Delicious food not too far from all the cemeteries in Queens, a foreboding reminder of where I would end up if I ate here every day. This is not Mexican food. This is Mexican food with a twist. There is all your favorites here and then some. After the New York Times paid a visit here a few months back, the reputation of this little restaurant in Sunnyside takes on a new meaning to flavor. I got three items, all of which had varying degrees of success. The main item I wanted to try was their famed Fried Chicken Cemita, or a Mexican sandwich layered with just about everything the kitchen sink throws at you. Considering I live where Doña Zita roams as the king of the Cemita, this has big shoes to fill. After taking a bite, and making one big mess, I knew I made the right choice. So much flavor and texture going on that I could not figure out how to attack the next few bites. My only criticism is that it is a little on the small side, and I was still hungry after eating one. I had to order something else. That is when I went full San Diego on this restaurant and got a fish and a shrimp taco. The fish taco is great but you cannot eat the fish with the taco. Otherwise it falls apart. The other flavors are there but it should be as one happy family, not two separate entities. That is how I felt eating this. Unfortunately you order individually with these it can get pricey quickly. The shrimp taco has the same criticisms. Like the fish tacos, these are also ordered individually. I like that the shrimp is succulent and there are three large shrimp in the taco, but this is a taco, not a Po Boy. I should not have shrimp spilling out the shell for me to pick later. It should be one harmonious flavor packed into a shell. I did not get that here. San Diego, you are safe for now as having the best fish tacos. In another review, I mentioned that New York is not known for Mexican food. A good one is a big fish in a little pond. I will be back here to try more food items here, as my selection for good Mexican food in New York is pretty limited. As long as I do not end up in one of the nearby cemeteries first. read more

Cemitas El Tigre - Fish and Shrimp Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Sunnyside, New York

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1st time customer... I'd return. The food and beverages , staff, decor, service and 3 TVs for watching sports... it's not a big restaurant but you'll have a nice time here. You won't leave hungry bc protein portions are decent. I ordered tacos: crispy chicken, barbacoa and carnita. Very filling bc they don't skimp on the protein or toppings on the tacos. Order the Jamaica beverage, if you don't drink alcohol and want something less sweet than soda. Plus, where else sells Jamaica bevvy!? Bathroom in the back. read more

Cemitas El Tigre - Tacos: crispy chicken, carnitas and barbacoa - Mexican Near Me - Sunnyside, New York

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Food: The food here was nothing special and a bit underwhelming. Everything was just okay, and nothing made me want to return in the future. Tried the cemita with carnitas, chicken burrito, a fish taco, and a horchata. The horchata had good flavor but was way too sweet - wouldn't recommend. The burrito was probably the best out of everything but still not a memorable burrito. I love fish tacos and always order one whenever available, and this one was disappointing. The cemita was my least favorite. Service: Service was excellent. Our server was friendly and welcoming. Very attentive and nice! Ambiance: The place isn't that big but has a maybe 7-8 tables for parties of four. They have a full bar as well with maybe 8-10 seats. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this place and likely won't be returning. read more

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This place has been on my list for a while, and I was glad to be able to try it just before it closed. Cemitas is one of my favorite sandwiches and I enjoyed the one I got here, which was their carnitas. Besides that I also had their crispy fish and crispy shrimp taco read more

Was in Sunnyside queens and this was the #1 restaurant listed nearby. Did not disappoint, service was top notch and food was fresh and reasonably priced. You could taste the freshness of the 10 layers of the cemita sandwich. Really comfortable interior as well. Will go back. read more

Cemitas El Tigre - Chicken tinga Mexican Coke - Mexican Near Me - Sunnyside, New York

I don't consider myself a snob-- but when it comes to Fried Chicken, I'm a motherfuckingGOD! The fried chicken cemitas is: novel. It's hyper regional to a town in Mexico called Puebla and I can appreciate a person (the owner) to go all the way out to have an authentic sandwich-based international trip. But as a person who's a 3rd party to the culture, I think it's alright. Not bad, not mind-blowing, and certainly missing the qualities I'd seek from a fried chicken sandwich. Now, who is this for? So, there's a lot going on in this sandwich... like ALOT. 10 layers worth. Notably, papalo (mexican herb) and oaxacan cheese. The height of this thing is like a Big Mac on steroids; porn stars would struggle putting this in their mouths. Everything considered, I do not think this sandwich is greater than the sum of its parts. It is equal to the sum of its part. What I mean is, I do not think all of the ingredients combine to make a distinct taste. All the ingredients are distinctly separate. And on top of that, it's not greasy. And by greasy, I mean it doesn't have that hearty comforting feel. Again, that is something I look for in a fried chicken sandwich; if you like them cleaner tasting, by all means. Outside of the sandwich, this place is a pretty cool hangout spot. As someone who doesn't appreciate the sketchiness of divebars but love to hang out with friends who do, here's a nice compromise. It functions as a sports bar where the floors aren't sticky and don't smell like college beer. I have such trashy friends. read more

I stop by here ever time I visit NYC. It's a staple. The owner is so kind and friendly and so is the staff. The food my gosh I wish my stomach could handle more. Between the tacos, burritos and cemitas and the MARGs! Yes. Love the inside of the restaurant always do something for the holidays, it's clean it's cute definitely stop on by! read more

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So good - get their specialty for sure! It was a very generous portion that I had leftovers for the next day. The waitress was also super nice and gave good recommendations to my friends and me - will def be back! read more

Cemitas El Tigre - Baja crispy fish burrito - Mexican Near Me - Sunnyside, New York

We loved our server, she had such amazing energy and funny puns! We came for taco Tuesday and really enjoyed the tacos we got: fried chicken taco, fried fish taco, and the short ribs taco. One my friends got the 10 layer sandwich and it's so filling!! Great casual place and decent amount of seating. Definitely get the churros ! read more

Cemitas El Tigre - Mexican Near Me - Sunnyside, New York

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got the southern fried chicken cemita, chips with guac, and horchata which were all amazing. the cemitas were super tasty and as clean as you can get with fried chicken. the chips were thick which i personally prefer and the horchata was indulgent yet refreshing. the waitstaff when we were there was genuinely kind and made us feel very welcome. would definitely come back for a lowkey chill night when im craving cemitas. read more

Cemitas El Tigre - southern fried chicken cemita, chips and guac, horchata - Mexican Near Me - Sunnyside, New York

Michelle " La Matatana" is the best bartender of the whole NY. The Ambience is amazing. She gives you the best service, She makes you feel like home. The food is fresh, the quesadillas is my favorite. Anthony is the Chef and soul of the place. There is very a few places that you can feel and eat great. Friday's night never been better read more

Cemitas El Tigre - My people - Mexican Near Me - Sunnyside, New York

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Was out and about in queens and was looking for some tacos or something like that, and stumbled on this place perusing through Yelp to find good reviews. Let me tell you, great choice! This was a really great find, and I wound up getting three tacos and cemitas sandwich. All really awesome, great quality food for sure. Service was quick, helpful and on point. The restaurant looked clean, and was a nice comfortable setting. I ordered the following: Carnitas (pork) sandwich Barbacoa taco fried chicken taco Baja crispy fish taco. All hit the spot. Definitely worth a try. read more

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I used to love coming here because the food is great, but there's one staff member whose attitude really brings down the experience. There was a day when the margaritas tasted off, and while I kept quiet about it, another customer spoke up. I agreed with him, and the waitress shot me a strange look, but honestly, they were awful. I decided to give it another shot because the food is really good, and when I joked about the margaritas being better, the waitress snapped at me, even though no one else was around. On my third visit, I brought a food influencer to film a video about the dishes, but the same waitress seemed completely unapproachable. We weren't planning to feature her in the video; we just wanted to rave about the food. Unfortunately, her attitude soured the experience, and now I feel too uncomfortable to return. I always tip 20%, so I'm not sure why she consistently has such a negative demeanor. Food is amazing but I like dining with less tension , stars are for the food read more

Excellent spot for Cemitas and other Mexican fare. I had the carnitas (pulled pork) cemita which came on a soft yet thick roll filled with lettuce, tomatoes, pickled onions, Oaxacan cheese, Mayo, and a chipotle sauce. It was delicious! Very balanced sandwich. Savoriness coming through from the pork and Mayo. Chipotle sauce had smokiness to it. Pickled onions added some acidity and the other veggies give it a nice crunch. Service was polite, and the food came out quick. There was one gender neutral restroom. They had six draft beers with a focus on local and craft breweries. read more

I'm gonna start with dessert first, because who doesn't love starting with something sweet. Ordering the churros to go was the best idea I think I've ever had [insert cry laugh emoji]. These churros were absolutely perfect. Crispy on the outside with not too much sugar, but soft and fluffy on the inside. I can't express enough how perfect they actually were. So perfect I forgot that they came with chocolate and totally forgot to dip them in. I had two (four come in an order) last night upon getting home, and left two for my husband. But when I saw this morning that he still had not ate them I decided to hop on his missed opportunity. They were just as good as they were the night before. Not sell one bit. I need more of these in my life pronto! Now my overall experience! Cemitas El Tigre has been on my radar from quite some time. As the self-appointed "Sandwich Queen" I knew I needed needed to try a Cemita, also known as the Mexican Dagwood. And as much as I love dinner with me husband and son, it was so nice to have a feast all to myself. So I indulged a little bit. Got myself a frozen drink recommended by the server behind the counter. What he suggested was the grapefruit frozen rum cocktail and as someone who does not like grapefruit I was hesitant but he offered a sample and I couldn't resist. Although it had a hint of grapefruit flavor, it was cool and refreshing. Also there was so much of it. For a nine dollar drink I was pretty impressed at the size of my frozen cocktail. I also ended up getting chips and guac (some of the best damn guac ever) and the Carnitas Cemita. Finally taking a bite of a sandwich I've pined after for so long I was so happy that this Cemita exceeded my expectations. The Carnitas were cooked perfectly with a ton of flavor. I could tell you all that goes into this epic sandwich but I'll let you find out for yourself. Just getting the sandwich is quite an adventure. Huge shout out to the server behind the counter, who even though it wasn't too crowded he was still manning everything by himself and remained pleasant and quite friendly. I would love to sit at the counter just to chat with him the next time I come over for my frozen grapefruit drink. Cheers til next time and my next Cemita! read more

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Came here after another event prior left me feeling unsatisfied. Ordered the fried chicken cemita and nachos, but the staff here was absolutely amazing and gave me free barbacoa on top of the nachos, really appreciated the move! Fried chicken cemita was good, but nothing really popped out, just tasted like a high quality chicken sandwich with some lettuce and tomato in it. The nachos were good as well, but the barbacoa was extremely salty.....honestly wasn't a big fan of that and am tempted to order something else if and when I ever do come back. Overall a decent spot with unique offerings, but the staff here really made it a super pleasant experience read more

Cemitas El Tigre - Nachos, Fried Chicken CEMITA - Mexican Near Me - Sunnyside, New York

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Every-time I visit NYC, I always try my best to come here. Best cemitas ever. I recommend everyone to give it a try. 5 Stars for sure! I paid from around $46 for all (cemita, 3 tacos, taco chips with guacamole , horchata, and seltzer). Service are also the best and fast. I went on a Saturday evening, not too busy. Highly recommend! read more

Cemitas El Tigre - Cemitas Fried Chicken CEMITA - Mexican Near Me - Sunnyside, New York

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Ordered delivery and had a decent experience. The famed Southern Fried Chicken Cemita (Cemitas) was a little soggy, and I expected more in terms of flavor. It certainly looked gorgeous, but I was just hoping for it to be really tasty and it was a bit lacking, texture aside. Rice and Beans Combo was solid. Let's go with 3.5 stars, and I'd definitely come in person one day. read more

Cemitas El Tigre - Mexican Near Me - Sunnyside, New York

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Great for a cheap date or a fun lunch. I would've opted for the carnitas cemita instead of the fried chicken, it's hard to nail down the right portion/distribution in this kind of sandwich. I nearly sent it back because on first appearance I saw no fried chicken and I thought they misheard my order, it was all tucked toward the bottom (what there was of it...). Paired with a standard strawberry milkshake. Quiet afternoon break for solo diners. Service was good, but I wish they would get rid of those thin napkin, pull stack diner style napkin holders. It's Mexican food, I'm going to get messy, and glomming my sauce covered mits fighting these napkins out is not a good look. read more

Cemitas El Tigre - Southern Fried Chicken Cemita - Mexican Near Me - Sunnyside, New York

Had a terrific meal at this stylish and welcoming Mexican spot, Cemitas El Tigre. The dining area was playing music and the kitchen was playing different music so that was kind of jarring. At least they both like classic rock apparently! Our server was really nice and checked on us often. I tried a southern chicken cemita ($12) after skimming Yelp reviews for what seemed popular. The chicken was great but got kind of lost among the other fantastic features of the cemita. A flavor party for sure. The online menu describes the sandwich as a "Mexican sesame seeded bun filled with your choice of meat along with avocado, Oaxaca cheese, chipotle, papalo, pickled onions, mayo, lettuce, tomato and bean puree." They were out of papalo which was a tad sad but no big deal. I wanted some churros after but I was too stuffed. Maybe next time! read more

We came in an hour before closing and the waiter was still welcoming! It's a cute small restaurant worth checking out. Their burritos are the size of my head and every food item on their menu is delicious. The only thing I wouldn't recommend personally is the fried chicken burrito. Every bite was just a chunk of fried chicken and took away from the other layers. But that's just me, it was still good. Waiter was shocked at how many tacos I ordered plus the churros. What can I tell ya? Girl can eat! Lol Enjoy! read more

Cemitas El Tigre - Barbacoa Taco - Mexican Near Me - Sunnyside, New York

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You can't go wrong with Southern fried chicken in cemita, burrito, and taco form. I got the cemita since the format is what Le Tigre namesake recommended. For the cemita, I wish the bread was more moist. The cemita is packed to the brim, sin the green parts that I have an aversion. Saved half for tomorrow with chipotle mayo. Their Elote is long and luscious, a thing of beauty. Tasted the barbacoa burrito and that was a temptation for next time over the cemita. The crispy fish taco was my favorite part of the meal. There was almost more guac than fish. Chipotle executives read that again, there was more guac than fish. Washed down with good ole Mexican Coke, though the drink selection is one to be heavily considered. Everything from horchata to rosé slush. Service was incredible and the place was very clean. read more

Happened to be running errands around Sunnyside so of course I browsed Yelp for a tasty lunch. Cemitas El Tigre came up and I'm happy it did! I had the fried chicken cemita and shared the chicken flautas with my partner. Everything was delicious. It was about $45 for two cemitas and the flautas so I'd say it was reasonably priced. The cemitas are very flavorful, but be warned, the red sauce is spicy! I like spice but my stomach, not so much. In any case I'd still eat it again, stomach issues be damned! read more

Cemitas El Tigre - Chicken Tinga Flautas - Mexican Near Me - Sunnyside, New York

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floors were absolutely filthy like they've never been mopped once. food was just fine, nothing to write home about, and brought out in plastic baskets. why did the nytimes write about this place again? read more

This was definitely delicious fast food. I had the fried chicken cemita and my daughter the beef. We very much enjoyed them

While in New York, we wanted to see if we could find a good place for Cemitas. Looked up this place on Google and saw Cemitas el Tigre You would think it would be original Cemitas but no a big disappointment. It came with beans, Fried chicken tenders, yes chicken tenders, tomato, and avocado. It was a Torta. Not a Cemita. Not worth it. Don't let them fool you. The bread wasn't even the correct bread. read more

Cemitas El Tigre - This is their version of a Cemita. - Mexican Near Me - Sunnyside, New York

Amazing food and amazing service!! We had the Baja fish burrito and the breakfast burrito, our waitress was so nice.

Their cemitas fried chicken sandwich is really good. It has the perfect amount of spice in every bite. I just hate that I can't place an order over the phone and I must use grub hub even though I'm in the walking distance. Sometimes I don't want to use my phone. I want that convenience of placing an order over the phone. read more

I've been going here since they opened, and in fact I wrote about it as one of the best places to eat in Sunnyside for Thrillist a few years ago in a roundup. However, these days, whenever I place my order for delivery, it's wrong and cold besides. So i decide to go place an order for pickup. I call ahead to check if the order is done, the lady at the front says yes. I get there, she says the order isn't ready and apologizes and was very nice, she offered to give me a margarita which I declined, and was very apologetic throughout. She told me to wait 12 minutes. 35 minutes pass. "Yours is next!" They ended up making me someone else's order bc our names were similar, though I have half a mind to think that my order wasn't placed at all, and they panicked and thought maybe i'd just take whatever food and leave. My gripe isn't with the employees -- it's with management. So you have Cemitas El Tigre and Handsome Hanks operating out of one kitchen, with one cook? And one person acting as host/waitress/bartender/cashier? Be so for real. They offered me the random food and a refund but by then I was so disgusted I declined and left. I've watched your prices increase over the years, and I am honestly asking - why? The service isn't better, you used to have 2 people working the front and two chefs in the back. I remember! So you have multiple sources of income, higher prices, and worse service? I won't be eating here again! read more

In general I feel this restaurant is overpriced for the quality and volume of the food, but I'd give their shrimp burrito a tasty 4 stars. It's substantial enough (though not huge by any means) if you're in the neighborhood. I wouldn't say it's something work "making a trip to try". I feel like the cemitas are too small and as the namesake of the business I think should be "the star". I don't even know why they have milkshakes on the menu as they're watery and bland. read more

Delicious food at a reasonable price. Great place for families and kids, as well as for a date night. The music was awesome lots of older Pink Floyd, Tom Petty, Jimi Hendrix etc. Server/bartender was friendly and very good with the kids. Brought out coloring book and crayons. Ordered a vanilla shake for the kids to split as well as fries and a cheese quesadilla. They loved it. The elote was delicious, even though it isn't really corn season, it was tasty. The cemitas were huge and so flavorful with fresh ingredients. A bit messy but worth it. (Be forewarned if you are on a first date, they are huge so you will be opening really wide lol). But they're delicious so totally worth it. The blue raspberry rum slushy was so good. Really cute presentation. Looked like the water and a gummy shark as well as a little umbrella (see pic) then he gave the kids some of their own gummy sharks. Wherever you're coming from, this trip is well worth it. read more

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**Delivery Review** Interesting Mexican restaurant located in Sunnyside specializing in cemitas, but with a full menu of traditional favorites. Only a dollar delivery fee off Uber Eats with an hour-ish wait time before the food arrived. Between two people, ordered the Southern Fried Chicken Cemita ($13), Garlic Portobello Burrito w/Guac ($17), and Crinkle Cut Fries ($9). Definitely more expensive than similar spots, yet hoping for a bump in quality. Chicken cemita is well packed - a layering of fried chicken, veggies, and lots of cheese. Needed a bit of hot sauce to offset the cheesiness but overall a good sandwich. Fries were a let down, overly cooked and did not stay fresh for the trip. Mushroom burrito is also jam packed with rice, beans, cheese, mushroom, and fresh guacamole. Best of the bunch and well proportioned with the ingredients. Not holding the long delivery time against them since it can be a trek. Would be worth trying again in person rather than delivery. read more

Cemitas El Tigre - Fried chicken cemita + fries - Mexican Near Me - Sunnyside, New York

This place is okay. I came here. No one was here. The bartender was unfriendly. I needed food - so I stayed. The food was okay. The server never came over to take my drink order or ask how the food was. I told him I needed a few more minutes to figure out what I wanted to drink. But he never came back. I think the servers should be more attentive. read more

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What is like eating here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0g-0Rni0lU Chocolate Shakes are in !!!! I liked the food a lot, but there is so much good to mention and try at this restaurant that I really don't know how many visits I will need to TASTE it all !!! yesss !!! I want to TASTE it all !!!! jajaja !!! My son loved it and so does anyone one I bring to this place so far. I had the Coronarita for the first time and OMG !!!! it was soooo frekken delicious, that I just want more, more and more, what can I say?! it tasted good ! the mixture of a Corona with a frozen lime tasty Margarita was created by someone in tune with the Goddess of Love because that drink hit a very soft spot in my head and it was an Orgasmic drinking sensation oh yes ! I want more and more... They also have a wide variety of Beers, like I said, I have to go back. Coming from someone who didn't like alcohol as much, this is a huge progress. The good stuff is here ! #thankmelater read more

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Food is awesome. I ordered the quesadilla . There is no doubt that its freshly made. Food quality and quantity is perfect. My family and I love coming to Cemitas because of the food and service. I must say From the attended to the cooks. The whole staff have made us feel welcomed all the time. And the music is great. Not too loud not too soft. Amd the drinks hit the spot. But the only reason why I don't give it a 5 star is because it's warm in there lately it feels somewhat muggy. I asked Michelle the server, but she said the AC was on.. I'm not sure if it wasn't working properly because I did see some condensation dropping from the ceiling.. That would be my only down fall. Other then that I highly recommend this hiden Gem. read more

Cemitas El Tigre - Restaurant counter - Mexican Near Me - Sunnyside, New York

Quite possibly the most authentic Mexican restaurant I've been to in NYC. The breakfast cemita (Sunnyside) and tacos (carnitas) are what Cali dreams are made of. And they use Mexican chorizo, not Spanish!! Solid micheladas and a good happy hour. What's not to like? read more

Cemitas El Tigre - Fried chicken cemita - Mexican Near Me - Sunnyside, New York

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Very disappointed. First time was great. Second time I got a torta bread instead of a Cemita size bread. But what sealed my unrest with this place was the ridiculous sized guacamole with chips. First of all, I never got the chips, but I guess I didn't need it cause they size for the guacamole is extremely small for $11. See pick for reference. read more

Cemitas El Tigre - Guacamole specs: radius 3 inch, 1 inch deep=$11 3 cubit inch of guacamole =$11 And I didn't get the chips!! - Mexican Near Me - Sunnyside, New York

This rating is solely for delivery and the food. It's actually closer to my apartment than I thought but it was pouring the day I called and I was still setting up my new place so didn't have food in the fridge yet. They have the most unique burrito composition I've seen (they have avocado among other ingredients inside them) and their delivery packing was impeccable. I got a chocolate milkshake with my order and that item was intact as well as delicious, something that their staff clearly packed with care. They also texted me a photo of where they left my food at the door. I definitely plan to go in person at some point but I'd absolutely do delivery here again based on their care in packing your food and respecting your preferences for topping omission. read more

I'm disappointed to have to update my review of Cemitas El Tigre, but I can no longer stand by my four-star review. I just feel that the quality of their food has deteriorated significantly and the portion sizes have also decreased, and given their price point (which has only increased), I don't think it's worth it. I agree with the reviewers who noted that they changed their bread for the cemitas (it's now basically a standard sesame hamburger bun), and they barely include any meat. My husband ordered the barbacoa burrito with double meat and there was maybe 3 oz of it at most. They also forgot to include any salsa, even though it was selected and specified. I had the Sunnyside cemitas, and there was the equivalent of less than one slice of bacon chopped up. Additionally, the onion ring that was included on the cemitas was inedible. The onion itself was old and dry and from the outer layer of the onion that is generally discarded. It's a shame that this place has changed so much, because it used to be great. read more

I decided to try this place out for the first time! The pictures looked so good! Mouth watering! The price was alright for the amount of food you get but I never realized when ordering a crispy chicken cemita I'd be getting a MAYONNAISE SANDWICH! I suppose it was my fault for not opting out of the mayo I just didn't realize I'd get more mayo than anything else. To me this felt like a mayo lettuce bread cemita. After removing all the mayo from half my sandwich I was wrapping up the other half when I noticed they gave me SOOOOO MUCH CHICKEN! Please please please!!!! Give me LESS chicken next time. I can't handle the amount of crispy chicken that was in my sandwich it was WAY too much for me! Thank you. read more

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