Cantina El Tesoro

I had the Mexican equivalent to lasagna. Had high hopes but it was only so-so. The service was super slow to the point that we haven't been back for a while. If you are a tequila fan, this is your spot!

Posted 08/27/09 | Report Abuse

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We live in Decatur and really like this higher-end Mexican restaurant. If you are looking for the typical, hot-plate, smothered in cheese Mexican, go to El Toro or someplace of the like. El Tesoro's food is actually flavored with spices (and not just mounds of cheese--but you can get that if you like). The tacos are great and the carnitas are wonderful. The service has been very good on the occasions we have eaten there. Give it a try!!

Posted 03/31/09 | Report Abuse

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I just moved to Decatur from Texas so I was looking forward to having my first Mexican food dinner in the area. Tesoro was a huge disappointment, though. The dining room was very dirty--and I was one of only two people there at noontime--so I don't know why they couldn't clean it. Flies everywhere inside! The food was disappointing, cold and greasy and overpriced. $4.95 for one chalupa and orange-colored cold rice. The waitress asked me if I would like chips and salsa before the meal and of course I said yes. After all, every Mexican food restaurant serves chips and salsa to customers who are waiting for their food to arrive. Surprise, surprise. When I received the bill, there was a $2.50 charge for the chips (which weren't even very good). How cheap is that? If the chips aren't complimentary, then the waitress should have told me when she asked if I wanted some. When I mentioned this to her, she was very snooty and told me that I could go to the website and complain if I wanted. I'm not sure which was worse, the food or the service. At any rate, I won't ever go back there even though Mexican food is my very favorite and I live down the street. I wondered why Creative Loafing gave it only two stars in their review; now I know why. I wouldn't recommend this place to anybody!

Posted 09/26/08 | Report Abuse

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We loved Tesoro on our first visit, but sadly, the last trip didn't live up to expectations. The margaritas were abysmal--they literally tasted like limeade.

Posted 09/02/08 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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I've frequented this charming Mexican restaurant for the tasty carnitas, chorizo and adult beverages since they first opened their doors. I was very suprised and pleased with the first time I visited for a sample of their tequila late one night after the kitchen had closed and returned right away to try the food. I was glad not to be disappointed, and have had take out as well as dine in satisfaction.

I did stop by one Friday night with a long wait, but the friendly staff, fine tequilas and patio [front and back] kept me entertained.

Posted 08/03/08 | Report Abuse

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I was so excited about Cantina El Tesoro. Atlanta sorely needs good Mexican cuisine and the menu seemed somewhat creative.

That said, I arrived for a late lunch on a Saturday (around 2 PM), and from the start, was sorely disappointed in my experience. The corn tortillas were stale, the fish taco was small, old and tough and seemd to have been fried some time prior. The hongas was somewhat better, but not great. The only redeeming quality was the margarita, which was actually pretty good. The rest - dismal, including the service - they just couldn't seem to figure out what they were doing, including the hostess, who literally dashed at the door at 3 PM.

They had not been open long, so I attributed it mostly to a new restaurant trying to get it together, but I don't think I'll be going back. Just don't open if you can't do a better job than that.

Posted 06/04/08 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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This new Mexican restaurant is just outside the downtown area of Decatur. It looks like it used to be a house before it was a restaurant. The hostess greets you on the front porch and you can sit on the patio or inside. I grabbed a beer at the bar and chatted with the bartender while waiting for a table. The empanada appetizer that I ordered wasn't too thrilling, but the main course was good. I would eat here again.

Posted 05/16/08 | Report Abuse

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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