I had heard about La Tienda and had been told it was one of the best Mexican restaurants in all of Gainesville. I excitedly tried it out with a friend and I can say it definitely lived up to the hype! This place is the real deal, authentic Mexican cuisine. Don’t be thrown off by the fact it looks like it’s within a convenience store, that’s part of the appeal. I ordered the carne enchilada which was thin cuts of grilled pork topped with grilled sautéed onions. It was a good serving size and came with the traditional rice and beans . There is seating inside and out on the deck patio. Overall I really enjoyed this authentic Mexican fare and would definitely return.
Safari149507
I stayed at a hotel across the street and didn't want to go far to eat. The food was very, very good! I had chips and salso and burritos. Yum. The staff was very friendly and the atmosphere was very nice, too. You order at the counter and someone bings your food. I would definitely eat there again.
LoveGoodEats21
Great fresh food, go to place. South of the 'high dollar' places, but his place is nice, safe and real.
dgray7772k
I had the ceviche which was a really good size portion. It was very fresh and delicious! The staff working there was very friendly and the prices were good. My new Gator said he will be eating there frequently.
Glen Bowling
the menu is vast and you need to know exactly what you want and order it or you will be disappointed. Very ala cart but they seem to not realize it. I liked the food but I didn't get what I expected. A burrito that came without anything. when I asked, she was confused and gave me a more confusing answer... chimichanga was a burrito... and expensive
Sharon Johnson
Awesome place great food inside/outside dining
doctorbobster
Meeting a friend for lunch, feeling like Mexican food and wanting to give this local favorite a second chance, we sat down at La Tienda, something I will likely not do again. Read on for details. Located on the south side of 441 in Gainesville, La Tienda has a very relaxed feel. AFter studying the menu board over the cashier/counter, you order and sit down with a number marker for your table...the food arrives pretty quickly. The guac serving was large, substantial, fresh and flavorful. The chips were warm and fresh. The salsa was watery and disappointing. As for the chicken taco: the flour taco was warm, limp and a bit damp. The chicken was shreaded, overcooked and boring/tasteless; it barely tasted like chicken. Thats it...the popularity of this place remains a mystery to me.
Amy Dinh
Best tacos in town! (& tons of other authentic food too!)
cowgirl41
In town for business and stayed at hotel across the street from this restaurant. The chicken enchiladas with green sauce were so good the first night, I got take out again the next night. Orders also included Chile Relleno, maduros, chips with guac and flan. Everything was very tasty and the pick up process was fast and friendly with clerks wearing masks. Will come here again the next time I am in town!
Tampasmurf
After reading all of the rave reviews and having lived in Texas for many years, I was very anxious to try this restaurant. I was very disappointed, but generously give it three stars. First, I am so glad we did not try this place for dinner, as it is more of a zero frills quick lunch place than anything. The food, which I found marginal, is served on disposable plates with plastic forks. You order and pay before you sit down. The atmosphere is not a sit down, order a margarita and relax type of atmosphere, but an eat quick and get on with your business atmosphere. I had the “steak” fajitas which consisted of very dry strips of beef of some sort with sautéed onions and peppers on a disposable plate. Don’t look for a sizzling plate here. The fajitas were served with less than a tablespoon of sour cream, and maybe five small pieces of diced tomato, some shredded lettuce and no cheese. The tortillas were very thin and not very good. They also came with a small portion of bland rice and refried beans. My husband had three mini enchiladas, which he said were different, but pretty good. Fortunately it was pretty cheap, but I don’t care about the price as much as I care about the food and the atmosphere.
Casual dining no frills restaurant. Good variety of meals at very reasonable prices. Order from the counter and meals are delivered to table. Indoor or outdoor dining in relaxed atmosphere or takeout is available. There is a small supermarket at the rear of restaurant where you can purchased Latin American groceries.
William B
Had a difficult time choosing between the quesadilla & the fajita and finally decided on the fajita. Me had the beef and my male friend had the chicken and my female friend had something else but as always the food was very filling.
Janet B
Order at the counter and food is delivered to your table. There were about 10 people in front of us in line but it moved quickly. The food was tasty and really inexpensive!
121Boo
The food was very good, the rice was excellent texture. All 4 of us enjoyed our meal. The service was great!
794KimH
Best Mexican food ever! Fresh guacamole, amazing salsas, burritos are fantastic. Just eat here, you won’t be disappointed!!
I had heard about La Tienda and had been told it was one of the best Mexican restaurants in all of Gainesville. I excitedly tried it out with a friend and I can say it definitely lived up to the hype! This place is the real deal, authentic Mexican cuisine. Don’t be thrown off by the fact it looks like it’s within a convenience store, that’s part of the appeal. I ordered the carne enchilada which was thin cuts of grilled pork topped with grilled sautéed onions. It was a good serving size and came with the traditional rice and beans . There is seating inside and out on the deck patio. Overall I really enjoyed this authentic Mexican fare and would definitely return.
I stayed at a hotel across the street and didn't want to go far to eat. The food was very, very good! I had chips and salso and burritos. Yum. The staff was very friendly and the atmosphere was very nice, too. You order at the counter and someone bings your food. I would definitely eat there again.
Great fresh food, go to place. South of the 'high dollar' places, but his place is nice, safe and real.
I had the ceviche which was a really good size portion. It was very fresh and delicious! The staff working there was very friendly and the prices were good. My new Gator said he will be eating there frequently.
the menu is vast and you need to know exactly what you want and order it or you will be disappointed. Very ala cart but they seem to not realize it. I liked the food but I didn't get what I expected. A burrito that came without anything. when I asked, she was confused and gave me a more confusing answer... chimichanga was a burrito... and expensive
Awesome place great food inside/outside dining
Meeting a friend for lunch, feeling like Mexican food and wanting to give this local favorite a second chance, we sat down at La Tienda, something I will likely not do again. Read on for details. Located on the south side of 441 in Gainesville, La Tienda has a very relaxed feel. AFter studying the menu board over the cashier/counter, you order and sit down with a number marker for your table...the food arrives pretty quickly. The guac serving was large, substantial, fresh and flavorful. The chips were warm and fresh. The salsa was watery and disappointing. As for the chicken taco: the flour taco was warm, limp and a bit damp. The chicken was shreaded, overcooked and boring/tasteless; it barely tasted like chicken. Thats it...the popularity of this place remains a mystery to me.
Best tacos in town! (& tons of other authentic food too!)
In town for business and stayed at hotel across the street from this restaurant. The chicken enchiladas with green sauce were so good the first night, I got take out again the next night. Orders also included Chile Relleno, maduros, chips with guac and flan. Everything was very tasty and the pick up process was fast and friendly with clerks wearing masks. Will come here again the next time I am in town!
After reading all of the rave reviews and having lived in Texas for many years, I was very anxious to try this restaurant. I was very disappointed, but generously give it three stars. First, I am so glad we did not try this place for dinner, as it is more of a zero frills quick lunch place than anything. The food, which I found marginal, is served on disposable plates with plastic forks. You order and pay before you sit down. The atmosphere is not a sit down, order a margarita and relax type of atmosphere, but an eat quick and get on with your business atmosphere. I had the “steak” fajitas which consisted of very dry strips of beef of some sort with sautéed onions and peppers on a disposable plate. Don’t look for a sizzling plate here. The fajitas were served with less than a tablespoon of sour cream, and maybe five small pieces of diced tomato, some shredded lettuce and no cheese. The tortillas were very thin and not very good. They also came with a small portion of bland rice and refried beans. My husband had three mini enchiladas, which he said were different, but pretty good. Fortunately it was pretty cheap, but I don’t care about the price as much as I care about the food and the atmosphere.
Restaurantji Recommends
Casual dining no frills restaurant. Good variety of meals at very reasonable prices. Order from the counter and meals are delivered to table. Indoor or outdoor dining in relaxed atmosphere or takeout is available. There is a small supermarket at the rear of restaurant where you can purchased Latin American groceries.
Had a difficult time choosing between the quesadilla & the fajita and finally decided on the fajita. Me had the beef and my male friend had the chicken and my female friend had something else but as always the food was very filling.
Order at the counter and food is delivered to your table. There were about 10 people in front of us in line but it moved quickly. The food was tasty and really inexpensive!
The food was very good, the rice was excellent texture. All 4 of us enjoyed our meal. The service was great!
Best Mexican food ever! Fresh guacamole, amazing salsas, burritos are fantastic. Just eat here, you won’t be disappointed!!