We've been meaning to try the charming little Mexican café in Sandy Springs called Polanco, and it exceeded every expectation. Having traveled to Mexico City since the mid-1970s, we've always stayed in the upscale Polanco district, known for its incredible hotels, vibrant atmosphere, and world-class dining. This restaurant truly captures that same energy and sophistication. From the moment we walked in, our experience was WOW. Polanco is not your typical Mexican restaurant -- it's a hidden gem offering elevated, gourmet-style Mexican cuisine with authentic flavors and exceptional presentation. Every dish reflected the care and expertise of chefs who truly understand how to perfect traditional Mexican fare with an upscale twist. The café itself is absolutely adorable -- stylish, lively, intimate, and classy, with the kind of warm atmosphere that makes you want to linger. The service was equally impressive. Alexandra, the manager, was wonderfully hands-on, making sure every guest felt welcomed and well cared for. The entire staff was friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about creating a memorable dining experience. We started with the Three Dips paired with fantastic blue corn chips, followed by delicious chicken quesadillas that were bursting with flavor. And the churros? Without question, the best we have ever tasted. If you're searching for a local Mexican restaurant that combines upscale cuisine, creative cocktails, exceptional service, and a sophisticated yet fun atmosphere, then Polanco is an absolute must-try. read more

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So I did a review on this restaurant a couple of months ago. It's gone. Guessing the business owner paid to have it taken down. This was such an average place. No clue why nextdoor and yelp have such good reviews. The drinks were $$$ and I would say below average. The food was average and more expensive for what you ordered and quality of food. The service was good for the gentlemen. But not great for any other personnel. We sat at the bar and they forgot our cheese dip and we had to order from someone standing behind us. I think I would prefer el azteca more than this place and I don't really like el azteca quality of food. read more

This is a great Mexican restaurant. The owner is very nice, the drinks are quality and the food is very good - especially the guac and the birria beef stew and the home made tortillas. Will definitely eat here again. read more

We discovered Polanco through their other restaurant, Casa Bembe. It did not disappoint! Great drinks, wonderful food, and friendly service. The restaurant is a casual environment with both indoor and outdoor seating, and the parking is easy and free. Definitely returning in the near future! read more

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tried this because it seemed different than most Mexican restaurants, which it is. The service was OK. They didn't have the drink we wanted, but their cocktail menu is only about 4 to 5 drinks so that's a little disappointing. it's very clean inside, it's a small area with free parking outside. And very well decorated. Their menu is extensive, but I'm not a fan of the flavor. I've been to authentic Mexican restaurants before and I'm not sure which is the real flavor, this was not a Tex-Mex - this is more fusion. overall, I did not enjoy the flavor of some of the salsa although the fresh made chips were delicious. I got a bowl which I thought had more substance to it. They did say It had a sweet vinaigrette and mangoes. The vinaigrette was not sweet at all, rather sour, and there was no mangoes. I had some cucumbers and corn and arugula and chicken in it. My dad liked his meal. The truffle fries were OK but very overcooked. hard to chew, in my opinion. it's an OK spot, average. It's not tax max, but it's not authentic in some ways and authentic in other ways. They do make authentic tortillas and chips and other things but things like bowls and truffle fries are more fusion. I probably wouldn't come here again, but that's not saying that it's bad. The flavors are just not to my liking. read more

Polanco Taqueria - The trio of salsa. The middle one is the house salsa. - Mexican Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

My carry-out order from Polanco was excellent. I was working nearby, so the location made for a quick and easy break in my day. There is plenty of parking, so it's easy to get in and out of, too. The restaurant seems pretty small, so I'd probably stick with carry-out or sit outside. The shrimp was well cooked and flavorful. I mixed it together with the rice and salad and ate it bowl-style. There are some other dishes on the menu that I'm excited to try as I spend more time in the area this week. read more

Still never ceases to amaze me. I tried the Chiles Toreados Rellenos (jalapeños stuffed with shrimp+cream cheese, wrapped in bacon). My waitress told me it's traditionally eaten with tortillas, and so I got some blue tortillas and it was SO BOMB!!!!! I got my traditional quesadilla with grilled chicken (LOVE the Oaxaca cheese they put in it) and a coconut margarita. Amazing all around. Has not disappointed me. read more

Polanco Taqueria - Mexican Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

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The chairs are really noisy to move. All they have to do is put the little round chair coasters on, The service was ssoooooooo slow. We had a large party but the food came in waves. 2 plates then 20 minutes later more plates and 20 minutes the rest of us got to eat. The food was ok, rice was good, read more

Ok, so here's what we ordered. The appetizer trio, amazing. Carnitas, birria and red snapper tacos with rice and beans on side, delicious, truly. But hands down the best of the night was an appetizer Queso Bosque Real. Something I would've never ordered but was it recommended by our server. You've to try it, so so good. This place is hidden in the Kroger parking lot, the inside has a charming and eclectic. I'll definitely have to try a cocktail next time. If the drinks are as good as the food then this place checks all the boxes. Give them a try. read more

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Amazing food, great vibe, awesome service! Loved the tuna tostados sooo much!! Great menu and can't wait to return and share experience with friends!! read more

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Been walking past Palanco for quite a while thinking I really wanted to try it. Now I'm wishing I'd tried it sooner! I was greeted at the door and steered to the bar where I placed my to go order. While waiting, I tried the fresh squeezed limonada, which took me back to my childhood traveling through Mexico. Not being very hungry, I ordered the tamale, vegan and gluten free, for my lunch with the red sauce. The tamale is HUGE! I ate 1/2 of it and am saving the rest for later. The rice was delicious and the red sauce just the right amount of spicy. Really reminded me of childhood summers spent in various parts of Mexico. I will definitely be back - again and again. read more

Food and ambiance are great! I love coming here for cocktails, grilled chicken, tacos and steak! Food is authentic and the flavors are so unique. The service is amazing too and I'm always so happy to come eat here. read more

Stopped by for a quick bite on a Tuesday. Located in the plaza anchored by Kroger, this Mexican restaurant is focused on good flavors and ambiance. The restaurant has bar, dining, and patio seating. Open for brunch as well as dinner. I enjoyed the fish and red snapper taco. Service is great and decor is cute! Parking is plentiful. read more

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Amazing food. Extremely fresh. Service was amazing and the decorations are on point.

Delicious, fresh and consistent! Very needed in our neighborhood! Definitely a family favorite

Mexican food with a gourmet twist. Not the usual swimming in melted cheese and beans. We will be back.

Excellent food! Very loud atmosphere. Reasonably priced. Attentive servers. Carnitas were excellent. Mole bruschetta good but dry. read more

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I thought this place had a nice vibe. The service was good, as well. As for the food, well, I thought it was just okay. I tried two kinds of tacos, plus a bowl (I had asked for the salad but got the regular bowl). I had a bite of the conde bowl. Also some tuna tostadas. I think the best dish was the tostadas. All in all, I wouldn't recommend the place as a destination, but it seems like a nice place to get drinks. read more

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Cute new restaurant on the boarder of Sandy Springs / Buckhead! Came for an early lunch on Cinco de Mayo and there was lots of outdoor seating set up in the parking lot, along with a bouncy house and DJ booth. While a little slow, the service was still super friendly and accommodating. The food itself was great. I had the Condesa Bowl, a bed of greens topped with grilled chicken and dressed in a guava vinaigrette. read more

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Slightly disappointed in the food portions. Ordered the Tuna Tostadas (4 to an order) The tostada itself was tiny with a THIN slice of tuna, seems like they were going for the "upscale vibe" but was not working for me. One tostada is legit one bite. I've had similar at other places with more filling in it for similar price. The taste was good but the portion and price didn't match. Also ordered the Trio app, the cheese dip with a very odd texture, like grits! I myself being Mexican have never seen or had before and did not like, the guac was lacking zest, the corn dish was bland and the chicharron toppings were tough to chew i couldn't eat it. Staff was pleasant. Would I come again? I'm sorry but no. read more

Polanco Taqueria - Tuna Tostadas - Mexican Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

Unique excellent food, great service in a comfortable setting. I highly recommend this restaurant.

Food and service were very good.We will be back. Margaritas excellent. Tacos delicious.

If you see yellow cheddar cheese in a "taqueria" and it pretends to be authentic, turn around and run.

It's 4th of July and we were heading to my favorite chicken wing restaurant - surprise it was closed. But lucky us - down the street near Kroger we stumbled upon Polanco. A new Mexican restaurant that has only been open 3 mos according to our server/bartender. Decor is cheeky and service was outstanding. The ambiance is inviting and casual but the food could have easily been served in a finer dining setting. Everything, really and truly, every bite and drink was delicious. Hubby had a skinny margarita and I had a Polanco mule (I'm a sucker for any mezcal cocktail) - both were somehow light and refreshing which was perfect for the hot afternoon. We took the recommendation of a diner that was leaving as we arrived and ordered the special for the day which in his words was amazing and we completely agreed!! I took a bunch of photos of the decor because everywhere I looked, something was bringing a smile to my face - I love cheeky decor! After we finished our delicious food and we were.getting ready to leave, hubby asked if I got photos of the foods we ordered....oh No!! I was so raptured by the presentation, smell, and wonderful flavors - I completely forgot! Oh well - just means we have to come back sooner rather than later...awwhh shucks. LOL I can't wait! read more

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We told the waitress that my wife was allergic to bell peppers and then my wife was up all night dealing with the aftermath of her eating bell peppers. Will never go back. read more

Intimate upscale Mexican. My wife and I went to lunch today after being recommended to go their by a neighbor. Wonderful setting, food and service. I loved the different approach on your typical Mexican dishes. A better experience than your typical Mexican restaurant, more updated and modern. Definitely will go back soon to try other dishes. I had my meal for lunch and later on for dinner. read more

Great addition to the Mexican food scene in the Chastain Park area. Something different than the standard orange cheese affair.

Waitress Molly was amazing! Very attentive. Food is tasty but portions are small. We bought Guacamole it was very small :( read more

Polanco Taqueria - Mexican Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

We just visited on 8/22.The staff was very inattentive and inside cramped. It took repeated asking to get water. The food was ok and not great. After reading the rave reviews we wanted to try it out - the flavors were off and not sure why they call this a Mexican restaurant - food was sub-par. I question the numerous 5 star reviews - the food and staff need some work - hard pass. read more

This is a hidden gem of a place! Not your typical Tex-Mex as their claim to offer authentic Mexican food is absolutely on point. Probably even better described as their having high quality and high end Mexican food. Outstanding tuna tostadas, shrimp and red snapper tacos, and Condesa Bowl. We'll get the tostadas every time we go from now on. Looking forward to trying more of their menu. Owner and staff very attentive. There descriptions and recommendations were on point. They even asked what we liked before offering a few thoughts. If you are looking for a place to take your dog then this is better than any other option as outdoor seating is covered and there was a slight breeze. If you have not guessed it yet, this is a great place! And no we do not work there nor did they do anything other than provide an outstanding experience to get this kind of review. read more

Delicious food! Veggie and chicken quesadillas were fantastic. Blue corn chips were fresh, hot, and crispy.

Wow.. just wow. Truly a labor of love. Food, service and ambiance are all excellent. I would have paid much more for such an experience. Do stop by, it is truly worth it. read more

I will definitely be back! The service was impeccable, the food was super fresh and the drinks were delicious!

First time. What a great place. The staff (including one of the owners who introduced himself) couldn't have been nicer or more attentive. The food was amazing. Great neighborhood find. We will definitely be back!! read more

Food is excellent. Service is fantastic. Wonderful place for a laid back meal. Don't let the strip mall fool you. Polanco is great.

Wow! Stopped in for a cocktail and didn't want to leave. Cannot wait to come back to eat as the menu looked extraordinary. Hunter was an attentive, phenomenal bartender. The pineapple house margarita was delicious. Even had a chance to chat with the owner. The ambiance second to none. Will be back for sure. Don't miss this new restaurant in Buckhead/Sandy Springs area. read more

A must go restaurant! Their food is amazing, it has the authentic mexican flavors!! My faves were the esquites, torta puebla and the chicken wings in Julieta sauce. The service and ambience were fenomenal!!! I highly recommend this place. read more

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Great food! Authentic and different than other Mexican eating establishments. Great owners. Care about their customers. Coming back for sure. read more

Had a great experience and our server Nataly was amazing , definitely will be back soon , great little spot with friendly staff

We had such a great meal at Palonco. Everything was so fresh and unique not your typical Atlanta Tex-Mex. Unique flavors and styles, we loved everything. read more