Tortilleria Garcia - College Hill — Restaurant in Cincinnati

Review of Tortilleria Garcia – College Hill Location

I want to share my experience at this location because what happened was unprofessional, disrespectful, and disappointing—especially for a business that operates in our neighborhood and receives support from local organizations like ours.

On my first visit, my church group was hosting a community event in the park on 08/08/-2025, Patrick's Park in which this establishment is located next door. I arrived after work about 6pm still in work attire and needed to change my shirt only. I walked in my usual way—smiling and waving. I was greeted by a teenage Hispanic male (curly hair, glasses, visible acne) with a dry, uninterested expression. He barely spoke, and when he did, his voice was so low I couldn’t hear him. I explained that I was with the group outside and asked if I could quickly use the restroom to change into a T-shirt for our performance in the park next door. It was extremely hot that day, and I made it clear I just needed a private space—even a closet—since others in my large group had already purchased drinks.

Instead of helping, he simply pointed to the “Restroom for Customers Only” sign I had already seen. When I asked again, he smirked, looked past me, and mocked my voice by mouthing what I said to another young Black male employee behind me. Both laughed and sneered while ignoring my request. This behavior was visible enough that even women working on the taco line—who may not have spoken English—noticed my frustration. I spoke louder, asking, “What’s so funny? Did you not hear me ask you a question?”

I left, but when another member of my group came in to buy a drink, I went with her so we could get the receipt and use the restroom. We had the receipt in hand, but didn’t notice the sign on the register that said the code was printed at the top. When we asked, the same young man pointed to the sign with a smirk, as if to imply we couldn’t read. At that point, I asked for the manager.

The manager—also a young Hispanic male—witnessed the laughter and sent the two employees to the back. They didn’t go far; they were still snickering and smirking within view. I pointed this out, and the manager apologized but didn’t directly address their behavior in the moment. When I asked for corporate’s contact information, he only gave me his personal email, which I did not trust.

I explained that I was with CHPC and that our youth group and other ministries in our church family frequently support this business—not only purchasing food and gift cards to give away as prizes, but also having Tortilleria Garcia cater for our events. This is not how you treat customers, let alone community partners.

Fast forward to today 08/13/2025 —around 7:35 PM—my 14yo granddaughter went in to use a gift card I had received from CHPC as a thank you gift about three months ago. There is no indication of the amount of the card and since the website does not state the balance or any directions it guided us to asking in person. She encountered a young white male who told her the card had no balance. She explained it was brand new and had never been used, but his attitude was dismissive and rushed, likely because they were closing at 8 PM. I was on the phone the entire time and heard the lack of care in how she was spoken to.

This is now two separate encounters at this location where employees showed a lack of professionalism and respect—particularly toward customers of color. For a business in our neighborhood, benefitting from our patronage, this is unacceptable. I will be sharing this experience with others in the community so they can make informed decisions about where to spend their money. With so many businesses that are around the neighborhood such as Catch A Fire Pizza, El Camino Bakery, Rasheeda's, Just Q'ing, LaRosas, etc. we have options and do not have to spend our hard earned money with...

4 and a half stars!

I've wanted to try Tortilleria Garcia ever since I found out about them over a year ago. Not having need to go to Springdale often, I never made it. Luckily the College Hill location is open and much closer to home.

We went on Taco Tuesday, when a smaller version of their regular taco is only $1 a piece. These tacos are more than worth the meager price. Trying all four protein selections, carnitas, carne, pollo, and al pastor. Each one was quite tasty. All of the accompaniments were quite fresh. After polishing off a dozen tacos and a quesodilla, it was so good I got back in line and ordered nachos and chips and guacamole. Plates were clean by the time we left. The aqua fresca selections were also quite good.

The restaurant is clean and well decorated. There are two cashiers to keep the line of customers moving quickly. The gentleman handing out the completed orders was friendly and engaging.

I certainly don't wish to take anything away from this fine establishment, we had an excellent experience. The only reason I did not give 5 stars is that I believe the Mexican cuisine in Cincinnati has reached a new level. There are, in my opinion, other restaurants that are a bit more flavorful overall. However, Tortilleria Garcia is certainly the best value. We will definitely be back to take down some tamales or the...

Usually love this place. Today went in for my usual order a burrito. They have a special on Fridays where you get free chips and a drink with burrito orders. Cool. I don't usually like their chips because they are generally on the stale side but they were free. I went to pick up my order and requested extra salsa on the side which I always do because I like a lot of salsa with my burrito. I was told salsa is extra and I needed to pay for it. Which was strange because every time I have eaten there this has never been the case. In the past, I have explicitly asked while ordering my meal for salsa on the side and have been told to just to ask for it at pickup no charge. So obviously I'm confused and ask if this is a new policy. It seems like the free chips the meal came with made me have to pay for extra salsa for my burrito. I have never interacted with the worker who informed me of this before and I honestly hope to never have to again. He rolled his eyes and was really dismissive about all of my questions. There was an undercurrent of an implication that I was trying to knowingly get free salsa when I wasn't entitled to it. Which maybe is because he's had to have this conversation several times today? Idk, but this partnered with my order being wrong the last two times I have ordered from here may...