La Costeñita Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Dayton

This understated restaurant at the corner of Third and Philadelphia in East Dayton serves up a surprisingly broad menu, specializing in seafood. A group of friends I was with discovered this spot on our semi-annual "taco trail" trek along Third, and we've been back several times. I had the Diablo-style fish, which included a roasted white fish rooted with slow-cooked onions and peppers. The rich sauce was delightfully spicy without being too mouth-burning. (Note: I am a hot-head spice hound so it takes a lot to make me sweat.) The sides were the standard refried beans and rice. The fish was fresh and perfectly cooked, the flesh flaking delicately away under the crispy skin. I also want to recognize the complimentary salsas; the tomatillo blend is mild, tangy, and fresh. The other burnt-orange sauce brought to the table was spicer for sure and had a complex, smokey flavor that was a crowd pleaser at our table.

Even though the menu has plenty of seafood options, there are traditional Tex-Mex options for those less adventurous diners and/or children in your party. There are south-of-the-border snacks and other retail sundries available for purchase, as well. Check out their large meal packages if you need to bring something unique and tasty to your next gathering.

Visit this family-owned business when you're craving some authentic-style Latin...

We were looking for authentic Mexican food, and we certainly found it in this gem! The tacos were 100% some of the best we've ever eaten. The tortillas were pure heaven! The Tlayuda was a perfect taste of my favorite Mexican state, Oaxaca! The salsa was beautifully crafted with a bold and roasted flavor profile. It definitely has the kick I was looking for, but may be too hot for gringos with weak baby palates. Their horchata and jamaica drinks are the real deal, not made from powder mixes.

The service was great and the server was really friendly.

I woke up today thinking about the food here, and might need to make another stop in today to grab a few tacos for lunch!

If you're looking for real, authentic Mexican food, I can't recommend this place enough! They're fantastic! However, if you're coming here looking for chicken tenders (reference to another review), then you're at the wrong place to begin with. Go back to one of the many Tex Mex chains we have in the area! Or you could teach yourself and your kids to expand your palates at this delicious, mom and pop, authentic...

East Dayton isn't the first place you think of as a food destination. Urban blight has decimated the area. But there is some light to be found in the form of La Costenita. Run by Xitlalli Chavez-Galan the tastes of Oaxaca are on display here. Tlayuda a massive platter of goodness you won't find in the typical "tex- mex" restaurants Americans usually patronize. A traditional Mexican comfort food huraches is also on the menu, served with your choice of meat. No liquor license but that doesn't matter, the food is well worth being sober for a few minutes in your life to enjoy this amazing place. Unique menu items such as Lengua, Tripe, cactus and the famous Oaxaca cheese are all available. It's not dressed up like the tex-mex places but you can see some traditional items throughout the restaurant. Transport yourself to Oaxaca, Mexico at this East Dayton diamond...