La Peña Mexicana — Restaurant in Kennett Square

I have been here about three times in the last month. I really like the beans and homemade tortillas. So far I have eaten several types of tacos on corn tortillas. I like the pastor, tinga, and carne asada. My favorite is the al pastor. The restaurant has a no frills interior with a huge tv playing spanish music and videos as you dine. I like it but it is a bit loud.

In addition, the place looks clean but sort of diner-like, if this were a truck stop. It seats about four tables of four with a few small tables for two. It is cozy. The owner is friendly, and the service is on the low-key side. It seems like a place for regulars who know the menu and do not need a lot of explanation about the meal choices.

I recently ordered guacamole and chips and got a dish with fresh salsa, guacamole, and chips served in the center. It was fancier than I expected and probably cost more too. I enjoyed it quite a bit, but I do not like surprises. I like to know exactly what I am getting and what I am paying for in advance.

They serve Jarritos and some fresh juice drinks as well as horchata. My meal for two and three people tends to cost about $35, which includes a drink besides water. I think they could benefit from more transparency. I noticed on my receipt they add a small charge if you use a credit card. It is understandable, but I would like to know this in advance. Maybe I missed a sign near the register. If so, it is small.

Despite these minor flaws I am happy to have found this place. The food is good. However it does lean towards not spicy as the default--for the pico de gallo and the guacamole. I can appreciate the simpe ambiance and affordability. I went in a place recently charging over $10 for everything. This place has honest prices and good food. It is just not the kind of place you go to celebrate an...

This is our go-to place for Mexican takeout in Kennett Square. We regularly get the special meat burrito with lomo (seasoned shredded pork), burrito with asada, and chicken quesadilla. The huaraches and enchiladas are also really good. All meals come with a ton of food. They give you little hot sauce containers and limes to go with your meal. There’s a small eating area where you often find people dining, but we typically to takeout because we order during the week and the food travels well. They’re always really quick when we call; about 15 minutes and the food is ready.

The owner is almost always the one who answers the phone and greets you when you come in. You can tell that he cares about his restaurant and making his customers happy, and you can feel good that you’re supporting a small local business, not a big chain. (If you happen to be helped by someone other than the owner, like a moody teen, don’t let it put you off).

The prices are reasonable, especially considering how much food you get.

One note: PAY CASH or you’ll be charged a credit card fee that they don’t even tell you about. This is the one complaint I have about this place. I know that many businesses are now doing this, but there are no signs in the restaurant warning of this fee and if you tell them you’re paying by card, they type a higher amount into the credit card machine without telling you.

The small parking lot could definitely be repaved and the building looks a little iffy in its lighting and placement among car repair shops and an apartment construction site, but it all adds to the feeling that you’ve found...

I can no longer recommend this restaurant. I used to go all the time and loved it. Very good and reliably authentic Mexican food. But today, when I asked for water, they brought 2 bottles of Poland Spring. I said no thank you, tap is fine. They brought ice tap water in their reusable cups. When the bill came, I noticed an odd charge without a name (it literally said “extra charge”) and I asked what that was for. They replied: for your tap water. I was surprised and asked, “you charged me for TAP water in your own washable cups?” They said they started charging last week because people were declining their bottled water because it cost more. Well, that and because I dislike the waste all these plastic bottles create when reusable cups exist. Needless to say, I won’t be returning. I understand restaurants had a hard time during Covid and I supported many by ordering take out. But when a restaurant starts nickel and dining me when I eat in, they can kiss my business good bye. Providing free tap water is the “cost” of running a restaurant. What’s next? Will I pay a fee to use...