La Penca is one of those restaurants that reminds you why supporting local restaurants is so important. The food is authentic, fresh, and full of flavor, but what really makes this place special is the people behind it. They have THE BEST chimichangas in the city! Seriously, if you're a chimichanga fan, this needs to be on your list. The food consistently tastes fresh and thoughtfully prepared, and you can tell there is real pride behind what they serve. The staff is always amazing. They are friendly, welcoming, attentive, and genuinely make you feel appreciated as a customer. I love how grateful they are for the support and how they take the time to make guests feel like more than just another table. The service is consistently excellent, and that combination of authentic food, hospitality, and appreciation keeps me coming back. There's something special about a restaurant where you can taste the care in the food and feel the warmth from the people. If you haven't tried La Penca yet, go! Come hungry, order the chimichangas, and support a restaurant that clearly cares about its food, its customers, and the community. The ambience s really cool! read more

La Penca has some of the best casual and authentic Mexican food in Madison. It's affordable and quick service, no frills. The nachos were so delicious from the meat to the beans to the amount of toppings. Cannot recommend enough! Free chips and salsa to start is always a bonus too. read more

La Penca Mexican Restaurant - Nachos - Mexican Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

I really enjoy La Penca for their authentic food. Some of the dishes I've had here include the enchiladas verdes, chimichanga and their taco dinners are delicious. The atmosphere is chill, we enjoyed the background music and they have a tv at the bar. The employees here are great, always nice and welcoming ! Also, they have great margarita specials (: read more

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10/10 the rice and beans are sooo yummy the tacos were great. I would definitely come back here and food came out quick. read more

La Penca Mexican Restaurant - Soooo yummyyy 10/10 the beans and rice were everything and the food came out so fast will come back here again. - Mexican Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Easily the best Mexican restaurant in Madison. I always get the 3 meat platter which is amazing (best carnitas in town hands down). Definitely give this joint a try, either delivery, or go to the restaurant; they have nice seating and a full bar with incredible drink deals. Always friendly, fast service. Authentic food and good drinks. Give 'er a try - you'll keep coming back like I do read more

Great food, hardworking people, good service, friendly people would recommend to go there Authentic food best Mexican food I've had

I always get this place delivery from Uber eats when I am craving Mexican food. My go to is the sopes with steak. It has some corn cake thing at the bottom with refried beans, steak, lettuce, and cheese on top. I always order a side of salsa verde and top the sopes with the salsa verde and lime juice. The order comes with 3. I think it is very flavorful and a delicious dish. The steak quality is good too. It is usually filling enough for me, but if I am really hungry, I think a bigger portion would be necessary. Their packaging is always clean and up to expectations. I have never been in the restaurant so I can not comment on the ambiance or service. read more

Just ordered from these guys today via Uber ears. They were crazy fast and it was the perfect pick me up for mid afternoon hunger. Love supporting a small business and I will be ordering again. I had the taco and burrito combo. I forgot to order a beverage, so I called them, and they had no problem sending me a Diet Coke with. Thanks guys! read more

Wanted to like this place but it didn't happen. Chips and salsa were clearly store bought, guacamole was tasteless and frozen in the middle. Chicken was tasteless. Rice was overly wet and the beans were pale and runny. Felt more like a margarita bar that decided to serve food on a whim. I've had better Mexican food at Taco Bell. To make matters worse, my boyfriend got sick from eating here. Will definitely inquire about a refund. read more

If you love little holes-in-the-wall type places with great, plentiful and affordable food, this is your place. We did to go burritos for lunch and it was delicious! Tons of vegetarian options. Also a kids menu. The burritos are massive - like 2-3 meals worth. It's a small place on Park St which is easy to miss but worth the drive. They did contactless pick up for us. Very good find. read more

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I grew up in California where good mexican food is on every corner. Being in Madison, I'm on the hunt to find my go to Mexican restaurant. Ordered for pick up through Uber eats for the first time and really wanted to like it. We ordered the guacamole and chips and salsa and the guacamole was clearly store bought and the salsa was forgettable and generic. I ordered two carne asada tacos, which were flavorless. I also ordered a quesadilla because I was craving something cheesy and even that let me down! It was steak with queso cheese sauce. I'm not sure if any real cheese was in it at all? Overall, I likely won't be back. read more

Free chips and salsa! I had the Quesadilla Vegetarian and it was plenty to eat! It has a spinach wrap which was new for me. Plenty of vegetarian options and they allow dine-in right now. read more

La Penca Mexican Restaurant - Quesadilla Vegetarian - Mexican Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

The enchiladas, mangoneadas, and Mexican salad here are so good! Staff is friendly! Been here several times

People of Madison, u need to locate this small ( on the outside ) Mexican food jewel in your city. The bar is great too. TVs. drink specials and top class food what more do u want. The parking lot is not massive but plenty of spots to stop in for food/drink. Dont let this place disappear. Your stomach and wallet will appreciate the visit read more

A hidden gem!!! This is easily the best Mexican food place I've ever been to, having traveled a lot. I've been ordering at this place ever since I started living in Madison (so almost two years now) and they have never disappointed me. Their service is also impeccable. I ordered two meals today and they even gave me a discount without me having to ask. Their tacos and chips are also *chefs kiss*, especially because they give the chips for free if you order online or pick up. Inside the place is also very clean and usually not busy, and again, their waiters are so kind and always at your service. Should be everyone's go to takeout spot! read more

I have been getting carry out from the other La Penca location for over a year now, and I was thrilled to see that they had just opened a Verona location! Went there for lunch today and will definitely be back! Their lunch menu is perfectly portioned and delicious and nothing can beat hot fresh tortilla chips and homemade salsa. Didn't get a chance to take pictures of the food because it looked too good to stop for pics :) read more

I do not recommend. Blandest Mexican I have ever had. No heat, no flavor. I did not finish my meal.

Went to the Verona location for lunch. Pretty expensive for the ambiance and food. Service was fine. Picked from the lunch menu. It cost $13 for a set lunch menu with just 1 Tamale. read more

New spot that we saw driving by and we were craving Mexican- such a great find! Great chips and salsa while you wait your food, and both of our entrees (burrito and enchiladas w/carnitas) we're delicious. We'll definitely be back (and they also have delivery through Uber Eats!)! read more

La Penca Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Best tacos I've had in awhile! Don't be scared off by the lack of reviews, they've only been open for a month. Had an excellent trio of al pastor, asada, and carnitas (carnitas takes the win, but they're all good!) and the very friendly owner and his wife treated me to a complimentary plate of beans and rice. I'll be back for sure! read more

I just got food delivered from this place--haven't eaten there. I got chicken enchiladas with rice and beans and I so wish I'd taken a picture--the food was packed with such care--it was really beautifully done--and it was delicious as well. No overcooked reheated tortillas or thick icky beans--these were soft and really so good. We also ordered steak tacos which were equally well made and delicious, refried beans and rice and the best churros I've had in a long time. They sent along green and red salsa and some chips. It was all really well made and delivered very quickly as well. The delivery guy called to let us know it was here, took a pic of the packages and texted me, and waited in his car until we got the food inside. So I guess I'm recommending Uber eats as well :) but if you like Mexican food I definitely recommend La Penca. read more

La Penca Mexican Restaurant - Steak tacos - Mexican Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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I travel to Madison once a week and after finding this place I mainly eat here. My favorite protein is the shrimp. I want to try other options but the shrimp is cooked so perfectly I can't stop ordering it. I've tried it in tacos, chimichangas, burritos, and quesadillas. 5 stars sooooo good!!! read more

This is for the new Verona location. Some of the poorest food I've ever had!! Too many good options without returning here, I don't think they will be here very long read more

Authentic food, good lunch menu and prices, friendly service, and easy parking -- all very good. Thanks. I highly recommend and will return. read more

Great place! The inside is super welcoming, Good food! Lots of different menus items. Fantastic friendly service! The staff definitely had an awesome work culture and were happy, and that was a refreshing difference to see! Lots of great vegetarian and pescatarian options which was a nice surprise! I got the Cali veggie burrito and it was so good with the verde sauce. 10/10 read more

Very solid place. They may not have the best tacos in the area, but I got the chorizo and barbacoa, and they were still very good. My girlfriend got the chori pollo and liked it a lot. She said it was one of the best Mexican dishes she's had in the area. If I could, I'd give this a 4.5 out of 5 because again, the tacos while good, weren't the best I've had -- but this place is still better than a flat 4. It is a very very good place you should try. read more

We had a solid lunch meal here. This is more traditional Mexican food without the heavy sauce. Simple and delicious. If you like tasty but simple Mexican food give it a try. If you miss the Pedro's style Americanized version of Mexican food, then move along... read more

The chimichanga colorada was huge and really good. The carnitas were a big hit with the members of my lunch group. The service was exceptional and our waiter was very helpful and friendly. Would recommend and will be back. read more

My husband and I were excited to try out a new taco restaurant! We were impressed with the size of the place And the ambiance is great. We ordered a sampling of them off the a la carte tacos and they were good but nothing to rave about. The avocado one was exceptionally bad-the breading was saturated with oil. The margaritas were fantastic. The chips and salsa was delicious. Server and service were spectacular. We were there at a very busy time so I would be curious if the quality of the food were better at a little more time manageable time. read more

Omg. This place is great! We ended up ordering here for cinco de Mayo during this pandemic when we couldn't get through to another place. Call it divine intervention! This is now our new fav place. We had the chicken chimichanga plate and tacos al pastor. The chicken was outstanding quality! The tacos were spicy for my palette, but my spouse loved them. These guys were slammed like so many other Mexican restaurants today and they were running their butts off to accommodate customers (many of whom were not very understanding). Can't wait to order them these folks again! read more

Do NOT Ever order from this company . My company did a mass food order they did not give us items from the order . When contacted they refused to bring the food or refund for the missed items .They had the nerve to imply that they were being stolen from because there kitchen stated they did complete the order .The owner then accused eat street drivers of misplacing the food .Either way they did not rectify there ERROR .Terrible company essentially robbers . read more

I came here with three friends for lunch on a Sunday. The food was very tasty and the portions were certainly generous! The menu has a huge range of choices, including everything from enchiladas (which I got) to tamales, fajitas, tacos, quesadillas, salads, and much more. The owner was extremely friendly and kept checking on us to see if we were enjoying our meals. When two of my friends asked to box up their leftovers, he asked if there was something wrong with their dishes, in which case he would make amends for it -- but they reassured him that the food was great and they were just too full to finish it. I will definitely be back. The restaurant is very spacious and would also be suitable for large groups. There is something on the menu for everyone, and the welcoming atmosphere makes such a difference. read more

We stopped here for lunch, and couldn't have been more impressed. The food was authentic and absolutely delicious. You could tell immediately that the kitchen really cared about what they were preparing. The owner was very nice and pleasant. We will be back!!! read more

Best Mexican food in Madison! I'm new to Madison (from Chicago) and have been looking for that favorite neighborhood "go-to" taco place. Man, this is it. I have ordered a lot of Mexican food by delivery because of this covid crap and I've been stress eating like it's my job. I was about to give up on my search until this popped up on Door Dash. Even in the abundance of styrofoam and strange delivery drivers, my food arrives fresh. You can tell it's homemade. A major factor I judge a Mexican restaurant by is ...the beans. I know, that's probably not normal, but who like a giant glop of dark, solidified beans with no flavor? It's just so unappetizing. These beans were light in color, creamy, covered with a perfect amount of queso fresco, and so flavorful. I'm guessing there's extra love in there too ! I also just like a basic street style taco/taquiera style tacos with lots of crisp onion and cilantro. This hits the mark! I have only tried the tacos and flautas (AMAZING-order with guac on the side) so far, but can't wait to go when it's safer to dine out and get the full experience. Also, get the Carnitas...so flavorful and juicy. I really liked the salsa too...it's mild, but I hate it when it's so hot you can't taste any other flavors. I can't wait to try a margarita in person hopefully soon. Order from La Penca's...you won't be sorry! Let's hope they make it...Madison needs this place! read more

super tasty, both authentic and tex-mex-ish variants, with generous portions and excellent delivery--I hope we all help keep this place going thru the pandemic read more

Stopped in today. My husband and I really like authentic Mexican food and we have tried so many places in Madison, but they usually fall short. Finally! Finally I found good tacos. Real tacos. The steak taco was simple and perfectly seasoned - absolutely delicious. The tinga was spicy but still with a lot of flavor, not just hot. I also really liked their rice and beans - simple and packed with homemade tasty. I could have eaten their salsa verde with a spoon - I loved it. Will definitely be back! If you want authentic - here it is. Oh, and the service was really nice and attentive. It's probably not the quickest place, but I didn't mind. read more

This place was great! Food was delicious and prices fair. Owner is very friendly and full of interesting stories. I predict this place taking off once word gets out! read more

Awesome delicious authentic Mexican food. Served by its fabulous friendly owner, Jesus. Reasonable prices. Best Mexican food in Madison!