When it comes to Mexican food in Gainesville, you have a bevy of options to satisfy your taco craving.
That being said, none compare to the authenticity and expansive menu found at La Tienda. This restaurant has taken all your favorite dishes and paid homage to the homeland cucina – dishes feature a fiesta of spicy peppers, unique meats and chunky, fresh guacamole. The menu has more than 90 dishes to choose from, but don’t think that it’s spread itself too thin. While other restaurants may fail at trying to offer too much, La Tienda succeeds by sticking to its roots and serving honest-to-goodness Mexican staples and nothing else.
For undergrads looking to move beyond their normal late-night trek to Taco Bell, stop searching for the perfect study fuel; this is it. The tortas, Mexican sandwiches stuffed with your choice of meat and anything from refried beans, avocado, onions and more, are filling and made entirely from scratch after you order.
Just because you’re moving past your Chipotle addiction doesn’t mean you have to give up burritos. The restaurant’s Carne Asada Burrito will leave you craving it for days. When it comes to choosing your protein, don’t be afraid to be adventurous. The menu lists choices like beef cheek, tongue and even cactus, but after taking recommendations from regular customers, it was hard to find something on the menu that I didn’t want to try.
The restaurant even has vegetarian selections like Chile Pablano, a poblano pepper stuffed with cheese and topped with red mole, and the Enchiladas Verdes de Queso, three cheese enchiladas topped with green mole, lettuce, tomato and avocado, for those on a stricter diet.
The prices are perfect for any budget, with most dishes ringing up around $5. Grab a Mexican cola from the cooler next to the register on your way out and come back pronto for your next spicy food craving.
La Tienda
2204 SW 13th St.
latiendagainesville.com
HC Recommends: Chorizo Torta, Carne Asada Tacos, Enchiladas Verdes de Queso
Details: La Tienda is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. It has plenty of parking in the back and an outdoor patio for seating when the weather complies.