Morenita's Restaurant — Restaurant in Idaho Falls

I was really excited to come here and prove the naysayers wrong. Thinking that they just had a stroke of bad luck. My husband and I are major foodies, and saw that this place had 4 1/2 stars on yelp, and was reasonably priced. So on our way to Yellowstone we decided to take our young family here to have yummy food and not spend a fortune.

Unfortunately..... I am afraid the first thing we discovered was that they didn't update their prices online OR even on their own board inside of the restaurant at all! It just seemed like they decided to charge us whatever they felt like at the time. The kids meals that show they are $5.49 are in fact $6.99 and the enchiladas that were $9.99 are actually $12.99. So we ended up paying $9 more for our 4 meals we ordered.

They were kind enough to offer free queso and chips because they were aware they had the prices wrong.

Now to the food itself.... The meat was almost non existent in the enchiladas, just like I had seen in previous reviews. I made a special effort to find a little piece(of carne asada, they didn't give us a shredded beef one like we asked so I couldn't review that) so I could see how it tasted, it was actually tasty when you could find it. Not much cheese in the cheese one, and they were barely lukewarm. Oh, and they didn't have any guacamole because they said the avocados they had weren't ripe yet.

The Mexican rice wasn't fresh, it was in bags that they would plop into your styrofoam cup and microwave it. The flavor wasn't horrible but it had crunchy uncooked rice bits and dry because of being reheated.

I personally am a dessert junkie, always looking for a contender among my favorites. So I tried their tres leches. I wasn't sure exactly as to what flavor the cake was itself, but it seemed like it tasted kinda like pineapple which I wasn't a huge fan of but that is my personal preference. The cake itself wasn't very moist, but I have noticed that is common with a lot of tres leches. They had some sort of "canned-like" jellied strawberry on the cake and then the worst sin of all.... They had COOL WHIP on the top, instead of whipped cream! That is a dealbreaker for me every time! Nothing can replace cream, ever! I was so sad, and I couldn't finish more than a couple of bites of the cake.

So sadly, I did feel like it was very overpriced even before trying the food, and now after trying it, I really am bummed we came.

I am sure the owners are probably crunched for funds because of the inflation like everyone. I just hope they can find a way to bring back the authenticity, value, and freshness that I think they probably started with. Best of luck on your...

Nestled in the heart of the city, Morenita's Restaurant offers a delightful culinary escape with its vibrant ambiance and authentic flavors. From the moment you step inside, you are greeted with warm smiles and a cozy atmosphere that feels like a home away from home.

Ambiance: The decor is a perfect blend of traditional and modern, featuring colorful murals, rustic wooden tables, and soft, ambient lighting. The attention to detail in the decor creates an inviting and comfortable space, ideal for both casual dining and special occasions.

Service: The service at Morenita's is impeccable. The staff is attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu, offering excellent recommendations and ensuring a pleasant dining experience. The wait time is reasonable, even during peak hours, and the staff goes above and beyond to accommodate any special requests.

Food: Morenita's menu is a celebration of authentic cuisine, with a wide variety of dishes that cater to all tastes. Each dish is prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients and bursting with flavor. The smothered burritos are a standout, with perfectly seasoned meat and fresh toppings. The enchiladas are rich and satisfying, and the ceviche is refreshingly tangy and vibrant. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available, making it a versatile choice for groups with diverse dietary preferences.

Value: Considering the quality of the food and the overall dining experience, Morenita's offers excellent value for money. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable, making it a great option for both everyday meals and special celebrations.

Conclusion: Morenita's Restaurant is a gem that brings the authentic flavors of its cuisine to the city with style and warmth. Whether you're a local or a visitor, it's a dining experience that shouldn't be missed. Highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious meal in a welcoming and...

I need not say anything else. The other reviews nailed it spot on.

My wife and are I are both from CA, and have eaten some seriously amazing Mexican food.

This is one of those Mex Taco Shops that delivers the taste you expect but hardly ever get.....for every 20 Taco Shops you visit, one or two might deliver to this caliber.

If in Idaho Falls area, this is a must place to eat.

The salsas in a bottle, being like 6 different kinds, cater to all kinds of folk, from super spicy to mild and creamy, they get my vote.

The Barbaqoua Chimi was awesome, barely melted cheese and rice inside, along with sour cream on the outside, with a flaky yet doughly like, lightly fried homemade tortilla.....man that was good....not greasy or heavy duty, just tasty and filling.

The rancheros or whatnot tacos delivered too, got chicken and carne asada, both exceptional.

This place is authentic and is family owned and ran. The girl at the counter was friendly and helpful as we've never visited before.

Someone even took our food on accident or on purpose (from the way it looked) at the counter and Morenitas happiliy made it right by getting it replaced asap.

We'll be back, just like...