Exotic Latin Grill
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*Cash only From the name and location, I was super skeptical of this place. But it has actually turned into one of my favorite food places in Columbus! They have delicious, authentic food and fast service. I've tried so many new things there and loved all of them. My recommendations are the Colombian hotdog, arepa with cheese, and stuffed plantain.
Oh man... Authentic but very accessible latin fare To the lay Mexican food fan. Food was super fresh & such a fun & diverse menu. If I lived in Columbus I would have to be a weekly visitor.
I have been eating from this truck for a decade! And it's always in this location, right outside of 14-0, which has one of the best carry-out beer selections in the campus area. It should be noted that the place got a major facelift and paint job and it looks much different than it did 10 years ago, but they still only accept CASH so come prepared so you don't have to pay UDF or 14-0's wack atm fees. I've never known the exact hours of operation, but I think I've only stopped in on a few random days over the years and been disappointed to see it closed. Otherwise they are typically open, and usually until pretty late to cater to the boozie midnight snackers who are leaving local bars at that time. My go-to order is a chicken baleada. I usually ask for it to be cooked 'extra crispy', and it comes out perfect. It's like a quesadilla but with a thicker dough instead (I know, sinful) I hadn't been there in awhile, so last time I ordered the house baleada because I saw it had avocado in the photo, low and behold I got a behemoth of 2 eggs, meat, beans, avocado, etc. lol. It was still good even though I am super picky about eggs and I rarely order them when I'm out... let alone from a food truck at 9pm. I also love their tamales, and I order those whenever they are available. They used to not have them most days, but last time they did, so maybe they have them more often now! The best empanada IMO is the Hawaiian empanada which contains cheese and pineapple! Yum. Another favorite item is the arepas. Always amazingly delicious-- like a cheesy cornbread pancake. Last time I ordered both of their beverage options (never had tried them before) and I liked them both. Horchata is always amazing, I would compare it to drinking an iced chai, but less spicy and complex made mostly with cinnamon. The Tamarindo is basically a tamarind-flavored juice. If you've never had Tamarind I'm not quite sure how to describe that, sorta fruity? It's common in Mexico. It's like a super sweet/tart snapple tea flavor that you can't quite place. I would definitely recommend El Manantial Latino :) I'll always go back after those late-night campus shows at Rumba Cafe!
This food truck has existed in the parking lot of 14-0 for yeeeeears. They offer a decent variety of Latin American food for a food truck. Unfortunately, it took way too long for our food order to be prepared. The burger & carne asada tacos we ordered were good, but over 30 mins is just too long of a wait for food truck food, especially in the campus area.
This food truck is pretty popular. The quality & quantity of food is the reason. Always a wait to get your order, so call ahead. The Cubano is huge, full of meat & cheese. Very filling. Personally, I would like more pickles, but delicious anyway. #3 Bandeja palsa is for the HUNGARY person. Beans, potatoes, rice, sausage, beef, half avocado & plantains. Speaking of plantains, the last few times, fried bananas replaced the plantains. Not sure why as they aren't as good. The woman working at the window is hard to understand, and I am good with accents. If you like very good value price food, this spot is for you. CASH ONLY. MASK REQUIRED to order. Oh and BTW, they have plenty of vegetarian options too if that is your thing :,-)
Exotic Latin Grill has been around for a while; 7 years plus at the current location outside the 14-0 on Hudson, and down by campus before that. At some point, I can't honestly recall when, it came under new ownership. Besides the snazzy new wrap on the trailer, the new ownership also brought with it a few new dishes. Amongst the usual tacos and burritos on the menu are a couple of standout Colombian dishes, including bandeja paisa and sobrebarriga. The sobrebarriga is a particular favorite of mine. Big chunks of unctuous beef stewed with onions, tomatoes, and spices, accompanied by yucca, rice, sweet plantains, half an avocado, and a bit of salad. It's a generous helping of beef; I can get several meals out of the amount of meat. My only gripe is that it doesn't come with enough of Exotic Latin Grill's tasty fried sweet plantains, but this is easily solved by ordering a side of sweet plantains to accompany it, which I unfailingly do. The bandeja paisa is pretty indulgent, if meat is your thing. Chorizo, chicharrones, and flank steak, plus a fried egg, an arepa, half an avocado, rice & black beans, and fried plantains. I would order it more often, but the sobrebarriga (which isn't always available) usually wins out. There are also arepas, empanadas, and tamales to be had, in addition to the usual taco truck offerings. Don't forget to order that side of the fried sweet plantains. They get pretty busy in the evenings, particularly when OSU is in session, but you can always call ahead and then go pick up your order.
This place is SO GOOD! The only thing that could make it better is if they excepted credit cards and if the Baleadas were authentic. Don't order the baleada here because it's nothing like an actual Honduran baleada. HOWEVER they have a million other amazing things. You really can't go wrong with the Papusas, empanadas, and tamales. My mom is OBSESSED with the Colombian hot dog and my husband got the Cuban sandwich last time and it was SO good. We still have so many things on the menu that we're looking forward to coming back and trying.
I was recommended to go to this food truck so many times by my friends I thought I just had to try it when I didn't have time to make lunch one day. We waited about 7 minutes for our food and we just waited in our car to social distance. It was not a bad wait at all. The person serving us gave us two salsa verdes and 1 hot red sauce. It was the perfect amount to spread on the torta and two empanadas. The empanadas were were freshly fried, crispy and the fillings(shrimp; beans) were soft and nicely spiced. I had a bite of my partner's torta and it was just so good. The steak and cheese complimented each other perfectly. This is a great find and I would not pass up a chance to try Exotic Latino Grill!
Soooo good! I love to order their tacos, tortas, empanadas, plantains, and cubans. It's cash only so make sure you have that and a few bills to leave a tip! These guys are extremely hardworking, stay open late, and serve some of the best food on campus. Love this place!
This is the place. Don't let the exterior keep you from eating one of the best food trucks in Columbus. YEARS, I had been driving by and never thought twice about it until a friend recommended it to me. Reasonably priced, fantastic food. My go to is the steak burrito and the pineapple cheese empanadas. Try the salsas. The red is extra spicy so beware. Also cash only. You won't be disappointed.
Coming from Los Angeles I've been on a mission to find some great tacos. I'd like to FINALLY announce, "I have found them!" My 1 complaint is they're double tortilla tacos and I'm not a big fan so take that with a grain of salt. The Pastor was great and no salsa needed, just add lime. The Lengua, oh man, it took me back to my childhood. It's def a top 3 Lengua taco I've ever had. I absolutely loved it. We live in New Albany and that taco is bringing us back. The Asada was really good as well. Unfortunately, the Cuban Sandwich was on the opposite side of the spectrum. The bread was not pressed, it was soggy. 2 pickles for the entire sandwich and very minimal mustard. I hate to say it but it was probably the worst Cuban I've had. I don't entire rule out going back because this is NOT a Cuban truck. I will be back for those tacos and to try other items. My wife got a Torta and she liked it but it wasn't anywhere close to a LA Torta. Flavor was good but to much cheese (shouldn't have any). Lengua Taco 9.5 Pastor Taco 8.2 Asada Taco 8.5 Cuban Sandwich 3.3 Torta 8
Exotic Latino Grill is another of those food trucks in Columbus. I have usually found it at the carryout on Hudson Street. They have a fairly big menu for a truck. It has lots of Colombian inspired items as well as Mexican. They also have some vegetarian options. I ordered the vegetable burrito. It was $5 and it was massive. This is the best value of any food truck around. It came with a couple of hot sauces. They are so fucking hot beyond belief. If getting the red hot sauce, you need to get something to drink with it. They unfortunately are not able to sell drinks from the truck, so you have to go to the store. The food itself is okay. It's kind of bland without the hot sauce. The burrito needed to be made with a bigger and stronger tortilla. It ripped into pieces almost immediately. They put way too much into it so it made a big mess in the container. I would choose Exotic Latino Grill over some of the other food trucks. It's more authentic tasting if kind of bland. The sauce is very hot so be sure to get a Mexican pop to cool off with.
3 months ago
7 months ago
1 year ago
The food was amazing! We had amazing service! It was near a gas station, which was convenient cus they only accept cash. would visit again , 10/10 read more
*Cash only From the name and location, I was super skeptical of this place. But it has actually turned into one of my favorite food places in Columbus! They have delicious, authentic food and fast service. I've tried so many new things there and loved all of them. My recommendations are the Colombian hotdog, arepa with cheese, and stuffed plantain. read more
3 years ago
Oh man... Authentic but very accessible latin fare To the lay Mexican food fan. Food was super fresh & such a fun & diverse menu. If I lived in Columbus I would have to be a weekly visitor. read more
1 year ago
4 years ago
I have been eating from this truck for a decade! And it's always in this location, right outside of 14-0, which has one of the best carry-out beer selections in the campus area. It should be noted that the place got a major facelift and paint job and it looks much different than it did 10 years ago, but they still only accept CASH so come prepared so you don't have to pay UDF or 14-0's wack atm fees. I've never known the exact hours of operation, but I think I've only stopped in on a few random days over the years and been disappointed to see it closed. Otherwise they are typically open, and usually until pretty late to cater to the boozie midnight snackers who are leaving local bars at that time. My go-to order is a chicken baleada. I usually ask for it to be cooked 'extra crispy', and it comes out perfect. It's like a quesadilla but with a thicker dough instead (I know, sinful) I hadn't been there in awhile, so last time I ordered the house baleada because I saw it had avocado in the photo, low and behold I got a behemoth of 2 eggs, meat, beans, avocado, etc. lol. It was still good even though I am super picky about eggs and I rarely order them when I'm out... let alone from a food truck at 9pm. I also love their tamales, and I order those whenever they are available. They used to not have them most days, but last time they did, so maybe they have them more often now! The best empanada IMO is the Hawaiian empanada which contains cheese and pineapple! Yum. Another favorite item is the arepas. Always amazingly delicious-- like a cheesy cornbread pancake. Last time I ordered both of their beverage options (never had tried them before) and I liked them both. Horchata is always amazing, I would compare it to drinking an iced chai, but less spicy and complex made mostly with cinnamon. The Tamarindo is basically a tamarind-flavored juice. If you've never had Tamarind I'm not quite sure how to describe that, sorta fruity? It's common in Mexico. It's like a super sweet/tart snapple tea flavor that you can't quite place. I would definitely recommend El Manantial Latino :) I'll always go back after those late-night campus shows at Rumba Cafe! read more
1 year ago
5 years ago
This food truck has existed in the parking lot of 14-0 for yeeeeears. They offer a decent variety of Latin American food for a food truck. Unfortunately, it took way too long for our food order to be prepared. The burger & carne asada tacos we ordered were good, but over 30 mins is just too long of a wait for food truck food, especially in the campus area. read more
This food truck is pretty popular. The quality & quantity of food is the reason. Always a wait to get your order, so call ahead. The Cubano is huge, full of meat & cheese. Very filling. Personally, I would like more pickles, but delicious anyway. #3 Bandeja palsa is for the HUNGARY person. Beans, potatoes, rice, sausage, beef, half avocado & plantains. Speaking of plantains, the last few times, fried bananas replaced the plantains. Not sure why as they aren't as good. The woman working at the window is hard to understand, and I am good with accents. If you like very good value price food, this spot is for you. CASH ONLY. MASK REQUIRED to order. Oh and BTW, they have plenty of vegetarian options too if that is your thing :,-) read more
3 years ago
6 years ago
Exotic Latin Grill has been around for a while; 7 years plus at the current location outside the 14-0 on Hudson, and down by campus before that. At some point, I can't honestly recall when, it came under new ownership. Besides the snazzy new wrap on the trailer, the new ownership also brought with it a few new dishes. Amongst the usual tacos and burritos on the menu are a couple of standout Colombian dishes, including bandeja paisa and sobrebarriga. The sobrebarriga is a particular favorite of mine. Big chunks of unctuous beef stewed with onions, tomatoes, and spices, accompanied by yucca, rice, sweet plantains, half an avocado, and a bit of salad. It's a generous helping of beef; I can get several meals out of the amount of meat. My only gripe is that it doesn't come with enough of Exotic Latin Grill's tasty fried sweet plantains, but this is easily solved by ordering a side of sweet plantains to accompany it, which I unfailingly do. The bandeja paisa is pretty indulgent, if meat is your thing. Chorizo, chicharrones, and flank steak, plus a fried egg, an arepa, half an avocado, rice & black beans, and fried plantains. I would order it more often, but the sobrebarriga (which isn't always available) usually wins out. There are also arepas, empanadas, and tamales to be had, in addition to the usual taco truck offerings. Don't forget to order that side of the fried sweet plantains. They get pretty busy in the evenings, particularly when OSU is in session, but you can always call ahead and then go pick up your order. read more
3 years ago
5 years ago
This place is SO GOOD! The only thing that could make it better is if they excepted credit cards and if the Baleadas were authentic. Don't order the baleada here because it's nothing like an actual Honduran baleada. HOWEVER they have a million other amazing things. You really can't go wrong with the Papusas, empanadas, and tamales. My mom is OBSESSED with the Colombian hot dog and my husband got the Cuban sandwich last time and it was SO good. We still have so many things on the menu that we're looking forward to coming back and trying. read more
I was recommended to go to this food truck so many times by my friends I thought I just had to try it when I didn't have time to make lunch one day. We waited about 7 minutes for our food and we just waited in our car to social distance. It was not a bad wait at all. The person serving us gave us two salsa verdes and 1 hot red sauce. It was the perfect amount to spread on the torta and two empanadas. The empanadas were were freshly fried, crispy and the fillings(shrimp; beans) were soft and nicely spiced. I had a bite of my partner's torta and it was just so good. The steak and cheese complimented each other perfectly. This is a great find and I would not pass up a chance to try Exotic Latino Grill! read more
3 years ago
5 years ago
Soooo good! I love to order their tacos, tortas, empanadas, plantains, and cubans. It's cash only so make sure you have that and a few bills to leave a tip! These guys are extremely hardworking, stay open late, and serve some of the best food on campus. Love this place! read more
5 years ago
This is the place. Don't let the exterior keep you from eating one of the best food trucks in Columbus. YEARS, I had been driving by and never thought twice about it until a friend recommended it to me. Reasonably priced, fantastic food. My go to is the steak burrito and the pineapple cheese empanadas. Try the salsas. The red is extra spicy so beware. Also cash only. You won't be disappointed. read more
6 years ago
Coming from Los Angeles I've been on a mission to find some great tacos. I'd like to FINALLY announce, "I have found them!" My 1 complaint is they're double tortilla tacos and I'm not a big fan so take that with a grain of salt. The Pastor was great and no salsa needed, just add lime. The Lengua, oh man, it took me back to my childhood. It's def a top 3 Lengua taco I've ever had. I absolutely loved it. We live in New Albany and that taco is bringing us back. The Asada was really good as well. Unfortunately, the Cuban Sandwich was on the opposite side of the spectrum. The bread was not pressed, it was soggy. 2 pickles for the entire sandwich and very minimal mustard. I hate to say it but it was probably the worst Cuban I've had. I don't entire rule out going back because this is NOT a Cuban truck. I will be back for those tacos and to try other items. My wife got a Torta and she liked it but it wasn't anywhere close to a LA Torta. Flavor was good but to much cheese (shouldn't have any). Lengua Taco 9.5 Pastor Taco 8.2 Asada Taco 8.5 Cuban Sandwich 3.3 Torta 8 read more
Exotic Latino Grill is another of those food trucks in Columbus. I have usually found it at the carryout on Hudson Street. They have a fairly big menu for a truck. It has lots of Colombian inspired items as well as Mexican. They also have some vegetarian options. I ordered the vegetable burrito. It was $5 and it was massive. This is the best value of any food truck around. It came with a couple of hot sauces. They are so fucking hot beyond belief. If getting the red hot sauce, you need to get something to drink with it. They unfortunately are not able to sell drinks from the truck, so you have to go to the store. The food itself is okay. It's kind of bland without the hot sauce. The burrito needed to be made with a bigger and stronger tortilla. It ripped into pieces almost immediately. They put way too much into it so it made a big mess in the container. I would choose Exotic Latino Grill over some of the other food trucks. It's more authentic tasting if kind of bland. The sauce is very hot so be sure to get a Mexican pop to cool off with. read more
4 years ago
4 years ago
A diamond in the rough, a true hidden gem, a one in a million. Don't sleep on this food truck that hangs out in the 14-0 convenient store. The Latin style food is full of flavor and the customer service is great. I have never been disappointed with the food hear. Feel free to call in or order at the window. The only downside is the wait but it's well worth it. Don't hesitate to give this place a try read more
6 years ago
Sad that this is considered a taco truck. And that it has so many good reviews, for the lack of flavor and seasoning everything had. NOTHING EXOTIC ABOUT IT. I prefer Taco Bell over this tbh. read more
3 years ago
4 years ago
3 years ago
6 years ago
This place is a serious win for any and all looking for delicious Colombian eats. Not only can you find restaurant quality traditional dishes at the right price, there's other Latin American favorites like tacos too! I had two tacos (carne asada and al pastor) and I ordered 2 empanadas but they gave me 3. I'm not complaining! The taco meat was very flavorful and I personally like it to have a bit of a crunch, and it did. The tortillas were pretty oily but overall the flavor was great. I liked the empanadas most-- I got asada and potato and camarones. The best part is the corn pastry it's fried in. It tasted very fresh and handmade. Empanadas were also a bit oily but the flavor was excellent! The greasiness was the only problem, but I'll definitely be back! read more
7 years ago
When you want a good bite of authentic Mexican cuisine but the restaurants are closed, think you're out of luck? No sir, no ma'am. This food truck that has been next to the 14-0 beer/wine store for what seems like forever will surprise you. I'd take this over fast food at the late hour any day. They make dishes on here that you won't find at any Mexican restaurant. One of, if not my favorite food trucks in Columbus. read more
5 years ago
One of the BEST food trucks out there! I frequent this place, often after wild nights out in the town, and she always makes such great food! My favorites are the empanadas and fried plantain, but the crowd-pleaser is the huge $5 burrito with various choices of asada, fish, chicken, or the most delicious and moist chorizo. There is sometimes a line, but the wait is well worth it! Love this hidden, Columbus gem! read more
13 years ago
There are a lot of hit-or-miss dishes on their menu. But if you get the right ones, you're going to be impressed. I absolutely love their empanadas, which come in a fried dough that has just the right touch of crispiness and sweetness. I highly recommend any beef dish as well, as the beef they're using is extremely tender and has a great slightly-sweet marinade. For some reason, they thought it made sense to grill my quesadilla with the lettuce and the tomatoes already on the inside. Why would you do this? It was positively disgusting. My quesadilla could have been good, but all I could taste was this warm, floppy, greasy, stringy lettuce shitting up the entire thing. Get the Baleada instead. It is almost the same thing, with delicious and flavorful beans instead of the nasty "cold" ingredients. It also comes cheaper. In fact, you'd be remiss to miss out on it if you ordered from here. It is simultaneously one of the most delicious, filling, and cheap items on the menu. The tortilla is thick, floury, buttery, and slightly browned, and the baleada comes packed with gooey cheese and plenty of the aforementioned tender beef. I have to strongly advise against the tamales; instead of wrapping the tamale in a corn husk, it is coated and fried in a greasy corn slurry resembling polenta or grits. The corn coating completely overwhelms the flavor of the tamale, and it's so greasy and unseasoned that it hardly tastes like anything. The inside wasn't any better though - the chicken was dry, and its marinade's taste resembled Campbell's soup. The plain arepa was just okay, but for the most part it didn't taste like anything, it lacked salt, and it wasn't worth what I paid for it. It's just a boring little grilled piece of corn patty, so be sure to splurge for the cheese and chorizo if you expect to get anything good out of it. To end on a positive note, there's the fried banana/plantain dishes. Fucking phenomenal. I got a special mixed up with soft chicken, flavorful and crispy sausage slices, and decent Spanish rice. The sweetness of the plantains works surprisingly well with the mix of meat, rice, and veggies, and the thing adds up to at least a pound of Latino spice goodness. I've definitely eaten from better taco trucks, but El Manantial can provide a great meal, especially for the experienced customer. I'd suggest staying away from the common crowd-pleasers and getting a sampling of the South American cuisine that they have to offer. They've figured out the latter, but the former is just cringe-worthy. read more
13 years ago
Looks reeeeeal seedy but don't let that fool you! Food is top notch and hits the spot. I ordered 4 tacos (2 pollo & 2 pastor) and at $1.50 each it's a hell of a bargain! They come with lettuce, cheese, tomato, and sour cream. Plus you get a verde and hot red sauce on the side. They come on corn tortillas not flour just FYI. Amazing! Seriously blows Chipotle or any other fast food out of the taco arena. Can I just say, please don't bitch at the window. The dude is trying to take orders, translate your drunk ass English and cook simultaneously and it doesn't help if you bitch. Also, no one cares if you like the pineapple salsa over the pink colored salsa and why bother telling him the ratios to put on the Columbian Hot dog. Shut up. Just get it the way it comes sister - they're cooking not you. If you want a special hot dog microwave it yourself. Back to the food. It's delicious and filling. Give it a try and remember stop substituting and bitching and just enjoy & eat! read more
11 years ago
This delightful little gem is found tucked away in the parking lot of a liquor store. Don't be distressed by the trailer, the food truck era is back baby. Just grab on with both hands and enjoy. The food here is great. Like, I ate here twice within 5 hours. I can't say to my current recollection that I've ever done before. I had a chorizo burrito the first time and a chicken quesadilla the second time. The chorizo was of good quality and the ingredients were fresh and delicious. The chicken was nicely spiced and the quesadilla was quickly and greedily devoured at the hotel. The burrito was so full it didn't really close like a burrito. That's not a complaint, just a warning. Come prepared for a more in-depth burrito consumption experience than you contain in one hand. If you're in the area and you're hungry, come here. The food is worth your money. Plus you can order ahead by calling in. Baller move, bro. Cash only. read more
4 years ago
4 years ago
12 years ago
Like Yelp says "Woohoo! As good as it gets!" I've been more times than I'll ever admit; but I will admit this is one of my five favorite restaurants. You can get better food here for $5 than you'll get at many other places for $30+. Go for the tacos, empanadas, arepas (don't overlook the cheese and pineapple), and veggie burritos. p.s. The items I mention above are only 5% of their HUGE menu. Feeling like crab soup? They have it, on the menu at least. read more
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More info about Exotic Latin Grill
355 E Hudson St
Columbus, OH 43202
University District
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(614) 733-1794
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Ask the Community - Exotic Latin Grill
Are there any gluten-free options?
Yes. The tacos use corn tortillas, the tamales use masa (cornmeal), and the arepas are made with cornmeal as well. Also, the dishes like sobrebarriga come with rice, no wheat.
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8 reviews that are not currently recommended
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