Mexican Cantina Restaurant — Restaurant in Panglao

Let’s begin by making this Very clear. The owner knows NOTHING about running a restaurant. He may own this place, but clearly knows nothing about a functioning restaurant business. Let’s begin by saying I feel VERY SORRY for the Locals whom work for him. I had a clear view of the kitchen the entire time I was there. 1 older woman and a little girl as her helper were handling the kitchen, an rather busy restaurant. With the very (I’ll be nice here) buzzed owner (aka:drunk) doing nothing but yelling at her and constantly berating here back there. I could see on her poor face how stressed out she was with him back there. There is NO WAY IN HELL this man has run a successful restaurant back in the States. All restaurants need proper training and there’s a functionality to running a smooth kitchen and FOH. I have NO IDEA WHY ANYONE, is going here thinking they’ll get Mexican tasting or Mexican style type cooking. I would not recommend this place bcuz of the drinking owner AND how he speaks to his staff. The staff cannot help with the horrible food. That starts with the owner and proper training. I know this is the islands, but that experience was SAD. Don’t support this. These ratings on here are way Way off. No way in hell they’re accurate. For the same prices I had a VERY VERY good sandwich just across the way at Bread & Blend…. Highly...

Taco snobs here. Been traveling in SEA for the last 4 months. Mexican is hard to come by. I was shocked when I found this place then floored by the taste. The pork taco was phenomenal. We mistakenly only order one to share. Also tried a small ckn quesadilla and ckn burrito ( we were hungry ). Both items had an abundance of cheese and it was delicious! Filled us up. Now the Filipinos are not know for spicy food. They make non- spicy salsa( our version of Verde) a medium and xxx hot. The Medium salsa had my mouth of fire! So be warned.

Also order a margarita- tad different bc their limes in Philippines are different then anywhere else. Only downfall was the menu stated but one, get from margarita from 1-5pm. We ordered at 2pm and they said no to the second margarita. Not sure if the hours changed for this special or no...

WARNING: This place has changed ownership and is not at all as good as the original. If you want the best Tacos in Panglao go around the corner to Mike's Original Cantina. Mike created Cactus Cantina and recently moved to a better location. The current people at his old spot ripped off his name and are trying to deceive people. Don't be fooled. As for Mike's Original....This classic neighborhood taco joint will quench your thirst, fill your belly, and bring a smile to your face. Reminiscent of a quaint Mexican taco stand, small and cozy, but don't let it's simple appearance mislead you. The tacos are well made and the home made mango salsa is a great compliment to the fillings. Set your spicy level and enjoy. Cold beer or a classic margarita to wash it down. A great place to hang out and talk story with some...