El Tenampa Mexican Grill & Cantina — Restaurant in Milwaukee

Our 1st time visiting - loved it! Will definitely go back. Our server Anahi was very welcoming, friendly and polite. She also gave us a helpful suggestion as we arrived at happy hour, I ordered a small margarita - to which she quickly informed me I could get the medium margarita at the price of a small during happy hour. I was sold! Of course, I took the medium. My partner ordered a long island ice tea. We were both very happy with our cocktails as they were well crafted and had correct amounts of alcohol. We ordered an appetizer of the guacamole. I was pleasantly surprised that there was ample tomatoes, onions and cilantro mixed in and it tasted great - it was freshly made. My partner ordered the #3 combination - taco, tostada and enchilada with refried beans and rice. He was very happy with it, saying he loved the enchilada and the beans and rice tasted homemade; not like they were out of can or box. I ordered the Pork in salsa Verde. It came with a choice of cactus or mushrooms- I opted for the cactus. I had a choice of corn or flour tortillas and a choice of refried or black beans. I opted for the corn tortilla and the black beans. The pork in salsa Verde was absolutely amazing!!! The flavor of the salsa Verde was perfect with the right amount of spice. It was a large serving of pork and cactus with ample sauce; they certainly did not skimp on the meat - it was plenty to fill 4 corn tortillas and still have some left over. I was equally impressed by the black beans. I regularly make black beans from scratch at home and these were very good and tasted close to mine. The place is very quaint, the painted tables were amazing. One room had a vintage looking fire place (it was not lit) and the walls had mural like paintings. It also had a bar area with some video machine off in a nook area. It was exactly what a bar/cantina restaurant...

My weekend foodie plans with my dad took us to his favorite Mexican restaurant, El Tenampa. Now I have had some good Mexican food in my time, but this place has solidified it's place as number one in my book! To start they brought out some very nicely warmed tortilla chips and a red salsa The chips were perfectly thin, crispy and warm. The salsa had a wonderful mild flavor. We asked for an additionally spicy version and were brought a Verde salsa that was a perfect blend of pepper and citrus flavors. I ordered the seafood burrito and two side tacos (shredded beef and pork) on corn tortillas with onion and cilantro. While my dad orderd Chile rellenos with steak, beef mole enchilada and a beef tostada. (Pictures of all are attached). My seafood burrito was absolutely loaded with shrimp and crab with a smooth cheesy sauce on top as well as inside. Accompanied with refried beans and rice. I kid you not, this was the best refried beans and rice side I have ever had at a restaurant. The pork and shredded beef tacos paired well with the Verde salsa making a wonderful combination of flavor. Now dad absolutely loved his chili relenos with steak. The plate was loaded with toppings and meat. The beef mole enchilada although a smaller side version was big on flavor. Nice smoky mole with cheese and sour cream. Finally the tostada was crispy and again loaded with toppings. I was starving walking in and left stuffed with box for later to boot. Hidden gem on Milwaukee's north side. There is Mexican food and then there is the food at El Tenampa, the absolute epitomy of wonderful Mexican food a head above the rest!!! Highly...

Wonderful atmosphere, friendly and attentive service, beautiful tabletops. Really. The tabletops are works of art.

The menu has a lot of variety. I did my usual "build a combo from the al a carte section." My favorite was to eat at a Mexican restaurant. I can try all their meat choices but not fill up on rice and beans. Chips and salsa is anther story. I ordered the steak chimichanga, ground beef taco, cheese and onion enchilada, pork tamale, and chicken tostada. All of the meats were tender and full of flavor, and they do not skimp on fillings. But no. I of course did not finish it and took the leftovers home for another meal.

I also ordered the cheesecake chimichanga to go and my heart skipped a beat as I open the box to look at it as soon as it was handed to me. Everyone was impressed, and a few were jealous. I ate the whipped cream with drizzled chocolate right away because it was light and airy to fit in my tummy, AND it would have deflated by the time I got home anyway. It is very tasty, and as I imagine would be even better eating it right when it is served.

Everyone enjoyed their lunch, except one. He ordered the vegetarian chile rellenos as he always does at Mexican restaurants. There wasn't anything WRONG with his dish, it was just made differently than he was accustomed to so it felt off to him. He said ingredients were a little different, as was the preparation. But again - nothing wrong. ...