Terramar Mexican Grill — Restaurant in Lawrence

We went to Terramar yesterday (3/14/25), and while the food was pretty good, the overall experience wasn’t decent.

We got seated within 5 minutes since the place wasn’t full yet. Our server took about 10 minutes to come over, but he brought our drinks out fast. We both ordered the Ceviche Campechano, which was good — I’ve had other ceviches that packed more lemon and cilantro flavor, but this one still hit the spot. It came with saladita crackers, which felt weird at first, but ended up working really well.

The service went downhill from there, though. It took forever for our server to check on us after the food came. Eventually, I noticed he was also bartending, which explained a lot. The place got packed while we were there, and drink orders were nonstop. He didn’t come back, and I had to flag someone else down to ask for him, but he still never came.

We decided to share dessert and got the churros with vanilla ice cream. The portion was good for sharing, but the churros were hard as a rock and impossible to eat. The ice cream was okay, nothing special. We asked for the check as soon as the dessert came because, at that point, we knew it’d take another 20 minutes to get it, and we were right. The whole thing ended up taking about 3.5 hours, which was way too long for what it was.

Parking is decent. Street parking is free after 6 pm (Monday-Saturday), and I think they have a small lot behind the restaurant, but I’ve never used it.

Honestly, the food was good, but the slow service and crazy wait times really ruined the night. I get that they were busy and understaffed, but it still shouldn’t have taken that long. Not sure if I’d go back...

I don't know why no one told me of this place - but I just got a haircut (yes I know I'm bald, it was for my beard) and decided to stop in at Terramare Mexican Grill in Lawrence.

The murals on the wall were all in the style of Dia De Los Muertos - I usually keep my skeletons in the closet not at the dinner table, but this was really cool. I ordered the enchiladas, their style is more Mexicano than Tex-Mex so it had cotija cheese which is great, they had chicharones for the guacamole which I thought was insane at first but make no mistake those little piggies went whee whee whee right into my stomach.

I would say next time you're in Lawrence you should come here, but likely that means you're at the DMV and I don't wish that on anyone, so I would say make some time to come here. Or just get the takeout if that's easier, the owner was actually there and talked to me about how they package take-out so it arrives with high quality, I'm lazy so I appreciate that.

Anyways I don't usually leave too many reviews but this owner seemed like a great guy and I bet he'd really appreciate me sharing my good experience, check out Terramar...

Been eating here since they have opened and the food is just amazing. Had the Enchiladas and they were excellent for the first time. Beans and rice have so much flavor. Have also enjoyed Quesabirra with beef consume (excellent). My favorite are the papusas. If you haven’t had one before they are to die for! Small individual and about $5 for the cheese and pork and cheese with this pickled slaw and this tomato consume that just all tastes fabulous all mixed together. Worth a try and this place has the best ones in the area. The hibiscus margarita is just delicious! You will not go wrong with any of the dishes. If you haven’t been here this place is more authentic less Tex-mex. Their seafood (oysters, ceviche etc.) is their specialty. The staff was always so nice when I was there and now they deliver I can really enjoy...