Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Exotic Latin Grill

    4.3 (131 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 2:00 AM (Next day)

    Order Exotic Latin Grill Takeout or Delivery

    Exotic Latin Grill Photos

    Business Info

    EXOTIC LATIN GRILL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Divey
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Exotic Latin Grill

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Menu
    Jonathan K.

    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.

    Colombian Hot Dogs
    Adri C.

    *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.

    Torta !
    Kalah Rae F.

    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!

    Carne asada tacos
    Deniece W.

    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.

    #3, must try
    Pat E.

    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 :,-)

    Sobrebarriga
    Richard P.

    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.

    Cuban sandwich, papusa
    Jessica E.

    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.

    Empanada, my hand is for scale
    Mindy H.

    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!

    meat (below) and pineapple and cheese empanadas (above)
    Yessica A.

    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!

    Burrito
    Patrick S.

    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.

    Please be great!!!
    Ruben R.

    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

    Truck

    See all

    3 months ago

    So good the Cuban sandwich are some of the best I've had. They're so big that I have leftovers for lunch the next day!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Food was decent, service not so good. Wouldn't go out of my way to go here lots of other options where they seem to appreciate my business.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 1
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Pat E.
    129
    293
    1127

    5 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Melany B.
    169
    17
    1

    3 years ago

    The food was mediocre at best, kinda cold when I got it and everything was overcooked. Not the best for Caribbean food, you can do better.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of P P.
    443
    52
    23

    3 years ago

    Mucho mucho tasty. Nicest workers and people in columbus Ohio - arepa w cheese and green sauce and the veggie burrito are champions

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ruben R.
    488
    26
    33

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Steve A.
    4748
    5539
    8461

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    The food is all very bland, dry, and flavorless. Disappointing after reading all the raving reviews. Wouldn't go again or recommend.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Śea E.
    326
    28
    39

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Pricey for a food truck that serves mediocre food. Never had a good or worthy experience here. This is a cash only establishment too.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Best Latin food ever!! Me and my husband love getting take out From here! Wish the owners would put up a restaurant

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of S M.
    9
    191
    6

    13 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lisa H.
    27
    64
    80

    12 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nate B.
    4
    46
    46

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 4

    Exotic Latin Grill Reviews in Other Languages

    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.

    View All 2 Questions

    You might also consider

    Lupita’s Mexican Cuisine & Bar - Molcajete was so good

    Lupita’s Mexican Cuisine & Bar

    4.8(156 reviews)
    5.9 miMerion Village
    $$

    4.8 stars out of 151 reviews?! Say less. I was working in the area and had the taste for Mexican…read moreand a beer. I sit at the bar and I'm greeted by something I've never had ever...chips served with 2 red salsas, a verde salsa and bean dip! Usually you just get chips, a small bowl and a carafe of salsa, help yourself. This set the tone that this would be different than usual. I ordered steak fajita nachos and a Modelo Negra. I powered thru the chips and bean dip like it was my job. And it didn't disappoint. Really fresh and flavorful. Nachos are nachos, right? Wrong. How they are assembled has everything to do with their mouth feel as they cool down. I've had nachos that come out looking amazing but as they cool, turn into a disappointing chuck of chips held together by shredded cheese cement. These stayed loose with crunchy bites of peppers and onions, and the cheese sauce coated instead of becoming cement-like. I always order the same thing when trying a New Mexican spot. If the nachos are good, chances are everything is good! So I'll keep the almost 5 Star steak going. I agree, some of the best Mexican food in Columbus.

    The food is delicious!! And they have margarita flights. Need I say more?…read more I'd recommend the Lupita's Special which has a little bit of everything! My friend got a chicken dish served in queso like sauce and it was really good, but I can't remember the name. (First picture)

    Photos
    Lupita’s Mexican Cuisine & Bar - Dining area

    Dining area

    Lupita’s Mexican Cuisine & Bar - Complementary chips and dips...even bean!

    Complementary chips and dips...even bean!

    Lupita’s Mexican Cuisine & Bar - Quesa Birria, 41. Choripollo

    See all

    Quesa Birria, 41. Choripollo

    Catrina Mexican Cuisine

    Catrina Mexican Cuisine

    4.8(84 reviews)
    5.3 miNorthland
    $$

    I realized I eat a lot of Mexican food! Working in the area, I do what I always do...Yelp what's…read morein the area. 4.8 starts out of 82 reviews. Let's go! I pull up and the parking lot is empty. Hmmm. Looks like an old Rax roast beef spot. Inside it had a festive vibe with a Mexican mix tape playing over the speakers. The gentleman takes my order and grab a booth. He takes your order and makes your food fresh! Fajita nachos Al Pastor with a Victoria beer. The Victoria draft came out in a frosty mug and it was cold cold. Yes!! As I'm waiting for my food, more customers start coming in. Made me feel better lol. I swear the music playing is a recording of a DJ at a wedding lol. Out come the nachos and they look amazing. He also brings a little stand for my cell phone so I can eat and watch YouTube. Never have I had that offered to me at any restaurant. His hustle, service and smile was appreciated. The nachos were really good. The marinated pork, cheese sauce, fresh chips, chunks of pineapple, sour cream and salsa verde just came together well. Bonus points for the cheese sauce. Not to mention I watched him prepare everything thru the glass counter. He's back there having fun then brings your food out with a smile. Love it. If it were super busy I don't know how he would keep up, but I appreciate his hustle. Yelp, your recommendation didn't disappoint. This was different than your typical sit down, chips and salsa, margarita special, blah blah experience. This was Cozumel in June, cruising around in the side-by-side, Oh look a cool roadside taco spot with an open center courtyard type of vibe. Minus the open courtyard. Check them out!

    We gave Catrina a try tonight and were very pleased with the service and the quality of food…read more Highlights were the tikka chicken empanada and the shrimp tostada - both delicious. The ambiance was fine , and enhanced by some very enjoyable Mexican music. We will be back!

    Photos
    Catrina Mexican Cuisine - Plenty of seating

    Plenty of seating

    Catrina Mexican Cuisine - Al Pastor Fajita nachos

    Al Pastor Fajita nachos

    Catrina Mexican Cuisine - Fish Taco

    See all

    Fish Taco

    Cazuelas Mexican Restaurant & Cantina - Mushrooms quesadia

    Cazuelas Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

    3.2(112 reviews)
    9.2 mi
    $$

    While I was in Korea, I came across a story that stopped me in my tracks--one of those moments when…read morethe weight of someone else's experience hits close to home. Ricardo, a waiter at Cazuela's Mexican Cantina in Reynoldsburg, had finished serving a table, expecting the usual--a tip, a simple acknowledgment of his hard work. Instead, he received a hateful message scrawled on the receipt, the kind that cuts deeper than words should. Ricardo works at Cazuela's only on Sundays, a second job to help make ends meet. So today, in between my OCIA responsibilities, I decided to stop by--to meet him, to shake his hand, and to remind him that there are far more good people in this world than the ones who spew hate. As we talked, I saw a man who carries himself with quiet dignity, someone who simply wants to work hard and provide for his family. I shared with him that I, too, know what it feels like to be told to "go back to your country," even though, like him, I am an American. I told him about my childhood, standing in front of my family's Crestview Market, hearing the ugly chants from passing cars--some driven by kids I went to school with. But today wasn't just about reliving painful memories; it was about something greater--the power of community, of kindness that drowns out cruelty. When I arrived at Cazuela's, I wasn't alone. Others had also come to show their support, to stand with Ricardo. He told me the outpouring of kindness had been overwhelming, and I was relieved to hear it. Before I left, I handed him my WARM card and told him if he ever needed help, he could call me. Because no one should feel alone in moments like these. And, by the way, if you ever stop by Cazuela's, their enchiladas and Mexican rice are fantastic. The chips and salsa? Fresh and addictive. And my server, Isabel--attentive, kind, and everything a great waitress should be. Some people choose to spread hate. But today, I saw so many more people choosing love. And thats what matters.

    Very nice bartenders. Was chill on a Saturday. Chips are soooooo fresh and good. Reasonably priced…read morefood.

    Photos
    Cazuelas Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
    Cazuelas Mexican Restaurant & Cantina - Chips and salsa

    Chips and salsa

    Cazuelas Mexican Restaurant & Cantina - Outside

    See all

    Outside

    Nada

    Nada

    3.9(672 reviews)
    3.2 miArena District
    $$

    Went last night before the game. Sat at the bar. Was evidently there just in time fr the end of…read morehappy hour. The staff was very eager to make sure we knew about happy hour. Pretty thankful they did. We ordered the queso, 3 happy hour pork tacos, and street corn. The food came out very fast and very tasty. I had 2 drafts. Do wish they had a bit of a wider selection. The wife had margaritas. She says they were good. I don't really like them. The only down thing that happened was st the end. We were sitting there as my wife was finishing up the last of her margarita and we each had water. I didn't even notice when it happened, but the bartender decided we were done with our waters and took them. I was really surprised it was gone when I reached for it. The bartender decided was a bit sticky but looked cool and the bathroom was clean. Pretty nice place.

    Stopped in while in the Arena District for quick bite and beverage. Ordered Chips and Salsa (Ancho…read moreSalsa) which was ok but also ordered Quesadilla for apps and it was like a mini version (two bites) that i wouldnt order again for $12. Also note they intentionally serve this as burnt cheese (oozing out the side). Beverage wise, we ordered Nadarita(s) and they were small and little weak. Felt like college bar service and quality. Our server Khoi was nice and professional, but rarely saw him (never returned for additional drink or chip orders). Will visit again but have different expectations. Thanks Nada.

    Photos
    Nada
    Nada
    Nada

    See all

    Masa Mexican Grill - Chicken Fajitas

    Masa Mexican Grill

    4.8(44 reviews)
    4.3 mi

    My friend comes to East Market all the time but she had never tried Masa. We decided to try it this…read moretime. I got 3 tacos as the guy at the register said 2 wouldn't be very filling. I got one chorizo, one steak, and one chicken tinga. The corn tortillas are what most people speak highly of here so I had to try it. It was exceptional. The tortillas do taste homemade and have a nice flavor and texture. The tacos didn't fall apart either. Now the meats were just okay...nothing authentic about them. Lacking in flavor too. BUT if you want to order a non taco item, you can add a tortilla for a $1. Probably what I should've done. My friend got the crunch wrap which was BIG. Prob too big for most people to finish but it had a lot of things in it, including a fried tortilla inside that my friend agreed was the star of the show. Otherwise, her Crunchwrap was bland.... We both got a mild and spicy salsa on the side but neither were spicy. And of course, neither were that flavorful. Service was good. The staff was nice. We didn't wait long for the food. More like 3.8 stars overall. Masa recently opened another stall that sells salads. I'd prob try that next time.

    Such a cute little shop inside of East Market! The customer service was great and the food has an…read moreauthentic taste to it. I got the barbacoa tacos and they were very meaty and the tortillas were freshly made. After I placed my order, the worker gave me a buzzer to let me know when it was ready but I waited nearby and started talking to him. He was very nice and friendly. The salsas don't have a description on the menu so I asked him about a few of them and he started sharing his story and even told me the recipes they use are generational; he uses his grandmother's recipes!

    Photos
    Masa Mexican Grill - The food hall

    The food hall

    Masa Mexican Grill - Tacos

    Tacos

    Masa Mexican Grill

    See all

    Exotic Latin Grill - mexican - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...