★ 4

This is a small location that also had a much smaller menu than I am used to at places like this. I got the steak tacos. This was three tacos on corn tortillas. The meat was great it just was laking something to bring it all together. You are also served chips with dipping sauces. The chips were fantastic.
The service was fine and the food came out quick.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

The servers are very attentive, and the food is delicious every time. Today I had the carnitas special.

Source: Google

★ 5

I love this place so much! The food is always so delicious, and the people who work here are so lovely.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

One of the best Mexican restaurants we've found in the Madison area, and after living in Austin for decades, we're hard to please. The food tastes fresh, the sauces have some kick, not too "gringo-fied", and there's Mexican beer and tequilas. The mole sauce is the best we've found in Dane Co. The menu is expansive and the service always attentive. This unassuming establishment in a small strip center deserves your support. We want to go back regularly.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Stopped by on my way to the game store, lovely little place.

Source: Google

★ 5

My friend and I enjoyed a delicious meal in a quiet atmosphere. The service was friendly and fast. I had the Enchiladas Camaron a la Diabla which were very tasty and also quite hot, in a good way. Will keep this place in mind when I'm on the West Side.

Source: Google

★ 5

Delicious tacos! Try the campechano if you like chorizo, so good.

Source: Google

★ 5

Delicioso

Source: Google

★ 1

Bad in so many ways. 1st time here the food was horrible and way overpriced for tiny portions.. 2nd time, we came in and sat and waited for 8 minutes and saw nobody, so we left. Just a terribly run place with bad quality food.

Source: Google

★ 5

The best Mexican food I’ve tried in the Madison area. Delicious!

Source: Google

★ 5

man oh man the manager said wait to you try these tacos and boy of boy he was not wrong!

delicious!!!!!

if you love quality Hispanic food you have to go here!

Source: Google

★ 5

Great food and even better prices! I got the special of carnitas, rice, beans, guacamole and it was well seasoned and delicious. The chips and salsa are homemade and the food was really good for a good price.

Source: Google

★ 5

Muy buen restaurante

Source: Google

★ 4

Source: Google

★ 5

This family friendly restaurant is top notch. Service is friendly and the restaurant is accommodating. I’ve held two graduation dinners here and everyone left happy with full stomachs.

Source: Google

★ 5

The flautas are delicious

Source: Google

★ 5

The best mojitos, guac, and enchiladas!

Source: Google

★ 5

The best borrego in town! Everything else is also very good, never been disappointed. Very friendly and fast service, delicious food. Great all around!

Source: Google

★ 5

We were there for Cinco de Mayo and the food and drink were exceptional.

Source: Google

★ 5

One of the nicest owners ever, Antonio. Their food tasted like family made it, it was absolutely amazing. Everything was so fresh and he said they make almost everything in house and it tasted like it! Cant wait to go back.

Source: Google

★ 5

One of the best experiences I have had in recent memory. The owner was extremely nice and hospitable. The food was amazing, authentic, and tasted like a home cooked meal. If you are in the search for authentic Mexican food I would recommend La Mestiza over anywhere else.

Source: Google

★ 5

The enchiladas are sooo good

Source: Google

★ 4

Source: Google

★ 5

Do not sleep on this place.

We’re transplants to Madison from the South, and finding good, spicy Mexican food has been, er, difficult. La Mestiza, however, does not disappoint. One of the best Moles I’ve ever had.

Source: Google

★ 5

Phenomenal food and service! Loved our pork dish - so flavorful! Everything including nachos was high quality/fresh. Delicious and strong margaritas! 👍🏻👍🏻

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Love the mole chicken enchiladas, chips, salsa and the tasty pickled style vegetables they offer. Brought friend who got steak dish. Tasty authentic Mexican food. Small room, sometimes it is cold from the door opening.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Finally found a Mexican Restaurant we will look forward to going back to. Fresh unique flavors I haven't experienced before. You feel like you are eating treasured home recipes not just Mexican fast food. Ask for the house hot sauce. Very flavorful without being so hot that it ruins the meal.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

This is one of those little gems of Madison I can't say enough about. I usually get the Mexican platter because I can't pick just one thing, but I suppose if I had to it would be the chicken tinga tostadas.

It's smaller, service is fast and perfect for a quick lunch. Absolutely my go-to for Mexican food.

Source: Google

★ 5

Probably the best Mexican food I’ve had anywhere outside of Mexico. Let me clarify that: it’s Mexican cooking like you get in Mexico, not Americanized mexican fajitas and chips with rail margs. Those things have their place, but to get the best of authentic south of the border Mexican, you need to go to a place like this: Wonderful, rich flavor, from the first chips and salsa (with both a salsa verde and a salsa rojo) to the outstanding cilantro lime forward table-fresh guacamole, fresh hand made tortillas, slightly chewy and flavorful, to the juicy and tender pork and chicken entres. Not overly oily, like a lot of Mexican restaurants. Good portions and very fair pricing. I’m absolutely delighted to have found a new immediate favorite restaurant, and I look forward to the next time I come back, sooner rather than later.

Source: Google

★ 5

This place has been up and running for years and I have wanted to check it out for years. Took a while but within the last 8 months have been there 6 times or so. Got nothing but praise! Wait staff exceptional. Food sublime!
Avoid heartache and future regret by visiting soon!!!!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

This is true Mexican cuisine. Wonderful menu of regional dishes, refreshing drinks, and all items prepared from whole foods and made fresh in the kitchen.

Source: Google

★ 4

I'm pretty used to bad Mexican food in Madison, so this was a delightful surprise. Enchiladas were good, sope and tortilla was amazing, and yes they have good tequila. This restaurant probably has the best vibes of any sit down place in the area.

Source: Google

★ 4

Strip mall storefront notwithstanding, this joint serves up some terrific food. Heeding the waiter's recommendation, I ordered the pork shank in honey chipotle sauce. Out-damn-standing! I ordered a paloma cocktail, which was delightful. Highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

Best Mexican food around, love the fresh chips

Source: Google

★ 5

Dare I say best Mexican food in Madison??? I’ve been coming here for years and La Mestiza never disappoints. The food is excellent, the service is kind when I attempt to order in Spanish, the margaritas are potent and the prices are reasonable. Highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

Best Mexican restaurant in Madison!

Source: Google

★ 4

Lovely service. Decent food. Cozy environment.

Source: Google

★ 5

Delicious! Good vegetarian options.

Source: Google

★ 5

Had a braised pork shank special that was amazing. The meat was flavorful and fell off the bone. Would definitely recommend and will return!

Source: Google

★ 2

Arrived at 11:15, was greeted by no one, sat in booth for 5 minutes waiting for someone to attend us, no one came, and then left. Food may or may not be good, but service was nonexistent. Fwiw, you're apparently supposed to get your food and eat within 30 minutes or your car will be towed. This is the sign outside. Lol.

Source: Google

★ 4

Chicken enchiladas 5/5
Chips 3/5
Salsa 5/5 but bowl was hard to dip
Bench was a bit uncomfortable
Menu 3/5 - limited. would love to see burritos chimichangas or fajitas added!

Source: Google

★ 5

So far one of the best Mexican food around Madison area. Food is always a great ,you can taste the freshness and originality of every dish, might be a little pricey, but no complaints at all.

Source: Google

★ 4

Good as ever. Restroom needs tending to. Highly recommend chilaquiles + ceviche + guacamole+ plantains + mole sauce on any enchilada and their shrimps are deveined 16/20 large size.

Source: Google

★ 5

Our food was authentic style & delicious! And we loved the service. Good portion on the salmon dinner. A wonderful find; we look fwd to returning again soon.

Source: Google

★ 5

Definitely one of the best Mexican restaurants I've ever been to. Excellent food and excellent service

Source: Google

★ 5

Extremely tasty :D

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent food and service. We will be back for certain!

Source: Google

★ 5

Mexican food out of the ordinary. Here tacos are tasty appetizers. This time tried dinners... My friend had the pork shank which was perfecly roasted. Juicy and flavorful. I tried the simmered pork with rice and beans. It was delicious. Generous serving with some left to take home.

Source: Google

★ 5

Food is delicious! Try the mole!

Source: Google

★ 5

Service was wonderful, food tasted fantastic. Will absolutely be coming back

Source: Google

★ 5

Solid place. Very cool.

Source: Google

★ 3

I wanted to try this place for I have heard great things! However the vegetarian sections both include items that have chicken broth. I didn't trust that the other items didn't have meat products so I had to pass on the meal.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 1

This was the worst service iver ever experienced. Don't recommend. Save your money and spend it elsewhere.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Great food and great service! I think more people should know about it.

Source: Google

★ 5

It is one of our favorite Mexican restaurants in Madison. The service is quick and friendly, and the food is ALWAYS amazing!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Beans and chips awesome, ordered seconds.

Source: Google

★ 5

Best Mexican restaurant in Madison!

Source: Google

★ 5

Always the best and most authentic Mexican
Had ceviche best ever, amazing soup and queso fundido

Source: Google

★ 4

Source: Google

★ 5

This place is always awesome and the owner always blesses up with the food! The salmon is amazing! 👏👏💕💕

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

The cutest atmosphere, super friendly and kind staff, and amazing food. Will definitely be coming back :)

Source: Google

★ 5

As a vegetarian, the cactus tacos are such a treat. Best salsa, chips, service.

Source: Google

★ 4

Source: Google

★ 5

Went for lunch and it was sooo tasty! Highly recommend

Source: Google

★ 5

Great mexican food! We had carnitas, carne asada en guacamole and it all was perfect. The service was algo really good. Will come back.

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent food, great service! A hidden gem!

Source: Google

★ 5

Friendly employees and one of the most legitimate Mexican restaurants in Wisconsin.

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent food...a little bit cold for me... bring a light sweater.

Source: Google

★ 5

Absolutely amazing Mexican food. We have tried so many things on the menu and we are never disappointed. So delicious!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing! Bistec con Salsa Guajillo is my new favorite. It is red but it is not spicy. it's the tomato :) perfectly balanced, not too sour, not too salty.

Source: Google

★ 5

I ate here three times while visiting Madison over Christmas '22. The food was consistently excellent, especially the dishes with mole. I am probably being too strict in terms of quality of service, as some of the difficulties arose from the large number of diners over lunch. But that is itself something positive - proof of how good the food is.

Source: Google

★ 5

Best Mexican restaurant in Dane County, like not even close. Food is always home made, including chips and Salsa. My favorite is the chicken mole (fantastic, often get a quart to go too), or the tres tacos, but everything is always good. Antonio is the owner, usually the waiter too, and is such a good, hard working, friendly guy.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great food!

Source: Google

★ 5

Lovely family owned place. Fresh and delicious food and drinks

Source: Google

★ 5

Great experience. 100% recommendable

Source: Google

★ 5

Absolutely amazing tacos. Great service. Can’t wait to go back!

Source: Google

★ 5

This restaurant deserves all the customers it can receive. The food is great but more importantly the passion is evident and flowing in the owner who provides amazing, rapid, and conscientious service.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

We have visiting La Mestiza many times in the last 6 months since finding them. Very nice service experience and the food has always been top notch. Love the chips and fresh salsa.

Source: Google

★ 4

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent authentic Mexican restaurant! Hardworking and attentive owner who has a true love for Mexican cuisine.

Source: Google

★ 5

The Best Mexican Food you can have in the town! Family owned, make all from scratch! Feels like you are eating in Mexico! Super duper food!

Source: Google

★ 5

La Mestiza is one of our regular dinner options. They have a great assortment of foods, though the quality can vary depending on when you go between deliciously fresh and a bit stale or soggy. It's definitely worth going at a busier time so they've got the kitchen in full swing. My favorites are the enchiladas verdes, taco trio, and plantains. Fair warning - the servings can be a pretty big, so the appetizers are a full meal if you prefer smaller portions.

Source: Google

★ 5

I had grilled salmon and nopal on the side.

The salmon is grilled and slathered with pineapple salsa; the bite of the bitter char from the grill is perfectly balanced by the flood of pineapple salsa.

(Sorry, I started eating the nopal before taking the picture) I had the nopal served on a taco, and it was a great first experience. I failed to ask about the spice level and was almost caught off guard by the rising heat, but the refried beans tempered the spice without taking away from the rich flavor.

As a bonus, you get their in-house tortilla chips -- thick and crispy, evenly salted, and dashed with lime.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Omg I love their tamales so much (pictured)

Source: Google

★ 5

Indisputably one of the most authentic and tasty Mexican restaurants in Madison. Their green mole is the bomb and I just ate the best carnitas ever. Cooked perfectly- not greasy and accompanied by warm tortillas and fresh toppings. They serve a small bowl of freshly made chips ahead of your meal- freshest in the city and a reasonable serving you don't fill up on before your meal arrives. The homemade salsas and sauces never disappoint. Love La Mestiza!

Source: Google

★ 5

The food was delicious! The best food I've eaten in Madison. There is no match

Source: Google

★ 5

Good! 👍

Source: Google

★ 5

I’m in town for work and I was impressed by the authenticity and flavors of the food at this place, all the food was excellent, including the chips and guac, which if those aren’t good… but it was all excellent.

Source: Google

★ 5

Small restaurant tucked in a strip mall, but delicious food! and excellent service! Recommended!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 1

Source: Google

★ 4

Good food (if you like it spicy) and friendly service. They need to invest in a blender for the margaritas. A variety of salsas, even chocolate! No burritos, though. Very accommodating.

Source: Google

★ 5

Best Mexican food in Madison, hands down. The sauces are amazing. Saturday nights they do Carnitas, and it's prob one of the 10 best things I have ever eaten.

Source: Google

★ 5

The food was outstanding. Excellent service!

Source: Google

★ 5

Authentic Mexican food from a chef, not a cook. Think about it. From the quesadilla up it is a delight to catch the flavors. Mole? Yes. Fresh? Absolutely. Hopefully you get there on a day with tres leches pastel.

Source: Google

★ 5

Fantastic, authentic food, served perfectly and quickly. The staff are wonderful too. 5 stars.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great quality, tasty, not overly seasoned. Most homemade Mexican tasting food we've had in town.

Source: Google

★ 5

Our tacos were awesome, they have perfect tortillas too. We had a great server and they were v quick.

Source: Google

★ 4

Unassuming little place in classic strip mall setting. It’s shabby interior but the food is worth it. Had solid margaritas, tacos, and bunch of other items. The chips and salsa are very good - flavors are there. Great service. The little place quickly filled up with newbies like us as well as regulars - was sweet to hear the staff call the regulars by name and already know their favorites. Plenty of parking right up front and easy access.

Source: Google

★ 5

This little storefront blew me away. Margaritas made with fresh lime, not a mix. The lamb was amazing, something I would have expected from Bayless-Frontera in Chicago. The mole verde was also fantastic. I will be back. Totally worth a 45 minute drive. Bonus, the service was prompt and friendly.

Source: Google

★ 5

Favorite Mexican spot in Madison. It also has the most unique menu with authentic, homey flavors. Excellent chips and salsa. Tacos and chilaquiles are very delicious.

Source: Google

★ 5

This place is phenomenal, and deserves a higher rating than it currently has. Great service, amazing food, and good margaritas, with what I think I reasonable prices. I highly recommend the mole

Source: Google

★ 5

First time visiting La Mestiza and it was delicious! The mole was authentic and the drinks were tasty!

Source: Google

★ 5

This is one of my favorite places to go when I visit Madison! I love the lunch specials they have. In addition, i love the margaritas. This is a great place to go alone, on a date, or with the family. Also the ambiance of this restaurant is out of this world!

Source: Google

★ 5

Definitely the BEST I’ve had in Madison. Please check them out, I had the taco combo (steak, chicken, & pork) Everything was fresh & flavorful.

Source: Google

★ 5

Very fresh and very tasty food! Speedy service and extremely friendly staff. One of the best enchiladas I’ve ever had 10/10!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent authentic Mexican food. Try Mole enchiladas and Salmon dishes

Source: Google

★ 5

I really like this place. Cozy atmosphere, staff are always very polite. I just order at the bar, wait a bit, and walk out with excellent food. I really enjoy the Trio's tacos and the Quesadila Norteña. The price is very affordable and the quality has always been good for me. If you're in the area looking for Mexican food, you'll be in good hands here.

Source: Google

★ 5

This is a hidden gem I love this place went here with my big brother and we both loved it, the food was great I got the steak tacos and the service was quick and this is a top fav will be going again

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent meal...... Enchiladas were yummy!

Source: Google

★ 5

HIDDEN GEM!! I went here to try their tacos after Bartaco discontinued my beloved Mojo Pork taco. (May it Rest In Peace.) This place was beyond amazing! Friendly staff, delicious authentic carnitas tacos with AMAZINGLY flavorful salsa and guacamole, served with fresh, hand fried tortilla chips. Will return. A lot!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Great food, great price! A hidden gem with authentic Mexican food and drinks.

Source: Google

★ 5

Delightful, fresh food with an authentic flair. Friendly and warm service. Loved the barbacoa!

Source: Google

★ 5

buen comida

Source: Google

★ 5

Best Mexican food in Madison no cap. Chefs and owners are very knowledgeable and experienced.

Source: Google

★ 5

Shrimp tostadas are my favorite; full of flavor!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Enchiladas De Camaron a la Diabla
Cebollitas a La Parrilla
Refried Plantains
Cactus Nopal

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Very good authentic Mexican food.

Source: Google

★ 5

Mexican Platter highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

We visited earlier today we just wanted to try the guacamole and we were not disappointed in the least fresh homemade chips still warm and so crispy and fresh chunky guacamole delicious and their green salsa and red delicious as well..very prompt friendly service

Source: Google

★ 5

Food is great and friendly staff

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

The server took pride in his job and the food was spot on mexican cuisine. He made it a point to make his guest feel safe about contact. Will visit again. Ty!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 3

3.5 stars! Tasty Cochinita Pibil ordered to-go as our 1st try at this restaurant. Serving size generous, not very spicy (could have used a little more heat actually!)
Staff super nice (and wearing masks & gloves); seating area very clean. Lost 1/2 star because we requested black beans but received refried (which got thrown out, sorry to say, as we can't stand refried.)
Will go again!

Source: Google

★ 5

This is the best Mexican food I've had in the states. The service is great and every dish we've had has been fantastic. The margaritas are so refreshing and delicious! If you're looking for a regular run of the mill Mexican spot, this is not it. This is authentic cuisine. Everything is great but you gotta try their ceviche tostadas and the flan!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

We had the chicken enchiladas and a pork shank special, both of which were phenomenal and incredibly flavorful. The chips and salsa were the same. Service was also really fast. Highly recommend.

Source: Google

★ 1

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Regarding their catering:
Service A+
I had them cater my graduation party this past Saturday, called on a Thursday hoping it wasn't too short of a notice and it wasn't. Antonio was very nice on the phone, walked me through my options, we did a two meat taco bar, rice, beans, tortillas, chips, and salsa. Picked it up right on time, Antonio even offered to help load my car.

Food Quality A+
It was a smaller graduation party, and when people heard I was catering a taco bar, they thought that was something easy enough to do at home, until they tasted it. From the fresh fried chips, to the pork and steak tacos, every dish burst with flavor and it was the highlight of the party. Everyone raved about how good it was and couldn't believe they didn't know about this place before.

Value A+
For roughly $10 a head, everyone was able to get thoroughly stuffed, and we're still eating it as left overs the next day. Also getting compliments from those who we sent leftovers home with.

Overall A++

As for dining in the restaurant, I've been here several times and never had anything but a great experience with service and food.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

This is one of our favorite Mexican restaurants in Madison. We love the food, the service and prices. Excellent Guacamole and Chicken Tacos. I'm a regular and I get them almost every time I go.

Source: Google

★ 5

The food and service were wonderful. This is currently our favorite place for tacos in the area, so much so the we ordered another of their taco trio to take home after we finished licking our plates clean so we could eat more later. The service was wonderful, I wish I could remember the name of the gentleman who served us, he was super friendly and accommodating. Freshly made chips and salsa, too - soo good!

Source: Google

★ 4

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I had their pork Carnitas special on the weekend; it was a plate w/Mexican rice, beans w/feta, cilantro, onion, guacamole, and carnita that came w/tortillas. There was subtlety to the flavor in the food and even the water was really good. Before the meal some mild verde and and hotter salsa w/home made tortilla chips that were crunchy (and bit of salt) and perfect. I even tried the Cebollitas a la Parrilla side as well and these onions were a great compliment to the dish.

It's hard to put a price on quality but here you get one of the best dining options in Madison. It's also fresh and the staff is friendly, prompt, and courteous; professional which isn't to be taken for granted anymore at a lot of busy places and it's a great place to go.

Source: Google

★ 5

BEST GUACAMOLE ANYWHERE!!! Excellent authentic Mexican food. The price was right. The service was outstanding. We went at 1 pm on a Sunday. Everything was fresh. Our server, Luis was so friendly and knowledgeable. I recommend this restaurant.

Source: Google

★ 5

Food is tasty, authentic

Source: Google

★ 5

Absolutely delicious food, good atmosphere, and reasonable prices!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Very nice family restaurant. I had the lunch special and my wife had the chile rellenos. The service was prompt and attentive. The food was very delicious and we thought home made. The cilantro and onions were freshly chopped and we think the chips were still warm. My wife especially liked the iced tea.

Source: Google

★ 5

Loved it!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

First time. Arrived as they opened. Immediate attention and excellent service throughout time there. Super good food (I had pork) my girlfriend had chicken. Even brought sample sauces before ordering meals so we could narrow in on many choices of entrees. At the end of meal they even brought my girl a complimentary cake that was phenomenal. We vowed to each other we will go back, over and over for sure.
Highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 4

Worth the price; good tasting and volume of food.

Source: Google

★ 5

The guacamole is amazing, salsas are some of the best I've had. Pulled pork was AMAZING. Enjoyed my trip there so much. Can't wait to go back!

Source: Google

★ 5

First time eating here. Great atmosphere. Very cosey and small. Quite as well, music was at the right sound level. Fast service. The quesadilla was great, and recommend the pork and chicken tacos.

Source: Google

★ 4

서비스로 무한리필 되는 칩 굿. 과카몰이 최고 진짜 맛있는데 양이 적음. 콤보 트리오 데 타코도 맛있고 특히 포크가 약간 한국식 돼지불고기 같은 느낌. 엔칠라다 카마론은 디아볼로 소스가 들어가서 매콤하고 맛있음. 플라타스 뽀요도 겉바삭 속촉촉 치킨 굿. 케사디야는 그냥저냥 무난. 카르네 아사다랑 쉬림프 세비체 비추.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 1

The absolute WORST Mexican food I ever had. Thankful I will not be returning.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent food and good service

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 4

Source: Google

★ 4

Great enchiladas and shaken Margaritas

Source: Google

★ 5

The servers were very helpful and friendly. I was able to easily adjust my meal for my food allergies- the food was tasty I love cactus! I did not become ill after eating due to cross contamination or anything despite them using a lot of corn in the kitchen which says a lot. Huzzah!! Also they have a very gluten free friendly menu - because they use a lot of corn. The cafe olla was heavenly. It is coffee with jicama and some sort of magical spice that makes it sumptuous and dessert like! The food came very quickly. The restaurant has a reasonable sized dining area and the acoustics were not terrible. It was colorful and clean. I would definitely recommend you check La Mestiza out!

Source: Google

★ 5

Great authentic dishes!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 4

Source: Google

★ 4

Source: Google

★ 3

(3.5 stars) Food and service both good. They were very nice accommodating our vegan requests and making the dishes fully vegan. The wait was a little long. The chips were also stale.

Source: Google

★ 5

La Mestiza has been open for around 20 years. They've had the same music and menu for the last 30. No need to change what works. Food is consistently served hot and delicious. Nachos are fresh fried served with red and green sauces. The green is cool and velvety and the red is more tart and smoky. Both are delicious. Chilaquiles with carne asada are excellent here. Special dishes (off menu) like carnitas, cochinita pibil, y chamorro de puerco are also recommended. Service can be as good as found in more upscale restaurants, and it can also be quite lacking at times. Small bar is a nice option. La Mestiza is highly recommended for catering too.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 1

Source: Google

★ 5

Best mojito I've had in a long time! Ceviche and guacamole outstanding, and those fresh chips... Just a great dinner!

Source: Google

★ 3

Source: Google

★ 5

Not a typical Mexican Restaurant. The food is more authentic and ambitious and not everyone will be pleased with their fare. As a vegetarian (not vegan), I found the choices complete and actually respecting of vegetarian pallets. The beans are really vegetarian (no manteca) and none of the meals I have had were cooked on grills used for meat. The comments about extra sauces are strange as I have never had that happen. This is not Chi-Chi's. I would recommend the Verduras en vinagre which are sweet pickled mixed vegetables with a strong flavor of clove or allspice. My main course pick is Combo Trio de Tacos with Nopales.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 4

Excellent Mexican cuisine. Pumpkin sauce on some dishes like the vegetarian enchiladas is delicious. Service can be slow even with only a few customers.

Source: Google

★ 1

Terrible experience, one of the worst Mexican places in Madison.

Food is plain and lacks flavor.

They charge you for hot sauce if you want to get one for your tacos.

They are pretty cheap, chilaquiles won’t ce with beans. They give you like two tablespoons of salsa for 6 people and of you ask for more they charge you extra.

They give you less than two half of bowls of chips for 6 people and then charge you if you ask for more.

When we express our concern about the extra charges the waiter did not care. Her answer was: it’s been like this for many years.

Don’t go the. Go to el pastor, los gemelos, taqueria Guadalajara.

Source: Google

★ 4

Great experience of authentic Mexican food!

I was in Madison for work and this place was perfectly placed right next to my hotel. I took the short walk over with some colleagues in order to try this place out.

Inside it's a small operation but very inviting! Plenty of color used to warm up the ambiance, and it was pleasantly clean but not in the "sterile" sense. We sat in a booth and the waiter was quick to hand us some menus and start us off with water.

The menu is a good size and they had a vegetarian section which I appreciated and was right up my alley! I ended up choosing the corn quesadillas for my meal - and I'm glad I did!

Their version of a quesadilla was shaped more-so like a small calzone. It was filled with cheese and veggies and came with a small side salad and pico de gallo.

I found the dish hearty. I was afraid it was going to be too greasy, but it was pleasantly less so. I think the balance of the cheese and veggies was perfect! I wasn't over-chewing the cheese and the sautéed veggies helped add texture and flavor.

The waiter was really helpful in explaining the menu and even came out with a sample of cactus since we all were unfamiliar on what or how to eat that - super cool! He also came around to share stories of the restaurant which was nice to learn about.

Overall would definitely recommend this place for a solid dinner! Enjoy!

Source: Google

★ 5

Cute restaurant with tasty daily specials. Good prices and a great place to go for lunch

Source: Google

★ 3

Source: Google

★ 3

Having tried Mexican cuisine in some of the better places around, I felt their drinks stand out as unique , but I am afraid I can't say the same about the food. It's ok-ish

Source: Google

★ 5

The service is great as well as the food! Every time I go the food is delicious.

Source: Google

★ 5

Very good. Great flavoring

Source: Google