Santa Fe Mexican Grill - Newark — Restaurant in Newark

I have been eating at Santa Fe for over 15 years and I never found authentic Mexican Food anywhere up and down the East Coast that compared.....seriously, and in little 'ol Newark, DE. Unfortunately that has come to an end as my most recent visit will probably be my last. I moved about an hour away from Newark a few years ago and would still travel down just to get some great Mexican food as nowhere else compared. Over the past few years I have noticed a steep decline in the service, the waiters/waitresses are very slow and never seem to be on their game, constantly making errors or just did not seem interested in their job. My most recent visit was on a Thursday night, for 2 people. I was told that in order to sit in the front of the restaurant there was a wait as it was happy hour, or I could sit at the bar immediately OR I could be seated in the back room BUT there was no happy hour if you are seated back there. I reluctantly sat in the back room, sat in the very back near a small kitchen like area that smelled of burnt tortillas. So not only are you relegated to a back room, you are not welcome to share in the drink specials of the day! Our server was slow and forgetful. The chips were over cooked and the salsa tasted entirely different than it did in all these years. My entree of 3 steak street tacos (which I order every single time) was so lack luster, the meat was grisly, I couldn't finish it. My husband ordered fish tacos which he said were the worst he had ever ordered anywhere. The prices seem to have gone up, my plate alone was $15, for tacos!!!! The drinks were weak. I used the restroom and it was dark and dingy and had paper all over the floor and did not feel clean. Not sure if Hakuna Hospitality still owns this location or not, but it seems that things slowly deteriorated after the 2nd location opened up in...

my Boyfriend and I went here for the first time and were impressed with the menu and the drinks we got were very good. However I am a vegetarian and ordered the vegetarian alambre. I have not eaten meat in 3 years and would get sick eating meat. When the dish came out it looked good, but upon starting to eat I noticed something that looked like a scrap of bacon. My boyfriend tried it and said it tasted like bacon but was hard to tell. I found another piece nearby and got the waiter and asked him to ask the kitchen what that was and to make sure no meat was in it. He came back and said the kitchen said none of their dishes with tofu (which this had) have meat and that they made sure it was tofu only and vegetarian. I kept eating and found MANY more pieces of bacon and what seemed like ham embedded in the cheese. I began to feel sick and stopped eating and got the waiter again and showed him all of the meat and asked him to ask the kitchen what that was if it wasn’t meat. He left and the manager came out and was very nice, and said it was clearly meat. She asked if I wanted something else and said the meal would not be on the bill, but at this point I felt sick and didn’t trust the kitchen would make a dish without meat that I would feel comfortable eating. The waiter and manager were very nice but if you’re vegetarian do not come here!! I can’t see how this was a mistake. Especially when I asked and double checked. Very disappointing. Prices are way...

Santa Fe Mexican Grill - Newark: A Fiesta of Flavors and Fun! Santa Fe Mexican Grill in Newark is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Mexican cuisine and a vibrant atmosphere.

From the moment we sat down, we were impressed. The huge margaritas were a sight to behold, and the $5 happy hour margaritas were an absolute steal!

The meal started perfectly with fresh, crispy chips and homemade salsa, a classic that Santa Fe executes flawlessly.

For my main course, I opted for the Baja Tacos with Rice and Beans, and I was not disappointed. The beer-battered fish was incredibly crispy, and the fresh, finely chopped veggie and cilantro topping added a burst of flavor that elevated the dish to another level. The chefs truly do a fabulous job preparing the tacos, showcasing their skill and dedication to quality.

Beyond the delicious food and drinks, the service was exceptional. Long Island Chris, our server, was super! He was attentive, friendly, and made our dining experience even more enjoyable.

The pet-friendly covered outdoor seating is a fantastic bonus, allowing us to enjoy our meal in the fresh air with our furry friend.

Overall, Santa Fe Mexican Grill offers a delightful dining experience with generous portions, delicious food, and excellent service.

Whether you're looking for a casual happy hour spot or a place to enjoy a flavorful Mexican meal, Santa Fe Mexican Grill in Newark is a fantastic choice. Highly...