Always a wonderful time! We are officially members! The nachos are always a go-to. The energy you get from the time you step foot into Belair is just what your vibe ordered! Tonight, we tried the Lavender Margherita 💜 😏 🤪 ✨️ 😎 😘 💜 let's just say we loved it! The Birra 🌮 🌮 🌮 tacos are a must try.
AnDrea
This being called Mexican food is disrespectful to REAL and AUTHENTIC Mexican food, but our waiter was cool and nice! But omg, so extremely overpriced as well, and for bland food that you don't even get a good size portion for!
Grace Guthrie
Love this place. Favorite food ever. Ninja piggggg
Brandon Jakubik
BelAir Cantina on North Water Street continues to be one of Milwaukee’s most recognizable spots for casual Mexican inspired dining. Our visit this past Sunday around 6:45 p.m. was a reminder of why this place stays on the radar for both locals and visitors. From the staff to the atmosphere to the food itself, the experience was well rounded and thoughtfully put together.
Service That Makes a Difference Our server was absolutely wonderful. She was kind, attentive, and carried herself with a natural ease that made the entire meal feel welcoming. Her timing was spot on and she had a calm and professional presence that made us feel taken care of without any pressure or interruption. She was genuinely sweet and thoughtful, and her attention elevated the entire visit. This level of service seems to be a consistent theme based on what others have shared in their reviews as well.
Atmosphere and Cleanliness The environment was clean, colorful, and full of energy without feeling chaotic. BelAir strikes a nice balance between fun and comfort. The interior is filled with bright colors and bold artwork but still feels organized and relaxed. Even during a busy dinner hour, everything looked well maintained. Tables were cleared promptly, the bar area stayed tidy, and the restrooms were clean. These small but important details show that the team takes pride in how the space is presented.
Food and Drinks The food came out quickly and tasted great. Every dish we ordered was fresh and full of flavor. The tacos were well portioned and thoughtfully put together. The chips and salsa were served warm and crisp. A lot of people recommend the quesabirria and Korean barbecue tacos, and they lived up to the hype. Drinks were solid as well. They might run slightly on the higher end pricewise depending on what you order, but they were well made and matched the quality we expected. The drink menu is diverse enough for anyone to find something they like, from simple cocktails to more creative options.
Things to Keep in Mind This is a popular spot and for good reason. Expect a bit of a wait if you arrive during peak times, especially on weekends or when the patio is open. Seating can be a little snug in certain sections, particularly around the bar and high top tables. A few reviewers have pointed out slower service during rush periods, but our experience was smooth from start to finish. Still, it is worth managing expectations if you are visiting during the busiest hours.
Final Thoughts What stands out most about BelAir Cantina is the consistent sense of care from the staff. It does not feel like they are just moving orders or cleaning tables. It feels like they actually enjoy working there and want guests to enjoy themselves too. That makes a real difference.
BelAir Cantina on North Water Street continues to deliver a lively, welcoming, and well run experience. The food is enjoyable, the space is clean, and the staff brings the kind of service you remember. It is an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a dependable and enjoyable spot in the heart of Milwaukee.
Claudia Ctortecka
Amazing food, especially the tacos & even the churro cheese curds were great
shayna raasch
Usually love this place for an easy and fast dinner. Went to the water street location tonight and our server, Cherisse, was not great. We waited a little over an hour for food. She repeatedly apologized for the slow service yet nothing was ever done to help. For example, I had ordered plantains yet wasn’t given them when we received our food, I mentioned it to her and she said oh I don’t think we have any cooked. She came back again and said they don’t have any prepared?! Not even that they were out but just none were cooked?! The whole experience lacked customer service.
Brian Unverzagt
1. Over priced 5$ for one tiny taco and have to pay for chips and salsas should be complementary zz2 no flavor I should have known from the salsa even the habanero salsa had no heat .. the black beans were mush the rice tased like it was from a box, ..last never eat at a taco place with no Mexicans in it… for a family of 4 it was 90$ .. next time I’ll find a taco truck …the next day my son and myself became sick to our stomach …nausea and sickness..
Nick Hansen
Maddie @ Water Street gave exceptional customer service at the bar in Taco Tuesday! I mean she is sincere & great listener! Outstanding, but also the the rest of staff is very good!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
punita sukheja
Parking issues Rest its amazing Service is great too
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chips & Salsa to Go Vegan Gluten-Free, Salsa Verde, Cochinita Pibil Taco Plate
Rachel Pucel
great cheap date night spot ! Love walking here on Tuesdays and Thursdays for an easy dinner that isn’t over priced. Love the shrimp taco and spicy pollo most !
Please I BEG of you please bring back the vegan sofritas taco. It holds a special spot in my heart I am devastated it’s gone and no other fully vegan options have been added :(
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 2
ditto
Pretty pricey, the food was just okay for what you pay. My friend got a margarita and said it was pretty watered down and overpriced. The table was sticky and awkward, and they were having a trivia night so it was pretty loud even while sitting in the back. I got three tacos and the flavor profiles were really odd, the flour tortilla is really uh… flour-y? The flavors just did not mesh super well together. Our waitress was really nice! No complaints there. It did take so long between being seated and getting our food that by the time we got our food I was ready to leave. Not the worst place if you can afford it and you’re near by but not somewhere I’d go regularly.
Dietary restrictions: Gluten free options
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Burria Tacos Black Beans and Rice
Amber Majewski
My boyfriend and I are big foodies and love finding and trying new places and Bel Air Cantina did not disappoint! Great quality and exceptional service! I wish I remembered our waiters name, he was very attentive and helpful and made us feel like we were right at home. Their tacos are amazing( omg ninja pig ?)and I love all the different, unquie choices! Definitely will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chris Derzak
Food was delicious. Beer prices are modest. Indoor and outdoor seating. The black beans were served pureed in a small bowl. Great weekday specials. Plantains were an excellent appetizer, topped with Sour Cream Sauce and Shredded Cotijo Cheese.
Always a wonderful time! We are officially members! The nachos are always a go-to. The energy you get from the time you step foot into Belair is just what your vibe ordered! Tonight, we tried the Lavender Margherita 💜 😏 🤪 ✨️ 😎 😘 💜 let's just say we loved it! The Birra 🌮 🌮 🌮 tacos are a must try.
This being called Mexican food is disrespectful to REAL and AUTHENTIC Mexican food, but our waiter was cool and nice! But omg, so extremely overpriced as well, and for bland food that you don't even get a good size portion for!
Love this place. Favorite food ever. Ninja piggggg
BelAir Cantina on North Water Street continues to be one of Milwaukee’s most recognizable spots for casual Mexican inspired dining. Our visit this past Sunday around 6:45 p.m. was a reminder of why this place stays on the radar for both locals and visitors. From the staff to the atmosphere to the food itself, the experience was well rounded and thoughtfully put together.
Service That Makes a Difference
Our server was absolutely wonderful. She was kind, attentive, and carried herself with a natural ease that made the entire meal feel welcoming. Her timing was spot on and she had a calm and professional presence that made us feel taken care of without any pressure or interruption. She was genuinely sweet and thoughtful, and her attention elevated the entire visit. This level of service seems to be a consistent theme based on what others have shared in their reviews as well.
Atmosphere and Cleanliness
The environment was clean, colorful, and full of energy without feeling chaotic. BelAir strikes a nice balance between fun and comfort. The interior is filled with bright colors and bold artwork but still feels organized and relaxed. Even during a busy dinner hour, everything looked well maintained. Tables were cleared promptly, the bar area stayed tidy, and the restrooms were clean. These small but important details show that the team takes pride in how the space is presented.
Food and Drinks
The food came out quickly and tasted great. Every dish we ordered was fresh and full of flavor. The tacos were well portioned and thoughtfully put together. The chips and salsa were served warm and crisp. A lot of people recommend the quesabirria and Korean barbecue tacos, and they lived up to the hype. Drinks were solid as well. They might run slightly on the higher end pricewise depending on what you order, but they were well made and matched the quality we expected. The drink menu is diverse enough for anyone to find something they like, from simple cocktails to more creative options.
Things to Keep in Mind
This is a popular spot and for good reason. Expect a bit of a wait if you arrive during peak times, especially on weekends or when the patio is open. Seating can be a little snug in certain sections, particularly around the bar and high top tables. A few reviewers have pointed out slower service during rush periods, but our experience was smooth from start to finish. Still, it is worth managing expectations if you are visiting during the busiest hours.
Final Thoughts
What stands out most about BelAir Cantina is the consistent sense of care from the staff. It does not feel like they are just moving orders or cleaning tables. It feels like they actually enjoy working there and want guests to enjoy themselves too. That makes a real difference.
BelAir Cantina on North Water Street continues to deliver a lively, welcoming, and well run experience. The food is enjoyable, the space is clean, and the staff brings the kind of service you remember. It is an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a dependable and enjoyable spot in the heart of Milwaukee.
Amazing food, especially the tacos & even the churro cheese curds were great
Usually love this place for an easy and fast dinner. Went to the water street location tonight and our server, Cherisse, was not great. We waited a little over an hour for food. She repeatedly apologized for the slow service yet nothing was ever done to help. For example, I had ordered plantains yet wasn’t given them when we received our food, I mentioned it to her and she said oh I don’t think we have any cooked. She came back again and said they don’t have any prepared?! Not even that they were out but just none were cooked?! The whole experience lacked customer service.
1. Over priced 5$ for one tiny taco and have to pay for chips and salsas should be complementary zz2 no flavor I should have known from the salsa even the habanero salsa had no heat .. the black beans were mush the rice tased like it was from a box, ..last never eat at a taco place with no Mexicans in it… for a family of 4 it was 90$ .. next time I’ll find a taco truck …the next day my son and myself became sick to our stomach …nausea and sickness..
Maddie @ Water Street gave exceptional customer service at the bar in Taco Tuesday! I mean she is sincere & great listener! Outstanding, but also the the rest of staff is very good!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Parking issues
Rest its amazing
Service is great too
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chips & Salsa to Go Vegan Gluten-Free, Salsa Verde, Cochinita Pibil Taco Plate
great cheap date night spot ! Love walking here on Tuesdays and Thursdays for an easy dinner that isn’t over priced. Love the shrimp taco and spicy pollo most !
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
Please I BEG of you please bring back the vegan sofritas taco. It holds a special spot in my heart I am devastated it’s gone and no other fully vegan options have been added :(
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 2
Pretty pricey, the food was just okay for what you pay. My friend got a margarita and said it was pretty watered down and overpriced. The table was sticky and awkward, and they were having a trivia night so it was pretty loud even while sitting in the back. I got three tacos and the flavor profiles were really odd, the flour tortilla is really uh… flour-y? The flavors just did not mesh super well together. Our waitress was really nice! No complaints there. It did take so long between being seated and getting our food that by the time we got our food I was ready to leave. Not the worst place if you can afford it and you’re near by but not somewhere I’d go regularly.
Dietary restrictions: Gluten free options
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Burria Tacos Black Beans and Rice
My boyfriend and I are big foodies and love finding and trying new places and Bel Air Cantina did not disappoint! Great quality and exceptional service! I wish I remembered our waiters name, he was very attentive and helpful and made us feel like we were right at home. Their tacos are amazing( omg ninja pig ?)and I love all the different, unquie choices! Definitely will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food was delicious. Beer prices are modest. Indoor and outdoor seating. The black beans were served pureed in a small bowl.
Great weekday specials. Plantains were an excellent appetizer, topped with Sour Cream Sauce and Shredded Cotijo Cheese.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Good food and atmosphere, great service
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Shrimp Tacos, Guacamole
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