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Cantina 138
Master Critic Review
Cantina 138
8.2
Cantina 138 is a newer Williamsburg cantina built around happy hour margaritas, brunch, and DJ-fueled nights where the bar feels as central as the kitchen. Shrimp tacos, fajitas, and burrito bowls come out alongside colorful cocktails, with sports on TV and a crowd that trends social and celebratory rather than strictly dinner-focused.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp Tacos, Fajitas, Burrito Bowl
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Energy-forward cantina with daily happy hour, strong margaritas, and a social, music-driven room.
Who should go: Friends planning drinks-first hangouts with tacos and sports on TV.
When to visit: Weekday 5–8pm happy hour or weekend brunch for bottomless drinks.
What to order: Shrimp tacos, sizzling fajitas, burrito bowl plus a classic margarita.
Insider tip: Sit near the open front or garage-door seating on warm days for the best mix of breeze and people-watching.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited after 6pm. Rely on rideshare or nearby garages on Grand Street.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans, cute tops, sneakers, and casual dresses all fit in easily.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours — DJs and bar energy make conversation harder later at night.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation after 7pm
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie tacos, burrito bowls, rice and bean plates, and several sides work well.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with build-your-own bowls and tacos without dairy or sauces.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortilla tacos, fajitas, and rice-based bowls are safe options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, drinks-forward first dates than intimate conversation. It’s energetic, social, and playful, not quiet or romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes on weekdays before 7pm. On weekends, walk-ins are usually looking at a long wait unless you arrive early or go late.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during daytime hours and weekend brunch. It shifts to a loud, adult party bar vibe at night.
Best For
Better for: High-energy happy hour margaritas, DJ nights, group celebrations, and sports-on-TV hangs.
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, elevated Mexican cooking, or a low-key dinner-focused experience.