Billings, Montana September 2026 You walk in and the dining room is off to the left and the bar and more dining off to the right. They also have outdoor seating. The chips are crispy and fresh. They would be perfect if they had some salt and served warm. You get a large bowl of salsa that is delicious and a side dish of Saltera sauce which is like a blanco cream. I ordered the Suiza chicken enchiladas. Comes with shredded chicken queso or red sauce, beans and rice. Four minutes after the waitress took our order our food was at the table. I appreciate the efficiency, but I would like to feel like I am at a restaurant, not a walk up fast food. Enchiladas are good. But there is no cheese on the enchiladas just the queso sauce. The chicken has good flavor, but is dry. Very dry. My husband had the beef enchiladas and said they were moist and good flavor. The black beans and the rice have a very smoky taste. Good but smoky. The presentation is very nice. You have dark colored oval plates that are filled from side to side. The enchiladas come with a plastic ramekin of sour cream. I don't dislike the food. I would give the food a 3.7 out of five because the chicken was dry and that was my main dish. I love the atmosphere. And the cleanliness is impeccable. We are sitting in a booth in the bar area by the windows to the outdoor seating. It is an odd shape corner table. Seems cozy, but after sitting here you find there is no place to put your feet. So it makes it extremely uncomfortable. Overall, I would give this place four stars. The booth was uncomfortable. I didn't like how my food came so quickly. So you lost points there. But the friendliness, the chips and salsa, and the atmosphere was worth keeping the stars higher. I would try this place again. read more

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Service is very good at this place we seated fast Drinks and food both come out in a timely manner The burrito was really good The Carnita tacos were very good Salsa and queso and chips were great The one downside was the rice and beans had no flavor to them We definitely come back to try more food read more

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So I am an avowed Mexican food critic. If it were possible to do 3.5 stars I would. A 3 for me is a solid meal that was worth going to and one I don't mind recommending. I grew up in New Mexico with Mexican food being served at every meal because that's my background and this was a solid meal. The queso fundido was good. I would've liked a little bit more spice. But the tortillas were fresh, and the cheese was melted. I tried the Baja Sur which is not a normal dish for me. Usually, I go for fajitas or tacos, but the combinations sounded delicious; the sauce and the scallops were really the star of the dish for me. My dining partner had Oaxaca bowl and enjoyed it. It might've benefited from a little bit of fresh avocado, but other than that, it was a solid choice. Wheelchair accessibility: this restaurant was actually really pretty accessible. There was a heavy front door, but one of the staff members opened it before we even got there and there are plenty of seating options for somebody in a chair and they were super helpful. The bathroom was OK. The door was a little heavy. There's plenty of parking, including accessible parking close by. read more

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The plates came hot, the iron sizzling. Meat and peppers smoking in the air, the smell of char and lime sharp as a blade. Onions and beef cooked until they were right--no fuss, no frill--just strong food that filled the body and made a man steady. There was rice, orange and firm, and beans heavy with the weight of the land. A white sauce, warm and thick, and the fire of jalapeños to keep you honest. The steak came under onions and mushrooms, bathed in cream, rich enough to slow the day but not stop it. The service was quick and sure, no wasted words, only the plates set down with a smile and the water kept cold in the glass. It was good Mexican food in the way it should be--simple, hot, and full. The kind you eat, and you know you will remember it when you are hungry again. read more

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The team here at Santera knows how to provide great service, wonderful food and a superb dining experience for a single client, sitting at the bar on a crazy Saturday night! Truly unique dishes, well crafted drinks and a happy team made this a memorable experience! Thanks again, Bill read more

The food has zero seasoning! The rice tasted like soap. I got a twig in the first bite of my chimichanga. I've had better food at a gas station! The service sucked too! Terrible Mother's Day lunch! #disapointed #gross #sad #disgusting #ignoredatthetable read more

As a traveler from away, Billings has always struck me as a place where the average resident considers mayonnaise "a little on the spicy side". Finding decent Mexican food has always been a challenge. So when a trusted friend recommended this place, my expectation was that it would be better than average. But it was so much better than that. I only had the one dish, but can say that was some of the best Al pastor I've had anywhere. Cocktails were creative and delicious. Staff was friendly and prompt. Vibrant bar scene with "party" ambiance throughout. Great value. Will be back! read more

This place is BUSY. Use the check in function on their website to hold your place in line. The chips and salsa that comes to your table is LEGIT. The house margarita is very large but I'm pretty sure only has one shot of alcohol so you won't get tipsy super fast. We had margaritas, carne asada (9/10) and steak fajitas (7/10). The food was good, especially for Billings, the service was amazingly fast and the decor is perfect. If we go back I will just order a margarita and chips and salsa and call it good. read more

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Outstanding! I think the style of food has more of a Central American influence. Everything was on point. Stated with excellent chips and salsa. A good house salsa is important. The beer, tequila, and wine list was thoughtful. Service was great. No complaints whatsoever. Give them a try. read more

We came slightly off peak for a late lunch, service was great and the food was excellent , bartender made me a fantastic michelada and my girlfriends margarita was perfect. Also this place gets busy so utilize their waitlist online and it will be a much better experience. read more

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Amazing food and drinks. Very clean and modern looking place. The food was fine dining quality and drinks were top notch. I would definitely recommend to everyone, and I will be back. read more

I've been to this restaurant several times, the menu is extensive. The food is delicious. I'm originally from Southern California the home of Mexican food. When people leave to go on a trip the first thing they do when they come back to Southern California is go find a good Mexican restaurant. This is the best Mexican restaurant in Billings and it's comparable to any other restaurant in Southern California. The service is fantastic. The people are just so friendly and helpful and the food comes out fast. You know there's no waiting. This is my weekly go to. They have a wide selection of tequilas, there's nothing more enjoyable in a Mexican restaurant than this place you won't find it anywhere. read more

Excellent food. The guacamole has huge chunks of avocado in it and is seasoned perfectly! You want to eat here.

We came here for dinner tonight for the first time, and we will absolutely come back! The water has cucumber in it! My husband had the Ritual Santera and I had the octopus street tacos, and we were not disappointed! The octopus was so tender and flavorful, with the char coming through subtlety, the salsa that came with it paired so well, and the rice and refried beans were also delicious! They were so busy, but we were seated quickly, served quickly, and enjoyed the atmosphere. We had theater tickets, so we kind of had to eat and take off, but we will be back when we have more time! read more

Best authentic Mexican food in Billings and terrific drinks. Have been there several times and the only disappointment is the service. I understand there is a bit of a language barrier, however that has nothing to do with not getting checked on, having to ask for something more than once, not refilling water, ignoring the customer, etc. I want this place to succeed - please please train your staff better! I'd give 5 stars but the service - only the service - brings it down to a 4. read more

Really? Really??? Billings fans don't want to try a little harder? What about Camachos Tacos? You get a little tequila in you and suddenly this is the best taco shack in Billings? No way. It's overpriced and way too fast to get your food out, which means..... they do not cook to order. Everything is pre made. The service is rushed, you get in and out immediately. The ambiance is ok but so loud! The guacamole cart is something that is supposed to happen at your table, but does not every time. I wanted just a few carnitas tacos but even the manager said no, you have to order the meal. The meal? I'm not that hungry! I just want a few tacos. Too bad, waste money and food here. No thanks. Camacho's I'll be back. read more

I had the el pastor street tacos. first bite total blob of fat. yuck. Couldn't bring myself to eat any more of it.

they served something that "isn't ranch" with the chips and salsa. i shoulda walked out right then and there, but i already ordered a margarita. i promise you it is ranch. service was good, ambiance was whatever. played a lot of michael jackson and the weeknd. carne asada tacos were mid, labeled as steak to appeal to the billings masses. "authentic" is not the word i'd use for it. if your tacos come with holders to keep them in place instead of being flat on the plate, it is time to reconsider your choices. only redeeming factor here was the nice waitress and the drinks. edit in post: could just be me, but the meal had me so incredibly nauseous afterwards and avoiding fecal accidents the next day. read more

Yummy food. Generous drinks. Great friendly service. We will be back soon and bring friends.

I've tried their "quesabirria" lunch special. The three tacos which arrive are prepared extra saucy and creamy; the consume being same. That's rather unusual, perhaps "needlessly elevating" a simple, classic recipe? Sure enough, it becomes a problem because only the first quickly eaten taco will retain any crunchiness, while the remaining two turning into an unappealing, sloppy inevitable mess. Essentially, the food is trying too hard to be cool and posh, exactly like the restaurant's overall presentation/design. read more

Delicious food and desserts! The homemade guacamole is amazing. Attentive service. Highly recommend

Santera in Billings, MT has become one of our go-to family spots, and honestly, we can't get enough. I eat here often with my family, and every visit feels like a win. The quesa birria tacos are next-level, rich, crispy, and packed with flavor, and the burrito supreme is pure comfort food done right. I crave them regularly. The horchata deserves its own applause. Creamy, perfectly balanced, and ridiculously refreshing. It's one of the best I've had anywhere. What really seals the deal for us is that even my son, who usually refuses anything that isn't chicken strips, actually enjoys eating here with us. That alone says a lot. My girls are obsessed with the Oaxaca bowl, and every time my mom orders the shrimp, chicken, and steak fajitas, it makes me instantly regret not getting them myself. They smell and look incredible. Great food, something for everyone, and a place that makes family meals genuinely enjoyable. Santera has earned its spot in our regular rotation. Best chips and guacamole in the universe! read more

The enchiladas had no sauce. The chicken was dry and no flavor. Beans were salty. Rice had burnt flavor. And the food came out too quick--not cooked to order read more

Everything was delicious. We ordered the 3 meat fajitas. Plenty for two. Service was great and prompt. Loved the minimalistic decor. Modern Mexican look. read more

Excellent food and drinks and atmosphere - fast and friendly service. Large restaurant with plenty of room

food was amazing, came out fast, hot and delish. service was great, waiter was attentive. vibes were immaculate, very pleasant and friendly. first time coming here and i tried the fried ice cream, i had to write this and say i'm obsessed c: read more

Always my favorite place to go for drinks! Love their huckleberry margarita! I always get the chicken verde enchiladas.

The BEST Mexican food anywhere around. Fresh, well made, just so damn good. We stop on our way through Billings every time. Margaritas are delish. Cannot recommend highly enough. read more

Excellent food and service! Would recommend. Cucumber jalepeno margarita is excellent!

What's not to like about this place... Everything! The food was gross. The appetizers were overpriced and unappealing, and the total experience was crap. As somebody who grew up on the West Coast and is a fan of Tex mx, this restaurant was far under performing in every category. Don't waste your money or your time on this crap. read more

You know I love the food. I've been there about 5 times now. In the beginning I could tell it was just like their sister restaurant in Rapid City which made me extremely exited. The only downer is the service. Each time we go it seems to fall as far as the waiters go. I'm not being picky but as we go you see less and less of a willingness to serve. They forget about you for 20 minutes. They don't put cucumber in the water. They don't give extra plates. Again I know this sounds really small but when you've been here many times you see the slow decline. They really need to train their servers to be as good as the cooks. Because you can have a A+ cook but a D server. It affects the whole experience. I still love this place and hope they improve. read more

Good portions, food is really delicious. Santera is the only place to get real Mexican food. Must try the guacamole that is made fresh. read more

Santera Cocina & Tequila - Flan - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Billings, Montana

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I want to give a shout out to Santera - not only for great food, but also for exceptional service.  It was the best service I have received in any restaurant in years.  Thank you Santera for a great evening. read more

The food, atmosphere, and margaritas are fantastic, arguably the best in Billings. The service has been bad the last couple of trips... to the point that it really detracts from the experience. read more

Absolutely amazing AUTHENIC Mexican Food. Already thinking about the next time I can make it in! Fresh guacamole, HUGE portion too. Steak Street Tacos were delicious and such fast & friendly service! read more

food AMAZING service DIVE BAR QUALITY AT BEST hospitality NON EXISTENT i've been here 5 times and have had the SAME server every time. i know his name. doesn't know mine. ordered drinks and didn't receive what i ordered. the only reason i return is for the food. servers need a significant amount of training. amazing food but pray you're not in a rush because nothing happens in a timely manor. amazing food. awful service. read more

Santera Cocina & Tequila - went to another bar because it was faster - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Billings, Montana

This is the best authentic Mexican food in Billings. They are busy but they get you in and get you served. Great drinks and food and the staff is always friendly. read more

The food was good, but not great. Very good Tex-Mex for Billings but if you're used to Tex-Mex in the south this place is average. We had chips & salsa, house margaritas, beef fajitas and parrillada. Chips & salsa were fine but nothing special. The fajitas & parrillada were seared nicely with a good flavor. The tortillas were also fresh and warm and the guacamole is very good. We never received our queso dip or extra chips we asked for repeatedly, partly because the staff is in such a hurry. Be aware, this place's primary goal is to turn tables by getting you in and out as quickly as possible! Also, as another reviewer pointed out the lighting is as if your are in an operating room or as I would say, on the 50 yard line at the super bowl! The brightness of the lighting makes this a place not conducive to a casual dinner where you can visit and take your time unless you are sitting at the bar. It is fast paced and BRIGHT! We will probably not be going back for dinner meals but will will for lunch. We got on the waitlist on their website with 70-85 minutes for a table and with 25 minutes remaining and 13 people in front of us, our table suddenly went to ready. Pay attention! read more

Love this Resturant, great service and food was amazing. All it has to offer for drinks is perfect. Was really impressed I'll be going back. If I wax to change anything it would be dim the lights. Felt like we were in an operating room. But everything else was perfect. read more

Very loud can't hear anyone talk, they take drink and food order all at once, drinks arrived and food minutes after. Never offered refill on drinks check on meals, Herded through like cattle, if that's your thing enjoy. We hated it read more