Nuevo Laredo Cantina

I am not a big Mexican fan but this place has the best salmon tacos I have ever had. They are always delicious and always fresh. They also have great salsa and queso. I have been there several times and have always gotten the fish tacos. Even with the crowds, I have always had good service and there are some hot waitresses.

Pros: great food and good service

Cons: always too busy

Posted 07/10/09

My friend and I went to this Cantina with high hopes on Saturday afternoon June 30,2009. We love mexican food and had heard about Nueco Laredo through people and websites. We arrived to this small hole in the wall and ate in the lower area. As my friend was finishing her meal behold the biggest R**CH ever. The waiter quickly grabbed the r**ch but our experience was ruined. We talked with the manager and she told us that they have been having a lot of problems and that she would comp our drinks but we ended up paying for the food.....that will be my first and last time there.

Pros: NON AFTER THE R**CH

Cons: R**CH

Posted 05/31/09

I have never been to a more un-kid friendly mexican restaurant. My husband and I go out to eat 2-3 times a week with our 15 month old daughter and we have never felt more unwelcome at a restaurant. Our daughter is very well behaved, but the servers made it very clear that we were not welcome. For example, my daughter dropped one sealed sugar packet on the floor and the server came running over to pick it up and the guy made a huffing sound. He then got out the sweeper and started sweeping around her high chair...for a closed sugar packet! There was no sugar anywhere! I also felt them hovering for the rest of the meal and they charged us a 20% gratuity. My husband and I normally give at least 25%, but not to this place. We liked Nuevo before we had a kid, but we will never go back now. Awful experiance!!!

Pros: None

Cons: Not kid friendly & Rude

Posted 04/13/09

My bf and I went to Nuevo Laredo Cantina a couple of weeks ago after a couple prior attempts turned us away due to lengthy waits. My bf had been before and said it was worth it so we tried again - no more than a 20 minute wait. We burned time at the bar where the bartender annoyed the heck out of us by pushing the receipt closer and closer to us after our FIRST round of drinks were ordered as if she wouldn't be paid...mind you, we are waiting for a table. So we get seated and our waitress sat us next to their sink and clean up area which had the fierce smell of bleach which made my eyes tear. We asked to be moved to another table and she literally rolled her eyes. So we relocate, talked, ate, drank, without being checked on, and then waited and waited and waited for our server or a server to attend to us. We wanted another round but got so turned off that we just rathered our check so we could go. Flagged the guy that wipes the tables down and asked for the check and then waited and waited and waited for him or someone to return to collect our money. The food was delicious, but I must say that the service was horrific and I'm in no rush to go back.

Pros: Fresh, Authentic Mexican; Cool Atmosphere

Cons: Bad Service

Posted 03/10/09

After years of what seemed like obnoxious hyperbole, I finally went to Nuevo myself to check out the food. I would say that this place is simply great. Is it worth waiting more then 30-40 mins for this food? Nah...most places aren't, but...they have a bar...so why complain?

Food:

Salsa--it's great.

Burritos are fantastic and HUGE and a lot like taqueria burritos--nor your boring combo #7 burrito like you get at Laredo's. But...these nice burritos do indeed come on the combo plates.

Tacos--true taqueria style tacos--two corn tortillas, nice roasted pork or barbacoa (yes that's right) with onions, cilantro and lime.

Enchilada--very good sauce not too much cheese.

Pico de gallo--dear god it's spicy and it's really good.

Chile con queso--this cheese dip is enough for 4-5 and it's spicy, very spicy and it's great.

Service--like a well oiled machine, these folks pump it out quickly and they do it well.

If you dig Texmex places you'll like Nuevo. If you like taquerias you'll like Nuevo b/c they serve many of these same dishes you get at your favorite taquerias. It's the perfect blend of the two. I often think that most great Mexican food is found in the burbs and on Buford highway. One thing you don't find much of in downtown Atlanta is authentic Mexican worth bragging about. There are few great fusion places and even some urban hipster Mexican places that are good, but hardly scratch the surface of their suburban counterparts.

Nuevo is one where all things are reconciled. One thing to note...parking is a mess. And...your average combo is $9.25 at lunch...that might seem high for Mexican food but I assure you, it's 3 times as much food as you would get anywhere else for the same price. This place is great.

Pros: great food, atypical menu, super fast service.

Cons: parking is bad, the waits are a long time.

Posted 07/25/08

Wow! Delicious Food. Fun lively atmosphere. The inside was just ok, but it didn't matter because the food was outstanding. I had their lobster tacos - and I am hooked. I can't wait to go back.

Oh - the guac was great too, except I ate too many chips because I didn't want to waste any of it.

Parking was a challenge and there was a bit of a wait to get seated because it was so busy, but it was well worth it.

Pros: Food

Cons: Parking, Crowded

Posted 07/03/08

MJ the managaer clearly does not like african americans. She is rude, arrogant and simply not worth my time. I suggest CHANCE the owner find himself another manager. The parking is hideous, the food is below average and managment is not accomodating. I had issue with my meal being SUPER SALTY. MJ who is the manager was PATHETIC. She basically told me there was nothing she could do! So when I told her I was turned off by her extreme attitude she suggested my business was not needed simply becuase I complained about how salty my meal was. I suggest TAQUERIA DEL SOL on Howell mill much much better food and service. MJ you are the worst manager I have ever met in my LIFE. Check your attitdue it needs adjusting. I AM TURNED OFF BY THIS PLACE!

Pros: NONE

Cons: MJ THE MANAGER IS RUDE, SALTY FOOD SERVICE, PEST PROBLEM

Posted 06/18/08

Stood outside in line today for over an hour starting at 11:30a. The "hostess" who keeps the list kept telling our party of 4 that we were next. At least 5 more groups of 4 went ahead of us while we were "next" on the list. Apparently, although they don't take reservations, but they do have "manager reservations" that they put on the top of their list. People were walking in, would go secretly say something to the "hostess" and sit within 5 minutes.
I have finally decided to stop going to this place after about 10 times in 7 years. It just isn't worth it. They do not care about their customers at all.

Posted 06/05/08

I've been here several times, with co-workers & with my husband...I've yet to order anything that wasn't absolutely yummy!

Pros: Yummy food

Cons: parking was a pain

Posted 04/09/08

Brought my mother in the other day for lunch, shes never been. I had been once before and really enjoied it and knew she would too. Mexican is her favorite and she was glad we went. We had a great time. Dont go when you are in a hurry. Youll find that because they are so busy all the time it takes a while for the wait staff to get around to you.

I love it and now moms a fan too!

Pros: Very good food

Cons: Parking can be a pain and pepsi will have you towed, dont go when youre in a hurry

Posted 03/26/08

I have been to this place 3 times to give them a chance to live up to the hype and I simply do not get it. These 5 star reviews must be written by extended family. The food is absolutely dreadful. The service is even worse. Save your time and your money and find somewhere else to eat. I am sure you could do better just about anywhere else you choose to go.

Posted 03/21/08

My boyfriend and I have been here many times and we LOVE the food. Salsa is fresh and delicious, the cheese dip with jalapenos is great, and we always share the chicken fajitas. (Just with extra tortillas for two people.) Food is always very consistent, and they offer a lot of variety. Veggies are very fresh. Only down side is the long wait on evenings and weekends, but it is definitely worth it!

Pros: Absolutely delicious food! Very consistent!

Cons: Long wait, decent service

Posted 01/31/08

I am from Texas and I know mexican food. This place is smoking. I absolutely love it. As soon as you come through the door you can feel the family atmosphere. They get you in and out. I always get the queso it is delicious with jalapenos so good. I have tried a varitety of things and everything on the menu is great. You have to try this place you wont be disappointed.

Pros: Cheap deals, great food, and the best Margaritas

Cons: Parking

Posted 12/11/07

What is everyone ordering? Because I've been several times and frankly I don't get it. The food is marginal, the prices are high, and seating is a nightmare. Of all the non-chain Tex-Mex resturants that I've been to, this one would consistantly place last.

Pros: Once opon a time, it was one of a small group of resturants open in the area.

Cons: Crowded, small tables, waitress' bumbing into your table, high prices.

Posted 08/15/07

Being a local to northwest Atlanta, my friends and I dine here at least three times a month! The service can be rude and condescending, and the place is ALWAYS packed for dinner (with 1-2 hour waits). I can forgive both of these flaws because their food is consistently fantastic! They have a delicious, fresh house salsa which can be purchased by the pint for parties. My boyfriend always gets the enchiladas a la carte. The corn tortilla isn't too chewy or tough - it is very tender and yummy. I am a huge fan of the Holy Tacos which are grilled flour tortillas stuffed with mashed potatoes, onions, cabbage, and a special green sauce. They are cheap and filling, if a bit greasy.

Go there at least once, but not at dinner! Try an early or late lunch!

Pros: the salsa and the food

Cons: Rude service, very loud, huge waits at dinner

Posted 07/16/07

I might not be able to spell it, but the Tacos Carna Asada are the best on the planet! Love the Fajita Salad and queso. No other Mexican place compares to this one. Absolutely THE BEST. (the non-alchoholic drinks bite - my only complaint).
Don't look for ambiance, great servers or the "in-crowd" in this place. It is for true foodies only.

Pros: Best on the planet

Cons: parking, noise (but worth it!)

Posted 05/22/07

I've been here several times and live in the neighborhood. The food is good, and expect a wait for a table, especially at night (any night of the week, but closed Sunday).

However, the staff and management show no appreciation for their customers whatsoever. They treat you as if you should feel priveledged to be eating in their restuarant, after wating 2 hours in the parking lot for a table. They take you for granted due to their overblown reputation, and I will never dine there again.

Most people eat here because its considered "cool" and trendy. Don't buy into the hype. They don't deserve your money.

Pros: The food is good. Maybe overhyped, but it is good.

Cons: They act is if it's a hassle that you're dining there. Terrible service.

Posted 05/16/07

What can I say.. I love this place. Apart from the long wait & bad parking situation, everything else is amazing. The chips & salsa rocks and I always over order and have to take it home. No worries, cause I will probably finish that leftover that same night as an late snack. I highly recommend this place. Its an experience.

Pros: Food, environment, eye candy

Cons: Waiting time, parking, customer serivce

Posted 04/06/07

The restaurant is definitely off the beaten path but the food is well worth it. The tomatillo slasa rocks! And try the tampiquena steak.

Posted 11/01/06

We just moved here from Texas and are thrilled to have discovered this place. The lobster tacos are rich and delicous. I love the huevos rancheros. Great magaritas. They really now how to do Tex-Mex.

Posted 09/28/06

i live close to this place and it's one of my favorite parts of the neighborhood. the menu is large-you can even get lobster tacos, quesadillas, etc. I love the salmon tacos with cheese sauce (fish tacos on the menu) and shrimp enchiladas. plenty of non seafood stuff, those are just my favorites. the place is packed all the time, i recommend going in the middle of the afternoon if you don't want to wait because the waiting area isn't very good- theres only 3 or 4 chairs at the bar and a very small cramped area. you can sit outside if the weather is nice.

Pros: big menu, good food

Cons: long wait

Posted 08/29/06

I dream about these things! They have wilted spinach on them!!!! So freakin good! Worth the wait - which oh yes, you will wait.

Posted 08/09/06

I have dined at Nuevo Laredo on numerous occasions, and I am still trying to figure out what all the hype is about for a place where there is inadequate seating, non-existent waiting area, average food and overpriced margaritas. The service isn't special, and the entrees all taste the same. One would expect mind-blowing food and drink for a place that doesn't accept reservations and regularly has a wait time of over an hour. The parking lots are no good if you're concerned about door dings.

Pros: Salsa, location

Cons: Service, wait times, everything is just so average

Posted 08/07/06

Nuevo Laredo is crowded and noisy, but the food is worth it. Being born and raised in Texas, I feel at home at this restraunt. The salsa is amazing and every dish I have tried is unbelievably good. The Mole is delicious as well as the chicken quesadillas- finally someone in Atlanta has learned how to serve it the right way. I recommend this place to anyone looking for some great Tex-Mex!!!

Posted 08/07/06

The best salsa I've ever tasted, fresh and aromatic. Also if you're into seafood, try the lobster quesadilla, it's excellent. The waiters/waitresses could use another crash course in hospitality and there is inadequate seating on the deck while you wait for a table, but at least the chips are free while you wait. The wait for seating is usually in excess of 45 minutes, so don't go hungry!!!!

Pros: Great Food, Great Salsa, good size portions

Cons: Not the best service, wait for seating, inadequate wait area

Posted 03/01/06

If you want to wait 1 hour in a crowded place to be seated, pay twice for average food (at best) then this is the place for you. The best of it all is the really rude restaurant manager!

Pros: Rude Staff, Average food at best, Crowded

Posted 01/26/06

All food is great. Salsa, Guac and cheese dips are all a 10. Cant go wrong with anything on the menu. Servers are friendly and fast.

Posted 01/06/06

All I can say was it was worth the 25 min wait. This place has the BEST Mexican food I had ever had! I recommend the Pollo Mole!!! This place is charming, sweet, and worth every penny. CANT GET ENOUGH

Pros: Food, Atmosphere, Service

Cons: long wait, parking, small area downtown

Posted 11/29/05

This place is great with great food and good margaritas. The price is also great. There is going to be a wait when you go, so you should excpect it. The place is really small for all of the business they do, however it is part of the charm. Try and get a good table, becasue if you are in the walkway it can be annoying. Those are the only downfalls! Overall it is a great Mexican place that will give you what you are looking for!

Posted 10/19/05

The food was better than your aveage cantina. I had the Chile Relleno. There was more beef and less cheese than I typically enjoy, although it was well prepared. My girlfriend had fajita tacos and they were great. Servings were large and filling.
The ambience is a bit hectic and definitely loud... Not a good place for a quiet date or if you are trying to impress someone.
The service was trash. The waitress never uttered a word. Never checked on us and never came over until we grabbed one for our check.
Our waitress rolled her eyes at my girlfriend when she asked for a container to bring her salsa home with the rest of her meal... That ticked me off.
I wouldn't go back, but I might still recommend it for someone to try out...

Posted 09/26/05

Highly overrated, I was very disappointed after all the reviews I had read on this place. Parking was not a huge deal, we parked across the street. Service was HORRIBLE. I couldn't believe how bad it was. The prices are too high for the amount and quality of food you get. Enchiladas were small and the huge plate was covered in lettuce and rice/beans to make it look like a lot of food. The atmosphere is redneck. I left wondering why I wasted 3 hours eating at a mexican restaurant that had barely mediocre food and terrible service...I will not be back.

Pros: None

Cons: Service, Pricey, Not much food

Posted 07/13/05

This place is not worth the wait. I was hoping this would finely be a good mexican restuarant in Atlanta, but boy was I let down. If this is great for everyone in Atlanta they might need to do a little traveling.

Pros: salsa

Cons: food, service

Posted 04/14/05

As a recent Atlanta transplant, I had heard lots about Nuevo Laredo, and every time I drove by the place, it was always hopping. So, my husband and I decided to try it for lunch, and unfortunately, we were sorely disappointed. The meal started out well, with tasty chips, salsa and queso dip, but went downhill from there. My husband's flautas were greasy and topped with salsa (too wet to pick up by hand -- the usual way of serving them), and my cheese enchiladas were full of thick and heavy cheese. I'm a huge cheese fan, but this cheese just didn't taste right. The place was so crowded and noisy that we weren't even able to have a conversation, and I was glad to get out of there. At $25 plus tip for lunch, I would avoid this busy Tex-Mex hangout for an alternate choice.

Pros: portion sizes

Cons: the food, noisy atmosphere, too few tables

Posted 03/06/05

First off, parking is difficult. When I went, the place was hot, crowded, and required a long wait. BUT, it was worth it - because the chicken enchiladas I had were slammin'! I will be back to this place. The nachos and salsa were good as well. This place is crowded for a reason. If you are not familiar with this side of town, make sure you have good directions as it is located in an out of the way industrial area.

Pros: Tastes Good

Cons: , crowded

Posted 06/08/04

What a wonderful surprise! Delicious Mexican food that is not reminiscent of these fast food type restaurants. The homemade salsa was fresh and very flavorful. The seasonings are carefully blended to complement each dish. We had a sample platter of tacos; Lobster, Chicken Diablo, Salmon and Brisket. Each taco had its own unique flavor; a great change from the many Mexican restaurants whose dishes all tend to taste alike. The Cadillac Margarita was well worth the expense!

Pros: Great Food, Good Parking, Tables Turnover Fast

Cons: , Crowded, Distance

Posted 02/08/04

I have been eating at this Mexican cantina since 1992. I has only gotten better and more popular. Salmon tacos and Mole dishes are tops as well as all traditional Tex Mex offerings.

A must if you love Mexican food.

Posted 09/14/03

Did I miss something? I just ate lunch and I am not impressed.

The chicken in my chicken tacos was just plain old chicken. No seasoning or sauce. It just tasted like it was boiled and shredded. Okay, okay, I know chicken tacos are not very adventuresome, but even the basics should taste good. At a total of $11 with tip, it wasn't exactly a bargain.

It all started off promising with the good sign of every table taken and a line at the door. I'm just scratching my head now trying to figure out why.

Cons: bland, overpriced, unimaginative

Posted 06/22/03

We've lived near Nuevo Laredo for several years and it has only in the past couple of years been "discovered" by folks from other parts of town. We still go but have figured out that you just have to go a little earlier or on a week night if you don't want to wait for 45 minutes or more (the wait goes a lot faster with a icy cold margarita!). Large parties can SOMETIMES call ahead.

I disagree with the CitySearch review that says avoid the specialties of the house. If you want a chicken burrito or fajitas, go to El Azteca or something. This is where you go for the real thing. Try the carne asada, tamiquena, chicken diablo, or the barbecued brisket. The standard Mexican fare at Nuevo Laredo is pretty, well standard and definitely not worth the long wait. Definitely worth the wait is the weird stuff.

Pros: Inexpensive, Fast friendly service, Excellent food

Cons: Parking sucks!, Long waits

Posted 04/22/03

great little mexican place, good for the family. both our kids love the food not too hot but delicious

Posted 02/23/03

This place is way over-rated. Typically, one will wait a very long time to eat "food" that I would consider to be questionable, at best. This is not Mexican food, this is not Tex-Mex. Frankly, this is just bad.

Posted 02/11/03

I have eaten at many mexican resturants, and I tried this one with many recomendations. The food was cold and gross. The service was little to be desired. The unfriendly manager lady just stands behind the bar and only speaks to you if you are a regular.

Cons: expensive, terrible parking

Posted 01/31/03

Sure the grinds are yummy, but man, talk about overpriced!! The wait staff is great, but the confines of this tiny lil eatery give me the willies. The menu is chock full of all sorts of goodies, but when the bill hits the table afterwords it's fun to guess where the owners are headed on their next vacation!

Pros: Vegetarian Items, Wait Staff, Variety

Cons: Crowded, Tiny, Overpriced

Posted 01/31/03

...pero esperar largo. Translation: Very Good, little money, but long waits.

Especially in the evenings-but overall, worth it for the bar experience alone. Patrons will not leave their hungry and where else can you dine and look at pictures of the owners' various trips to Mexico?

4 out of 5 flautas!

Pros: great food, good bar area, nice atmosphere

Cons: long wait, not a lot of parking

Posted 01/31/03

Caption says it all. Also popular with young singles. Great value at lunch.

Posted 01/31/03