Mexican Restaurants near University Place

“The employee on shift Friday afternoon went above and beyond to help me out together a burrito bowl meal for my sick friend. Absolutely excellent customer service. She was so kind and helpful even though it can't be easy working in food service. Thank you, you made my day! I wish I had gotten your name so I could put it in this review“

“Our recent visit totacoma included a dining experience at Cactus, a swcond location to the one in Seattle,a Latin fusion establishment. While the restaurant presents a Mexican aesthetic, its culinary offerings lean towards a Latin fusion cFor those seeking traditional Mexican cuisine, this may not be the ideal choice. However, for individuals in search of a flavorful dining experience with a pleasant atmosphere and attentive service, Cactus is highly recommended. During our visit, I selected the Seattle chimichanga with smoked brisket, which offered a complex and enjoyable flavor profile. My son opted for the flautas, which he also found to be excellent. For dessert, we shared the flan and bananas dulces. Although I was unable to partake in the sweet bananas due to a cinnamon allergy, my son reported they were exceptional. It is worth noting that Kurt Cobain reportedly had his final meal at this establishment, including the sweet bananas for dessert.

At the Tacoma location, we had the flautas again. I had the Burrita Lenera with flank steak; it was spicy enough to give it a great flavor. I will recommend it with the smoked brisket, and my son had the shrimp and grits. He said that it is his new favorite dish.

For an appetizer, we got the Guac sampler, and it didn't disappoint, but the chips and salsa are great too.

The flan was enjoyable, though I personally prefer my own recipe; I still highly recommend it. We had this dessert in both locations; it's that good.

The cost, including beverages, was approximately $30+ per person, which is considered reasonable.

In summary, while the restaurant's Mexican-inspired dishes receive a rating of 5 out of 10, its Latin fusion offerings are rated a 9 out of 10, making it a worthwhile dining destination.
And, like I like to say, bring some to the experience because everything is better when you share it.!“

“💯 recommend very decent prices and generous portions on carne asada , very tasty salsas 😋😋😋“

“this is by far thee best Mexican restaurant in Tacoma! Amazing food. Amazing people! all around the best place to go!“

“I’ve loved eating the variety of foods and restaurants but this reminded me so much of Texas I couldn’t help but do my happy dance while I ate my chilaquiles with carne asada y huevos. The Horchata was definitely made with actual cinnamon and everything else, tasted so good I had a to get a refill!😋 I absolutely enjoyed the food and can’t wait to come back“

“Some of the best authentic Mexican food I've ever had. Service has always been very friendly and the wait time is not bad at all. Lots of sauces to try with your order (try the Diablo sauce, it's really good), you get seated veggies on the side and the portions are generous. If you're on the south side, it's a great place to stop and eat. The location is a food truck parked outside a local grocery store/corner shop, so atmosphere is not ideal, but the truck takes good care of it's surroundings and has seats for folks to eat at if they like.“

“I am obsessed with the nachos, love the happy hour menu, the romaine salad, and the cucumber jalapeño margarita.“

“We celebrated my daughter's 19th birthday here last night, and when I say everything was PERFECT, I mean it was perfect. The moment we stepped through the doors, the staff was awesome, the food amazing and the waterfront location added to an already beautiful atmosphere. We are very greatful to be treated like family on her special day and will be returning again and again.

The vampiritos, gorditas, all the salsa, burritos and enchiladas were incredible. And the guacamole was 😘 chefs kiss, wonderful.“

“Amazing food and service. We normally order to go and within minutes our food is ready to go. The food is when we get home is hot and delicious. The taco salad with carnitas is perfection. Crispy shell perfect amount of meat and veggies. The burritos are stuffed and huge. It’s a meal in its self. You cannot go wrong eating here. Its worth the extra few dollars you would spend else where. This place has become our weekly lunch stop.“

“Gave me a huge burrito, got a birria supreme. Perfect consommé and perfect birria, very quality sauces in good portions aswell. Food came out quick!“

“Got two chicken tacos and a California burrito for my lunch. I had to force myself to stop eating the burrito, it was so good“

“I almost don't want to tell anyone how good this place is as I don't want to share, but seriously... This is probably the best authentic Mexican food in the area. The carnitas are great. I seriously get three meals out of them. Dinner and two breakfasts (with added egg). But I don't think you can go wrong with anything on their menu.“

“We really appreciate the amazing service and the good food. I will definitely use again and recommend others to use.“

“Cheerful, clean environment, lots of variety on the menu, multiple vegetarian options, great staff, good value.“

“We LOVE El Pueblito! The Gig Harbor location has been a favorite of our family for years. The staff is always friendly and treat us like family! Seriously the best!!! We love the super nachos, macho burrito, and original chili relleno! so good.“

“They have great Mexican food.“

“Delicious! Pretty darn authentic. Tijuana? Maybe more Boyle Heights… But, yummy!!“

“This place is great! Super fresh, flavorful food at a great price point. I wasn’t expecting it to be this good! Will add to my lunch rotation for sure.“

“Awesome food, great staff, amazing prices. Stop everything and go here. Everything is so good! And the salsa bar is great too. I can’t pick a favorite dish. Today I ate the potato tacos and they were so good. I am slowly trying to order everything on the menu because everything is so delicious.“

“Oh my gosh—the food, the food, the food! It was absolutely amazing. Everything tasted so homemade, not commercial at all. You can really tell there’s love in the kitchen. God bless the cooks—I don’t know who they were, but I think it might have been Marcos’s parents? If so, he is beyond lucky to have grown up on food that good. No wonder he opened a restaurant! If I had meals like that growing up, I’d have opened one too! The drinks? So good. Affordable, strong, and just right. Definitely not watered down like some places. And the vibe? A whole vibe. It was my first time there, and I was blown away. There was a DJ in the back, the energy was great, and the place started getting packed. I just wish they had more seating because it’s definitely a popular spot! If you haven’t been to Marcos Cantina yet, you need to pull up! Get yourself some shrimp birria tacos and a margarita (if you drink). You won’t regret it! I can’t wait to go back.“

“I am a connoisseur of Mexican cuisine and my home I always fry my shells thanks to my Orpilla family but recently I have been on a crunchy taco kick and my friend showed up and brought me out to Tacoma and we had a hard time finding a place that was open because it's Easter so he took me to Mazatlan on South Tacoma Way and it is amazing in here. Right now they are giving my prior experience a run for its money this place is awesome!!“

“One of the best places i have gone too. The lady taking my order was super sweet and when i first came into the restaurant to originally use the restroom she pointed it out without a fuss so i bought food here. Hands down best Mexican cuisine I've had“

“We went to El Toro for the first time last night and really enjoyed our dinners. I had the chicken fajita quesadilla with rice and beans and my hubby had the beef enchiladas. Both were very tasty. Their prices are fairly reasonable and they have great value lunch specials. Give them a try!!“

“Everything tasted amazing, tamales were moist and delicious. My girls were very chatty and all over their counter, and backed me up wonderfully when I was giving the girls instructions to stay off. It was an amazing experience through and through.“

“Tonight I had the pleasure to try the cuisine at the new Port Orchard location. Yareli took charge of my order at my request. I was served the best fish taco's with Verde Salsa and lime. The three taco's reminded me of eating a chefs delightful creation at a high end Bistro. I was instantly transported back in time to Mazatlán eating on the playa. I would not order fish taco's normally and Yareli picked this winner for me. Each bite was followed by a uhmmm. I expected something to tear me out of this euphoric moment but after downing three taco's I was still firmly planted in Heaven. I was wise to drip the juices and seasoning from the taco into the rice. What a nice way to accent my meal. I braced myself for the refried beans that had grown cool but found them very fresh and delicious. Yareli inquired if I would desire a dessert. I asked her to pick it since her performance on the meal was top notch. Yareli provided a strawberry filled fried churro with the most delicate aroma. I would have licked the plate if I thought I could do it without being seen. Every bite was warm, sweet and delicious. Please don't think ill of me but the only downside to this experience was cheap silverware and the food is placed on a metal tray with a paper liner. It's my own fault after being in the military so long to develop a phobia over dining utensils. So in a nutshell my experience is on par with being given a shiny new high performance car but with the wrong style valve caps for the tires. I have been truly blessed to have this experience on a rainy night in Port Orchard Washington.“

“exelente servicio todo muy sabroso 100%recomendado.“

“The food was very tasty in a clean non pretentious atmosphere. I would definitely go there again“

“I have been a very satisfied customer of EL TORO for over 30 years . I have never been disappointed. A person could eat there every day and never be un happy with the staff or the food .“

“Tried La Isabella and WOW, absolutely loved it.

I ordered the Taco De Asada and it was everything you hope for in a street taco: fresh, simple, and packed with flavor. The carne asada was incredibly tender and perfectly seasoned, and the onions and cilantro were balanced just right so every bite tasted clean and authentic.

The atmosphere made it even better: dark, cozy, and glowing with beautiful lights that make you want to stay awhile. And the staff? Genuinely warm and welcoming.

You can tell this is a place that cares about the food and the experience. I’ll definitely be back.“

“I've been going here for a long time. It's always great. I haven't been here in like 4 months. I call and make a take out order as usual but this time a little different. I get the order done say my first name and hear oh hi, I know you. I'm floored, how did I stand out. I go there cuz that's where the food is. I meet Brooke (hope my spelling is right) she knows me. I haven't been there in months.
You see it's more than the food. It's the welcoming atmosphere and the food of course but mostly it's the people.
El Toro is one of my favorite places to go.
Your only a good as your people and your people are good.“

“muy buen servicio un exelente trato la comida muy sabrosa las micheladas deliciosas recomendado todo una delicia muchas gracias“

“Amazing people and amazing food!“

“lots of food worth the price“

“always quick and friendly service. food is amazing and never waiting long“

“It’s a nice place and I’m looking forward to coming back and trying more things on the menu.“

“We absolutely LOVE this place! I cannot recommend the torta oaxcaeña enough! Personally, I get adobada because that's my favorite choice of meat. It's so tender and flavorful. Ugh. Love. And the horchata is delicious. Seriously, this is a regular favorite of ours“

“Wonderful burritos . Fast service. Friendly people 🌯 ❤“

“My go-to spot for Mexican food in Gig Harbor. Great food, good-sized portions, and great drinks too. Honestly some of my favorite salsa! Love their house salsa that comes with chips as well as the other varieties available at the salsa bar“

“always friendly great variety of menu items“

“the food was authentic Mexican. so yummy. we had the tacos with beef and cheese and quesadillas with beef and cheese. will definitely be back“

“Excelente comida, muy buen servicio y el sabor auténtico mexicano!“

“Got Fajitas from them outside the Tacoma crafts fair. They were very friendly, the food was delicious, and I highly recommend. The refried beans were the best I'd ever had as a person who has texture issues with beans.“

“Awesome food....it's definitely now my to go place and very affordable..and the staff very friendly and their communication and service is 💯💯💯💯💯💯 5502 orchard st w 98467 university place...This Antojos Mexican Grill...the staff here you are great...“

“this spot has been a part of Tacoma since the mid to late 90's the food has always been great and the prices have always been reasonable for what you get.“

“friendly atmosphere...crisp meat burrito“

“Simply the best Mexican food I've had since I left Texas!

This is a great restaurant with great food! We had the Street Tacos and the Steak Fajitas and both were really good and the portions were very generous. We had to take a out half of it home in a to go box! We washed our meal down with their Cadillac Margaritas, which were also excellent.

The atmosphere was colorful and comfortable. All the staff were friendly and attentive.

We'll be back!“

“Delicious food. Run by a nice family excellent customer service.“

“Wonderful food and service! This is in our neighborhood and we came for the first time on Valentines Day. The owner came and chatted with us, he was delightful.“

“Best food truck around!! We have been following them around town as they moved from place to place. Great enchiladas! Great service!“

“The best roast lamb consommé & Barbicoa in Tacoma area and Oaxacan style tamales wrapped in banana leaves with delicate masa dough & can choose chicken & mole, the real deal & so moist unlike others I have had in corn husks . The cafe is rustic & only open 3/4 days a week & often has hand lettered sign, feel like I am in Oaxaca eating the large lamb broth consommé with garbanzos & vegetables & lamb barbicoa cooked in a brick lined pit with banana leaves— & the homemade flan, oh my! Family operated, Louis & Ruth & a sister in law cooks the flan in her home & you are lucky if any is left by noon on weekends. Did I mention the homemade Mexican hot chocolate made in the chocolate pitcher. & wooden tool like in Oaxaca? And the fruit Frescas made in the summer— watermelon! I am ordering dozen Tamales for pickup Christmas Eve & a large 10 inch Flan & serving homemade salad with arugula & sliced apple with walnuts & blue cheese & a light dressing of olive oil & Dijon mustard & lemon.“