Truly one of the worst customer service experiences I have had. My family and I have been loyal takeout customers here for about four years, but after this situation, we will not be returning. One issue with DoorDash turned into an extremely frustrating and disappointing experience because of how poorly it was handled by the restaurant staff, especially the manager. I placed a delivery order through DoorDash a day in advance for Mother's Day and scheduled it about four hours ahead of time. Around 30 minutes before the delivery time, I received a notification from DoorDash stating that the restaurant was unable to fulfill the order. Since I still needed the food, I placed a second order for pickup through DoorDash with the same items. Assuming the cancellation may have been due to limited availability, I called the restaurant several times to confirm that they could fulfill the new pickup order. When I finally got through, I explained the situation to the manager. Instead of listening or trying to help, she immediately assumed the first order had been stolen and suggested that I may have been involved. I explained multiple times that DoorDash notified me that the restaurant cancelled the delivery order, but she kept insisting that the order was stolen and said they would not fulfill my new pickup order because they were taking the previous order as a loss. I then tried to cancel the pickup order through DoorDash, but because the restaurant had already marked it as "In-Work," DoorDash showed that I would receive a $0 refund. I went to the restaurant in person to explain the situation and clarify that the second order was completely separate from the cancelled delivery order. The manager continued to insist that the first order was stolen and repeatedly told me to contact DoorDash, even though the restaurant's actions directly affected whether I could cancel or receive a refund. To make the situation worse, I ended up placing three separate orders: one delivery order through DoorDash, one pickup order through DoorDash, and one phone order directly with the restaurant. Even after I paid, the manager refused to let me leave with the food because the payment involved DoorDash. The entire situation went back and forth for about half an hour with no real solution, no accountability, and no attempt to help a loyal customer. This experience was incredibly disappointing. After years of supporting this restaurant without issue, it only took one poorly handled situation to make us never want to return. Customer service matters, especially when something goes wrong. Unfortunately, the staff showed no professionalism, empathy, or willingness to resolve the problem. There are plenty of other restaurants in the area, and after this experience, we will be taking our business elsewhere. If the business is not loyal to the customer, why should the customer be loyal to the business. It's business 101. They decided to break a 4 year relationship over $40 dollars. A chain restaurant should have alternatives. read more

We visited this location attempting to eat lunch. It was an extremely hot day, and the restaurant felt like there was absolutely no air conditioning on. The restaurant itself was tiny. There might be 5 tables, and one restroom. There were 2 tables outside in front. When I entered, no one was there inside the dining area, except a staff member sitting at a table. I approached the counter, and I saw three women. On the counter were quarters in little plastic bags. I inquired as to whether they were serving lunch, and I was told that they were. I was also told to just sit down. We went to sit down, and we're told to move to a bigger table, so we did. We were asked what we wanted to drink and we all said water. I asked if they had bottled water and the waitress said yes. I asked her what kind and she didn't understand what I was saying. She didn't understand that I was asking for a brand, like Aquafina, or Poland Spring. The waitress had trouble understanding us speaking English, so we decided to leave and go to another La Fortaleza. Therefore, I cannot comment on the food. There was street parking. read more

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My favorite spot for Friday night nachos! I usually get them in 30 minutes or less. Hot and fresh. They are really nice at this location as well read more

horrible service for just 4 tables in an empty restaurant. service can be so much better as well as the bartender telling me he doesn't take orders at the bar? where's the purpose read more

We called to make a reservation and the woman who answered the phone hung up on me because I did not speak Spanish. I called back and she asked me if I speak Spanish. I said no and she said " Bye bye " and hung up on me again. I would never go here now. I am afraid they will spit in my food because I don't speak Spanish. Pretty rude place. read more

I like this location much better than the one in Garfield. Staff is very friendly and items not too crowded. Everything here was delicious! read more

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This is your typical small town, hole in the wall Mexican restaurant. The food was okay. Good portions and cheap prices. Their breaded chicken sandwich looked huge and delicious, unfortunately I ordered the sopes and tacos that weren't so tasty. The colorful Mexican decor was a nice touch. read more

La Fortaleza Passaic - Mexican Near Me - Passaic, New Jersey

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The service was slow. 1 waiter and 1 bartender no hostess. Took me about 10 minutes to be seated and it wasn't busy at all maybe three tables. I enjoyed my food. The nachos and sangria was really good and it happened to be happy hour. The two came to $12 with taxes. I would go again. Service is probably better on the weekend read more

La Fortaleza Passaic - Sangria free chips - Mexican Near Me - Passaic, New Jersey

Today's date is 1/24/2020, and at approximately 8:04 PM I called to place a large order for my family to eat for today and maybe tomorrow if there was any left overs. Instead I was greeted on the phone by a rude lady saying Spanish Only! I politely ask is there anyone that speaks English that can take my order she said No. So she understood all that in English! I can not support any business that is RACIST! I am Latino but I was born in this country and never learn to read, write, or speak Spanish. You can't cry Racism when White People yell at Latinos English Only when you are equally as Racist! I live a half a block away from them and the food is good but their customer service sucks, on top of being Racist! read more

Great food! We had the steak tacos and chicken quedases... The guacamole was incredible, must have! read more

La Fortaleza Passaic - Guacamole... - Mexican Near Me - Passaic, New Jersey

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We happened to be working across the street, so my coworker went in to grab tacos and horchata. Can't say much for the inside as I didn't go myself, but the carnitas tacos were absolutely awesome! Super flavorful even without adding anything to the tacos, just a little on the greasy side. Little tacos are loaded to the brim and are very filling. Horchata is packaged nicely for takeout with a sealed lid and is equally good. I work in this area often so I'll definitely be stopping by again. read more

This restaurant give the worst service. Uncooperative with what we ask for in our dishes. And didn't want to fix or change three plate.

My favory Mexican restaurant, love the interior, they do KAREOKE, easy parking. average price but good portion and very tasty. love the concept of having VW beetle out side of the business. See you soon. read more

Im not sure what i loved more if it was the food or the decorations this place had. The entire restaurant was filled with murals and cute Mexican decorations. the tables and chairs are unique in color and in design. i was wowed when i walked in and kept telling my parents omg look at this and omg that is so cute. The menu gave me a great laugh because of its pictures and the names that were given to the dishes. Its a really cute, cool and unique place to eat a good Cemita. The lady that took our order said that they were known for their Cemitas which is almost like a torta just different bread. The Cemitas have a lot of flavor , they are soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside. the meat was not dry in other words a balanced combination of textures and flavors. its a bit far from where i live (Manhattan) but its a great place to stop by if you are in the area. read more

La Fortaleza Passaic - Cemita Cubana with agua de horchata - Mexican Near Me - Passaic, New Jersey

I've been here many times. Every time I'm visiting in New Jersey, and crave tacos, this Is the place to be. Very tasty food. Service is fine. Is a very small place that's only problem. But food wise you won't be disappointed. Love to come here. I've even bring people from NYC to have tacos here. read more

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Just went for the first time, the decor is amazing. Mexican memorabilia everywhere, it's beautiful and entertaining to look at while you wait. My husband had the chicken tacos, they were very good. I had the chilaquiles which were good, although it was made with crisp tortilla chips rather than soft tortillas, but it was ok. Only one waitress that day, which she managed. I would have liked to see more of a drink selection. It was just jarritos sodas, water bottles and cans of brisk iced tea. I don't drink soda, didn't want water.... so the brisk had to do. Overall, we'll be back! read more

Food and drinks were great, service was great, ambient and decoration was very nice. Four stars because of the waiting time, over half an hour just to get a table. read more

Went back fro my boyfriends birthday w/our kids and some friends. We had a BLAST. YET Again. Service on Point Food Delicious And oh, those Margaritas will take you down! Try the Coconut one, its freaking AWESOME! SIDE NOTE: We waited an hour to be seated. Be patient. Also, the kids had a fun time but eventually felt like it was a little too loud for them. So save if for a group date/girls night. Maybe its quieter in the daytime. read more

Heard about this place from some good friends. Was not disappointed whatsoever!!!! This place delivers!! Amazing food and atmosphere!!!! The people were very nice and accommodating. I will definitely without a doubt be back!!!! If you love good food, you'll love this restaurant!! read more

La Fortaleza Passaic - Mexican Near Me - Passaic, New Jersey

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Kevin Sánchez provided us with the best service. We felt comfortable and the location was very clean and the food is delicious. Kevin made us feel very special. Thank you! read more

This is a little gem buried in Passaic, NJ. There are a lot of Mexican restaurants in this town and we've tried a few, but this is the best by far. It's authentic, friendly, beautifully decorated, a bargain, and it just has a lot of personality. I went with my wife and son and we started with their excellent homemade pico de gallo and chips. For the main course, we ordered a Cemita Cubana (an enormous Mexican sandwich with grilled ham, breaded steak, marinated pork with Oaxaca cheese, papalo and homemade chipotle) and two of their "specialties," both platters that include rice, refried beans and tortillas: 1. "El TacoTorro"--steak, pastor style meant mushrooms, and 2. "El Adelita" -- steak, pastor style meat, chorizo, tocino and cheese. Both were huge and delicious, with chipotle or jalapeno sauce on the side, both fresh and homemade. The sandwich came with homemade whole chipotles, luckily for us on the side (very spicy, but good). The place is small, but every inch of it is creatively decorated with authentic handicrafts from Mexico, including Mayan and Aztec masks, suns, and Mexican cartoon characters. The booths are hand-carved and handpainted individual artworks straight from Mexico, and the dropped-ceiling tiles are painted different colors--even the bathroom is a feast for the eyes. The owner, Arturo, was constantly checking on us and making sure we had everything we needed. I brought my own beer and he brought me a dish of limes and a bucket of ice, and then gave me a bottle opener to keep. While we ate our pico de gallo and chips, we watched the staff in the open kitchen prepare our meal, which involved hand-shredding mounds of Oaxacan cheese which appears on a number of dishes. We enjoyed as much as we could but had to take home leftovers that would almost be enough for a second meal. And our bill was $38.00 before tip for 3 people. Everything in this place is done with great care and thought. The menu is colorful and appealing and witty (On the front it says, "We Deliver. And remember if we don't get there in 30 minutes, wait another 30!"). If you are going to Passaic, you have to try this place. It's a few minutes off of exit 12 on Route 21--not hard to find at all. read more

Love this place location is small and sometimes the wait time isn't so good, but the food is worth it! One of my favorite spots in Passaic for sure! read more

I wanted to try this restaurant at the begging everything was so good , I brought food do my son , next day early morning I was with diarrhea and my son too , I won recommend this place read more

Went in to pick up my order they were so rude! I saw a few workers without any masks on. Never going there again

Love this place! We go here whenever we can. Small place but awesome staff and authentic Mexican food to die for! We drive 30 minutes to go here because the food is so great. Great portion, delightful atmosphere, delicious food no matter what we order. Only downside is they don't have one in Morris County for everyone to enjoy. Many of us from the Dover area drive or catch a ride to come here. We loved when they had the food truck coming to Dover but they haven't come in a while. Definitely a hidden gem! Can't get better Mexican food and delicious Tortas anywhere else. We don't eat out often but when we do we drive to La Fortaleza! read more

Awesome Mexican place to eat. Walls and decor are very folkloric. Food is good and tasty. They have a friendly staff and our server Chris did a great job. read more

La Fortaleza Passaic - Mexican Near Me - Passaic, New Jersey

I called about an hour before their closing time to ask if their kitchen would still be open by the time we got there. However, when I asked, the girl on the other end of the phone mumbled a few things and then all I heard for the next few minutes were conversations in the background in Spanish, and I think they just totally forgot about me and didn't even answer my question. When we got there, it was hard to find parking so my partner dropped me off to get a seat and he went to look for somewhere to park. I went in and it was really small in there, which I didn't mind so much. I went to the counter and asked for a table for two, and they told me to sit anywhere. I took a seat and a waitress gave me a menu and left. The menu was only in Spanish. The people behind the counter kept staring at me, probably thinking I'm the one who called them earlier (which I was), and I started feeling uncomfortable. I texted my partner and he came to pick me up. We went to the La Fortaleza in Garfield instead and had a good experience. The food there was amazing but service was very slow, though it was very busy and it looked like our waiter was serving many tables, so I don't blame them. That being said, I won't be coming back to this Fortaleza in Passaic and I won't be recommending to anyone. read more

Ordered a cemita today, it was pretty bad. The meat was salty and it looked like cat food, extremely greasy. There was so much cheese it overpowered the sandwich. The French fries tasted, and smelled like they were cooked in some really old oil. Not even my children ate it. Now to the so called chicken. It was supposed to be grilled chicken and instead it was fried chicken cut up into small pieces. Overall it was very disappointing. I wouldn't go back there. No stars would be great for this place. read more

Authentic Mexican food. Not only delicious but very generous portion sizes. We take the 45 minute drive here about once per month. Our favorite item they serve are the cemitas. Cemitas are derived from Puebla, Mexico and the ones here are as authentic as the ones you would be served in Puebla. They are, for lack of a better word, sandwiches on a large roll that are loaded with your choice of meat, Mexican white cheese, avocado, onions, papalo and chiles. Their tacos are also very tasty. Highly recommend. read more

Don't bother ordering delivery. I ordered shrimp & steak fajita more than half of my container was peppers. I received 3 shrimp and a few scraps steak. I never received so little food when eating in. This was intentional and very disappointing. read more

Great restaurant! The decor is beyond- absolutely a masterpiece! The staff is extremely attentive and efficient. The food is very generous and delicious. Not a place to expect enchiladas or American / Mexican. It's plates of delicious pork, chicken or tacos. The homemade salsas are really good. read more

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Food: I always go just for the cemitas, they have the best cemitas that I ever taste, so delicious! They put lots of cheese and meat, the size is humongous . read more

It's good but if you prefer it you ha veto wait like 40 min witch is not a good thing because when you're hungry you want to eat it now but nope not a la Fortaleza because you have to wait read more

Best Taco place in the area. The chicken and carnita tacos are simply awesome. Tasty and plentiful meal will keep me coming back. The flautas are also must have. They have free delivery. read more

Amazing food and music. Very nice atmosphere. It's very cultural. Drinks are also amazing as well!

Is a good place but tip wise sucks for the sever , tips anywhere is 18 percent to the one server not to all serves split

We normally go to the Garfield location and in the future, it will be the only one we go to. We ordered out and the Passaic location was terrible. The Mexican Shrimp Cocktail had 6 shrimp and no flavor. At the Garfield location, 20 easily. The fajitas, didn't even look like fajitas. No pico, lettuce, etc. The salsa tasted like ketchup. I called to talk to a manager, they hung up on my 6 times. Save your money... not worth it. For excellent Mexican and service, go to the Garfield location. read more

This place is so tiny! I would not recommend it to anyone, especially families. The place is the size of my son's bedroom. When you go in, its like you are literally sitting on top of each other. Not only that, but the neighborhood is nasty, and the service was rude. There is no privacy due to the seating, so everyone can hear your conversation.The food did not impress me either, trypical mexican food from passaic. read more