Tortuga’s Mexican Village — Restaurant in Princeton

Finally had a chance to dine here again after moving around for a while and an extended stay out of state. This was a regular spot to dine when I lived in town and in the area. Same as I remember it. The food is always consistent and good. Note to other Princeton restaurants: consistency is key. Lots of places come and go in this town, they start out one way and then go downhill very fast, while blaming the customer. Absentee owners and poor management are to blame for that lack of consistency and long term vision. They all go for the same gimmicks instead of staying consistent and being an active part of the community like this place has been for many years.

I went through the many recent reviews for this restaurant before writing my own. I noticed a pattern of a few people complaining about the "service". If you have had any interaction and experience with the hospitality and dining industries in the Princeton area, you will find that the locals have a certain "reputation". I have had nothing but good experiences at Tortuga's over many years of dining here on and off. Jennifer and her staff are always warm and welcoming, even when absurdly busy at times. Whether I have dined here as a couple, with extended family or alone like tonight, it has always been the same experience and accommodating. If you act like a human being, are friendly and understanding of a busy staff during peak times, aren't uptight and tip well, expect to be treated the same way This is something this area needs to learn and I see things haven't changed much over the years. I had hope for humanity during the pandemic but I feel people have gotten worse in many ways.

I haven't dined here in quite a while for the reasons I mentioned earlier (being away) and was welcomed back warmly. That stands out to me as it was not expected.

I also see several reviews questioning the "authenticity" of the cuisine here. Some hilariously recommend that people go instead to certain "chain" "Mexican" restaurants in the area. Really? These are the same people who will bring a six pack of Corona or some grocery store margarita mix into a BYOB place like this and think they themselves are being "authentic" and expect special treatment on top of it. Get over yourselves and maybe untuck that polo shirt from those ridiculous khakis. Those are the typical Princeton area reviews that give the area a certain notoriety that isn't flattering. Kudos to the staff for having to deal with it.

This is a unique place that's been here for years. Maybe it's not 100% authentic. But if you are down to earth, want to get away from the tourist traps of the Nassau St/Witherspoon areas downtown and want something a bit...

Started dining here more than 20 years ago when located across the street. Pleasant atmosphere and delicious food. Within past few years they have started taking your order immediately and rushing you through your meal, reaching over and through the table to collect things the minute you may have finished with it. I would say most food items are not up to par. My last visit, I chose to go with a friend on a Thursday at 5 pm so as not to be rushed, just wanted a couple of tacos and visit with a friend. One other small party in there, another came in after we were seated and they would not give her a table, they wanted to seat her where we were sitting and were obnoxiously rushing us through out meal. The restaurant was empty!! There was ample seating!! It was totally unnecessary. The prices, they state increased 3.5% because of food prices. Interesting, I think they increased 3.5% because they want to charge the same as credit card accepting venues that started with the surcharge. They had already increased their prices. They are greedy, another reason why they rush you out, they want to get as many people in and out as possible The tacos - THE WORST TACOS I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE - No Lie!! $7 each. Ordered 3 beef hard shell tacos. I received 3 very overcooked (borderline burnt), taco shells with a scant amount of dry, unseasoned overcooked beef - only dry lettuce - no cheese, no sauce, nothing, and I was not about to give them another dime for anything additional. A Mexican restaurant that can't make a taco should not be in business. We make our own delicious tacos, burritos, quesadilla, with allll the toppings and sides and they do not cost anywhere near what they are charging; and we can dine without being rushed. They are so obnoxious and...

I went here for dinner with a friend. We were going to catch up after not seeing each other for a while. We were the first people there, there were only 3 other people at the restaurant after us. I have never felt so rushed at a restaurant in my life. As soon as we sat down, the waitress came over to ask us what we would like. We said we needed some more time. She proceeded to come over 4 more times within 10-15 minutes, when we weren’t ready to order yet. We ordered, they ended up putting avocado in my enchiladas when it never said that on the menu description for the item. I’m allergic. I asked them about it and they looked at me like I was dumb - as if I should have known there would be avocado in my enchiladas… They were nice enough to swap it out for no avocado and with veggies instead. The new item came out with broccoli and cauliflower in my enchiladas, which I wasn’t expecting. I was expecting tomatoes onion, etc. Whatever. We were there for 40 minutes total. They came over 30 minutes into our meal and asked if we wanted dessert when I was still eating… We said no and then they brought the check over. I just think the service was extremely rushed.. Made our overall experience very unenjoyable. Please clearly state things on your menu instead of assuming your customers will know what exactly will be in their meal. Will NOT be...