07/23/09

Pretty good food, delicious salsas

by CLH

We happened into Cantina Laredo on Sunday evening, after hearing about it around town. The bar area was beautiful and the waitress/bartender and host were very nice.

While the frozen margarita was nice and strong, it was quite pricey ($9, I believe) for its size. We loved both the cold and the warm salsas along with the very crispy chips, and their queso was absolutely delicious although nothing fancy.

We both ordered combination plates (mine was cheese enchiladas and his was taco/enchilada) and while they were good, they were nothing special. The $9+ cost on the plates seemed expensive for just two items, beans, and rice. The beans were plain boring refried beans and the rice wasn't anything to write about either. My enchiladas actually tasted better the next day as leftovers, although the grease seemed to double overnight.

While Cantina Laredo served its purpose to feed us on Sunday, I doubt that we'll return. There are many other places with better food and better prices that are much more convenient to visit.

• Pros: Warm and cold salsas, crisp chips
• Cons: Food and margaritas are overpriced

01/09/09

Best Salsa

by ZoeLynn

My husband and I have lived on the north side of Austin for 2 years now and we looked for months before we were able to find a Mexican restaurant in this town with a lot of flavor and spice. We eventually found Cantina Laredo and now it's our favorite Mexican restaurant ever! It's well worth the drive into downtown. There may not be a place to park for free during the day, but on evenings (after 5:30) and weekends, you can usually find a metered spot (which are free during those times). Their warm salsa has a unique, smokey flavor, but it still has a spicy-ness that goes well with Mexican food. If you like a more traditional salsa, you may prefer their cold salsa. Both are brought to the table, but we usually ask if we can get some of the warm salsa to go. We haven't tried their guacamole yet, but we've seen others have it prepared at their table and it looks good! The portions are large and I'd recommend the quesadillas (on the appetizer menu), any of their salads, or the fajitas (my favorite). Their rice is a little bland, but it doesn't taste loaded down with butter like some restaurants. I also love their sizzling apple pie/ice cream. Try it out for yourself!

• Pros: Excellent Chips & Salsa, entrees, and desserts
• Cons: Parking, and it's a little pricey for Mexican food (but worth it!)

10/03/08

authentic mexican restaurant in classy and welcoming environment

by ashleysheffield

This is by far my favorite authentic mexican restaurant in Austin. Whenever I have family or friends in town I always bring them to this restaurant. One of my favorite things about this restaurant is that have amazing homemade salsa. They also will prepare guacamole right at your table to your liking. I would definitely recommend the carne asada! That's my all time favorite dish that keeps on bringing me back for more.

The only problem with this restaurant, as with any restaurant down town, is that there is NO parking. They do however have valet parking available right in front of the restaurant if you are willing to pay.

• Pros: tasty salsa, wonderful food, great service, fun happy hour, clean and classy, beautiful bar area
• Cons: parking

06/04/08

Best mexican food in Austin by far.

by courtnie414

Cantina Laredo is an awesome place for dinner or for happy hour with friends. The ceviche is the best I"ve ever had and the margaritas are to die for. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone who is looking for a great environment with awesome food and service.

04/28/08

Great Food - Great Customer Service

by the9962

After reading the other reviews, it's sad that others have had some bad experiences at Cantina Laredo, but I must write about our experience yesterday evening (Sunday). We arrived about 6 or 6:30'ish, and were seated immediately. Our server (whose name I forgot) was outstanding. I eat plant-based food only (no meat whatsoever, no dairy, and no eggs), so I inquired about what might be best to order and asked if the Enchiladas Veracruz could be served without the chicken or the cheeses. Our server enthusiastically volunteered to ask the chef, and turns out it was no problem, so I ordered it. I have to tell you it was one of the best Mexican food plates I have ever had, and the tableside-made guacamole was outstanding. My husband ordered the Carne Asada, and he said it was very good. In addition, my Silver Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon was excellent. We had a great time and a great meal. My thanks and compliments to the chef who tailored my entree to my dietary requirements, our excellent server, and the Cantina Laredo restaurant in general. We will definitely be back!

• Pros: Individualized service, excellent food, nice ambiance
• Cons: Parking?

10/12/07

Not worth it

by bradskate

I have eaten at Cantina Laredo three times now and have yet to find a dish that is worth eating. It is overpriced for no reason and if you're looking for Tex-Mex you will find this place unsatisfying. I know there are people that like it, but to me much of the food lacks the flavor and spices you expect when dinging at a Mexican food restaurant. On a good note, the service is always excellent.

• Pros: Great service
• Cons: Overpriced and bland food

09/14/07

Delicious Brownie Goodness

by m0nkeyb0y

The entrees are a bit pricey, but of quite good quality, if not something to write home about. The freshly made table-side quacamole is wonderful in that you can spice it (or un-spice it) however you like. But my very favorite thing about Cantina Laredo is the Mexican Brownie -- a huge pecan brownie brought to your table on a platter sizzling with melting Mexican Brandy Butter and topped with a huge scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. It is decadent and delicious and worth the trip.

• Pros: the Mexican Brownie
• Cons: parking

08/01/07

Great food, great atmosphere

by austingrl2

I wasn't sure I wanted to go downtown, but I'm glad we did. The place was really nice and the food was excellent. I especially recommend the enchiladas veracruz and the top shelf guacamole. It's made at your table and it was the best guacamole I've had in a long time. They also had great margaritas and two different salsas at the table. Everyone was really friendly and we had a great time. I'll definitely recommend it to friends.

• Pros: Ambience, great food
• Cons: parking

07/28/07

Can't stop myself.

by horns1986

I go every week. I work and live downtown and find the people to be so much more attentive than most downtown restaurants. The two salsa are a unique touch. One is served hot and one is served cold, but both are wonderful. I usually order the brisket tacos, but I havn't found anything I didn't like. I'll go again next week. Much better than most mexican food restaturants in Austin.

06/18/07

EXCELLENT PEOPLE, EXEPTIONAL FOOD!!!!!!

by vicinfood

I went to Cantina Laredo two days ago on Saturday... It was the best experience in a while... Our waiter was ultra nice and really good at answering all my questions... He was awesome... It all stared with the welcoming environment and a great warm welcome from the hostess she kindly took us to a great cozy booth and told us about the Top Shelf Guac made table side... We couldn't turn that down... I had the shrimp flautas which was ultra tasty and delicious... I just say give it a shot and you'll love it...

• Pros: Nice people great food
• Cons: Parking can be tough but its worth it...