Frida’s Cantina & Grill — Restaurant in Madison

This was our first time trying Frida's. We were in the area and decided to finally give them a try for lunch.

We waited only about a minute or two to be seated. There were several tables occupied during this time for lunch.

Upon being seated a woman server brought us chips and salsa and politely took our drink order.

After being given enough time to look over the menu the server returned and took our order. My husband ordered the Chili Colorado (his favorite Mexican dish) and I ordered the combo Tamal and Chalupa. I asked if their tamales were good, and our server really didn't give a definitive answer; I should've taken that as a hint. I asked what was on the Chalupa and was told lettuce, guacamole, tomatoes and cheese. I asked if there was meat and was told no. I ordered the chalupa without the guacamole and tomatoes.

My husband said his Chili Colorado was very good; just the right amount of spices. It was a nice portion size and comes with rice, beans, and tortillas. The rice was overcooked and he did not eat it.

My dish, on the other hand, was not good at all. The tamale was more flat and looked to be just about 2 to 3 inches in total length; quite small compared to my experience with other restaurants tamales. The tamale had no real flavor to it, and I was truly disappointed with it. The chalupa was placed partially under the tamale making it soggy on one side. The only thing on it was the lettuce and no cheese. I used the refried beans to give it a bit of substance. Again, it was a huge disappointment for a meal.

Our server came by and asked how I liked the tamale, and I told her honestly that it was a disappointment. She offered to get me something else, and I asked for her recommendation. She suggested an enchilada, so I ordered the cheese enchilada. She asked if I wanted red sauce and I said sure. It arrived just a few minutes later and the presentation was horrible. I wish I had taken a picture, but I didn't. It looked like an enchilada on a saucer where the cook dumped tomato soup on top of it; it was swimming in that mess. I tasted it, and once again there was no flavor whatsoever, in the enchilada or the red sauce. The refried beans were okay, but the rice was overcooked and not tasty.

To reiterate, the service was good, my husband's Chili Colorado was good, but my tamale and chalupa and then the enchilada were a huge failure.

I would not try this restaurant again, even though it was our first time and my husband enjoyed his lunch. We eat one meal a day, and we really want to know what we order will be edible...

Ehhhh... Nothing special here. Food was good and service mediocre/questionable. I arrived and stood at the entrance for about 5 minutes before anybody came over to seat me. There were about 5 or 6 other patrons so the place was not super busy. After observing 4 or 6 employees running around I made eye contact with one and he takes me to my seat. I ordered a small draft and he scurries away... Chips come and they were lukewarm at best. I asked for a hotter sauce because I had eaten it at their food truck. The hotter sauce was, ummm not right, as it had a fishy taste to it... not the end of the world. Still no beer... I ordered the beef enchilada, and asked about the draft beer... A few minutes pass and the beer arrives, nice and cold. Must have been brought in directly from Mexico. As an aside the table next to me ordered a pitcher of margaritas and they too were coming for Mexico, as they had to ask for it a few times… serious disconnect somewhere. Food arrives and the presentation is nice, the food is hot and tasty, but nothing special that would make this place a 'go to destination.' The physical atmosphere is nice and clean with the typical Mexican accoutrements hanging from the ceiling and walls. Check out was a speachless transaction. I handed the man my bill, he entered it, I inserted my card and viola! Not a, did you enjoy your meal, thank you or nothing. As soon as the transaction was done he turned and went to a table to fiddle with something. Really? Cool guy tip Mr. Cashier, you're not the only place in town... I think I’ll stick to the limited menu on their food truck. IMHO this a once and done place. Enjoy. Your...

Frida’s has always been our go to for take out. It’s close and small and we like that. I usually call the order in and can barely get there before it is ready. I ordered online this time as they have made their phone # hard to find and “order online” pops up first on their site so I figured that’s the direction they are going. Got the order confirmation and again, it was to be ready before I can even get there. I get in the car and arrive and the hostess after looking for my order (which apparently was NOT ready) tells me it will be 5 minutes. They obviously did not see my order and did not have it ready although the table beside the register was full of online orders…just not mine. I sit down and wait for the 5 minutes, although it wasn’t 5…it was 20. A manager type looking gentleman walks by and says “it’ll be just a minute” And I wait. And wait. NO apologies, no compensation…and there were 4 other tables being served during this time. She finally brings it. Food was good as usual. Just too much competition for this to happen. I will give them another...