Old Mexico Cantina and Grill — Restaurant in Sturgeon Bay

This place begs you to leave a review, so I shall. This place was awful.

We arrived at 1:45 on a week-day for a late lunch. We were seated and given menus and customary chips/salsa, perhaps 5-6 minutes later we ordered a large order of guac which was made table side. We had a 3-week old who had a "blowout" so his mother slipped to the bathroom to change him. By this time, it was 2:10. We asked to order and proceeded to order off the lunch menu. The waitress, (Odalys), snippily told us that lunch hour was past and after two we'd have to order from the dnner menu. I noted we had ordered an appetizer and were seated well before 2:00 p.m. She persisted. I persisted. Finally asked to see a manager who FINALLY relented. Had he not, I would have walked out -- its ridiculous.

I ordered lunch fajitas. 3 of the 4 other adults ordered off the lunch menu. We had plowed through about half our basket of chips/salsa (serving five people) while waiting for the guac. We were told that there would be a charge for more chips. Wait, what? We paid TEN BUCKS for guacamole and they can't provide additional chips without sticking it to us?

My entree came out first. First, three small (bigger than street taco/smaller than regular sized) cold tortillas. Then a plate of barely warm/dry chicken (obviously had been sitting) with onions/tomatoes (I requested no peppers) with beans and rice. I eat fajitas all the time and it ALWAYS comes with lettuse, sour cream, cheese and salsa. Not here it doesn't. You get the chicken/onions and 3 (don't ask for more) tortillas. It came with refried beans -- they were fine, but how do you wreck refried beans. It also came with Spanish rice. I took a bite and it tasted like it had cigarette ashes in it. By this time, the other entrees had finally arrived. I asked them to take a taste of their rice and we all agreed that it tasted "ashy". We finally decided it had been sitting and burned giving it that "special flavor".

Our drinks were empty and we kept waiting for Odalys to come check on us. She was standing in the back talking with FOUR other bored wait staff. (We could see them.). We tried to flag down two of them when they walked by and they literally did not respond at all though they had to hear us. We were the ONLY people in the restaurant. Finally, Odalys came and we asked her for refills. She didn't ask how the food was. We had to trade out a sour ice tea for a different drink. That was the last we saw of her until she brought the check. No more refills for us.

She laid the card machine on the table and walked away. I paid the $100 (for 5 people for lunch) bill and wanted a receipt. She never came back so I had to go get the manager, give him the machine and ask for a receipt. The manager seemed fine, but his staff could not have cared less.

We went to the bathroom and there were FOUR signs taped to the walls asking for a review. So here you go! Don't waste your time. You'd get better food with better service for a cheaper price at a dump...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Old Mexico Cantina and Grill, and it was an enjoyable experience that left a positive impression on me. From the warm and welcoming atmosphere to the delicious Mexican cuisine, there were several highlights worth mentioning.

One of the standout aspects of Old Mexico Cantina and Grill was the ambiance. As soon as I entered the restaurant, I was greeted by vibrant colors, rustic decor, and a lively atmosphere that immediately transported me to Mexico. The restaurant's cozy and inviting setting was perfect for a casual get-together with friends or a relaxed family dinner.

The menu at Old Mexico Cantina and Grill offered a wide variety of traditional Mexican dishes, and I was delighted by the flavorful options available. From sizzling fajitas and mouthwatering enchiladas to their signature guacamole and chips, each dish was prepared with care and attention to detail. The ingredients used were fresh, and the flavors were authentic, reminding me of the delightful Mexican cuisine I have experienced before.

The service at Old Mexico Cantina and Grill was attentive and friendly. The staff members were knowledgeable about the menu, making recommendations based on personal preferences. They were also prompt in taking orders and ensured that our dining experience was pleasant and enjoyable. The waitstaff demonstrated professionalism and were willing to accommodate special requests, enhancing the overall dining experience.

One aspect that could be improved upon is the waiting time. During peak hours, the restaurant can become quite busy, leading to longer wait times for a table. However, once seated, the service was efficient, and the staff made an effort to make up for any delay with their attentive service.

Overall, Old Mexico Cantina and Grill provided a delightful Mexican dining experience. The inviting ambiance, authentic flavors, and attentive service contributed to a memorable meal. If you're looking for a restaurant that offers a taste of Mexico with a warm and vibrant atmosphere, I recommend giving Old Mexico Cantina and...

UPDATE 2025

Watered Down

It pains me to reduce my rating of this restaurant. Old Mexico has been steadily going down hill over the past few years. I'm the kind of patron who enjoys tipping at a rate of 20 percent plus.

My last takeout meal here was far from top shelf quality enduring a substantial price increase that no longer makes it worth our drive. Dine in service has become mediocre at best. Because of this lack of good Mexican food in the area, we have taken it upon ourselves to cook better food at home. I get it, times have changed, but my salary increases no longer match the price increases at some of my favorite restaurants. The favored queso is often as thin as water. The enchiladas lack flavor and bland is the best way to describe them in 2025. The Mexican rice is okay at best and the beans are nothing more than another watered down filler. The robust flavor our tastebuds use to crave here are now met with menu items that taste like they've been watered down. I've seen far too many restaurants fail when they increase prices and sacrifice quality or trim portions. There must be balance because it's the regulars who keep local restaurants afloat during the winter months or slow economic times. I'm not so sure we'll give this place another chance for quite some time because better options are available.

Old review from five years ago in 2019 below

Great place to go on the weekends. Busy during tourist season so expect a little bit of a wait to be seated. Good food usually fresh, but not so great sometimes during slow times during the week. The freshly made guacamole in front of you is fun to watch and good. Same menu platform as many other Mexican restaurants throughout the country. Very large inside so don't let the packed parking lot fool you. Great service with familiar...