La Autentica — Restaurant in Rice Lake

I just had lunch here. WOW!! They are true to their name! Truly authentic Mexican food! Much better than any other Mexican option in the area as far as taste. The only thing I can think of that wasn't superb is the menu is a bit hard to read with sunlight glare on it, and the napkins are really thin. I had two of the tacos fajitas, and I sorta overdid it with the toppings bar, so my tacos were super messy (which was all my doing), and the napkins really weren't any help. But I just washed my hands in the restroom, which was very clean and nice.

The staff was very friendly and helpful, and very fast service. When you enter, you read the menu, then place your order, and sit down. They will bring the food out to your table and serve you. However, it is also somewhat self serve, you go to the salsa/topping bar to top your food, and get any cutlery that you need. You also clean your table off when done, throwing away trash etc, and placing dishes and cutlery into the bin.

The music playing was a bit loud, but conversation was still very ok, we didn't have to shout or anything. I had a couple of questions, and the fellow I spoke with was super friendly and helpful. I will definitely be going here...

We stopped in for lunch on 8/10/25 Sunday, our first full day of vacation. WOW!! Amazing food, quick friendly service, and a nice comfortable atmosphere in a modern, sleek, and tastefully decorated space. The place is great for couples, small or large groups, and is super clean. The food: nice yet not overwhelming menu with good choices from tacos, quesadillas, tamales, and a good choice of seafood items. I had the quesadilla with birria, rice and beans. It was stuffed! with flavorful tender meat - no need for salsas since it was so tasty. The rice and beans had good flavor. I also got the grilled jalapenos which were delicious. My husband ordered the pork tamales which were huge and also stuffed with delicious tender shredded pork. When I asked if they had a spicy salsa, I was directed to a covered metal condiment station filled with 5 different sauces, sour cream, cut limes, sliced radish, pickled red onions and carrots, and more. SO exciting!! I so hope people frequent this place and plan to return again before our vacation ends and returning...

It’s not even close, this is not only the best Mexican food in Barron County, it’s the best food PERIOD in Barron County. I have tried almost everything on the menu and never had anything I wasn’t impressed with. From tacos to sopes, burritos and tortas. It’s ALL fantastic!!!! This is easily the first place I will bring people visiting from out of town. It’s a must!

Everyone in there is always smiling and welcoming. The place feels alive with the art on the wall and music.

The prices are very good. Around $3 a taco. You can have a few tacos for a $10 and feel full. The Al Pastor is my favorite, but they are all good.

They have a salsa bar that completes everything. The habanero salsa and the avocado salsas are my go to every time. They have about 10 different salsas and toppings you can pick from. Something for everyone.

For dessert, grab a tres leches cake. It finishes the meal off perfectly.

Let me put this in perspective, the first time I tried it was a Friday, I went back Saturday and Sunday to get more. Don’t miss...