Great place to spend Cinco de Mayo. They definitely spend money to keep up the aesthetic so get ready to take pictures. Their specials didn't start until 2 so that sucked. The drink was good and strong. The calamari was delicious. It was fried well and their sauce was good. Also had the birria queso tacos which tasted fresh and not over seasoned. Service was okay and glad my wife was with me because she only spoke to us in Spanish. They also had seating outside and they do offer valet because street parking can be difficult. read more

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Came here on Cinco de Mayo. Their specials didn't start until 2 but we stayed either way. We were sat quickly inside but they also had outdoor seating. Our waitress was okay. They are pretty pricey in my opinion. However the mango chamuy drink was good. The calamari was delicious, so flavorful and fried well. Shared the birria-queso tacos and I loved it especially the cheese pull. The place is decorated very nicely so many pic opps. They also give complimentary chips and salsa. read more

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The service was pretty good. He forgot my wife's coke (soda). She had to remind him 30 min later when the food came. The complimentary chips and salsa were great. The margaritas were really good. Don't order the happy hour mini tacos they were burnt crispy and tasted horrible. I ordered a chimichanga with chicken and it actually was really good. The place is decorative just like all the La fortaleza and amazing to look at. The live singer was really good and she started at 730pm. So if you want a quieter setting to talk and eat come before then. There is a mandatory 18% gratuity with the option to add more. The menus were electronic but you order with a waiter. read more

Huge props to how they decorate this restaurant. Lots of neon signs, decor (they had a little Mayan temple on the wall), race car for a table right out front, statues, carved colored chairs- the whole place is a vibe. Expansive menus but the menus are on iPads. Not a fan of electric menus let alone on pricey iPads, just feels excessive because a server will still come and take your order. Overall pricey for food. Soup was at least $17 which is wild. I got the steak quesadillas which were okay. The meat was pretty dry but plentiful meat and lettuce. It came with three pieces and some kind of green sauce. They do serve a good number of drinks and food options. Service was slow though, definitely noticeable when getting our orders, delivering the food, and bringing the check. They have valet parking on site but be careful bc it's gravel and an uneven surface. read more

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The service was good my spouse and I went for a quick dinner tonight. I ordered a chicken and beef burrito. And my spouse ordered a pozole soup. Well much to our surprise the food was very below average. My burrito was horrible and my spouse said his soup was like eating dirty water no flavor. And to our surprise only 2 of us and an 18% gratuity for sub par food needless to say I will not be returning to this establishment. Beautiful place but terrible food and gratuity for a table for two. No wonder on a Fri. night it was empty go back to what you were! read more

La Fortaleza - Mexican beer - Mexican Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

Authentic? Absolutely not. This is "Americanized" Mexican food to the T. The one thing they did get right is the ambiance. The outside and inside of the restaurant is decked head to toe in Mexican-themed decor. It's bright and colorful with photos ops left and right. There's music blasting and drums playing so yes... it's loud, lively, and fun. But SHEESH, the food and drinks were incredibly subpar, especially for their "premium" prices and small portions. My meal was a complete disappointment. Honestly, it might be one of the worst tacos I've had. *Baja Fish Tacos (3) $17 - Absolutely terrible. There was WAY too much batter. It was dry, tough, and stale. The fish was cut too thinly and was not fresh. I was expecting to bite into juicy, tender cod with a light, crispy batter.... but no, I felt like I was just eating overfried batter with thin slices of dry fish. The toppings didn't add anything to the overall flavor. The lemons and chipotle mayo sauce given on the side did nothing to save this disaster. *Birria Tacos (3) $19 - These were better than the baja fish tacos, but it didn't compare to the birria I've had at authentic Mexican businesses. The portion size was small. It was more like mini tacos with a mini side of consomme (broth stew). The meat wasn't seasoned well and there was a skimpy portion of it. *Guacamole and Golden Tortilla Chips $17 - Soooo this was actually the best part of the meal... The guac seemed fresh and the chips were crispy. Thank goodness this wasn't messed up. Lol. For our drinks we ordered a frozen tamarind margarita (~$16) and a passion fruit margarita (~$16) on the rocks. Both drinks needed a lot more tequila; it was very watered down and tasted more like sugary fruit juice... Service was good, so no complaints there. There were a lot of vendors on a Sunday night selling photographs, roses, and asking for tips. I've come to the conclusion that some of the best, most authentic Mexican food in NJ happens to be in the unassuming hole-in-the-wall type of joints. Look away from these "Instagrammable" restaurants. I don't think I'd come back here. read more

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The food was delicious, and Victor served us very well. He was very kind, answered our questions, and gave us suggestions.

Was here on mother's day, The restaurant was nicely decorated. They have a couple of spots to take photos with your loved ones. My mother had such a great time taking photos. We were a party of 8, our waitress was very attentive in taking our orders for drinks and food. She asked if we were okay with certain sides instead of just surprising us with, which was nice to have that option. The food was delicious; everyone enjoyed their food. The only thing we didn't like was that one of the orders took really long to come out. By the time it came out everyone was pretty much done with their meal. We understood that it was a big table, but it wasn't fair that everyone was eating and one person was watching. Then we had to wait until that 1 person was done and they felt rush. Would I come back? Yes. I would also remind the waitress to make sure all food is out at the same time. If someone needs to wait 5 minutes, that's not a problem. read more

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Cute decor. Food wasn't too flavorful. We were also left for around 30 mins without our server when we were done & and he saw we were done. Also kind of scammy trying to sell us at our tables flowers & pictures. Odd. read more

Decor was cute and festive. Food and service were bad! I give the food a -10. My chicken and shrimp fajita were under cooked. How can you mess up a fajita at a Mexican restaurant??? Each bite was raw, it was awful. My wife ordered the birria tacos it had no flavor and the sauce was water. The service was very slow and we had to flag a waiter to serve us. I remember going there a few years ago and on a Friday night you couldn't get in becauseit was full of people, tonight there were empty tables, and I see why. We will never return. My suggestion get a new cook and train your staff. read more

I thoroughly enjoyed La Fortaleza Clifton. The food was excellent. The drinks were excellent. The service was excellent. I cannot recommend enough the Bierria tacos. As expected, the decorations did not disappoint. We sat in the VW beetle booth. It was a great location to have an overview of the restaurant. The valet parking was excellent. The valets were extremely polite and accommodating. They also offered the the photo souvenir option. Even though the Carlstadt location is my current favorite, I would go back again to this location . read more

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La Fortaleza of Clifton has become a staple in our dining out choices. The food here is always solid and the portion size is good for the money. don't forget to do the Yelp check in because you'll get free guac. They also have a rewards point system so make sure you sign up. It's a great vibe in here. Celebrated my birthday this past year there as well and everyone in my party, enjoyed themselves and their meal/drinks. They can easily accommodate a large group. Chips and salsa on the house. read more

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If you're blk, don't go here. Stay away. Food has no flavor, especially the enchiladas and service is slow. If you want food order quesadillas to go. Everything else is trash. And why is the pina colada $30 no refill. Way too overpriced. I'm never going again read more

La Fortaleza - Enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

They charged us way more than we payed. They scammed us and don't go there. The people lied to us about the money and added more money to our check. read more

No, this wasn't my first time going to La Fortaleza in Clifton. I will say this time was interesting given the fact that I was waiting so long to be attended. Usually my experience there tends to be quick, but this time, although it was lunchtime, and not packed, it took my server a while to get our orders in. Otherwise, the food is always immaculate and the vibes and ambience are always top-tier. read more

La Fortaleza - Inside at open - Mexican Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

The food is a bit overpriced and flavor is okay not amazing. I did love the decor and service was good. read more

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This place fell off big time from when it Open food was so disappointing & over priced i was in shocked! 17.00 for baha fish tacos was so dry & unflavored & a steak with shrimp had absolutely no flavor it was bad ! Stay away i cant bel how so many people go i guess for the decor food was so plain def not made with any love.. read more

I really enjoyed this place. I love how the whole place is decked out from top to bottom in Mexican folklore decor. We came on cinco de mayo for an early dinner and will def return to try it when it is not so crazy busy. They have valet parking which is good because parking could be difficult in the residential area around the restaurant. The menu was limited since it was cinco de mayo but everything we tasted was delicious including the drinks! I love that they have fun drink options for the kids too. Great place. read more

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The food was good, but a bit over priced. The service was ok it was a bit of a wait for our food. I love the decor though. They also have a dj. We got agua de Jamaica in a cantatito cup, but that was $20 which was too much for that. read more

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What a money grab.. You get there, and the only parking is valet!! When you get the ticket for car, it says recommended tip is 5.00!! Inside people roaming around with cameras, they snap pictures, then try to sell them to you for 20.00.. next, people walking around with bouquets of flowers... The drinks were very large and cool to look at, pretty tasty, but 25.00 for a margarita??? Then when you get the bill, they tacked on a18% service fee, tucked away at bottom, for our bill it was an additional 35.00, this was just drinks.. I ended up tipping because it had suggested tip amounts on bottom, not realizing they had already built in a tip! Very very expensive afternoon out... Will not be going back .. read more

Went here on National Margarita Day that fell on Taco Tuesday. It wasnt too crowded which was great. Ambiance- FUN!!! Full of colors, decor, murals on walls, tables, everywhere!!! Definitely not lacking in the decor and color categories. The band that goes around to every table to and play music and sing Feliz Cumpleanos.... very cute! Drinks- WAY TOO SWEET. Had frozen and on the rocks margarita and could not finish them. WAY TOO SWEET Food - food was okay and just average to me Service- good. Not much else to say about it. She was attentive despite a busy day read more

La Fortaleza - Menu - Mexican Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

We went during mid-afternoon hours and celebrated my Birthday, therefore the place wasn't packed. I love the decor of the place. It brought me back to my childhood with Chispirito and Doña Florinda. The service was quick, excellent and the food was delicious. After the bill was paid, we stayed nursing our drinks as they were super strong and we weren't rushed at all. I highly recommend this place and I'm tempted to try all the other locations. read more

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I was in the mood for Mexican and ordered from this restaurant. I called in my order of the fish tacos on flour tortillas. When I arrived I parked in their private lot. I walked in and the lady took my payment and gave me my food. When I dug in the tacos were good. It definitely filled me up. I had a good experience. read more

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Delicious food and great atmosphere. I got the horchata with the cantarito which is for unlimited refills. Really enjoyed the meal. Also got the carne am pastor nachos and they did not disappoint. read more

La Fortaleza - Parrillada - Mexican Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

We came here for the first time last week and thoroughly enjoyed it. If you're looking for a spot with some interesting decor, great service and food, then this is it. Starting with decor, they have a very interesting decor with bright colors, art and other funky stuff which was cool. We came here on a Friday night and were able to find a table right away. Got some apps, drinks along with enchiladas and fajitas, and everything was really good. Food was flavorful and portions were good size as well. Everybody from valet staff, hostess and servers were super courteous and friendly. We will definitely come back here. Fyi - Place gets a little loud and since we had a baby with us, we decided to sit outside and it worked out better for us. read more

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We had a seat at the bar. Our bartender was so cool and nice. We told him keep the shots and drinks coming and he definitely didn't disappoint. We had tacos they were pretty good. I'll definitely be back. read more

La Fortaleza - Mexican Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

La Fortaleza Poughkeepsie Ny DELICIOUS! Everything!!! Great service Nice atmosphere. We definitely be coming back! read more

I've seen so many ads for when this place opened and have been dying to come here. It actually looks like an adult playground with all the fun decorations and neon lights. There was probably 6 birthday celebrations going on that night and they game out with the sparklers and drums. Lots of drink and food options here. I had the Mexican mojito which was with tequila instead of rum. It came with an additional shooter. Food is a bit pricey and mediocre. I would definitely come here more for the vibes and good drinks! Side note, they do not have a parking lot. It is valet only or street parking- valet is free of charge. read more

La Fortaleza - Guacamole Side (New) - Mexican Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

"Get an eyeful of what an authentic Mexican restaurant looks like! The decor is either imported from Mexico or created by local Mexican artist. Visit Mexico without leaving the country. " At this NJ Mexican restaurant @lafortalezaclifton !! La fortaleza has locations in Clifton, Lodi, Carlstadt, Garfield, and Passaic! * * Everything on the menu is amazing and they have huge portions! * * great service! read more

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I was really craving Mexican and I was excited to try this place due to good reviews on Seamless. However the food was very bland. I also unfortunately had to order through Seamless because their phones weren't working, making my bill $27 more expensive... Just absolutely crazy and disappointing. read more

La Fortaleza - Mexican Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

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The wait was the worst 40 min + for a mix grill platter and Beria tacos 3 beers and chips Music was trash the bar was not it The service waiter left us clueless as to are food no information or return to table to check on us read more

Where do I begin. Came here with four friends for dinner and drinks. We received salsa and chips for the table. Salsa was runny but good flavor. We ordered guac and chips and the guac was subpar. Pretty bland even. The presentation was very cute for the guac I will say.... better than the taste of the guac for sure. As for my meal, this is where things continued to go downhill. My tacos were unacceptable. It seems like someone took a frozen bag of baby shrimp, put them in a microwave and put them on a tortilla with onions and cilantro. That's it. My cousin ordered the shrimp fajita and she actually received real shrimp. In comparison, mine were tiny, a weird pinkish-orange color, with a very processed flavor. The tacos were bad. The fact that I received some shrimp substitute and someone else at my same table received actual shrimp is unacceptable. Either remove this item from the menu or give your customers something worth eating because these tacos are not it. I would give two stars to be nice but when I brought my "shrimp" issue to the waiters attention he just giggled and gathered the plates. Again, unacceptable. The best part of this experience was the drink I ordered and the decor of the restaurant. I will not be returning here for food. If I do come back it will be solely for drinks and maaaaaaaaaaybe I'll give some other entree a try. Very disappointed. See photos for reference. It's a no for me. read more

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After 5 years living in Passaic County, I finally got to visit La Fortaleza with my family. The photos of our meals speak for themselves I think! Everything was absolutely delicious and the atmosphere is very bright and lively. Four stars because the service was slightly lacking in that my Dad ordered the "parillada" which is a dish that takes fairly long to cook because of the amount of meat it has. Because of that my dad ordered an appetizer and specifically asked for it to come out first. It never did. Not to mention, the other dishes came out way before his did. Needs to be better strategy to ensure food comes out when it should. I'll definitely be back no doubt and since I have one right near home, that may be by next turn! read more

La Fortaleza - Mexican Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

Let's take these things clear it has no flavor unacceptable paid 98$ for 5 alambres just to get one salsa are you serious? called services and they said " stop complaining" horrible Customer service they do not know how to deal with their customer!? Overpriced they are only using you for MONEY yes please STAY AWAY!!! From this restaurant I went to many fortaleza restaurant and they game me more than one salsa! Come on now this restaurant needs help ASAP!! read more

me encantó el servicio mi mesara (Laura) nos atendió muy bien. Buenas bebidas siempre y comida deliciosa. read more

La Fortaleza - Mexican Mojito (coco) Pomo Mágico - Mexican Near Me - Clifton, New Jersey

One of the most authentic Mexican restaurants you will ever come across. As soon as you walk in you feel and sense the authenticity, from the colors, decor, and music. Our waitress was so patient with us as we asked questions and food recommendations. The speed at which our chips & guacamole, drinks, and entrees came out was impressively fast. My only complaints are getting bottled water that they charge you for as the default, and being charged for a birthday celebration dessert. All in all, I am recommending this place everyone. read more

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Place sucks absolutely money grab. Upcharged my whole party. We ordered food and was upcharged atleast 30 bucks don't go here.

Love this place, great vibe good service The food is good east coast Mexican All tacos are delicious, steak is good Definitely coming back read more

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Went in for lunch and the place is very nice and colorful. Definitely giving Mexico vibes. Wasn't greeted when we walked in. We had to go find the hostess. Fifteen minutes later they take our drink order. now let me tell you the place was empty. We get our food and it was tasty but the worse part is the price. SMH I've paid less at the capital grill. Place is nice but not worth it. I feel like I was raped. Chillis would have been a better option. read more

After visiting their Garfield location a few years ago, I was looking forward to visiting again -- only to be taken aback by how much this restaurant has changed in the worst ways possible... Pros: Overall a good/lively vibe, seems like many people come here for their birthdays. I visited on a Thursday and they had a live singer. This restaurant can get pretty loud, so if that's not the vibe you're looking for... beware. The food/drinks are pretty good, although they're not phenomenal, I think they're good enough. Cons: This place will nickel and dime you for EVERYTHING. I came with a party of 4, and asked the waitress to start off with 4 waters. She brought out 4 Poland Spring bottles, which of course we'd have to pay for. $2/bottle. Then...My friend asked for a little extra sour cream on the side, and they literally charged us $2 for a teaspoon of sour cream. Seriously? Really? What really sent me over the edge was the fact that our server was totally inattentive, yet we were automatically charged 18% gratuity. Our server actually did NOT deserve that much gratuity because she visited our table 3 times the entire visit, and we were forced to pay a high tip. Usually with parties of 6+, there is an automatic standard gratuity, which is understandable. But as a party of 4, this was totally unnecessary. The only saving grace was that I got free guacamole for checking in via Yelp. For those reasons, I won't be returning. It's a shame because I enjoyed my visit a few years ago, but I was highly disappointed this time around. read more

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