "I pity the fools" when I see reviews of other "Mexican" places, all the same tex-mex approach. If you want a breath of fresh air from the same ol' same ol' and be pleasantly surprised come to Las Tortugas.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/8/2011
This place was better than advertised. Good ingredients = great dishes. Owners (father and son)… Read more »
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Review from Elle O.
11/24/2010
This place is yummmyyyyy and fresh!
The fish tacos and sandwich are yummers....a lot of people rave about the juices, but I've never ordered them.
I took a star away because they are a bit pricey for a mexican restaurant -
Review from David M.
Memphis, TN
11/24/2010
Best Mexican in Memphis, period. On my visit I enjoyed a beef brisket soft taco. The beef was locally sourced, flavorful, and tender. The soft taco was a light little piece of heaven; the best comparison I can make is to the soft insides of a popover from Paulette's.
The owner has posted hilarious rants on proper Mexican cuisine next to the order window, and he is a delightful gentleman. -
Review from Noelle V.
Memphis, TN
9/18/2010
What a great discovery. I figured that Las Tortugas was like any other strip mall Mexican place, but it has that extra something.
It's more... interesting, I guess? The menu is better -- better options, really fresh food prepared in a more appealing way. It doesn't look like slop.
And the drinks! The fruit drinks are amazing. A little more -- around $4.50, but the watermelon is great.
It's a fun, affordable meal. -
Review from g s.
Memphis, TN
5/25/2007
Best Mexican in Memphis and possibly the Southeast. I've eaten there a few dozen times and it never fails to beat my expectation. I suggest asking them what's fresh. They love explaining their food and how fresh it is. Everything is hand selected and homemade.
I generally get their elephante (beef) taco or the chicken tinga taco (a special on a tostada that they will also make as a taco). They are also well known for their fish sandwiches (Tortugas is Mexican for turtle which their sandwich bread which is their specialty) and tacos. The guacamole is fresh. The queso de chorizo is fantastic (served with tortillas...not chips). They also have a corn dish (elote con mayonesa y cotija) that is unreal.
Their philosophy is everything fresh and homemade. This is real food and it takes some time, so be prepared if you show up between 11:45AM and 12:30PM. You will wait in line and may wait for a table. You can glare at those rude customers who have someone hold a table while someone else orders. I will refrain from commenting on the crowd other than to say it can be stereotypically suburban Memphis. That's not Pepe or Jonathon's fault. They know good food and they put a lot of love into it.
Here's another good review that goes into a lot more detail than I:
http://squirrel-squad....Listed in: Top Restaurants
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Review from Kerry C.
1/14/2010 2 photos
I had an order of fish tacos (made with red snapper) topped with cilantro, avocado, and some creamy, spicy green sauce wrapped in palm-sized corn tortillas. The tacos came with a side of chips, pico de gallo and more of the tasty green sauce.
Las Tortugas prides itself on serving the sort of authentic dishes that you would find at an upscale taqueria or torteria in Mexico City. There are no burritos, no chalupas, and don't even think about asking if the staff could add sour cream on the side. Instead, the restaurant serves tacos and tortas (Mexican sandwiches), elote (corn on the cob covered in mayo and cheese), and frescas (refreshing fruit drinks).
The tiny, popular restaurant is run by native Mexican Pepe and his son Jonathan (who is completely cute and charming). There are posters on the wall of Pepe skydiving, laminated copies of articles about the restaurant and signs that note that the staff doesn't care where you're from or what kind of Mexican food you're used to - this is their shop, and that if you just give it a try, you'll love it. -
Review from Heather S.
Lakeland, TN
1/15/2010
Las Tortugas is fantastic, but there are a few things you need to know.
1. It's hard to find if you've never been there. It's located in a rather nondescript and small strip mall, and the sign outside actually says "Deli Mexicana," not Last Tortugas.
2. You will not find cheese dip, hard tacos, nachos, or many of the things you expect to see on a typical Mexican menu. This is not your typical Mexican place.
3. You will probably get a long explanation about their food and why they serve what they do. The father and son are clearly proud of their work, and rightly so.
4. Yes, the price is high, especially considering what most people are used to paying for Mexican food. It's worth it.
5. Try to go during off-peak hours. The restaurant is small and can get crowded and noisy quickly.
This place is on my way home from work, so I often stop there for take-out. The food is phenomenal. The selection is mainly tacos and tortas (Mexican sandwiches), with a few salads and specials thrown in there. My favorite meal is the avocado torta. Fresh baked bread (scooped out so you get more toppings than bread), avocado, Mexican cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, roasted peppers. It's so unbelievably good that I don't even wince at the price. It comes with a side of chips and a small cup of their salsa tayde, an avocado based smooth green hot sauce.
Also not to be missed is their guacamole -- it puts any other versions I've ever had to shame. It IS the chunky version, with lots of pico de gallo mixed in, so be aware of that when you order.
Various members of my family and friends have ordered the fish tacos, steak tacos, and chorizo sandwich and declared all of it excellent. -
Review from Windella D.
Pasadena, CA
7/2/2011
This is some of the best food I've eaten,and to my surprise,it's in Memphis! I was visiting and my hosts took me there,they go often. Everything was great,fresh seafood,great chips. Really authentic food. The quality of ingredient s are excellent.
Place was crowded but I see why,everyone wants some of this wonderful food
I wish they would come to Pasadena! -
Review from Torri M.
I absolutely love this place ... the spicy avocado sauce - salsa tayde - is divine - I generally ask for extra even when what I order doesn't come with it normally. I am almost convinced it's good on everything and can make anything taste better!
Everything I have ordered has been great. The sandwiches are pretty large ... Light crispy soft bread Stuffed full of delightful yummy fresh things! I can make two meals off of one sandwich. The fish tacos are smaller than you may be used to but just as filling and wonderfully grilled - not fried. Soups are yummy .... Tamales are excellent. Flan is creamy and not to jello textured nor too sweet. Corn delightful, guacamole delicious. Well in truth I could just go on and on.
Definitely check out the fault specials. Everyone o have taken or recommended this establishment too is as equally impressed.
I was leery about trying Las Tortugas - I am not that fond of 'Mexican' restaurants found in the Memphis area and tend to just avoid them in general. I am very glad I did not let other restaurants keep me from Las Tortugas ... It is now the ONLY Mexican food I eat. I am sure that if you give it a go .... It just may be yours as well! -
Review from Richard B.
Chicago, IL
6/28/2011
Looking for unreal Mexican fare? Well look no further; you found it. This was the best lunch that I have eaten in the four weeks that I have been staffed in Memphis. I have two more days here, and I will not be shocked if I return both days for lunch...
I ordered the fish tacos (tilapia and red snapper ingredients). They come served with sliced avocado, lime, cilantro, and two types of salsa. Your basket also receives a handful of freshly fried chips. The portion size is perfect (4 tacos), and you pay a bit more than you would at the many of the other very average lunch spots in Memphis.
Also on the menu was a corn cob covered in cheese, mayo, and red pepper along with some delicious sounding pork or brisket tacos. I will be trying these soon for sure. The corn looked extremely interesting, but you have to try it based on the looks it brought to peoples' faces upon first bite. -
Review from Max M.
Memphis, TN
8/2/2010
Las Tortugas has been one of my favorite restaurants in Memphis TN for years now. It is one of the few Taquerias here in the city and for the most part the food is really consistently excellent.
Here are the things I like:
* The freshness of the food and overall quality of the ingrediants. The food is not masked by cheese and sauces. Its a straight up well executed experience of a Taqueria found in Mexico City.
* The fresh drinks are great! I really like the Melon, mango, and pineapple drinks. But, you really can't go wrong with any of the fresh squeezed juice options here.
I can't really recommend the corn here, but I believe most people will find plenty of options on the menu that they would really enjoy. If possible try to avoid the lunch and dinner rush. This place can get crazy busy around those times.
I look forward to my next visit to Las Tortugas and its always a nice change of pace from other restaurants here in Memphis. Las Tortugas should be part of your restaurant rotation here in Memphis for sure. -
Review from Deen B.
5/12/2009
Oh. My. Goodness.
My dad took me here today for the first time. I've been meaning to go for a while now, and I'm so sorry I have not eaten here sooner. The corn? To DIE for. Its covered in mayo, cojita cheese, and dusted with spice. I had the chorizo quesadilla. It was a little greasy, but then, what do you expect with chorizo? My dad had the chicken tostadas and they were fabulous as well. The presentation should also be mentioned - very pretty and original. Muy Bien!!Listed in: Lunch Time!
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Review from Mia C.
Coralville, IA
This place is from I interpret, upscale mexican street food, and it does not disappoint. I always stick to the al pastor, which he puts pineapple in!!! The little salad and chips on the side is a great addition, the salsas are delicious, and I absolutely love the avocado slices on top of my tacos. It can't get any more perfect than this. It's a little pricey for mexican street food but I guess it can be worth it to some. I also suggest getting the horcata, he makes it fresh! No powder like kool-aid, its the best I've ever had! Plus its awesome that Pepe works the front, hes nice and likes to chat a little bit.
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Review from Joey J.
New York, NY
11/2/2009
My only complaint is that their prices are a little bit high for the amount of food you get. That being said, it is some of the freshest and tastiest food I have ever eaten in my life.
I LOVE the fish tacos (and I laugh inside even when I type that).
The other reviewers here have a firm grasp on why to go. Note that this is not some sit down restaurant. You order at a window and your number is called. While the ambiance is not much, it is super clean and the family that runs the place is beyond friendly. If you haven't been, go!!! -
Review from m g.
Milford, CT
12/16/2010
Unfortunately, I never got to try the food here. When I got to the counter the nice older gentleman greeted me. I asked for a menu and a recommendation, instead I got a lecture on why Deli Mexicana is the best Mexican restaurant in the country (he beat his long index finger on a copy of a magazine review situated on the wall four feet above my head to back up his claim)
It appeared to me the menu was simply sandwiches (Tortas which they call Tortugas) and Tacos. Looking around it appeared the sandwich is about the size of an open hand and the basket contains 9-12 tortilla chips and a plastic container of salsa. The menu reflected prices between $9.95 and $19.95 (for a filet mignon tortuga).
I asked for a recommendation and was denied. "What type of meat do you want" the nice gentleman asked. In my defense, a worker behind the counter said the fish sandwich was the most popular. It sounded good to me but again I was denied by the nice old man. Ok, Chicken, I said. He said NO. I'm sorry. He was adamant that I didn't understand the way the food was prepared because it was nothing like anything else in the country. He got a little irate and said: This restaurant is not open to the general public, we only serve friends. You are not a friend so I have to decline your request.
I was sent to the door. I guess a 'friend' is someone who agrees you're the best in the country without ever having tasted your food, based on the enthusiasm of a slightly ego-maniacal patriarch who controls the clientelle by criteria of pre-approval. Maybe the reason the reviews here are so positive is because you're not allowed to eat there if you might have any questions or criticism of the establishment. I like to try my food (no matter how big the rants and raves) before I'm sold.
From what I saw the food appeared to resemble 'street food' which is some of the most savory and fabulous food in Mexico; fresh, made to order, fast and delicious. On the other hand, the sign of a GREAT mexican restaurant is when native Mexicans flock there for some home style food. I didn't notice any. The clientelle were hip, young, professional Americans. (edited to add: check out the profiles on these reviews. I rest my case) I think you're paying mostly for real-estate here. The food may be fabulous but the experience can be a serious deterrant. If you want to try this place make sure you show up with a smile on your face, nodding up and down and don't ask any questions.
A great restaurant provides food, atmosphere and great service. One out of three for the compliant client, zero out of three if you don't show up ready to be educated on your ignorance of real mexican food, and wondering if there's any way to beef up the portions with side dishes, etc. Nope, take it or leave it or be asked to shove it. -
Review from Rachel W.
Arlington, VA
2/6/2009
This place may be one of the best Mexican restaurants I have ever been to. I'm just glad it's in Germantown and not in Midtown (It always seems like Midtown gets all the excellent restaurants). One will see plenty of hip and cool Midtowners at Las Tortugas, asking one of the owners, Jonathan, if they will expand into Midtown so that they won't have to drive as far. Feel my pain, hipsters, feel my pain!!!
But I digress.
As Jonathan explains to new people who come to the restaurant, they will never get an order for a distribution food vendor, e.g., Sysco. They buy organic and make all their dishes from scratch. They also try to buy local to the area when they can (e.g., they buy the beef from farms in Tipton County). Otherwise, from what I understand, they buy everything else from Mexico.
The food may seem a bit expensive ($8 - $15 dollars for a meal item, $4 -$5 dollars for a specialty drink, like horchata), but one has to factor in the more expensive organic food, the imported food, and paying the workers to make the food from scratch. People swarm to this restaurant, therefore the price point must be more than adequate.
Now this point has nothing to do with the food. Pepe is an/the owner who came from Mexico, married a local Memphis girl, thus Jonathan was brought into the world (no idea if there are other siblings). I love my husband dearly, but if i was 10 years younger and single, I would be majorly crushing on Jonathan. This guy is *very* easy on the eyes. :)
The only unfortunate thing about this restaurant is that they do not advertise - they only go by word of mouth or by food reviewers judging their restaurant in various newspapers. If they would advertise just a little bit, it would not have taken me three frustrating years in finding a Mexican restaurant that I not only could stand, but actually like quite a bit.
I may submit this restaurant to Guy Fieri's "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" (I mean, this place could be considered a hole-in-the-wall) and see what happens. -
Review from Bob d.
Richland, WA
5/10/2009 1 photo
"While you are enjoying your meal at Deli Mexicana, ask yourself, "Where are my friends eating right now?" The answer? You're in the right place... they might not be! Smile... you win!"
~Pepe
This quote says it all about this restaurant. If you have found yourself in Las Tortugas, you win and your mouth is about to be very pleased with you.
I was completely taken off guard by this little gem of an eatery. My mother had read about this restaurant and so we decided to check it out. And my first impression, other than the note that it was a little out of the way, was that it was small and crowded. This is usually a good sign. Especially since we were there at what normally would be a lull between lunch and dinner.
If you show up when they are busy (like we did) be prepared to stand in line for a bit, but it will give you some time to peruse the menu and figure out which of the many tasty choices that you would like to eat. But be prepared, this isn't your normal Mexican restaurant. They even have a sign up telling you that if you are from a border state, not to try to tell them about Mexican food. They specialize in sandwiches and tacos as would be served by street vendors or small restaurants in Mexico. So there is no queso or nachos or sour cream or other forms of Tex-Mex but instead just amazing food like you would find (or so I am told) on any street in Mexico City.
The owner, Pepe, is from Mexico City and waited for years for someone to open up an eatery of this type in the Memphis area and when no one did, opened Las Tortugas as a hobby and it has found a home in Germantown.
They are very proud that they hand select all of their ingredients and will not take food delivery of any kind. They even head out to the local farms to get cheese.
If you want an amazing Mexican meal you need to do your mouth and stomach a favor and try this place out. It is well worth the short drive down to Germantown. And do yourself a favor and order up a side of the Salsa de Aquacate Tayde. Trust me on this. -
Review from t l.
San Francisco, CA
6/23/2010
This place has a great foundation for some yummy authentic Mexican food. All the ingredients are sourced and bought from local farms. The family that runs the business takes great pride in their establishment & fresh menu.
One wonders why more restaurants in the Memphis have not caught on to such an important trend in the food service industry?
I only have two issues with this lovely little place:
The first is the FOOD SCORE rating from the Dept of Health. It's too low for my liking. The score is 83 out of 100 as of 3/24/10. Now for some people this may seem fine but not by me!!! This score measures the cleanliness of a restaurant, food storage, pests, contamination's, cross contamination's with chemicals etc. I was really disappointed considering they let "new comers" know their history and talk with great pride about their establishment. The food score needs to be in the 90's range for me to consider this acceptable PERIOD.
Ever want to know a health food score rating...I just discovered the "pizza rat" application for the iphone!!! I love it!!!
The second issue is the lack of a Children's Menu or flexibility in meeting a picky eater in your party. Having sides would be a simple way to solve the problem or just developing a Mexican menu that caters to a child's palette.
Overall though...if the health food score was improved I'd give this 5 stars no problem!!!!!
