Las Isabelas is a family-owned business that doubles as a Mexican restaurant and grocery store. The entire building has character with really lovely decorations that speak to the culture. I think that there is only outdoor seating (covered and not covered), so while it is not the largest restaurant (even less parking but since it is downtown, you can find other parking nearby), it seems like it has enough tables (which were really big) for most days. In terms of the service... we were waiting for our "waitress" until we found out that there is no table service (other than someone initially asking you for your drinks/appetizers when you sit down) as you have to manually go up to the cashier (friendly), order using a QR code to access their menu, and pay from there. So we sat there for a while really confused. But once we were told to do that (and to be fair, we might have not heard the full instructions clearly when we first entered), the food came out in a timely manner. I do think that the service could have been better; for instance, our waters were never refilled and we were not really checked up on during our dine-in experience. It might have been an off day since a lot of reviews praise their service. We got a variety of food, including Chips & Guacamole and Churros to share while for myself, I got the Burrito California and Sope. The Chips & Guacamole were really good! The guacamole was seasoned well and the chips tasted very fresh. We were also given a side of salsa, which was a bit spicy. I will say that this place does not seem to offer complimentary chips and salsa like other spots. The Churros were delicious! Very sugary and warm; I liked how doughy the inside was when it first came out. As for my entrees... I got the Sope with Chicken. This was my first time having Sope and I expected it to have more flavor to it. It tasted a bit bland, although the chicken pieces did help elevate the taste. As for the Burrito California, it tasted decent. It was stuffed with rice and potentially needed more fries, but it also lacked some flavor. If I added meat, that might have helped with the taste. I will say that the green sauce at my table saved my entrees as it really added a nice kick to everything. While I wish there were more spices in my food, I kind of liked that it was not too salty (in comparison to similar spots). Overall, I would probably give Las Isabelas a 3.5/5 stars. It did not wow me, but I think it is a solid spot to hit up in the area. They have a vast menu, so I could see myself coming back in the future to try other items. read more

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We had a great experience at Isabela's. It's a covered outdoor area with a ton of character. Margaritas were huge and delicious. We ordered our food at the window and it was delivered quickly! We had tacos, fajitas, burritos and a chicken and rice dish!!! Everything was piping hot and the portions were perfect! If you are in Hickory you should drop in here for a hearty lunch or dinner! The staff is friendly too! read more

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Grabbed some Togo food while I was in Hickory for work & man was the torta massive & tasty!! Would def recommend!! read more

Authentic Mexican Restaurant Las Isabelas - Chicken torta - Mexican Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

Food was excellent and authentic. It is outside seating with ceiling fans. Today was hot as hell. The atmosphere is a little weird when you walk inside there is no menu. You have to use their q&a code at register then sit down. When we sat down, she came to answer what we want to drink and brought us our drink when we were ready to order. She told us we have to go back to the register to order the food. WTH so we ordered our food. She brought us our food, and I went to ask for refill of my drink and she said no refills. You have to go back to the register and pay for another one. I was like what? What would happen if my girlfriend would want another drink later on? Whack my credit card three times in the same restaurant.? I gave a four star rating because the food was excellent But the concept is ridiculous read more

Are you serious? We ordered 2 burritos and both were just lettuce mostly. Terrible. We have been here before and we liked it. What happened? We ordered to go and spent over 60 dollars with the tip we gave you. read more

Authentic Mexican Restaurant Las Isabelas - No meat and all lettuce. The meat I got was full of gristle. - Mexican Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

Best Mexican food I've ever had. This is truly the hidden gem of Hickory! Got the fajitas, chips, and marg. All of them were a flavor blast. Everything is homemade and the staff is an incredible. I'll come back to Hickory just for this! read more

Authentic Mexican Restaurant Las Isabelas - Mexican Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

A lot has changed in the 2+ years since my husband and I were last in Hickory...I hate to have to write this review because we planned this trip to Hickory specifically to revisit this restaurant. They no longer have wait staff. At all. First red flag for me! They want you to wait in line at the host station to be seated but they want you to order AND pay for your food before being seated. Whhhhaaaaaaatttttt?! Also, there is no menu board or menus to look at while standing in line. When you get up to the register you have to scan a QR code to look at a menu and then either order and pay right then OR you can be seated and then get back in line to have the opportunity to order and pay when you are ready. Absolutely not. What a horrible, inconvenient, and convoluted process! Their margaritas that I raved about in my last review are also a thing of the past. Ancient history! I paid $9 for a small margarita that was HORRIBLE. I mean it definitely came out of a premixed bottle. They first brought a different flavor which I did not order and did not believe me when I told them it was not the one I ordered. They finally believed me and brought the right one, but it was not much better. I ordered a steak burrito. That was another mistake. The steak was not edible as it was totally chewy and totally flavorless. I left my uneaten (inedible) burrito on the table when we left. We ordered the choriqueso which was amazing. If you go there, that is a safe and delicious thing to order. Oh and I almost fell down I. The bathroom because the floor is broken and raised. read more

Let me just start out by saying the staff here are beyond helpful and friendly. The food is very tasty and large portions. The horchata's are HUGE! and I love there's a little market too. You must try the chips and gauc! The chips are insanely good (the salsa was a tad bit too spicy for me) read more

Authentic Mexican Restaurant Las Isabelas - Birria tacos - Mexican Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

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Food is as authentic as you can get. The family that owns and staffs the restaurant are great. I've been there enough times that they pretty much know what I want. My former Service Dog was included in their Dia de los Muertos memorial. My new Service Dog has been welcomed completely. I love anything with their Carnitas, including being able to purchase it by the pound! I have Never had anything that I disliked. read more

My family and I eat here regularly, chef Victor always greets us with a smile and is very energetic. The food is always top notch, if you are looking for authentic Mexican over texmex this is the place to go! read more

I went this place first and last time, they want you to pay in advance not mention the we wait 30 minutes after they bring 3 little tacos$6.25 each which is ridiculous for what you get and not even homemade they ripped you out with the drinks too Worst experience,find out nasty restroom by the kitchen full of feces with doors while open while the server in and out the kitchen carrying food , inspection is a must at this nasty place !! read more

Authentic Mexican Restaurant Las Isabelas - Mexican Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

Legit Mexican restaurant! One of the best I have had in North Carolina in a long time. Food was as wonderful as the service! read more

Amazing food, amazing people! Authentic and delicious Mexican food. Family owned and kind, wonderful people.

Not your run of the mill NC Mexican joint. The food was authentic and full of flavor. My wife and I will be back for sure. read more

Authentic Mexican Restaurant Las Isabelas - Fresh made guacamole and thick salty chips - Mexican Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

Located on a corner, there is a decent amount of parking. The lot is a little rough, so watch as you walk. It also has a nice grocery store part, which you walk through to get to the restaurant. Just trust your instincts as the counter is about 2/3 of the way down the the rather narrow aisle. Once there, we were greeted immediately and asked to download their menu onto our phone. They have a QR code to scan. Pretty innovative, and it worked very well. Once downloaded, we found a table on the nice covered patio. Once you decide what you want, you'll need to walk back to the counter to order. Less convenient, but it does reduce the traffic in the eating area. As part of this, be aware you will need to order chips and salsa if you want that before your food arrives. They do bring your food to your table, which took 10-15 minutes after ordering. And what good food it is! Flavors, portions, everything we had was amazing. Chips are crisp, salsa is flavorful and slightly spicy. Tortillas look and taste hand-made. The supreme nachos made a total of three meals, even when eating until stuffed. I can't wait to return to work my way through the menu. read more

We went on a Wednesday night and had no issue getting a table. They asked if we had a reservation when we arrived so maybe it does get Busy. This is a Mexican food mart with an outdoor dining space. I saw a few dining tables inside looking at the kitchen. Chips and salsa are $3.50. The salsa had some spice, but tasted very tomatoey. It needed more flavor. The steak and carnitas tacos were good. I ordered refried beans and received black Beans that were Luke warm and tasted right out of a can. The steak quesadillas were delicious and full of white creamy cheese. I ordered two tacos and they brought me three. The server told me to keep the extra and they removed it from the bill. Overall, it was okay. If in the area again, I would try another place. read more

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Are here today with some girlfriends. Food and atmosphere were delicious. Homemade nacho chips were amazing. Drinks were gorgeous and generous size. I had a chimichanga with rice and it was excellent. All our food was delicious. Very attentive staff. read more

Try this place! Their food is delicious and not that Mexican fusion/Texmex style. Everything I had was fresh and served authentic Mexican style. Although, you have the option to add other stuff to your tacos if you'd like. Their chips and salsa were fresh. My waitress said that she made it all fresh that day. The restaurant is in the back of the market. There's plenty of space in their outdoor seating. It's very casual with music playing, which was nice. Everyone from the wait staff, to the cashier, to the chefs were all very friendly. After you're done eating, walk around the market. They've got a lot of snacks, baked goods, and some souvenirs. As for the parking, the lot in front of the market/restaurant is not big but there's plenty of space next door if it's full. read more

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The shrimp ceviche is very good, tastes fresh and is seasoned very well. The Margaritas are delicious.

QUICK READ: GREAT PLACE! AMAZING STAFF AND AMAZING FOOD! all around great atmosphere! This is my second time at this place to eat and each time I love it more and more! I'm from California and I have no family here but this place reminds me of home so much! What makes me so happy about this place is they have Auga de Jamica! it's so hard to come by! the portions are great and the flavors are all there. I love this place and although I currently live in Boone I make the drive JUST for Isabellas! IF YOU'RE IN THE GENERAL AREA COME HERE AND EAT! or shop! they have a market too! read more

Authentic Mexican Restaurant Las Isabelas - Seafood Sopes! they where great! - Mexican Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

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We recently had a group dinner after a long day of meetings (I hosted/facilitated so it was long for the group for sure!) and wanted something with good food, casual atmosphere, and some good cocktails too! Well we got all of the above except, with great food, great cocktails and the team there were very kind, attentive, and helpful. I realize now the type of restaurant is one in which there isn't servers etc., yet you wouldn't have known it. I'm hoping my colleague tipped well, since I think I'm the only one that realized we were supposed to order up front. The food was so good. And my margarita was the best. Thank you. We were there Tues Feb 7th at about 6pm. Table of 10. To the staff, thank you so very much! F you'll have us, we will definitely be back! read more

Authentic Mexican Restaurant Las Isabelas - I cant remember what this margarita is called, but it was awesome. - Mexican Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

Seriously. The chips and salsa are addictive. Very authentic food. Super fresh. Gas lamps outside are very nice touch for outdoor dining. This place is a two time visit for sure to try multiple menu items. read more

I had heard good things about Las Isabelas and I regret not going sooner! This is one of those "hole in the wall" restaurants that doubles as a market so it is easy to miss. You order at a station and are given a number before seating yourself where your order is brought to your table. The tacos are delicious, as well as the ACP but the fresh guacamole is what keeps me coming back! The dishes are also aesthetically pleasing and the atmosphere is relaxed, I enjoy every visit! read more

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For truly, authentic Mexican meals, this is the place! Everything menu item is made to order. The help staff are wonderful. I had one of the best Chimichangas ever! The other dishes were just as good! Fresh shrimp, Sopes, and fabulous tacos. When I come back, I'm heading here again. The also have a market where you can purchase authentic Mexican groceries. Truly fantastic spot. read more

Authentic Mexican Restaurant Las Isabelas - Dining area - Mexican Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

This is one of my favorite places to eat in Hickory. They have authentic Mexican food, an awesome ambiance, friendly service, and excellent food! I love their vegan options. My new favorite are their vegan alpastor tacos. read more

Authentic Mexican Restaurant Las Isabelas - Vegan alpastor tacos - Mexican Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

We were in the area and were craving Mexican food. It had good reviews so we were in. This is an interesting place as you wouldn't think that there is a restaurant in the back. We were sat in the back and it was very eclectic. I was really excited about the food and ordered the pork verde enchiladas. I was pretty happy with my choice. The enchiladas were really good and the verde sauce was on point. I am not a big fan of corn tortillas but everything fit together. Service was ok. The waiter seemed to be running pretty steady. I think because of COVID they might be short handed. Not sure that they can dinged for that but it was something that they can improve upon. All in all things were good. read more

Authentic Mexican Restaurant Las Isabelas - Mexican Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

Service was excellent, food was amazing as always, it's a different style of Mexican restaurants and not so compacted with people. It's old school I love it and great prices!! Been coming here for years never had an issue. Love love love itttt!!! read more

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Seriously it's like walking into a Mexican Tienda with a cantina tucked inside. You pick your drink, find a table and order. The guacamole was excellent: lots of onion, tomato, and avocado. The queso was addicting. The chips are thick and flakey. The crane asada had great flavor, served with a meat patty, rice and beans, a salad, and legit corn tortillas. The tacos were served on a soft corn tortilla. The fajitas were excellent! Served with rice and beans, and corn tortillas. They had some tomatoes mixed in which definitely added to the dish. The shrimp were legit and not the cheap baby ones. Service was great as was the friendliness at checkout. They have Pepsi in a large glass bottle which was fabulous! I recommend this very authentic place! read more

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I stopped in here on a road trip and loved every second of the experience. Really cute ambiance, excellent service and phenomenal food and drink. The coffee presentation was super cute and came with a little cinnamon stick stir. I was super hungry and got the vegan torta and what a meal!!! It was amazing. Highly recommend. Lots of vegan options that you don't always see like chorizo too. read more

Authentic Mexican Restaurant Las Isabelas - Vegan Torta - Mexican Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

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Authentic? Yes Great? Yes Size of portions? OMG yes Now if your looking for texmex Go elsewhere but if your looking for great Mexican food. This is it. Loved it!!!!! read more

Authentic Mexican Restaurant Las Isabelas - Mexican Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

I love this place! They provide an incredibly authentic experience. This is not your typical Mexican restaurant. Food and ambiance are great. Great menu and fast service. read more

I'm tired of writing about the bad food in Hickory, but this was so bad I simply have to mention it. A friend recommended it and though I'm not a Mexican food fan, I figured I could find my way through a few tacos. Big mistake. Expensive chicken tacos that tasted like they were cooked the week before and left sitting in the refrigerator forever... and then served cold. The only thing warm with the meal was the sour cream that I had to ask for. I can't find anything good about this meal and after two bites I was finished. Everything about this restaurant, the way it is run (see the two previous reviews) is a bad idea. They won't last. They can't last. There were no redeemable qualities about the food, the logistics of getting the food, the uncomfortable chairs and nasty tables, and the kicker was seeing cookies I believe bought from Sam's placed in individual clear boxes for a small fortune. Like maybe 12 cookies that I'm fairly sure were left over from Christmas. It would have been funny if it was for free. Oh, and you have to tip before you get your food. Wonder who came up with that idea? read more

Got a burrito that was 90% rice and not much else. Dry. No flavor. Will not order again. read more

Authentic Mexican Restaurant Las Isabelas - Trash burrito - Mexican Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

We have been here five times ... would not miss it. This is not fancy ... kids are welcome & there are high chairs. We are from California & we know good Mexican food. Las Isabelas has the best tacos-- crispy or soft, burritos, Chile rellenos ... everything is authentic & delicious!! Do not miss the margaritas!! read more

You'd think you just stepped off the red line from San Diego and into Tijuana. Las Isabela's is *that* good. The freshest ingredients. Freshly made guacamole. Homemade chips. Handmade salsa. Pollo. Carne. Cerdo. All of it - amazing. If you think a quesadilla is just cheese and tortilla; think again my friends. LI master crafts these. Street tacos are off the chain. Walk past the convenience store, and go right. It's easy to miss and pass this place up because it looks like convenient store. You'll fall in love. read more

Authentic Mexican Restaurant Las Isabelas - Mexican Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

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This place came highly recommended for the vegan menu items. Ummmm...no. It was definitely not something I ever want to revisit in life. I ordered the torta and the vegan tacos. Local Mexican food is a hit or miss...this was definitely a miss. The food tasted like burnt grill scrapings, I couldn't even finish it. After consuming the small portion that I could stomach, I was ill for a couple of days. I'm not sure if they served me meat by mistake or if it was food poisoning...either way...never again! read more

are you ready for one of the strangest restaurant experiences of your life? well have I got a restaurant in store for you! for starters, it can be very confusing to know where the parking is; Las Isabelas' lot is now outdoor seating. apparently the actual parking is in front of a lot in front of the business next-door, but hopefully you don't get toed. next, you walk into the restaurant. except ... TWIST .... you're not in a restaurant. you're in a convenience store. "huh?", you might be asking. keep walking a bit more, look to the right, whistle twice, tug your left ear with your right hand and your right ear with your left hand, do three hops on a pogo stick, and you'll find yourself at a separate cashier's stand. ask for a menu and you'll be handed one. ah. just kidding. they only have smart-phone scanable menus. how fun!! you'll then place your order. and be asked to tip. because at a sit-down restaurant, who doesn't love tipping BEFORE the service is provided? so you've paid, and you've maybe tipped, and you immediately be allowed to walk to your table. because at nearly every other restaurant on Earth, you can walk to your table on your own Free Will. we didn't defeat Communist Russia in the Spanish-American War just to have to wait to go to our table after paying. so, you begin to walk to your table, and, -WAIT? WHAT?- you actually are not allowed to go to your table. the cashier will be *quite* adamant that you have to wait until you have her permission to go to your table. so, you and your friend sit at your table. it's rather slow, and no table have the reserved signs on them, so you sit at whichever table you want, right? Wrong yet again. Because despite being a nearly empty restaurant, if it's just 2 people, under no circumstances will you be allowed to sit at a large table. Seriously. you will be FORCED to move to a 2-person table, despite no one else wanting your large table. and then your food will come out quite quickly and it's very good and you'll enjoy eating it and you'll leave, wondering how you ended up in ,,,,,, ¡La Zona Crepuscular! read more

This place was amazingly authentic. It's a small restaurant in the back of a Mexican market. We were driving from Asheville to Charlotte and got hungry on the way so we yelped places along the way and we found this wonderful place. The staff was super friendly and food was amazing. We had homemade chips, salsa and guacamole and it was the real deal. A healthy serving for $6.50. Next we had a bunch of tacos: al pastor, asada, pollo, carnitas, and chorizo. They were all excellent. But there were another 6 flavors we didn't even sample. They were all between $2.25 and $3.00/per. They have other options, like quesadillas, tortas, and platters as well. And what would a meal like this be without ice cold beer out of an ice chest? Incomplete. We had a couple of bees for $3.00 each and left fat and happy. I would stop back here given the chance. If you are in the area, do yourselves a favor and stop by for some great food and friendly service from the owner and his family. read more

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Wonderful experience!! Everything was very yummy. Best $3.50 I've ever spent on homemade chips and salsa. Huge portions in the fish taco. Overall - big win! read more

Food was decent, service was not great. We asked for waters when we ordered, and had to ask 3 times after to receive them. The tables were not very clean and the chairs were rickety. We got the tortas, ACP, and 6 tacos. Chips were on the thicker side and made on site- good. Queso was good, salsa was lacking flavor. read more