Cantina El Tesoro

We've frequented this restaurant a few times since it opened. The first time we went we loved it--thought the food and service were incredible. Tonight we went for our last visit; the overall experience was subpar:
-They were out of SALAD at 6:30.
-Uninformed/lukewarm server--couldn't answer basic menu questions and was distracted.
-Taco garnishes in wasteful containers--they shouldn't use plastic to-go cups on the table.
-Garbage all over the front yard - Plastic cups, napkins, straws, limes, cigarette butts.
We are Decatur residents who eat a lot of Mexican food and we were so excited to have a new addition. We visit both Raging Burrito and Taqueria weekly because of their consistency and dependability. Sadly, we won't be back to El Tesoro.

My family has eaten at el tesoro twice now. first time was not a good experience so we gave it a second shot months after it opened. cannot complain about the food and bar but that is as far as i will go. the service is terrible. the waits are terrible. the hostesses are non responsive (unless you are a party of 2). i have spoken with the owners and nothing changed. i will not go back to the restaurant ever again. i love the food, but cannot stand the fact that on a friday night they dont know how to staff appropriately (1 waiter for a 6 table section that can seat 22 people). i hope they figure it out bc there are too many other great options in decatur for great food and service - try anywhere on the square. i wonder if la casita (previous restaurant by same owners) didnt make it for the same reasons??? i do not recommend this restaurant unless you want take out.

Being restaurant owners ourselves, we visited despite the bad service reviews. We know the early trials of the opening days and weeks in a restaurant. The food was exceptional. We loved the flavor of the tomatillo salsa. The carnitas, though different from the traditional shredded way I make it, was full of lime flavor and mixed wonderfully with the beans and rice. The tacos were exceptional as well. Our server was friendly and informative. We asked to try the tortillas before ordering, and he was happy to accommodate us. We were looking for authentic and we found it. Except for the lack of home-made tortillas, Tesoro was exceptional. We look forward to returning again and again when we are in Atlanta!

A friend and I went for a weekday lunch, despite reading some rather 'bad' reviews, but we found the experience to be just the opposite. We had eaten there when it was Jake's Ice Cream Shop, and the change was wonderful--beautiful colors and furnishings turned it into a lovely restaurant that was conducive to relaxed dining. We were seated immediately, greeted by our server, Nick, our drink order taken, and delivered promptly. Both of us really enjoyed purusing an interesting menu with items that were not the usual fare, and kidded that we would either have to have an extra table to hold all the items we wanted, or return very soon. We placed our orders, and they appeared within a short time, hot and delicious. Susan had the fish taco, which she said was delicious and I had chiliquiles with pork, which was great. The only 'fault' would be Susan's refried black beans that were a bit too pureed. Other than that, we'll be back soon and often--we'll be trying dinner with the husbands next! . Delish!

We ate at Tesoro for lunch on a Saturday. The margaritas and tacos were terrific! My favorites tacos were the pescado and chorizo. I also like the atmosphere -- the patio is great. I'll definitely be back.