Tequila Cantina Mexican Kitchen

Well I can't really report on the food because I didn't eat it. I waited a really long time for somebody to come in. Take my order. I did get chips eventually well only after I moved myself over to the bar. And the salsa was nice and hot spicy even though I did not request hot and spicy. But I did make it a point to ask if their taco salad bowl would have white meat, chicken or dark meat chicken if I requested the chicken. I was told it would be white meat. But after a really long wait to even get service, I was very hungry. When the Taco bowl came I took my fork and discovered ground beef which I don't eat so I was grossed out
Also, I requested an iced tea which came after the food and had a straw inside that the girl had put in there with her fingers as opposed to unwrapping so I didn't want to drink out of that straw. Basically they're not paying attention to what they're doing. The food might be good. I don't know but they're just not really organized about their service

Atmosphere: 3

Service: 1

11/2025 - Went in today anticipating a good lunch with attentive, friendly service, as had on several previous visits. Today was such a huge complete disappointment. The food for all 4 of us was awful and service was extremely poor with unsmiling, uninterested employees. Was such a surprise on how much this once very popular Mexican restaurant had changed. We had anticipated it being crowded, with a wait, on a major holiday week at 12pm. There were only a few tables occupied,, and now we know why.
Will not be back.

Very disappointing. I ordered a beef quesadilla which came with rice, beans, guacamole, sour cream and pico salad. The beef had so much extra juice that the flour tortilla was soggy and the cheese was in clumps. The rice was dry and stuck together in a mound and the beans were cold. My friend ordered the grilled chicken salad and while the portion of chicken was larger than the salad, it tasted okay. The leafy greens were wilted and the dressing was a packet of Ken’s dressing. The food was slid onto the table with little attention and without a word. The service was just as disappointing. Our waiter did not return to the table at all. We had to flag someone down to refill drinks and to get our check. I have to say that this was not typical for this restaurant. I have been many times with a large group, a friend or two or just my husband and the food is typically well prepared and the service is excellent. Not sure what went on today but it was totally lacking in all areas and it was not even busy.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 1

Service: 1

The food, and especially the service, here was disappointing. No further comment needed.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 2

Service: 1

Went there for last time tonight! One of the things I enjoy about Mexican food is the chips and salsa before the meal. I have complained several times to the staff about the salsa being too hot. Tonight it was inedible because it was so hot. Making the salsa that hot and not offering a milder salsa for those who don’t like it hot is inexcusable for me. They got the last of my money!

While the service is poor at times, not checking tables for more water, forgetting something you've asked for, waiting a long time for your check, the food was great! I think in all you will enjoy!🙂

Vegetarian options: Chili relleno burrito was wonderful. Had to take half home.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 3

Recommended dishes: L Chimichanga, Fajitas, California Burrito, Burrito

Every meal I've had there is great!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fajitas, Burrito

The staff need to be more friendly. I arrived on a Tuesday afternoon (the restaurant was quite empty) to pick up my food and while I was waiting for someone to come and greet me at the front counter, several employees passed by and seeing me waiting to be helped, did not even look at me or smile, let alone talk to me to tell me that someone would be with me in a moment.
It wasn't until a gentlemanly and cordial waiter, whose name I unfortunately didn't catch, saw me and immediately went to me and attended me very kindly. Whenever I go there I always have a bad experience with the service at this place. They are very cold.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 1

Nelly U or Nelky U or whatever her name is, she was terrible. The place was empty, and she took over 20 minutes for her to come back and take our order. We had to ask another employee to find her for us and let her know that we've been ready. At the end, I had to get up and walk around to find her so we could get our check to leave. We were there for a little over an hour when it was only 2 of us, and we were ready to order within 5 minutes. The service was terrible, and their food left much to be desired. Even their salsa for the chips was terrible.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 1

Recommended dishes: Burrito

Food was really good. But service was Terrible, Got the fajitas for 2. Gave no plates. Had to tr and get someone and ask for plates was brought 1. Finally at near end of meal, waitress finally came back. Said" everything OK" which I said NO. No plates. wanted more salsa and said no spoon or something to dish out food to share, waitress said " don't you have a fork and quickly left. OMG RUDE. so sad as like I said food was really good. Staff running around and would NOT stop when called them when passing. And no not that busy, nobody was waiting for a table. Get better staff.........

Parking: In a plaza. plenty of parking. We got right in front .

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 1

Recommended dishes: Refried Beans, Tortillas, Fajitas, Taco Salad

I love the shrimp tacos and the Tacos al pastor delicious drinks The red Sangria with a lot of fruits. Highly recommend.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

A friend recommended trying Tequila Cantina and this visit was our first time there. I was extreamly disappointed in the service. My friend asked that they omit the Pico De Gallo and substitute red sauce on the side in her order. Our waiter graciously agreed. Our food was missing the red sauce when brought out by another server and I indicated that the red sauce on the side was missing. He repeated my request and said that he would bring it right out...After finishing our meals, it never came. Furthermore, our waiter never came to see if "Everything was OK" or if we needed drink refills. If you want good Mexican food at a decent price, I would consider patronizing Tequila Cantina. However if you are looking to be treated like a valued customer, I would consider another establishment as all of our "Basic Needs" were not attended to. When you order a certain dish, it should be prepared exactly as requested.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 1

Recommended dishes: Refried Beans, Burrito, Grilled Steak Enchiladas

Food was excellent both times we went and the drinks were real drinks. I would definitely recommend and I’m definitely going back 🤤

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fajitas

Writing this as I sit here at the bar. I'm the only one at the bar. There are maybe 6 people dining in the restaurant. I finished my meal 30 minutes go and not a single employee in sight. No one has checked on me, asked me for another drink....NOTHING! I finally had seen a waitress walk by and motioned that I was ready to pay the bill. She walked by without acknowledgement.
Food was mediocre. Service was abysmal.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 1

This is by far the best Mexican restaurant in Sumter, Lake and Marion County. Cheap diner atmosphere which is a throwback to the 70s.
BUT: The food and the service is outstanding. Everything is delicious at this place.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Refried Beans, Tortillas, Lomo Saltado, Quesadilla, Guacamole, L Chimichanga, Fajitas, Taco Salad, Salads, Avocado, Taco, California Burrito, Bowl, Burrito, Grilled Steak Enchiladas, Molcajete