La Fonda Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
1831 E Baseline Rd, Tempe, AZ, 85283
La Fonda Mexican Restaurant & Cantina Menu
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.
Visit below restaurant in Tempe for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Tempe for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Tempe for healthy meals suggestion.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
1831 E Baseline Rd
Tempe, AZ, 85283 - Phone (480) 966-8001
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Mexican Cuisine
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
J W.
Food was good with a nice hot sauce and chips to start! It's hard to find a good hot sauce that tastes great and has a kick! Server in the bar was attentive, but it was also a late lunch. The waitress told me to come by on a day off or after work bc they have $3 Dos Equis drafts every day all day. I'd come back if on this side of town again for lunch, fast service as well.
(4)Seth T.
Meh. Watery margaritas and egg role esque mini chimis. Good happy hour prices. Welcome/service is barely acceptable. Awkward entry way. It looks like it could have a great patio, but it was closed.
(2)Sandra R.
Gross Gross Gross This is probably the worst Mexican food I have ever eaten. My fiancee and I ordered the nachos and they were a greasy mess with hardly any cheese on them. It looked like there was zero effort when it came to making these. I ordered the chicken chimichanga dinner and it was GROSS. The chicken tasted like it was a week old. I spit it out. The chimichanga was drenched in grease as well. I understand it is a fried item but your plate should not be swimming in oil. BARF. I would never eat here or recommend this place to anyone.
(1)Michael M.
Great carne asada tacos and their chips are always so fresh! Love coming back here when I am in Phoenix. Always have had great fresh food and great service here.
(5)Teresa S.
I love Mexican Food. Better yet, I love good,great Mexican food. Maybe we came on a good night. But, I was very happy with what we got! This was my first time here. Though Mario has been here many times. The Chips and Salsa were very good and they refilled them for us several times. I got the shredded meat, even though I am not a huge meat eater, this was very tasty and I would order it again. It seemed like it had been cooking all day. So it was tender and very tasty with whatever type of spices they put in. Lots of food of course ,I had to get the rest to go. The server was very pleasant and the restrooms are clean. It was a tiny bit cold inside but, that is better than being hot. So I have to say I really like it and would go back any time.
(5)Maria M.
Came here on a whim with my bestie. They couldn't get an order right. I wanted my order of nachos without onions and add chicken, and my vegetarian friend ordered just the nachos. Gave me onions and no chicken, and her no onions with chicken. Took those back, and second time around I got onions on my plate. I ended up just not eating. Server guy was a little douchy, and I didn't even give him a hard time about it. Like "Na dude, I'm just going to chill while she eats. No worries." Won't be coming back. Also, chips were oily. Bye La Fondalesha. Confirmed douchiness of the waiter. Just complimented my review. "You're cool." Thank you. Also, here's a tip* since I forgot to leave one on the table. Find a new occupation.
(1)Dave B.
Had a late lunch here on Sat. Friend highly recommended it.. good high quality food, just a bit bland for my tastes. Salsa is great, fresh made daily and good corn chips also. If you don't like your Mexican food too spicy then you'll like it.
(3)Art B.
10/25/2014 Update: Much much much better experience this visit. Chips were hot, fresh and oily, much more like the chips at the old location and a dramatic improvement over the seemingly heat lamp bagged chips served last time around. Served both salsa and hot sauce without having to ask. The salsa, which was mostly chopped onions last visit, was quite tasty this time around. And service was solid. Thinking about upgrading La Fonda to four stars, but the inconsistency between visits is a great concern. Need another visit or two before deciding. Happy, though, to see more signs of the old La Fonda. La Fonda, at its old location just north of ASU, was always my benchmark for Mexican food. The restaurant to which I compared all other Mexican spots. Why? It was the first Mexican restaurant I tried when I moved to Arizona. Having grown up in the Midwest, I had no experience with border food... Tacos with shredded beef? Unheard of! Plates so hot they could burn you? What the? Hot sauce that would peel the roof off your mouth? I was instantly addicted. Ate there once a week for years, gradually becoming less of a regular due to distance and life in general. I was horrified one day when I showed up to find a construction fence between me and my machaca burro enchilada style. Thought La Fonda was history. You can't imagine how happy I was when I discovered (through Yelp) that it had reopened, even if it was even farther away from where I now live than the original location. There are some noticeable similarities to the old La Fonda. The hot sauce is still tasty, although it has lost quite a bit of heat over the years. The shredded beef tacos are wonderful and as generous with the meat as ever. But the ambiance is totally different. Admittedly, the old location was a bit of a dive, so the new digs are a significant upgrade on the surface. But some character seems to have been lost. Also seems to be a big push toward selling more alcohol. And the service, which was so prompt and sassy at the old location, now seems slow and indifferent. Case in point, my recent weekday lunch visit. Arrived to a half empty restaurant, but had to wait several minutes (seemed much longer - used the time to take three photos for Yelp) to be seated. Why? Two guys were picking up a take-out order and apparently it was necessary for me to wait for their order to be completed before I could sit down. No problem. I was happy just to be at La Fonda. Chips were delivered hot and fresh. The chips are no longer the delicious hot and oily yellow corn chips of the old location. They're now light white corn chips, a significant downgrade for me, although you might like them if that is your preference. The hot sauce has to be requested these days. An interesting choice, since the default chunky salsa is heavy on onion taste and not much else. The hot sauce, on the other hand, is exceptional. As the lunch went on, I began to feel sympathy for our server. Stretched way too thin. We waited to order. Waited for drink refills. Waited for a hot sauce refill. And waited, a really long time, for our check at the end of the meal. Such a contrast to the old La Fonda, where you would have been seated instantly, served chips that risked burning your fingers, be given a small pitcher of hot sauce, had your entrees delivered before the chips were cool enough to eat, and have you on your way in as much or little time as you liked. Overall, the food is fine, with just enough of the old La Fonda for me to want to drop in again if I'm in the neighborhood. Consistency of service at La Fonda seems to be a problem. Understaffing was the apparent issue this day, but the overall vibe was just not that welcoming in any case. Still family owned. I recognized one of the owners, so I know they are still hands on, but... I'll definitely give them a try again and hope for the best. Maybe they'll bring back the Number One Plate, my old favorite. One more thing: Kids meals are reasonably priced when you consider they include a drink. That said, I'm not sure about the appropriateness of pushing "kiddie cocktails" (see menu photo). Perhaps as penance, kids eat free on Sundays. Bottoms up!
(3)Alicia W.
We were referred here by a friend and it was delicious. We had the carne asada plate and machaca plate. The meat in the carne asada plate was tender. The waitress suggested we both try something different and share so we did. We will definitely come here again!
(5)Carol K.
If there was a zero stars that's what I would have given. This used to be our go to spot for Mexican. They used to have the best salsa and chips and their Carne Asada nachos were the bomb. We were bummed when they closed the one on Alma School and Queen Creek but we moved from that area and would hit up the Baseline location. But after last night, unfortunately we will not be back and we had a party of 8!!! The chips tasted like grease, the salsa was nowhere near as good as it used to be and the Carne quesadilla I had was just gross. My husband had the fundido burrito and his stomach was really messed up from it. It didn't even look right when the server dropped it off. no bueno
(1)Carole C.
I live in the west valley but had to drive over here to pick up my son from summer camp and it was lunchtime so we stopped in. When I walked in, there was no hostess. I waited for a few minutes and a very friendly girl greeted/seated us. I asked where the restroom was and she pointed me in the direction. When I was several feet from the door of the restroom the smell of poop emanated from the bathroom. Unfortunately, it was an emergency so I had to use it. I told the server of the smell and she said it was plumbing and "Sewage" which had I not already been nauseous would have made me so. The restaurant was extremely hot, my napkin was rolled and it looked like used at a previous table and reused because it had dried up salsa on it. So, I already decided not to eat. The "salsa" was watered down tomato sauce with chunks of onion and cilantro. I ordered an appetizer platter for my sons because it was 1 pm and we were already there. The tacos and chimichangas were super greasy and unappetizing. I will never eat here again. Gross.
(1)Luz C.
I have been here before and had good experiences all the time. I came in today hoping to have some good food, good margaritas and good Mexican music. The food was good, the margaritas were good. The music awful. They were playing american oldies. Wtf. Isn't this a Mexican restaurant??? I was disappointed. Need to find a new Mexican restaurant to go to
(3)Brett G.
As a Californian when I leave my state its a bitter sweet thing to find a gem of a place. This place tastes great and the Fondito sauce is FONtastic! I hope I can come here again and experience this wonderful Mexican masterpiece.
(5)Robert S.
I've been a regular at the old La Fonda (curry and scottsdale rds) since time began. They always satisfied. Then the entire strip mall was sold and everyone had to leave. I was sad. I was thrilled to find they were relocating right next to my favorite chinese restaurant, Wong's Place, on Baseline and McClintock. Couldnt wait for them to open. A really nice upgrade in the design of the new digs. However, each time I ate there, the food was different. The last two times the food was so salty we had to send it back. This is usually a trick to keep patrons thirsty and ordering more alcohol. However this is not good for high blood pressure. I personally would fire any cook that cannot taste the salt levels in food. Just thinking about it makes me sick. I will NEVER eat there again. They've lost my trust.
(1)Scott C.
It's Saturday night at 8:29pm. Sign says they close at 10:00pm... Girl says they're closing early for the night. Yeah, o-hell-a early... Shame, this place has decent food if you ever have the chance to order some.
(1)Pedro R.
I'm not a picky person and I don't typically complain, but I have never eaten food that tasted this bad. The queso looked like it had been sitting for days, the carne asada was horribly seasoned, and there's not much good that I can say about the carnitas. The biggest mistake I made in all this was not rating this place a no star establishment.
(1)Cynthia S.
Blah I am so tired of not finding a good mexican food restaurant. I took the word from one of my cousins that this place by my house was good. This place was full. Nicely decorated. Service was good. The chips and salsa were okay. Salsa was not at all spicey. I asked for a hotter salsa they said the other one is a smooth one from bottle... I dont know if im just so used to homemade salsas or what. I ordered a chili Relleno plate with a flauta. Flauta was good, but no salsa for it :(. The chili relleno was horrible. It felt like I was eating an omlette. The egg was wrapped around the chili and chedder cheese was all over it. Chili Rellenos are dipped in the well beaten egg whites... my husband ordered his fajitas. But he took those home cause he wasnt feeling good from work.
(1)Meagan B.
When I moved close by last year, my Mom, sister and I were doing a coffee run when we drove past La Fonda. A Flagstaff resident, she screamed, "Whoa that place is good Meg! You need to go." So a year later, I finally tried it. Let's just be upfront right now: This is NOT the same La Fonda near Northern Arizona University. No connection whatsoever. Now that that's cleared up, the food was just OK. Not the best quality. Dude and I shared the Pollo Especial Fundido Burrito. Shredded chicken with spiced red and green sauce, topped with Fundido sauce and melted cheese. Not impressed at all, kind of like On the Border and lacking the promised heat (spice). Delicious silver margarita though, and our server Priscilla took great care of us, so two stars for that.
(2)Jazzmine R.
Great service, really good salsa, fresh chips and actually delicious food. I will definitely be back and will recommend this place to friends!
(4)Derik C.
Great food, great service, great ambiance, the makings for a GREAT night out... Prefer anything with fundido sauce on it... It goes great with the refreshing margaritas that are all two dollars off for happy hour... Love you LA Fonda...
(5)Richard G.
Note to self: check Yelp reviews prior to going. We passed by this one evening and thought we would try it. The building used to be occupied by a biker bar called "Chuy's". Every time we drove by their were lots of Harleys. While the food is average, the service was atrocious. Granted that our server was busy but it took three requests in order to get something. One of our group had to physically get up from the table and search for the server. The manager does not visit tables to see if everything is acceptable. This was a shame. We usually enjoy going to "mom and pop" restaurants. After going I checked Yelp and based on our own experience, you don't have to be Sherlock Holmes to connect the dots.
(1)Matthew D.
Remember what I said in my last review? I said, "DON'T CHANGE." You changed. That didn't take long. The place that seemed so incredible on its first night with so many subtle, balanced flavors suddenly turned into just another Mexican joint with "pretty good" food. Edible? Certainly. But, nothing really outstanding nor distinctive. We went there again specifically to recreate the opening night experience that we remember fondly. They just couldn't maintain the quality, and the portions seemed quite a bit smaller too. No, this just isn't the place to recommend anymore. I certainly don't bear them any ill will and hope that they can bring the level of quality back up to what it was. We'll come back some time and see.
(3)Heidi S.
This place is a favorite for my extended family. My Grandma likes to talk about bringing my mom and uncles to the original location on Fridays when they were kids. For me, the family tradition of La Fonda's adds to the comfort food feel. With all of that said the food here is great. I love the Fundido and the fajitas are great! The customer service could improve here. The staff used to all be very friendly and talkative. It was very much a family atmosphere. Now, not so much.
(4)Henry T.
Great family restaurant .. Wonderful service and generous portions ... The Chile sauce (salsa for the gringos ;) ) Could use a little more spice ;) The address in Apple maps shows it on the other side of the street I was looking left - it was on the right ... Easy enough but a heads up
(4)Jill L.
New location in Tempe, recommended from memory of the previous establishment on Curry. I was ready for a wow experience. The interior is clean, nice wood furniture, although minimal decor. Service was average, not a high mark for hospitality. Menu prices are affordable, although I feel the food lacks flare and flavor. Overall, not much atmosphere, server enthusiasm or exciting food. I would say it's a mid range Mexican food experience. Try for yourself, you're opinion may vary.
(2)Amanda C.
The salsa was delicious and super fresh! The chips were nice and warm. The manager was on it! He was not only checking up on his employees he was helping out! Our server Joe was great, even though he was in a hurry he checked on us regularly. The dinner portions were slightly smaller than expected, but my husband and I liked our pollo especial fundido, and chicken chimi with fundido sauce (even though the fundido was much spicier than expected since we're used to garcia's fundido). My mother in law was not impressed with the chile rellenos as she thought it needed cheese. Didn't try the drinks or desserts this time but will definitely be back!
(5)Mary Ann W.
I wish you could give a place zero stars. We ate there last night because an old friend was in town and wanted to take us to this place because he used to love it years ago. I warned him that things change... but no, we went. This was the worst Mexican food - let alone any food - I have ever eaten in Phoenix. The chips were cheap, the salsa "fresca" bland and warm, the hot sauce right out of a can...yuck. I ordered a cheese enchilada and a tostada thinking that they would be the easiest to not screw up. Oh man, the enchilada was flaccid, hardly any cheese and the red sauce bitter, again, right out of a can. In fact, I think it was the same sauce they serve with the chips, only cold. The beans on the tostada had no flavor. They serve no salsa with any entree. My husband had a tamale that did not even look like a tamale. Someone else had the fajita salad which was not edible because of all the refried beans on top. Don't even get me started on the frozen margaritas served in a water glass... The service was slow, but we were a large group. The worst part was that when they were clearing dishes they were piling them on a chair in the room. Classy. Also, the fan right over us was blowing gale force and could not be turned down, so even if you wanted to eat the food, it would be cold. People, do not waste your money! If you think this is good, you had better branch out and try some other places.
(1)Donica A.
Saturday night at 8pm there was no wait for a table. Chips literally have steam coming off of them. Salsa is tasty. Service was fast. I had spinach enchiladas and my husband also had the enchiladas with egg. Very good food. Large portions.
(4)Larry D.
My wife and I eat at La Fonda's a couple of times a week. We do this for several reasons. 1) the food including the chips and salsa are wonderful 2) the prices are great. 3) the staff and owner are very personable. They treat you like family. They are very attentive and go out of their way to take care of their customers. When I read comments like "it takes so long to get our food/drinks" or "the staff was rude" I have to wonder if these people are at the same restaurant because we've never experienced any of these problems. I say when it's busy...relax. When you want another bowl of chips, another drink or your check, simply wave over any staff member. Believe me they'll take care of your needs. Also, to the last review I just read...if you want a true one-on-one experience maybe you should try sitting in the restaurant area and not the bar during happy hour! Just sayin!!!
(5)Alonzo V.
I really look forward to coming here for the Chimichanga, a cold Dos Equis and their awesome salsa and chips!
(4)Trishy B.
I love their tortilla chips and salsa, they're made fresh and they're not only crispy and warm, but free! I'm addicted to their spinach enchiladas with the spicy cream sauce. So much flavor and even when I'm stuffed, I still want to eat those things. I don't drink alcohol so I'm not sure how their drinks are but everything else is amazing!!! The staff is very nice and speak English very well so I never feel intimidated. The atmosphere is relaxed. Dim lighting, nice music, the decor is appropriate and some pieces look like they are really old and handmade. Every time my fiancè and I go, we never have to wait and always get parking in front of the building. I honestly don't know how this place isn't packed on a daily basis. Give this place a shot, you won't regret it! Perfect for date nights!
(5)Ryan R.
Well this was their last chance for us with the hundreds of Mexican restaraunts in the valley. We've had subpar service here in the past but this time takes the cake. We sat down and were served chips and salsa but thats where the service stopped. Several of the wait staff walked right by us without acknowledging us. After 15 min we decided to leave on the way out no one to lodge a complaint with so we called and let them know on the way to another restaraunt.
(1)Liz C.
Once again I ate at La fondas and the food was amazing! The chips came to the table nice fresh and hot!! The street tacos are one of my favorite things to eat but I had the chicken fajitas for something different and they were fantastic! It's always clean and friendly when I go in. Actually took some food home for my family I'm going to go was also very good!! I will be returning to LA fondas again real soon!!
(5)Aimee H.
Stopped in for an after work-work dinner last week. We had a very nice time. The service was quick, the food was good and my "skinny" margarita was awesome! Their chips and salsa is very tasty, not the best, but good enough for me to eat way more than I should have. I had the chicken fajitas and they were very good. The grilled veggies that it came with were the highlight I think. I would defiantly consider going back if we are looking for a dinner spot on this side of town again.
(4)Marchal P.
we ate dinner there last night no problem with the food was great and awesome as it always is, great job chiefs. Service though was not very good, our waitress seemed to know the menu pretty well, but her listening skills need a lot of work. I had the mini combo and I asked for all beans and no rice, well I got both. I also ask for more ice tea 3 times and received no refills. AS far as the chips and salsa we got one helping and in the bottom of the bowl was nothing but oil. No refills on that either. So from now on I am going to have to ask to sit in any other section except hers. We eat here a lot and service has never been an issue. This all happened on 8/13/2014.
(4)Jimmy L.
Seriously, I am a Mex-Foodaholic, and I usually don't turn it down. Coming from Cali where taquerias are everywhere, that can sometimes set the stage for expectations, but if I know that I really like it, it doesn't really matter to me - authentic or not. For example, I actually REALLY love Taco Bell. I don't care if it's authentic or not, I just know that I really like it. Same with La Fonda. I mean, for what it is, and if you set your expectations accordingly, their food is pretty good, kind of like a glorified Taco Bell in a sit-down restaurant! They got it going with regards to aesthetics and vibe, and it's a good place to take your larger groups of family or friends. Chips were good, and warm, and were served with something that was more of like a spicy hot sauce, and another that was more mild. I ordered the following - CHEESE CRISP Large toasted flour tortilla covered with melted cheese. 5.75 Add green chile strips, tomatoes or green onions for 1.00 per item ENCHILADA TRIO One beef enchilada with red sauce, cheese enchilada with green sauce and chicken enchilada with fundido sauce. Served with rice and beans. 12.50 Quite honestly, they were all pretty good, and the price was right. Service wasn't bad, either. The only thing is that my buddy insisted that I try something with the Fundido Sauce cuz he thought it was the absolute bomb, and is one of their signature items. Apparently it's made out of melted cheese and sour cream, and served/poured over the top of some of their items, though I didn't quite feel the love there ;-)
(3)Laura D.
My family has been going to La Fonda for over 30 years, since they were at their old location in North Tempe. It is a family favorite and a place we always look forward to going to! I love their fresh hot chips, and their 2 different kinds of salsa. My favorite has always been a bean burrito enchilada style, and even after they moved they have not messed that up. Thanks for 30 years of good food & memories La Fonda!!
(5)Miss P.
I began going to La Fonda after I found it on lists of celiac-friendly restaurants in Tempe. I was assured by the wait staff that the corn tortillas were free of wheat. Every time we ordered, we made it clear that the wheat thing was a health issue, not a preference, and we were always assured that my meals would be safe. So we ate there every week or two for a few months. A few weeks ago, we made a take-out order and went through the whole "wheat-free" spiel. This time, though, the employee told us that the corn tortillas are made in-house and contain wheat flour. She said she has worked there for several years and it has always been the case. I am disappointed to learn that eating at La Fonda isn't safe for me, and that they were not honest with me about it.
(1)Christopher K.
I ordered two items for carry-out on 7/28/2013. I was very disappointed in the quality of my food. I ordered a grilled chicken quesadilla with chicken and cheese only and a ground beef taco with beef and cheese only. They messed up both items. They gave me a shredded chicken with tomatoes and onions in it and it was all liquidity. Then they put lettuce on my taco. The beef was burnt. I took a bite of each item before throwing it all away. The chips were stale and the salsa were bland and did not taste fresh at all! What a waste of $15!
(1)Frank P.
I see a lot of really great reviews here for this place. I think it boils down to the type of place you are looking for. My thing is finding little family run ethnic places where the food is good and the prices low. Service is important, but decor and ambiance are non-factors to me. On the other hand, if you like average food served up with old, piped in mariachi music and fake, yet expensive, Mexican decor, this would be your place. My family, when they visit from Indiana, like it just fine. They enjoy it. But to me the food was bland to average. We had a good variety of stuff on our first visit--I had a build it yourself combo plate and Carol had a shrimp dish, can't recall now which one. Average, as I said. The salsa was awesome though. Second visit, salsa still good, other stuff, still average. Considering how slow they were when we visited, the service was not great--slow and only marginally friendly. This was on both trips--the first time when it was just Carol and I, and a second time when I went with my family. That second trip it seemed like maybe the owner or a manager was waiting tables and building up a pretty bad attitude about. Bottom line...if you like the real deal take a pass. If you don't mind this style, give it a try. It looks good and is not terrible.
(2)Tim R.
I have eaten at La Fonda many times over the years. Last night was my worst experience there, and the last time I will eat there. From the moment my girlfriend and I walked in the door, up to the moment we were getting into our vehicle, we were treated with disdain, and what could be interpreted as racism. The Hostess, with her cold glare, sat us, dropping our menus on the table, then, boldly walked away. Our waitress, SERVER ID 101, a woman who appeared jacked up on some sort of methamphetamine, came seconds after we were set, and asked us what we wanted to eat. I said we hadn't even ordered drinks yet. My girlfriend asked for a margarita, the waitress then told her what the beer specials were. Again, my girlfriend asked for a margarita, again, the waitress mentioned the beer specials. Third time is a charm, the waitress finally got the margarita order. The drinks were a mix of water and what ever mix they are using. They were terrible. I ended up ordering a beer, and the waitress brought me the wrong one. After the experience I had with her throughout the dining experience, I didn't argue with it. I wrote on the receipt "yelp" and added a frowning face. And having worked in the service industry, I was bummed to have to only give 10%. The food was decent, not too much to complain about there. We were standing outside, when we were approached by the waitress. She approached my girlfriend and began to complain about the tip, seriously, she actually complained. I informed her that if she had a problem, she needed to speak to me, after all, I was the one who paid the tab. She would not speak to me. She told my girlfriend, "I have been doing this job a long time, and no one has ever complained." I laughed, and again, told her that my girlfriend had on clue what she was speaking about and that she need to speak to me. Still, she refused. My girlfriend looked baffled. Still, the waitress continued to spew onto my girlfriend. I told the waitress that we were not happy with the experience, she was not acknowledging me, at all. She then went inside. She is lucky that I did not call and ask for her to be drug tested, and terminated. I do hope that a member of the management reads this, and is aware that I will not be steering any more business their way.
(1)Nancy J.
Couldn't wait for it to open, drove past every day surprised to see just a piece of wood spray-painted "Open soon". Finally called and found out it was open. I find it odd that they didn't take the time to paint an "Open at Last" sign. Anyway, I really enjoyed the other location, so I expected basically the same thing. The restaurant is very nice - but scaling up the dig includes raising $ as expected. My margarita was very tasty - better than the other spot but the food went downhill. I'm so disappointed!! Chips and salsa were good, entrees- just okay, beans and rice, really bad. I hope they figure it out - love having them in the neighborhood.
(2)Karen W.
La Fonda serves up no surprises, which is for some, exactly what they want in a Mexican restaurant. They have your standard array of chimichangas, fajitas, enchiladas, burros, and tacos, just to name a few, in your basic meats with a smattering of vegetarian options. Flavors aren't particularly bold, spicy, or stand out in my mind, but the food itself tastes decent. We started off with the obligatory chips and salsa. The chips were freshly made, light and crispy. There were 2 different salsas to dip your chips in, which I appreciated. There was a chunky mild salsa, and a more uniform blend of spicy salsa. Out of the two, the chunky salsa had more flavor for me. As for entrees, I tried some of the chicken chimichanga and had the spinach enchiladas. The chicken chimichanga was what you'd expect in your typical chimi: shredded marinated chicken, crispy, deep fried outer tortilla. The chicken was juicy, and it was served with guacamole, beans, cheese, and rice. The spinach enchilada was OK. It had a good amount of spinach with sauteed onion, with your choice of enchilada sauce (Red, green, or fundido). I had it with the red sauce. I didn't see much of the sauce, and perhaps the kitchen was compensating for this by using a ton of cheese in my plate. In addition to the cheese on top of the enchilada, there seemed to be an equal amount of cheese to beans and rice in my sides! For the dairy-inclined, you would be in paradise! Our server was attentive and friendly. Drinks were refilled as needed. The decor was probably the most distinctive element of the restaurant. Remembering how it used to look back when this building housed Chuy's, La Fonda's improvements have turned what used to be a divey, beachy, beer-guzzling bar into a warm welcoming Southwestern atmosphere. So if you're looking for a "safe" but not particularly inventive cuisine, in a cute scenic atmosphere, La Fonda is your place.
(3)Alissa S.
My mom and I ate there last night. I had the Vegetable Fajitas and she had Enchiladas and the Food was FABULOUS and the service was FABULOUS!!! I'd eat there every day if I could ! I don't see any truths to any unfavorable reviews for this place. I've been a customer 30 plus years! You're missing out if you don't stop in! The chips, salsa and hot sauce were perfect and no we didn't have to ask for hot sauce, they asked how many we wanted!
(5)Deb S.
Your chips and salsa are dynamite - chips are warm and crunchy, lightly salted and the salsa is spiced just right. But your entrees leave a little something to be desired. I've been here twice, once for lunch and once for dinner. Service is quick and friendly but the food again - just okay. I could compare you to another local family-owned Mexican restaurant here in the valley.
(3)Ramona A.
Very family friendly. Food was really good and the atmosphere was pretty relaxing. The music playing nice and low so we could talk without yelling. The waitress was very prompt and friendly.
(4)Jenn H.
We have given this restaurant several chances but this will be the last time we eat here. We come Monday nights and sit in the bar area for happy hour. There has never been a time that it was adequately staffed. Often times it takes 20 minutes for the server to take your drink order. We have learned to make sure you have your food order ready so you dont have to wait until your drinks come 15 minutes later. Also it would be best to ask for your check as soon as your food is brought to you or you will have to wait another 20 minutes for them to check on you. I hope you only want 1 drink because even 20 minutes after you slurp your last sip of margarita, they still haven't come back to see if you need another drink. Here we sit 20 minutes after asking for the check and she still hasn't come back to get our card. If you like to leisurely eat 1 appetizer and drink 2 margarits in 2 hours time this is the place for you. Oh yeah...the food is mediocre at best.
(1)NicholasAudrey C.
This place is amazing. The chips are fresh and cooked there and taste great. Ordered the enchilada trio the beef was good but the green cheese and chicken fundido was amazing. Also ordered was a shredded beef taco, carne asada, mini combo and machaca. All were really good. Definitely a place to return to. Portions were good sized as well. Only bad part is they have coke not Pepsi.
(5)Julie M.
Came here with my husband the other night for a meal. It is pretty close to the house. We typically don't love american mexican food. To much fat and cheese. This place was decent- not gourmet by any stretch but you can certainly get your mexican fix here. What I liked: The salsa. It was really tasty. I hope they make it there it had just a great fresh flavor. The chips were warm and salty to. What I wasn't a big fan off: the marg was just meh. I have had way better. Only refried beans? We like whole and find that most places are now offering a choice. The flour tortilla didn't taste fresh to me. I might or might not come back. There is such a selection of mexican food around here that is really really good.
(3)Todd W.
Going down hill fast with no end in sight! I used to live across the street from the old location. I blamed them for my belly!! I was really worried they would change when they moved. We went there for my birthday last week. No one checked on us for a long time. The place was not crowded. Chips and salsa took forever. Water took even longer. The food was ok. Kind of bland. I add a LOT of the hot sauce (If you can get it!!!). They used to give you a jar of it. Now it is handed out in tiny bowls like it is 20 year old scotch! Three people in my party got margaritas. They do not serve pitchers any more. So they got their own. They were expensive and according to all three it was VERY VERY weak. I really am sad to say I just don't feel they are worth it any more. Their service never was their best attribute but now it is dismal. You used to not care because the food was so darn good. Well that isn't the case anymore. Add in that the prices went up by a fair amount I think put a nail in the coffin for me!
(2)Michelle H.
I can't lie. I went here because of the hilarity of the place's name... and Serrano's is closed on Sundays. Having a strong hankering for some cheap American-ized Mexican food, we went here on a Sunday afternoon is hopes that La Fonda would be a lady and put out something good. Although the interior is pretty and they have a sperate dining room and lounge area which is nice so you don't have to sit with screaming children. I guess we just ordered the wrong dish because neither of us were exceptionally impressed. Now the salsa was kick ass but the taco salad and chimi were not. I think I picked the wrong option with putting ground beef in it. What also was unimpressive was that the salad with gac and sour cream added was $12. Ugh. I'd honestly give La Fonda a 2 score but our waitress was very nice and pleasant.
(3)Marie M.
The food was really good. I had the chicken lime salad, the kids had a cheese crisp and beans and my sister-in-law had a big burrito that she loved. The atmosphere is really nice as the new location is a vast improvement over the last location. We had a new server so you want to give them the benefit of the doubt but she was pretty bad. Ordering a margarita from her was a bit of a nightmare - not going to lie. I had to send it back and of course got the excuse that it was the bartender's fault. Don't order iced tea though if you are not a fan of sugar or sweet n low - that's all they have.
(4)C-dilla K.
Okay, first trip here but have been driving past and couldn't wait to try it- we were finally able to since we came in Sunday, as we have tried going there Mondays and they are closed (inconvenient). My house marg was decent, the chips ok, salsa was fair but the hotter of the two tasted like canned tomato paste with some spice added haphazardly. Unfortunately, the service was awful. Side plates and silverware and napkins are nice to have... Refilling iced teas, the waitress asked if my fellow patrons would like more ice, since it had been so long all the ice melted. The obvious answer is yes please more ice, this being *iced tea and all. The pollo fundido was too smothered and too soggy, the rice and beans were decent. My boyfriend's chimi didn't have much meat There was a mix up with our check which topped off the Poor Service Cherry and the waitress didn't seem too concerned or bothered by overcharging us by $20 when we brought it to her attention. Also, for being brand new I was surprised to find the bathroom smelled like sewage, come on, that's gross. With all the mexican food restaurants in the area, La Fonda falls short.
(1)Brandon S.
Solid Mexican food spot located in a nice Tempe location. I've gotten orders for dine-in and take-out and have been pleased with both experiences. Nothing stands out on the menu but I've tried the beef tacos, enchiladas, chili rellano, tostadas, green corn tamales, chimichangas and thought they were all tasty. Consistent food spot and will continue to go there in the future.
(4)Josh E.
Extremely disappointed in the dinner I had at La Fonda. The service was terrible. It took ten minutes after we were seated for a server to come take our first drink orders. Then another ten minutes before they actually came.. It was 3 waters and a tea, come on now. Then we were served chips and salsa and for some reason this is the only Mexican food place that doesn't give out side plates so the table was full of salsa that had fallen off the chips. Of course we never got napkins or silverware until we asked so it was quite hard to clean up. When our food came so did more disappointment. I order a chimy and it was all tortilla with a little bit of meat in it, the flavors were nice but I would have liked more meat with the food. The server only came around one more time to refill out empty drinks and then got an attitude when we asked if she didn't mind putting more ice in the glasses. Sorry we had to chew on all of our ice because it took you 20 minutes to come by our table to refill the drinks. Once the check came she charged our credit card to another tables meal and came back with a receipt over $30 than what ours was. When we brought this to her attention she didn't even apologize she just grabbed the tab and came back with the right receipt and the voided out receipt of the first charge. Overall I know I won't being going back, such a shame too, they spent so much time putting the place together I had such high hopes. Food was just alright and service was terrible. Not worth the $$
(2)Wheeler E.
I am encouraged seeing the owner is reading and responding to user comments. My experience the second week of its reopening was disappointing and I had made my mind up not to back. But I came across these recent posts where the owner is engaged and for that will give the restaurant another go. Not to mess up the ratings but be truthful, I would have rated a 2 before but will rate 3 now until I go back and try again..... I want this place to be successful, especially since I live nearby....
(3)Mike H.
I miss CHUY's on Sunday afternoon..... So, we tried the new digs at La Fonda. Just maybe there was a Make your own Bloody Mary special (nope).. ok, new design, looked a LOT more formal and more like a restaurant than a bar.. We sat at the bar to test the food and have a couple drinks. I got an Amber Dos Equis .... Clean, cold glass oh yea.... but then the after taste had a strong metallic hint to it. Got Sampler appetizer, BEEF.. Taco, Taquito, Chimi... all 3 the meat was short on flavors, had to scoop in the salsa to get something going on.. Chimi didnt have that chimi crunch. .. one of the bartenders that came on shift while we were there did nothing but complain about her scheduled hours and being asked to come in to other customers... :-( Will not be back, cant get shredded beef right, why try anything else.. ++ the chips were good, salsa eh,,,
(1)Darsi A.
My daughter and I had lunch here today for the first time. Nice atmosphere, fresh chips, good salsa and hot sauce. My daughter loved her chimichanga. I had a combo with shredded beef taco, enchilada, rice and beans, all good. Plenty of food, we both brought home half of our plate. We are looking forward to coming again and trying some other things on the menu.
(4)Aaron C.
Me and my girlfriend went here on our date night, since its less than a mile from our place! We got seated pretty fast, but it went downhill from there. Our waiter was nowhere to be seen, and at least 3 employees passed us by without saying a word. We were hungry and thirsty but after 10 minutes of waiting, we decided that they didn't need our business and we left! Very disappointed!! Luckily there is a Garcias right down the street, and we had excellent service as usual.. Don't waste your valuable time on La Fonda's
(1)Pranay N.
The ambiance is good. Sangria was good too. But we were a big party and sitting on a big table. I asked for a salsa refil, the server picked one off our table, turned around and handed it over to me. I was thinking of giving 4 stars, but just 3 for now!
(3)Neil P.
Bad food, worse service. Their carne asada looks suspiciously like ground beef, especially since it is mixed with diced peppers and onions. When I brought this up, the extremely inattentive server, Alicia, told me that's how it comes. It was also greasy and overcooked. The guacamole was tasteless and brown.... while it was taken off my bill, at my request, not even the vaguest sense of concern was offered about my being unhappy enough to send it back. I would have said something to Alicia about how I was very unhappy about my whole meal, but she never asked. She hid out in the server station 12 feet away. 30 minutes later, after one reluctant soda refill, no offer of chips or salsa, and a cold plate of food with 3 1/2 bites taken still in front of me, I debated asking to speak with the manager. I decided against it. If a server completely fails to notice when someone is very obviously displeased, or even ask, I seriously doubt I would receive much help from the mgmt. I will never return to La Fonda.
(1)Harish A.
Awesome chips and salsa ... everything else is quite average.
(3)B H.
Food and server were good. I always find it hard to swallow a place that charges $10-11 for a burrito. I live close and I was hoping for a new drinking spot to walk to that may take the place of the loved Chuy's. Nope! They are serving Coronas for $4.50 each. A 6 pack is $2 at the store.Why bother. They need to reduce their beer prices and get better happy hour and reverse happy hour specials if they want business. Will not go back until I hear of better prices and specials. Chuy's was cheap and good... learn from the success of the company that was there.
(2)Mike L.
La Fonda is back as La Fonda Cantina and even better than before!
(5)Art R.
So disappointed. The last time when it was pretty new it was good. This visit was horrible. Carne Asada was overcooked and looked disgusting. The waiters seem uninterested in helping and only made the occasional pass by. The place was deserted. Management needs to get their act together and bring this place back to life.
(2)Cherry M.
HORRIBLE! We were so excited too! We visited La Fonda tonight for dinner around 5:45pm. There were 6 people in our party and we were told a 25 min wait. I didn't think that was too bad. We were offered a table in the bar, but had kids with us and didn't want to sit at a tall table. The wait was about 25 min. When we were shown to our table my Mom (who had on white capri pants) barely bumped the chair next to her with her leg when sitting down and got a nice brown wood stain, stain on her pants. Weird their wood stained chairs would rub off. When we told the girls up front all they said/offered was, "Oh, we are sorry!" That's it. To me not okay. Now on to the food... My brother ordered a cheese crisp as an appetizer. We waited and waited. Seriously about 25 more minutes. Finally asked the server who was like, "Oh, let me go check". He brought it right out which was about 2 seconds in front of our food. So you think you can't mess up a cheese crisp, right? Just cheese on a tortilla? Well they managed to somehow. The after taste was like burnt oven or oven type cleaner, maybe? Awful. I ordered the 3 item combo. Fish taco, carne asada taco and cheese enchilada. Fish taco was good. Carne asada taco tasted like Pastor, which was kinda odd. It wasn't bad just didn't taste like carne asada. Cheese enchilada was terrible. In fact you could tell that plate had been under a warmer for quite some time. There was a layer of grease on top, which did not look appetizing. Instead of being covered in red sauce it has some type of red spicy chili sauce inside. It did not taste good. Even the beans and rice that came on the plate were bad! The beans tasted like crushed up Ranch style beans and the rice had zero flavor and was so seriously clumpy the nicest thing I had to say was that it was easy to get the clumps onto the fork. I am so disappointed this place isn't good! We really wanted a new restaurant to visit in the area. I am not overly picky about food...at all and please let me tell you to save your money or at least go get good Mexican food at Rosita's or Manuel's, that are in the same area. We will not be back :( OMGSH I almost forgot! My son ordered the cheese crisp and beans off the kids menu and when they brought it out they had the bowl of beans sitting in the middle of his cheese crisp. Who wants the bottom of a bowl in the middle of their food!? Is that even health code okay? I asked the server and he said, "Oh, that's the way we serve it". GROSS GROSS GROSS!
(1)Hayley H.
I love this place! I can't Get enough! My best friend and I stumbled upom the scottsdale location one day and we were hooked. I take all my friends here and my sister is hooked too. One of my friends is gluten-free and the manager came out and talked to her to make sure her food was prepared to her needs. The chips and salsa are so yummy and I always get guacamole to go with it too. The taquitos are so yummy as is the green chile burro, taco salad and fajitas! I love this place!
(5)Joe B.
Very nice setting, excellent food and reasonable prices. I hope they keep up the quality
(3)Monte M.
I always buy the same thing when I go to a Mexican food restaurant: a bean burro, enchilada style (red sauce). It's a simple item, but it's my all-time favorite food. I thought the burro and the enchilada sauce were excellent. Having a side of beans with my bean burro sounds redundant, but they were yummy. I liked the rice as well. I also would have liked to order a burro by itself without getting the beans and rice. Eating too much wreaks havoc on my six-pack abs. Okay, I admit it. I actually have a one-pack, but it would be great to have the choice of getting items a la carte. I thought the chips, salsa, and red sauce were all good. All the servers and greeters were very friendly. I sat at the bar and watched the 2012 Summer Olympics as I ate. I think they had three (or four) flat screen TVs in the bar. On one of the TVs tonight, the Diamondbacks were playing the Dodgers. I hope La Fonda is successful at their new location. Including the tip, my bill was about $14.00. That is a tad steep for someone who really only wanted a bean burro, enchilada style. I will go back, but I'll have to reduce my normal number of visits because of the cost. I added some photos of my dinner and of the outside of La Fonda, which is located just east of McClintock Rd, on the south side of Baseline Rd.
(4)Michael S.
Only been to La Fonda's for lunch, but was very impressed with the lunch menu and pricing. The service an attentiveness was very good and the food came out to our table very quickly. Had the Chicken Fundito with the Green Chili Sauce and it was unbelieveable.
(4)Justin B.
It's not the same as the old place. Sometimes change isn't the best thing...and sometimes playing 70's music while eating a taco is not the ideal genre for a mexican restuarant. Never again
(2)Karen S.
Tried to go to dinner here. Was told there was a 30 minute wait, said that was fine, we will sit and wait in bar. Nope 30 mins wait for everything bar and restaurant! But lots of open seats in the bar..didn't matter. We left shaking our heads as did next 2 couples that walked in behind us. I think they need to rethink their seating policy.
(1)Henry R.
This place is just ok...nothing to write home about. Service was awful. Food was average. Atmosphere was ok, but the Bar looked pretty lively. I think its really 2.5 stars but its not available. I would recommend happy hour only for this spot.
(3)Misti P.
When I came on here and saw the rating for La Fonda, I was appalled. Since I am an Arizona native, I consider myself a Mexican Food connoisseur, and La Fonda is great Mexican food!! Chips, Salsa annnnnd hot sauce, all delicious. Options for a skinny margarita, check. Rice and beans, yum. Green chile, carne & enchiladas all bueno. But I think my favorite part is the flour tortillas. I am not sure if they make them in house or not, but they are legit! I do wish they had a grilled fish option, or offered free range/anti-biotic free chicken, so I could eat here more often. Long and short, fantastic Mexican food restaurant, with a really nice atmosphere!
(5)Rowe S.
La Fonda is your basic Mexican food restaurant. Nothing fancy, but also not a dive. I like the food very much. Again, nothing fancy, but quite flavorful--and the portions are generous. I've eaten at La Fonda for many years, mostly when it was in south Scottsdale (or was that north Tempe?) on Rural. Now it is only a half mile from my house, so I go more frequently. Service is quick and pretty friendly, though I tend to eat out at slightly off times in order to avoid waiting. If you live in Glendale or Arrowhead, there is no need to make the long trip to try the food. But if you are anywhere near Baseline & McClintock in Tempe, you should try the restaurant at least once.
(4)joseph m.
so the service ended up being pretty good they brought hot chips and two kinds of salsa before we ordered.and the appetizer (taquitos) were tasty (esp the chicken) lunch was the beef and chicken fajitas. delicious! loved to hear the traditional Mexican music playing.
(4)Lynsey W.
Used to frequent this place when it was on Scottsdale road. First visit after the move was horrible but realized that because of the bigger place they probably had to hire new wait staff who were probably overwhelmed as the place was packed. 2nd visit was better, the wait staff was more attentive and I didn't wait 30 min to pay my check. Food is what I call typical greasy gringo Mexican. Nothing too special and it will most likely give you indigestion.
(3)Jim W.
My wife and I were excited to eat here as we live around the corner from this place. Unfortunately we were very disappointed with the food quality. The chips and salsa were good and the chips served hot. You get a hot sauce and chunky mild salsa with the chips. This was the only high point. Everything else ordered was not fresh tasting. My wife ordered the fish tacos which tasted like they used frozen fish sticks from trader Joes. My dish was a combo plate of Green Corn Tamales and Spinach Enchilada. Both of these items were lame. The spinach tasting like it came from a frozen bag and the tamale was mushy and bland. The rice and beans were also bland and lifeless. Salt and pepper didn't do anything to help. When the server asked how our food was we told her not good and we would not return. We got no response from her except the check. If the food does not improve here it will not last. Too many good Mexican food restaurants to waste your time and calories here.
(1)Kyle H.
Still the same great food and service in a new much larger location, with an actual sports bar! If you like the old location, you'll love the new location!
(4)Chantie F.
I had my 1st La Fonda experience with the daughter's location that opened down in Chandler. LOVED their salsa and the fajitas. Yum! We used to eat there a couple of times a month. When I moved to Tempe, I remembered that the original location was somewhere nearby...then...I saw the coming soon sign go up. I hate to admit it, but I would drive by and look for sign updates. I was so happy to see it finally open. We stopped by around a 5:30 on a Friday night, but ended up leaving. The wait was approaching an hour and a 2 year old will NOT wait an hour for dinner. We came back a week or so later for lunch. The chicken fajitas were just as yummy as I remembered them. I got the cheese crisp and beans for my daughter; however, she was less than eager for either. I was less than eager to see the bowl of beans on top of her cheese crisp? Would have rather had it served off to the side rather than the bowl on top of the cheese. Quite a bit of the cheese stuck to the bottom of the bowl when I removed it. =/ .
(4)Doug B.
I was very excited to see what the new La Fonda location was like and what the food quality and the menu was going to be like, after the La fonda move from the Scottsdale location. I used to go to the old location for many, many years, and loved it. The new Baseline building location has been completely remodled and redecorated inside and out. It looks great. Right away, however, I noticed a menu problem. I used to order a burrito, alacarte and a taco or two. The new menu has only burrito combination plates. You cannot order a burrito ala carte. A green chili burro will cost you $8.95, and come with beans and rice. No other option is available. I was told by our waiter that "They are trying to get away from the ala carte thing." I was very disappointed. When my "Build Your Own Combo" Lunch Menu order (burros are not offered with this option) came out, I was disappointed. The shreadded beef taco meat was dry, tough and flavorless. I could not even bite through it. A server did offer to replace it with something else, but, I was starting to just want to get out of there, and count my losses. The ground beef taco had no flavor, and the cheese portion put on both tacos was skimpy, at best. The cheese enchilada was thin and skimpy. The plate was very hot, and the beans and rice were OK. It just is not the La Fonda I used to crave, and I doubt I will be back. I might give it another chance, down the road a bit, to see if they improve. This might be another case of a place that used to be good when they were small, but lose it when they expand to a huge new building.
(2)R H.
If you want great tasting food and warm, attentive servers, don't go here. This was by far one of the worse dining experiences we've had in some time. We dined on a Tuesday night, with only a few other diners there. We were pretty much ignored for quite a while. Chips & salsa? Try 15 minutes after we were seated. Food was abysmal. The meat On my wife's nacho's were cold, they had to take them back to get nuked. My machaca? Dry, dry, dry. Flavor? Think cardboard. Asked for corn tortillas, got flour. On top of all this, kids were supposed to eat free as advertised on Tuesdays. We were charged for both kids, they only removed one of the kids meals. We finally spoke to the manager on duty, it didn't really seem that she cared about our concerns.
(1)