La Tiendita Colombian Restaurant — Restaurant in Mesa

This restaurant was my to go place for Colombian Food. Unfortunately due to the incident and discrimination that took place yesterday I will never go back. I am a disabled United States Marine Corp Veteran and have a service dog. I was asked to leave the restaurant yesterday after I presented all documentation and Paperwork to prove My Service dog was certified service dog. The restaurant Manager still requested I leave the restaurant and would not serve me nor my family. She stated the owners did not allow dogs in the restaurant. Its not what the owners want the law is the law you cannot and it is illegal to refuse service to a disabled man with a service dog. Assuming you are in the United States, it is illegal to make someone leave just because they are accompanied by a service animal. It’s important to remember that service animals are legally and functionally viewed as medical devices, not pets. If you wouldn’t ask someone to leave because they’re using a wheelchair, oxygen tank, or even glasses/contacts, why ask them to leave because they require the assistance of a well trained dog to mitigate whatever medical condition they have?

In cases where it is not immediately obvious that a dog is a trained service dog, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) allows employees to ask two - and only two - questions: 1) Is that a service dog required because of a disability? and 2) What work or task has the dog been trained to perform? The answer to first question should be yes, and the answer to the second should be some form of trained work or task that mitigates a disability. Note the key word in that last sentence: “trained.” A dog whose sole purpose is to make the handler feel better simply via its presence is not legally considered a service dog - the ADA is clear about that. Also note that employees are never allowed to ask for any form of service dog certification or ID (no form of legally recognized service dog certification exists in this country), nor are they allowed to ask a handler to identify/explain their medical condition. The only questions legally allowed from employees regarding service dogs are the two outlined above - if the handler gives correct answers to those questions, then in the vast majority of situations, the dog must be allowed entry.

You should train your Management and Staff to Abide by Americans with...

4.5 stars bumped up to 5.

Yesterday (7/20/2024) was my first visit here to celebrate Colombian Independence Day. I have many good friends there in Colombia.

I arrived for lunch. The restaurant space is mid-sized. It is clean; but maybe due for a modern remodel. It was busy and seating is limited, so I did have to wait a while to be seated; then again to have my order taken.

My beverage requested was an Aguila beer- which is AMAZING to find here in the United States. It was not brought out to me until I received the meal (👎); but at least it was served with a frosted draft mug I could pour into. That was nice.

The food was very delicious and authentic- cooked to perfection (see photos). I have been to Colombia four times. So I know good Colombian food when I see (and taste) it.

One suggestion is I have for the servers in the future is to occasionally check on your guests- being observant and asking if they are ready for a new drink and/or more food. That didn't happen. Their service was cordial and friendly; but perhaps quite inattentive mid-meal. I didn't see them check on any of the guests mid-meal after serving. I understand they were busy; but still.

I ended up being invited to join four Colombian guys at their table for more drinks as we continued to share good stories of our visits to Colombia.

As the afternoon turned into night, the Colombian music came on a big speaker. The evening staff was much more attentive and proactive throughout the night than the lunch staff was. Not trying to harsh on the lunch staff. Just want to give some friendly advice on being observant, attentive, and proactive to guests mid-meal in the future.

We all had a lot of fun drinking, dancing, laughing, and just having a grand ol' Colombian time as if we were actually there. Overall great time. ¡Viva Colombia!...

Great food! Fast service! Attentive waitstaff!

The food here was so amazing. I wasn't sure what to expect as I had never before eaten Colombian food, but after looking at the menu online first I walked in knowing what I wanted! I had the scrambled Huevos Al Gusto breakfast with tomatoes and onions which is served all day. I chose the Queso Arepa and the dark Colombian coffee (included in the cost of the meal). I also had my dessert -- Queso Con Dolce with blackberry sauce -- served with my meal.

My friend had the Arroz Con Pollo which she allowed me to sample -- the serving portion was huge! And the flavors in the rice dish were delicious beyond description. She also had the guayaba juice and hot chocolate. We shared the yummy crispy sweet plantains and chicken empanadas.

I wish I had taken pictures of the food, but the delicious aroma drew me in immediately and I didn't think about photos until after I'd eaten most of it!

This was a great little restaurant with excellent service. The interior was very colorful. I really liked the cute little tile-roofed cottages on the walls. I will go out of my way to eat here again! In fact I wish I had been able to try more things while I was...