Food is good. Salsa bar. Service is great and fast. Very lively restaurant with live…read moremusic/entertainment. Our server Mia was super helpful and friendly.

We found Las Carretas Mexican Restaurant in Gainesville through a last-minute Facebook Valentine's…read moreDay event, and WOW what a surprise! The event said no reservations needed, so we showed up not realizing how popular it would be. The place was PACKED with a line out the door! Even so, we only waited about 25 minutes for a table on Valentine's Day, which honestly wasn't bad at all considering the crowd. We went specifically for their Valentine's special: 2 margaritas, fajitas for two, and dessert, such a great deal! The margaritas were delicious. We ordered the Rita sampler and the blueberry margarita tasted like blueberry pie, so fresh, organic, and absolutely yummy. We also ordered homemade guacamole, which was delectable, paired with fresh, crispy homemade chips. Our fajitas included steak, pork, chicken, and shrimp, and everything was cooked to perfection. The flavors were incredible!!! And can we talk about the restaurant itself? It's HUGE! It felt like one of those multi-level Times Square NYC restaurants, with multiple floors and even outside patio seating. It was like a magic trick walking through it! Our waitress, Lia, was fantastic, attentive, helpful, and so sweet despite how busy it was. The staff worked incredibly hard all night and it showed. Plentiful parking, amazing food, great atmosphere. We will definitely be back to this hidden gem we didn't even know existed in town. Thank you for making our Valentine's Day special after a long day of yard work

This is my second time here, and I'm so glad I found this place. The tacos are exactly the kind I…read morefell in love with about 20 years ago -- simple, authentic, and perfect. Soft corn tortilla, fresh onions, cilantro, and flavorful meat. That's it. That's how real tacos are supposed to be, and it's the only way I've eaten them ever since. It's rare to find a spot that gets true authenticity right, but this one absolutely does. I walked out happy and already looking forward to coming back again.

Taco's,quesadillas and burritos are very good....We will definitely be going back..................read more

My wife and I had a chance to go back to Cilantro Tacos with my mom who is visiting from…read moreCalifornia. During our previous visit, my wife and I tried their California Burrito, with carnitas for my wife and carne asada for me. Both burritos were bursting with flavors and were served in generous portions...we couldn't finish all of it. This time, we ordered the Bowl with Carne Asada for me and Carnitas for my wife. My mom tried their California Burrito 3 fish tacos. We were also served a flavorful dip that is not yet on the menu that the owner plans on adding soon...it'll be called Mama's Dip. It was so good, we can't stop eating it with chips. My wife actually just ate that with chips and took home the bowl. I too liked that dip very much that I too packed my bowl to go! The owner shared that they started the business 12 years ago and moved to the Newberry location 6 years ago. There's a reason they've been recognized for their food. Everything was prepared well, flavorful and freshly made. We learned they make everything in house from fresh ingredients...nothing frozen nor canned. Such care and attention to detail elevates the dining experience and raises the bar for fast casual Mexican restaurants. Clean space with friendly service and vibes. We will surely be back!

I've come here several times and can say that they are steady with their quality and service. I…read moreusually get the the carne asada tacos which are always made perfect. I can say the carne asada tacos had less flavor to them. But my bf got a California Burrito that was incredible that I ended up trading with him. He was a trooper because I truly cherished that burrito. I went full big back activity with the burrito and took the queso that I ordered and just dipped it in there a couple of times. It was an explosion of flavors . You could taste the seasoning in the steak, the fresh pico, cilantro and onions. It all came together beautifully. I have noticed a quality downgrade when ordering tortilla or corn tacos with carne asada, chicken etc. it lacks that kick that the California Burrito provides. All in all, that burrito will be calling my name at night. The meat was tender and the fries inside were the perfect companion. The toppings were fresh and broke through the grease of the fries and the meat was hearty but not too heavy. The queso is addicting and I couldn't put it down. They were certainly generous with the bag of chips that come with it. Me thing I've noticed every time I eat is that the water tastes weird . I had their lemonade and it had the strangest after taste. I would say they don't offer much drink options but maybe getting a Jaritos or bringing your own drink is a safe bet. This visit we couldn't sit inside since they were packed. It's a small place and I think 4-5 tables inside. It was pretty cold outside and I didn't want to sit outside and freeze my toes so I ate in my car. I wish that they had more space but I noticed that most people come in and order out. Good thing to keep in mind though if wanting to order and eat at the establishment , if it's a busy time then you're out of luck.

Delicious and the people are so kind ! Dominican burger possible best burger I've ever had great…read moreFrench fries and great arepas get the green sauce with it

Arepa Milko: The Venezuelan Food Truck Turned Restaurant You Need to Try…read more If you haven't been to Arepa Milko yet: it's authentic Venezuelan dishes, delicious food and a spot that's grown from humble food truck beginnings into a legit foodie destination. Here's why this place is an absolute must-visit: Start with Tequeños (Trust Me) Begin your meal with an appetizer--yes, fried. Tequeños. Or as I like to call them: TequeñYES! These traditional Venezuelan cheese sticks had a golden crunch and released a mouthwatering aroma that hinted at the cheesy goodness inside. And that vibrant green sauce? Game over ranch. It's tangy, addictive, and honestly deserves a spot next to ranch in the sauce hall of fame. Bold claim, I know -- but it's that good. Sandwiches That'll Ruin You (In the Best Way) I tried Milko's Pulled Chicken Sandwich. That crispy fried cheese acted like food glue, holding together all the Venezuelan magic inside. The pulled chicken was juicy and flavorful, blending into every unforgettable bite. I also had the Patacón Tostón Sandwich with Pernil (slow-roasted pork). This is not your average sandwich -- it's a specialty you won't find just anywhere. The crispy green plantain "buns" were absolute perfection: crunchy on the outside, yet tender enough to hold all the layers together without falling apart. The layering? Impeccable. The juicy, seasoned pork stole the spotlight without overpowering the plantains. Every bite was an explosion of textures and bold flavors -- the kind of messy, glorious meal. Oh, and the portions? Generous doesn't even begin to cover it. Save Room for Dessert (Seriously) I even got to meet the owner, who was incredibly kind and recommended the Nutella-filled Tequeños for dessert. OH. MY. GOODNESS. Absolute perfection. Warm, gooey Nutella wrapped in that crispy tequeño shell? It's everything you never knew you needed. If you've never tried a sweet twist on this iconic Venezuelan snack, consider this your official sign. Zero regrets. Zero crumbs left behind. The Vibe at Arepa Milko blends casual comfort and self-service. The original food truck still proudly stands outside, keeping the story alive. But step inside, and you'll find indoor seating, air conditioning, and an upgraded space perfect for enjoying every bite without battling the Florida heat. Final Verdict If you're looking to experience authentic Venezuelan flavors and discover rare gems like the Patacón, Arepa Milko needs to be on your foodie bucket list. From street food roots to full-on restaurant glow-up, they've earned their spot in North Florida's food hall of fame. Come hungry. Leave obsessed. #NewberryEats #VenezuelanFood #ArepaMilko #FoodieAdventures #TequeñoLove #CrunchGoals #NorthFLEats

It was good for what it was. They used to lean towards Mexican food, but when we went in there…read moretoday, it was more Latin American not to my liking. I think they need to go back towards the Mexican food. If they did, they would have LA casino beat All to hell

Very good food at a great price! Atmosphere is very authentic and the service is amazing ! Very…read moreattentive !

Highly Recommend! I…read morecome to Gainesville all the time for doctor's appointments and honestly can't believe I've passed this place a million times and never stopped in. I'm so sad I didn't discover it sooner -- because this food is amazing. Truly some of the best Mexican food I've had in a long time. The staff is incredibly friendly, down-to-earth, and made me feel so welcome from the moment I walked in. The whole experience was just easy, warm, and delicious. I really liked it here. A lot. And I'm definitely coming back every time I'm in town.

This place if in survival mode needs to up their game . First off the service for the restaurant…read morenot being all that busy was poor. The food was awful chips were old tasting maybe the oil was rancid , cup of chicken and rice soup was loaded down with all rice which soaked up the broth and my beef burrito was saturated in grease wish now I would have taken a picture the flour tortilla was limp and soggy from all the grease the burrito didn't have hardly any beef in it to begin with . Zero quality control here ! I will stop here with my review but the rest of our food was horrible . Prices were exceedingly high for a Mexican restaurant, especially of this quality. Go somewhere else even Taco Bell would be better.

I had the fish and shrimp meal and it came in a creamy, savory sauce that felt indulgent without…read morebeing too heavy. The shrimp were well-cooked, and the mushrooms added a nice earthy balance. Paired with fluffy Mexican rice and a fresh salad topped with avocado slices and diced tomato, the plate felt complete and well-portioned. The chips and salsa were a great start. They came out fresh and crunchy, though the salsa had a kick that might surprise you if you're sensitive to spice. Overall, the meal was delicious and comforting, with vibrant presentation and solid flavors. Would definitely return for another round.

Umn yumn for reasonably priced delicious and generous Tex-Mex Mexican fare. If you judge a book by…read moreits cover, you might pass them on by but I think you might be making a mistake. Love the salsa, Tex-Mex style wahoo yah! No need to ask for salsa picante around here. Everything was fresh and delicious. Those chile rellenos, good Lordy!! And the chili I spied from our neighboring table, jealous!!! Next time. Loving, doting, staff. Honestly can't wait to return. You never know where the good stuff is until you go.

Very authentic Mexican food! This is a great Mexican staple for Gainesville. You order at the…read morecounter and choose a table, so a great place for lunch or a quick dinner. The service is always super fast. The food is always fresh and authentic. Not pictured are the birra tacos, which are my favorite and go-to item at La Tienda. The spice is tolerable, and the meat is always fresh. The nachos were a huge portion and had nicely seasoned meat. The queso was warm which was lovely

True Mexican restaurant. Very casual and basic. Some of staff speaks English but not all. Inside…read moreand outside dining. Order at counter and they bring food out. Cash discount on food. Good size portions. My husband had the chorizo eggs with beans and rice. Just ok. I tried the Huarache (house specialty) with Barbacoa beef. Masa pancake with meat, lettuce, shredded cheese, sour cream and avocado. Delish! We are from out of town but would definitely come back for if in Gainesville

I have dined here a few times now and each occasion delivered very tasty food with pleasant…read moreservice. I don't live in Gainesville, so I'm not an expert on the best restaurants there, but I've had multiple locals recommend this place. I love the vibrant colors inside. The booths, tables and chairs are works of art. There is some outdoor seating with tvs outside, as well. Very easy to scarf down the chips and salsa when they arrive at your table. We requested refills of each for our large party, and they were promptly provided. My fish tacos were packed with nicely seasoned tilapia and I appreciated the veggies present in the rice, adding a nice flavor. Prices are reasonable. Overall, it's a very solid choice for Mexican cuisine.

We came here during lunch and overall loved the ambience of the place! The service was quick and…read morethe chips and salsa was absolutely delicious. I really enjoyed the lunch chicken Linda Vista special it was very filling! I recommend coming back here!

Great food and atmosphere! I especially love the chips and queso. The events like bingo and karaoke…read moreare always super lively and a good way to meet people.

While in town visiting family and friends over the Fourth of July holiday, we met a few friends at…read moreTortillas for lunch on a Saturday afternoon. We have been to this area before on previous trips, but Tortillas was a newly opened restaurant since our last visit. We were definitely excited to give it a try! The restaurant is located in a modern development, combining housing and retail. It appears that there is a lot of development and growth to this area, and it makes sense that restaurants and other businesses are moving in. There are several other businesses and shops in the complex, and Tortillas is near the front on the left. At the time we went, it was not very crowded. We had no trouble finding a parking spot close to the entrance. The complex has private parking all around the buildings. There are several tables located outside of the restaurant, so you could dine outdoors and bring your dog. However, we sat indoors for this visit. Indoors, there are both traditional tables, booths, high tops, and bar seating. I can see this being a great place to go by yourself or with a larger group. Our group was 7 total people - four adults, and three smaller children, and we were accommodated with no issues. The people we were meeting beat us to the restaurant, so our table was ready to go upon arrival. It was not too busy at the time, so seating would have been no issue if you walked right in. The menu here is not extensive, but they do still have a variety of dishes and unique items to the restaurant. They also have a full bar, so there are many drink options to indulge in. There were appetizers, entrees, and even desserts. I also saw a sign for weekday lunch specials. Chips and salsa were complimentary, so our table enjoyed a few baskets of those before our main entrees came. We ordered the Grilled Mexican Street Corn as an appetizer also, which I really enjoyed! Anytime this is on the menu at a Mexican-type restaurant, I usually will order it. It was still on the cob, and it came with four halves. The kids at the table enjoyed an order of the Queso Blanco to accompany their chips! I personally ordered the Quesadilla Burger, as it seemed like a unique offering. It truly was sooo good! The Quesadilla "bun" was loaded with cheese and veggies, which paired so nicely with the burger. It was a great size too, and I only at half at the restaurant. It came with a side, for which I opted for the Mexican Corn. This was served off the cob, and was similar to the appetizer in taste and dress. As you might figure, I love Mexican Corn in any form, so this was great for me! The kids we were with enjoyed their entrees, so if you are looking for a good place to take kids this would be a nice spot. They also had milk for them to drink. The staff was accommodating to them as well, which is always a plus. Our service this day was wonderful! All of the food came out accurately and quickly. The waitress we had was top-notch! Her name is escaping me, but despite being pregnant she was stellar and a joy to talk to. I hope all of the staff here are as wonderful as she was to us! The prices here are fair. Some of the items I would say are a little more on the pricier side for what they are. Others, such as the Fajitas, I feel are rather cheap (comparably speaking to other places similar I have been). However, I would say the value is there. As stated, they also have lunch specials if you are looking to try it out for a few dollars less. I was extremely satisfied with my first experience trying Tortillas in Newberry! We visit the North Central Florida area at least once a year, and I would definitely dine here again on a future trip. I would recommend giving this spot a try if you are in the area, or have been thinking about stopping.