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La Mexicana Grill
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
La Mexicana Grill
7.5
A small, newer counter-style option near the Lawrence/Clark corridor for straightforward tacos, burritos, and quick takeout. Treat it like a practical neighborhood add-on—order one main, one salsa-forward side, and keep it moving.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos (house style), Burrito (house style), Chips and salsa
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.1
Consistency: 7.1
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: A no-frills Uptown counter for fast tacos and burritos.
Who should go: Takeout-first locals who want Mexican nearby.
When to visit: Weeknights for quick pickup.
What to order: Tacos, burrito, chips and salsa.
Insider tip: Keep the order tight—one protein across the meal stays most consistent.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only along Clark and nearby side streets; availability varies and can be tight during evening hours.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, hoodies, and everyday wear are standard.
Noise level: Low to moderate — mostly takeout traffic with short in-room stays.
Weekend wait: 0–10 minutes; brief lines possible during peak dinner rush.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie tacos, burritos, and customizable meat-free orders.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with beans, rice, veggies, and salsa; confirm ingredients when ordering.
Gluten-free options: Limited — corn tortillas available, but shared prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a sit-down date — better as a casual grab-and-go or pre-walk food stop.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter service with minimal seating; reservations aren’t part of the model.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals — simple menu items work for kids, but there are no kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Fast, inexpensive Mexican takeout when convenience matters more than atmosphere.
Skip if: You want a full-service dining experience, cocktails, or a destination-level Mexican meal.
La Mexicana Grill
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Family Friendly Favorites
A no-frills taqueria setup where seafood wins come through grilled fish and shrimp options that stay satisfying when you order fresh and keep the toppings clean. Treat it like a quick-hit stop: fish tacos plus one seafood plate, then get out while it’s hot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish tacos, Shrimp tacos, Seafood cocktail (when available)
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Fish tacos that hit best as a fast, affordable meal.
Who should go: Taco people who want seafood on a budget
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner for freshest cook
What to order: Fish tacos, shrimp tacos, seafood cocktail
Insider tip: Order tacos immediately on arrival—fresh off the grill matters here.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally manageable on nearby residential blocks, tighter during evening rush.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are completely fine.
Noise level: Moderate — lively taqueria energy but conversations are easy at the table.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at peak times, often shorter for small parties.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — non-seafood veggie tacos and sides, but not a dedicated vegetarian focus.
Vegan options: Very limited — possible with custom orders (beans, rice, veggies), confirm preparation.
Gluten-free options: Mostly yes — corn tortillas and grilled seafood work, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a formal first date, but solid for a casual, low-pressure taco stop where speed and simplicity matter more than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — this is a walk-in spot with fast turnover, especially easy for solo diners or pairs.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — casual setting, flexible menu, and quick service make it workable for kids, especially at lunch or early dinner.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable seafood tacos that prioritize freshness and speed over presentation.
Skip if: You want a sit-down seafood experience, cocktails, or a polished dining room — this is strictly a fast, no-frills taqueria.
La Mexicana Grill
7.7
A newer-feeling Uptown counter-service spot with a clean, efficient setup that’s built for takeout consistency. Burritos are best when you go carnitas or another rich protein and skip over-ordering—this is about a hot, direct meal that travels well.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas burrito, Carne asada burrito, Refried beans
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: A streamlined Uptown counter spot that’s built for reliable burrito takeout.
Who should go: Takeout-first burrito regulars
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner for fastest turnaround
What to order: Carnitas burrito, carne asada burrito, refried beans
Insider tip: Pick one burrito and add one side—don’t turn it into a multi-entrée spread.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability on surrounding Uptown blocks, easier midday than evenings.
Dress code: Casual — everyday clothes, takeout-friendly.
Noise level: Low to moderate — mostly order-and-go with minimal lingering crowd noise.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak takeout hours; rarely longer.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; short line at most.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — bean-and-cheese burritos and vegetable-based fillings available.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with beans, rice, and vegetables; confirm no dairy in preparation.
Gluten-free options: Limited — burrito bowls are the safer option; cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — it’s counter service with a takeout-first flow, better for casual meals than conversation-focused dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — ordering is counter-based and seating is limited; most people take food to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who know what they want; limited seating and no dedicated kids menu.
Best For
Better for: Reliable, no-frills burrito takeout that travels well and stays hot.
Skip if: You want a sit-down Mexican meal, cocktails, or a social dining experience.
La Mexicana Grill
7.5
A newer Clark Street counter-service option that can cover a later meal on Saturdays when you want tacos without a full sit-down commitment. It’s best when you order tightly—one taco lane plus one supporting item—so the flavors stay clean and the value reads strong.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak tacos, Chicken tacos, Churros
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: A newer counter-service taco stop that’s easy and efficient.
Who should go: Casual taco runs and quick dinners
When to visit: Saturday evening for latest hours
What to order: Steak tacos, chicken tacos, churros
Insider tip: Order tacos first; add dessert only if you’re still hungry.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Clark Street; can be competitive after 7pm, easier late night. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Very casual — jeans, hoodies, and everyday wear are all normal.
Noise level: Moderate — counter-service energy with music, but not overpowering.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak Saturday evening; shorter later at night.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or very short line.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetable-based tacos and sides available.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications; confirm sauces and tortillas when ordering.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available, but no confirmed separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure first meet than a romantic date. It’s quick and informal, not linger-oriented.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter service with open seating, so reservations aren’t part of the process.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids who like tacos; no kids menu or special amenities, and seating is fairly tight.
Best For
Better for: Quick, late-night taco runs when you want efficiency and a lighter commitment than a sit-down restaurant.
Skip if: You’re looking for a full-service experience, long hangs, or a broad menu with lots of extras.
La Mexicana Grill
7.8
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A counter-service Clark Street option where the best ordering strategy is one burrito or quesadilla plus a single side. It’s strongest as a quick, modern takeout stop when you want Mexican basics that feel fresh and filling.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak & Shrimp Burrito, Chicken Quesadilla, Carnitas
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.1
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 6.9
What makes it special: A newer, counter-service spot for burritos and quesadillas done cleanly.
Who should go: Takeout diners and quick dinners
When to visit: Weeknights for easy pickup
What to order: Steak & shrimp burrito, chicken quesadilla, carnitas
Insider tip: One main + one side is the move—don’t over-order the menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Clark Street and nearby side streets; availability varies and can be tight during dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, hoodies, and everyday wear are all fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate—mostly counter chatter and takeout flow, easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: Short waits or brief lines at peak times; seating is limited and many orders are to-go.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or very quick ordering.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable-based burritos, quesadillas, and customizable builds.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with veggie fillings if you skip cheese and sour cream; confirm ingredients when ordering.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some fillings are gluten-free, but tortillas are standard; cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a sit-down date—it’s better as a quick, casual stop or takeout rather than a linger-and-talk meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there’s no reservation system, but seating is limited and often secondary to takeout.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like burritos and quesadillas; there are no kid-specific amenities, but the menu is approachable.
Best For
Better for: Quick, clean burritos and quesadillas when you want a modern, no-frills Mexican meal that travels well.
Skip if: You’re looking for a full-service Mexican restaurant, a long sit-down meal, or extensive specialty dishes.