Tequila's is a fantastic restaurant with great food, great service, and a great outdoor seating area facing the river in good weather. All of the food and drinks there are amazing, but we especially love Taco Tuesday with $2 tacos. We recently had Jonas as our server and he is amazing - listen to his recommendations, they are gold! Very friendly and very attentive. One thing worth noting is that parking is out back behind the restaurant - it's almost hidden, but it's pretty fun to park on the pier and then walk to the restaurant by the river. Can't wait to go back! read more

This restaurant is such a vibe! And the views are amazing! We sat on the patio & there was live music. Our servers Brady & Trey were super nice & accommodating. We will definitely be back whenever in town! read more

Encouraging the kitchen to be far less heavy handed with the Poblano sauce (brisket enchilada entree). Enchiladas swimming in this sauce are overwhelmed. Rice was bland. Refried beans quite good. Chopped cabbage accompaniment was the surprise star on the plate. read more

We had the poblano enchiladas, the chile relleno and the tacos dorados; all delicious. The staff was courteous and attentive. The decor and view very beautiful. read more

The view of the water inside is so nice! Seating isn't too terrible inside. Noise level when we went wasn't too terrible we could still hear each other and talk. Drinks were very strong although some they said were pre made already and didn't particularly like that. As well as some food was really spicy and not tamed down. Chips and salsa were good. Not a whole lot of options to choose from in my opinion. The service was great when we weren't and staff was helpful and kind. Would go back and again and try. read more

Tequila's Waterfront - Mexican Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

If I could give zero stars I would. The server was sweet but it's clear that this place is poorly managed. We went last night for a birthday dinner and had a reservation for 7 weren't seated till 7:20. Started off with the host not having enough menus and didn't give us silverware. We waited a while to even get waters, server came and was nice. However we got chips that were all crushed we ordered drinks and cheese dip. The drinks and cheese dip took at least 20 minutes to show up and then we didn't have any chips left. They said they were out and would bring some... we never got the chips and the dip got cold. We had another reservation for drinks at 845 we never got our meals until 820 pm and then we sat with our food without sliver ware for 10 mins before we finally flagged someone down. We literally had to eat our food like we were at medieval times. This was a terrible experience and this restaurant needs to get it together. For an upscale Mexican place this was run like it was their first day open. I felt bad for our server cause she was overwhelmed, the managers should have been on the floor making these issues correct - our cheese dip was comped but genuinely would have rather spent the $100 at Taco Bell. Food was good but the experience was a 0 read more

This score is a solid 3.7, not a full 4. We were a group of 10 on a Wednesday night (6PM) and we were told that we'd have to be out by 7 bc a party was coming in at that time. Foul first impression. The decor was cool and funky, had a day of the dead kinda vibe. This restaurant is massive with 2 floors, plus a giant patio outside. Looking forward to eating out there when it's a tad warmer out. Our group was tucked away in a pass through area, but it was fine. The drink prices are about a $1 or 2 higher than other places in Wilmington but they have a massive overhead to cover. I ordered the cantarito which wasn't your typical margarita. It had a piquin pepper rim which I enjoyed. It was so flavorful that you missed the tequila. Might be dangerous if you have a few! For my meal, I ordered the chicken empanadas which were served on a bed of WET lettuce. My empanadas were soggy as opposed to that deep fried, crispy outer coating. The flavors were delightful but would have preferred it without the lettuce. The staff worked very hard for our large (loud) group. Even had someone shadowing which was probably tough to do. read more

Tequila's Waterfront - Soggy empanadas - Mexican Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Parked behind the waterfront restaurant, even though the sign said for Marina Grill parking only. The restaurant staff said it was fine to park there. It used to be the yacht club and is right next to Marina Grill. The restaurant is spacious with pretty much the entire walls facing the river as see through windows. Ate here at 5pm on a Tuesday night and there were barely any people. They have an upstairs lounge area and outdoor seating on the first floor and it looks like outdoor seating on the second floor. Menu was not updated yet with all of the beer choices, margaritas, and dessert. They provided complimentary tortillas chips with salsa and gave us more after we were almost done with the first basket. Birria tacos were good but they would have been better if they were crispy. It would've been messy to eat with my hands so just ate it with a fork and knife. Whole or refried black beans and rice came with it. The refried beans were very good, came topped with soft cheese. Rice was bland though. Mole consommé was salty, rich. I loved that the tacos and consommé had plenty of cilantro and fresh white onions. For hot sauce, they had Valentina's. Dessert options were chocolate covered churro, Tres Leche cake, and triple chocolate cake. Went for a slice of the chocolate cake to-go. It hit the spot for my chocolate craving, it was rich and decadent. Waiter was attentive and friendly. High chairs and boosters are available. No changing table in women's bathroom. read more

Jonahs was our server and was so nice and knowledgeable not just about the menu but the area. The was great but the service was awesome!

This was the first restaurant I went to when I visited Wilmington. The place was packed, and the music was bumping. I was honestly surprised at how cute and chic the interior was. Upstairs, they even have a tequila lounge, but it wasn't open when we arrived. We started off with a Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita and a Mezcarita. We shared the drinks, and you could tell that the mixes were fresh. I usually get skinny margaritas because nowadays most restaurants use bottled sour mix, which gives me a major hangover. They have a large selection of margaritas to choose from as well. For an appetizer, we ordered the Tuna Seafood Plate. I am a big lover of tuna, and this one was actually really good. The amount of tuna on the plate was surprising for the $22 price. It was seared just enough without cooking the whole fish and sliced in perfect cuts. The trio fajitas came out smoking with all the toppings you could need to make your perfect taco. The meats were good quality, but I would have expected slightly larger portions. Overall, this establishment knows what they're doing, and I understand why it's so busy. The manager visited our table twice to make sure everything was as expected. My overall experience was a 9/10. read more

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I sat outside and it was really nice on the water. I sat down and was immediately brought some chips and salsa they were so so ... I got a cucumber jalapeño margarita and it was very good a bit of a kick from the jalapeño I would definitely get it again! The server was super friendly and brought a bowl of water for my pup, I ordered a shrimp salad it was very fresh and the shrimp were cooked perfect and had an amazing seasoning on it, I would get it again but honestly I would try something else just to try something else but would get this salad again anytime! I will go back for sure read more

Tequila's Waterfront - Shrimp salad and cucumber jalapeño margarita - Mexican Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

It was our first time here and my husband had reserved for a late lunch on Mother's Day. We showed up 10 mins early for a 230 reservation. We asked to sit outside because it was nice day and the view is great. We were told some excuse about the tables are set up by reservation?? What does that mean? We thought maybe you need to ask to sit outside when you make reservations? But if that was the case by the time we left the same empty tables were still empty! Then the next hiccup, we waited for about 10 mins to someone come to our table and take our drink order! Mind you there was enough wait staff because I was able to see them hang out in a corner talking and walking around. So was it a lack of communication on the hostess that didn't tell the person that was assigned to our table? Well as soon as a nice waiter took our drinks all of a sudden 2 people came over to ask if we had been helped! Mind you one looked like she could have been a manager! We had a cucumber/jalapeno margarita and I had their sunrise something and it was frozen. The waiter was nice and gave us samples. Drinks were good but we didn't order anymore after. I stuck to my Pacifico beer! Appetizers had the guacamole and flautas, those were both good! Everyone enjoyed it. The next hiccup of the day, ordered the steak and shrimp fajitas with flour tortillas, the carne asada tacos and the shrimp tacos. The steak didn't come out with the shrimp fajitas and the tortillas were corn. So by the time the steak was brought and than finally the tortillas the shrimp was cold and well kinda ruined the taste. The carne asada tacos were ok. I'm sorry you are Mexican, where is the flavor?? I felt like I ordered tacos from chipotle, no offense to them but I'm expecting something spectacular! The beans were good! Over all the view is spectacular, they have 2 floors with sitting outside, so that in itself I rate the view a 10! Food I was disappointed with their lack of flavor. If we come back it might just be for some appetizers and drinks and to definitely sit outside to take in the views! Our server was very attentive, so that was good too. read more

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There were 16 of us for dinner. Jaygo the waiter was amazing!! He was so attentive, patient and super nice! The food was good and we do eat there often. We were very surprised they now charge a credit card fee! Unfortunately, because of that we will not be back. Although we may stop in to say hi to Jaygo! read more

We are visiting from California and we wanted to find a spot to just have some chips, salsa and some bites to all share. Tequilas waterfront was a great spot for our family. We came in the evening and you can see the glow from the boats on the water. So pretty. Not only was the ambiance great, but the service was on point. Jonas sat us immediately. He was prompt with getting us what we needed and even recommended an appetizer special that was just what we needed. He was a wonderful waiter. It was delicious. Would definitely come back. read more

Tequila's is the best spot to get Mexican with friends! Ayden was our server and was fantastic. We'll definitely be back!!

Went on a Friday afternoon for lunch and surprisingly it wasn't busy at all. The look of the place is so pretty with bright colors and wall art! The food tasted very fresh, I ordered a fajita quesadilla, which was delicious and tasted better than I could have imagined. The section where I ordered my dish from says Fajitas & Quesadillas however the only quesadilla on the menu is the one I ordered so I do wish they had more on the menu and the title of that section should just be Fajitas imo. Regardless, presentation and taste were great! I also ordered a Jamaica Margarita which was a little on the sweet side but tasty! read more

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This is the second location of the Tequila's that is in Monkey Junction area. We came in on a weekday and it was already dark outside but this location will be great for sunsets and river views. When you walk in, it's very large with ceiling to floor windows, huge murals, cool lights and colorful chairs. Our server was nice and let us know the menu wasn't totally updated. I went with the chicken fajitas which were good but I wanted more cheese and I wasn't a fan of the plain rice. The black beans were tasty. read more

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I agree with the 3.5 star review they have. Nice sunset view from outside patio seating. That will be a hit this summer. Nice staff and service. Our waitress was very nice! I had the Tuna meal. It was okay. I was hoping a $20 margarita I would at least get a buzz. I wasn't trying to get drunk but at least wanted to feel like I had a drink. I have been dry for 3 months and was excited about having one of their drinks. I had the Jamaica - It was like an expensive fruit drink. I literally have to have my husband help me finish the top shelf margarita at Taco Baby on Grace Street so i thought to he sure an actual Tequilla spot would top that. Well no...I drank the entire "fruit punch"- Jamaica and was very disappointed. Notta-nothing :-( I'll still give them another try and try a different drink next time and hopefully it'll be better. read more

Tequila's Waterfront - Jamica - Hi price "fruitpunch" - Mexican Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

my server cris was great! very nice and fast service. Food was pretty gas as well. Nice view and good music

We sat at the bar upstairs outside. It was gorgeous. The bartender made amazing drinks, and he was very attentive to everyone at the bar. We got an appetizer, entrees, and drinks. It was about $60! Really good deal!! I took photos during sunset and it was soooooo perfect. There was also live music !!! 10/10 recommend. read more

Tequila's Waterfront - Mexican Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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we stopped in to try the food and check the place out for a possible rehearsal dinner for our wedding this fall. my fiancé's mother is only in town for a week so we wanted to see how everything was before putting down a deposit. we felt pretty unwelcome from the start, the hostesses were pretty flat, uninterested, didn't even seem happy to be there. we got seated and sat for almost 10 minutes with several servers walking by us. we got up and left. i would understand if it was busy, but it was nearly dead. as a former server i sympathize with the industry, but this was pretty disappointing. read more

We did not enjoy the food or drinks here. Bland, dry, and very overpriced. Staff was friendly. Location is beautiful. Interior is beautiful. Just the wish food had more flavor. I'd be willing to pay higher prices when the food shows where that money is going. read more

We visited a few months ago. The service was great, the restaurant itself is beautiful but we cannot recommend it because of the food. It was very expensive and lacked flavor. It also took a very long time. I think this could be great for groups or a night out with friends, because of the location. But we were not fans of the food or the drinks. read more

A fun waterfront spot in Wilmington. Great food and drink specials, with inside and outside dining overlooking the Cape Fear River. read more

Tequila's Waterfront - Interior - Mexican Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Queso dip was creamy and replaced my son's #2 rank for queso's the Wilmington-Hampstead-Surf City scene (he loves his chips and queso!). The presentation of the Chile Relleno was stunning! The chicken stuffed Poblano pepper was savory and smooth not spicy nor overpowering. The rice was puffed and moist, while the salad added a touch of spiciness to the overall dish. The beans were authentic Mexican adding a hearty accompaniment to the overall dish. It was a bit quiet on a weekday evening in the Winter but there was a table of 10 very much enjoying themselves (the scent of fajitas diffused over to our table along with their jovial chatter). Our waitress (Savannah) was so attentive and heartwarming and the other staff were polite and helpful. The location looks like a great place to go in the warmer longer evenings when you can sit outside, enjoy a margarita and some Mexican food along the waterfront. ¡Arriba! read more

Tequila's Waterfront - Chile Relleno - poblano pepper deep-fried, egg-washed deep fried and stuffed with chicken tinga, queso Oaxaca in a rich tomato sauce. - Mexican Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Beautiful place with water view. Food was outstanding. Good salsa and good guacamole as well. Good service.

Tequila's has the Best nachos ever, so good! Mondays they have $5 margaritas and Tuesdays $2 tacos. The tacos are awesome. They have two outside patios looking over the marina, so you get amazing sunsets! We love this place! The GM Rachel always ask how was your food or drinks, now that is customer service. We love this place! read more

Tequila's Waterfront - Chicken Nachos - Mexican Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

The food here is really yummy. I think for what it is it's a little bit overpriced. However, flavor was great. It was pretty busy for a weeknight. Also, I really wish they had better signage for parking. But if I were downtown I would consider going again! read more

Got there at 9:05pm to grab drinks & food & the bartender said kitchen was closed so why does the sign on door & website state 10pm. Trying to understand??? read more

This place has an absolutely amazing location. A place that could make for an absolutely world class restaurant. Unfortunately, there's a bartender at this location who is clearly in the wrong job. Any ask was met with immediate resistance and a surly attitude. She's obviously not interested in helping her customers have a good time but instead just a downer. It seems her fellow bartenders recognize how damaging she is to the place (and their tips) since they put her on trash service...at 5 o'clock. Food is subpar. Wilted vegetables and overly salted (lazy cooks) food. Birria tacos were not properly fried (zero crunch/crisp) and they fold like a Taco Bell quesadilla. Chips looked like they spent a trip under an asphalt crusher. Guacamole was borderline brown. Fajita steak was cooked to well done+. Beers are fine. For a tequila/mezcal forward concept, there's no appropriate glassware for the liquor on offer. (1942 and Azul is their top shelf, so don't get too excited.) But I'd rather not drink out of standard Sex on the Beach glassware. This place will only barely survive on the pre-concert traffic this summer. They are toast come winter 2025. Also, tonight there were no less than 10 waitstaff standing around, so I'm speculating management isn't watching the situation here and someone's life's savings is about to get absolutely demolished. On the plus side: The decoration is great. Very cool wall treatments and the location is only bested by the rooftop bars next door. Not recommended. Sadly. I had very high hopes for this place as a downtown resident. read more

We got there at a perfect time! Sunset! It was quite beautiful to see the sunset from the view outside or upstairs. The service was okay, it seems like our waiter was pretty busy but would check on us every now and then. Our food was great! I loved my tacos & the guac! I will say-- the margaritas were quite strong... AND BIG. My friends got the medium strawberry margaritas and it was quite big & they were sharing!!!!!!! read more

Tequila's Waterfront - tacos de carne asada - Mexican Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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The food was delicious and plenty to eat, service was good, a little slow with the drinks. It was spot on when they came to the table with drinks and food all together. This place is not major on ambiance. It's a steel building it has a great view of the parking lot and the waterfront river docks. read more

Amazing food, excellent customer service, and fantastic waterfront views! Highly recommend this place especially if you like really good Mexican food and strong but smooth margaritas! read more

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The margaritas and guac were so good! A little disappointed that they don't make micheladas, but the frozen strawberry margarita honestly is perfect! Our waitress was also very sweet and attentive. I'm only giving this a 3 because our main entrees and sides were not so good. The Quesa Birria is super salty and the flavor is off. The rice is very bland. The refried beans were also super salty and the flavor was odd. The Tacos Pastor were okay. I would say this is definitely a place to come get a good margarita, I would pass on the rest. read more

We stopped in over the Easter weekend + thoroughly enjoyed the ambiance of the upper patio. Our server, Sophia, was such a pleasure + took great care of us - making suggestions and patiently + thoroughly explaining the dishes since it was our first time. She really made our dining experience so very special. The food was great + our drinks were perfection! read more

Margaritas are huge and tasty. Guacamole can be skipped (needs more salt). I had the chicken fajitas; well cooked and the accompaniments were delicious as well. My wife had the fajita quesadilla. She said it was delicious. The staff was very friendly if a bit slow. We didn't mind since we were there on vacation. read more

Tequila's Waterfront - Fajita quesadilla - Mexican Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

The only good thing about our first (and last) visit to Tequila's were the inexpensive margaritas. The service was non-attentive, and the food was about as flavorful as a sock. Definitely not worth the hype! read more

I love Mexican food. After reading the great reviews, I headed downtown for a bite. The restaurant had just passed its busy time. I requested a skinny marg made my way: Don Julio silver and fresh squeezed lime topped with club soda. The waitress looked at me dumbfounded. She was not familiar with Don Julio (check the name of the place) and finally said...."I can bring you a lime." So I ordered a beer instead so as not to make her head explode and not require me to squeeze lime at the table. Also, kinda tough to mess up a beer. It took FOREVER to get it. The food was even slower. The flautas were delish, the aroz and frijoles were marginal. It's not the restaurant for me and I cannot recommend. read more

Tequila's Waterfront - Tasty, but not worth the experience - Mexican Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Well appointed interior. Delicious meals. Adequate server. However we were seated next to the bar as it was a slow evening. The bar manager/ bartender worked with a toothpick in her mouth. Not a good look and not very hygienic as she kept placing it down on her service area and placing it back into her mouth . read more

Definitely planning another girls dinner here!! We sat out on the upstairs patio deck during sunset and the views were stunning. The breeze felt so nice with this summer heat. I got the nachos with a cactus colada 10/10. My plate was gone as the nachos were big enough to share. The seasoning on the chips was the perfect amount of flavor. Our server Dulce was amazing, checked on us, took our picture and got us in and out pretty quick. Very pleased with our service as they were pretty busy. If you're ever planning to go to a port city marina event (which we were) coming here is perfect. We could see the stage from our table and were tempted to stay. read more