We were driving by to visit another store and smelled the smoker going. We knew we would have to stop by for lunch on the way back. The sign out front said, "under new owners" and the interior was clean, modern, and felt fresh. We bellied up to the bar and were greeted right away. I could have drank a gallon of the salsa. The Chicharrón tacos were a perfect sweet treat. The prices are a little steep and what you might expect closer to Orlando or for larger portions. We didn't venture out to the back since it was midday and hot already but the setup is very cute and I hope to stop by after work to try their Smores Espresso Martini out there. read more

Botanico Tacos & Tequila - Chicken Torta - Bars Near Me - Mount Dora, Florida

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Excited to try this new spot! It has a very cool atmosphere and has been beautifully decorated. I love there is indoor seating and also cool outdoor play space. This is a great place to hang out with friends or to grab a bite to eat. We started with the Botanico Dipping Sampler $9. The queso is good and the zucchini salsa had a late heat. The honey salsa was our least favorite of the 3. We followed with a torta de carne asada that had great flavors. Tacos are street taco size. I tried the crispy fish, Rooster and the flan. I would get the crispy fish again. The service was great and our food came out fast. read more

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Food was good but nothing was really warm or hot. We ordered 2 cocktails, nachos and 3 tacos. Nachos came out cold which caused the chips to be soggy a bit. The flavor of the nachos were great so if they had been hot, they would have been a 10/10. Likewise with the tacos. One was hot and the other 2 were lukewarm. If the restaurant could get the food out as soon as it was ready, it would be 5 stars. Drinks were very yummy! Highly recommend coconut marg! read more

I am so excited to see some fresh energy in this area of Mount Dora. I seek out tacos at least once a month so my visit to Botanico was necessary. I'm really mixed on this place, stuck between 3 and 4 stars. Here's why. The ambiance at Botanico is obviously on point for today's modern restaurant goers, influencers, etc. We came for lunch the day after Christmas so it was super quiet. Grass walls, sleek casual decor, neon signs, and lush greenery. It was giving casual, boho chic resort style taqueria. They have the cutest patio seating with a private area decked out with tv screens (would be stellar to book for a small gathering or game day). Outside was OK with, picnic style tables, benches, swings for adults and kids and a cute sand play area for kids. (Personally I wouldn't want my son playing in sand while we're trying to eat but I appreciate the touch in case you have little ones that need to stay busy). Service was super friendly and attentive. Here's the kicker, drinks were priced at the usual $12-$15 range and were pretty small. If you're thinking this is a place for a large fishbowl or margaritas with different options for sizes (8 oz, 10 oz, 16 oz) this place is not for you. I even overheard a gentleman asking if they offered small vs large sizes and he was kindly let down. All drinks, including margs are in a small cocktail sized glass. Now the food. Ugh, this pains me. We didn't love it. Husband and I both had carne asada tacos and the quality of the steak wasn't great. There's no grill or char and lacked seasoning. The fish taco wasn't great either. It was one piece of panko style breaded fish. The breading was not typical for fish tacos. The toppings however were fresh. Another pain point is they do not offer tortilla chips and salsa for free. I like my Mexican style restaurants to offer me a basket of warm tortilla chips. They do offer chips for purchase and salsa for purchase but it's an extra charge per each. If you want an extra kick to your tacos you have to pay .50 cents per each salsa. Ordering the extra salsa was worth it. We ordered a chicken quesadilla for my 4 year old and just see the photos for yourself, the outer tortillas were not charred the way one is used to seeing for quesadillas and the chicken looked super bland. I had to ask for ketchup to make them more appetizing for him. I also did not see where we could order just a side of queso. They do have nachos loaded and they come with queso but am I crazy for wanting just a side of queso? I didn't want an order of nachos, just a cup of queso would have been great and I'm not sure why that's not offered on the menu. I could have asked but I'm just not the type to ask for things that aren't offered on a menu. That being said it's a gorgeous spot. I just think they put so much focus on appearances that they really need to direct that attention back to the food. Maybe I'll come back again but I'm not in a hurry when we have plenty of other places that offer better drinks and quality for the price. If I could give 3.5 I would. read more

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We just moved to the area from Orlando and we've tried multiple taco spots in the area all were "good", however, we were left with either heartburn or just the after-taco scaries. I'm writing this review from Botanico because I just had to. Yes they are empty at 4 o'clock on a Friday. They're not far from downtown Mount Dora. It could be because of the Downtown Mount Dora Art festival starting this evening, but all I'm going to say is these are the cleanest, freshest, most balanced tacos I've had in a long time. We ordered the El Pastor, The rooster (which is chicken) the crispy fish and the pork belly . The pork belly was crispy delicious I just can't say enough about the quality nothing tasted artificial, everything was fresh and balanced. Two of the tacos had pineapple jalapeño salsa, which were perfectly balanced with sweet and just enough spice. We ordered a few other things, but I don't feel like writing anymore, so I'm just gonna post this because it is so worth it and we can't wait to come back either dine in or takeout from here. Also place was beautiful and music was on point really good vibes. To the business owner: marketing marketing marketing! This place deserves to be packed out. Oh one other thing the tortillas on the taco were perfect not greasy they tasted clean and maybe air fried I don't know but they were very light and fresh corn tortillas. read more

I decided to stop by today during happy hour and I was beyond impressed! I will say there is limited parking so please plan accordingly. When I got inside, it was a really nice restaurant and it was empty at the hour I went. During happy hour you get half off appetizers (selective ones) & drinks. I started off with the Esquites which was AMAZINGGG the taste, the flavor, & the chips it was really good. I also had got the S'mores Espresso Martini. The presentation was amazing and the taste was even better, I also did the coconut margarita which was also pretty good! During happy hour, please note if you get a speciality cocktail you get $2 off during happy hour. My experience was great, and I can't believe this is my first time hearing about this restaurant! read more

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Pros: Beautiful Atmosphere, Friendly Servers, Food was great. Cons: Overpriced drinks. Would love to come back, but if you want to even go for an appetizer and a couple drinks you're looking at $80+ for two people. read more

The food was amazing! The drinks even better! Coconut margarita is 10000/10 and Torta di Pollo 100/10. Definitely coming back! read more

Botanico Tacos & Tequila - Coconut margarita - 10000/10 Pollo torta - 100/10 - Bars Near Me - Mount Dora, Florida

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What a hidden gem! Just tried this place yesterday for the first time. I'll be honest I had not even noticed that something new had gone in this building. It's really cute inside and the service was excellent. Had the 3 taco special & my husband had chicken quesadillas. I liked his the best but that's because I am very sensitive to spicy food. Is you like spice, you will love it! Also had the skinny margarita; it was one of the best I've ever had. read more

I had the Rooster and the Crispy Fish tacos! Delish! Good service. Festive outdoor seating. read more

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Excellent food, super friendly bartender (Hiram) that makes great margaritas. The entire place has a great vibe. Highly recommend.

I came here with a group of eight at 6pm on a Saturday. We were worried it would be crowded, but we were the only table in the place. Despite that, we still had to convince the host to combine two tables so we didn't have to sit outside in the 90° heat at large table. The service left something to be desired. The food took almost an hour to come out. We had to ask multiple times for water, chips, and drinks we ordered. Again, we were literally the only customers in the restaurant. No one in the group liked their dinner. The veggie tacos were cold, sweet, and seasoned with cinnamon. The pork tacos were too dry to eat more than a bite of. The salsa tasted like vinegar. The staff kept leaving through the back door to get snow cones from the food truck in the parking lot--we probably should've known there was an issue when none of the staff were eating the restaurant's food. If you're looking for a nightclub, maybe this is an option for you? The staff was more than happy to tell us about how they stayed open late and were trying to attract more customers for it. If you're looking for a meal though, look elsewhere. read more

Solid service. The food was amazing. I had ceviche and several tacos. The coconut margarita was amazing. The ambiance was great. It was warm and inviting. read more

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Nice restaurant great atmosphere outdoor seating, fast service, excellent food. The flavors were really fresh and good. They use fresh cilantro, and some pineapple salsa that's to die for. read more

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Their website is super misleading. Nice atmosphere, friendly prompt service. As for their website claiming a fine dining experience.... Thats not even close by a long-shot. This is food truck style , high food truck prices, small dishes. Meals are served on a small plastic tray and sheet of paper, plastic fork and napkin. Food was fair... we had a variety of tacos. Wife and I liked the nachos the most tho! They also have a nice outdoor area , picnic tables, for an outdoor setting... grab a drink and a bite. read more

Botanico Tacos & Tequila - False advertising . - Bars Near Me - Mount Dora, Florida

Very nice aesthetics. The drinks are all wonderful. I wouldn't come here if you are looking for a full meal, it's more like tapas and light bites. Nonetheless a nice place to have lunch, a cocktail or hangout read more

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Ambiance was great, love the decor and specifically the outdoor area as well have kids that can find plenty to keep them busy! Tacos are me and my husbands favorite and were super disappointed with quality of the meat and the taste of food! Everything was just "ok" carne asada was dry Sadly don't think I'll be back unless the menu is updated or quality is changed read more

A great new place for the area! The tacos were very tasty. The staff were very nice. Their outside seating it set up really well. It will be a great place when they have live music playing. We will definitely be back. read more

Botanico Tacos & Tequila - A variety of tacos and beer - Bars Near Me - Mount Dora, Florida

This place is BRAND NEW, like 2 months old so they are working on things, tweaking things and the owners are so open to feedback. The beer selection is good. The tacos are such a change from your typical Mexican restaurant, they are fresh and full of flavor. They do not freeze any meat or fish. My favorite tacos is the Botanico with the crispy pork skin on top, SO SO good. The staff was very friendly, food came out so quick. I have been twice during lunch time so I can't speak for dinner time. The patio and outdoor area is massive and a great place to have a large gathering or be able to eat while your toddlers play. The inside is decorated out of a magazine. The owners came and talked to my table each time I went in and they care so much and poured everything into this business and renovations. I am VERY grateful they took a chance because Lake County NEEDS establishments like this. Fresh and vibrant with new energy. If you want your typical Mexican food, this is not the place for you. If you want hand crafted fresh food and drinks, this is it. The owners have plans to have Latin night in the future which is exciting! I will 100% be back. My only suggestion is to have chips and salsa for free. Maybe offer just 2 salsa and then if folks want to upgrade and order a "salsa trio" with the speciality salsas then great. See you next time! read more

Cutely decorated. Great service. But food was a disappointment. No free chips and salsa. No sides. Just tacos at $4.50 each. I tried the crispy fried fish (fish stick) and Al Pastor. Neither very tasty. Sorry to say, I won't be returning. read more

Delicious scratch made food and margaritas. Got to try the pork belly taco and the skinny margarita. Not your typical tex mex.

Tacos were too dry! Appetizers were just so so, margaritas were ok but mostly ice, parking lot is a disaster!

Went for the first time with friends- Food was excellent- Not much of a selection and helpings are small but it really was tasty- service was excellent- over the top- Our only complaint- we arrived at 5-30PM Friday- at 6PM a young DJ started playing his BASS BOOMING RAP CRAP- It was so irritating- the people eating were all elderly and families- nobody wanted to hear that junk! Maybe if they get a younger crowd I could see it- AFTER 9PM- Not sure if we will go back since there are so many other GREAT Mexican places to eat in the area. The BOOMING RAP was a huge turn off for our party. read more

First, our waitress was great for our lunch. I had the slider. Bread was great but there was next nothing on it. I couldn't even finish one of them. It was just like eating bread. At our table we had veggie taco - just so-so, chips were pretty good, salsa's were not. We tried a few of them. On 2nd visit with different people we had a Quesadilla which was just filled with cheese and had about 1tablespoon of their special salsa which was not nearly enough for the size of of meal. Again the salsas were not good. Person who had fish taco did not even finish it because they didn't like it and the same with veggie taco. I've eaten all over US and would not recommend this new restaurant. read more

The service staff were exceptional and the dining room has moderate ambiance but sadly the food was very disappointing. Both of our $4.50 each small street tacos were cold and lacked flavor. The $13 quesadilla tapas were warm but had pieces of gristle in them and again lacked flavor. They were served plain with no salsa although salsas can be purchased for additional money. With the cost of items on the menu one would think you would be given metal forks and knives but they were plastic. We will not be returning. read more

We had a large group there. Service was spot on, food and drinks were very good. Prices are reasonable. For a brand new place we were all pleased with the experience and will return soon. read more