We were very intrigued by the rating 4.8 stars (highest in the area) and read some of the reviews. We also were initially concerned by the first impression of this place; the place did not look open nor did it have any other customers. But Jafet greeted us with a friendly and polite manner and gave us a lot of information about the Mexican version of the cuisine (surprise!). We were impressed with the Michelada (with mango chamoy and dusting of Tajin) and Mezcalita (Mezcal with pineapple). So good. Step aside, Margarita! (Also not that popular or usual in Mexico) We ordered the Tacos Dorado and the recommended Mexico City Taco ("House Special") that had steak, refried beans, pickled cactus, and fries, wrapped in corn tortillas. We are amazed. Thank you Jafet, we will back for more Friday tacos! read more

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I realized I eat a lot of Mexican food! Working in the area, I do what I always do...Yelp what's in the area. 4.8 starts out of 82 reviews. Let's go! I pull up and the parking lot is empty. Hmmm. Looks like an old Rax roast beef spot. Inside it had a festive vibe with a Mexican mix tape playing over the speakers. The gentleman takes my order and grab a booth. He takes your order and makes your food fresh! Fajita nachos Al Pastor with a Victoria beer. The Victoria draft came out in a frosty mug and it was cold cold. Yes!! As I'm waiting for my food, more customers start coming in. Made me feel better lol. I swear the music playing is a recording of a DJ at a wedding lol. Out come the nachos and they look amazing. He also brings a little stand for my cell phone so I can eat and watch YouTube. Never have I had that offered to me at any restaurant. His hustle, service and smile was appreciated. The nachos were really good. The marinated pork, cheese sauce, fresh chips, chunks of pineapple, sour cream and salsa verde just came together well. Bonus points for the cheese sauce. Not to mention I watched him prepare everything thru the glass counter. He's back there having fun then brings your food out with a smile. Love it. If it were super busy I don't know how he would keep up, but I appreciate his hustle. Yelp, your recommendation didn't disappoint. This was different than your typical sit down, chips and salsa, margarita special, blah blah experience. This was Cozumel in June, cruising around in the side-by-side, Oh look a cool roadside taco spot with an open center courtyard type of vibe. Minus the open courtyard. Check them out! read more

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This place is THE place for birria tacos! Juicy, filling, the perfect portion size for anyone 100-250 lbs, and suuuuuuper quick. I'm unfortunately going to be on the toilet for the next hour because of eating so damn much. If my wife was in labor when I ordered, I would wait for my food and eat it before attending her show. Priorities - and those tacos are top notch. I'm from California and this place blows out all those over there. This place has my heart read more

Best Burria tacos I have ever had. The owner works in there and it's his restaurant all the food was quality and great. They were so good I don't have any left to leave a picture. Cool spot read more

Go in, just do it! It's so good!!!! I took my family and we each got something different. Everyone finished their dishes, thoroughly enjoyed each item, and were craving food for the next time. Authentic meats, fantastic spices, so much flavor. My mouth is watering thinking about going back. Service was impeccable, ambiance (ya gotta check out the lucha libre masks) and super clean. I can't say enough good things about the whole experience and really glad we decided to check it out. Really had something for everyone. read more

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Great food and the service was good. We will definitely be back to enjoy some more Mexican food. read more

Decent experience dining at Catrina Mexican. Gave them a try as the food looked great in pictures and they've received high ratings, but after visiting, must say I'm confused as to why. Perhaps this restaurant was better in its former location? The current spot has a very low-frills atmosphere, a few tvs placed throughout, and minimal cultural decor. One plus is that it's a small family owned business, so you can at least feel good supporting in that regard. The downside was that service was pretty slow. It took about 30 mins for our food to come out, probably because we noticed the man at the front counter taking orders also seemed to be the only one working the kitchen! We were there with two other tables occupied on a slow Sunday evening, so I can't imagine how this would have been handled if a large crowd came in. The food itself was ok. I ordered the al pastor tacos which had a nice, fresh flavor, however for the price point, would have expected them to come with a side of rice or beans. My date ordered the mixed fajitas which he didn't seem super impressed by compared to other local restaurants. Also to note, there are no complementary chips and salsa served here if you're expecting that. Not a bad experience, just wasn't overly impressed. read more

Catrina Mexican Cuisine - Al pastor tacos - Mexican Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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I was excited to come here based on pictures of items and the menus, and then I got here and was disappointed by everything. I walked in and realized it was counter service, not table service despite menus being shown in pictures, strike one. I came specifically for the pozole, as there are lots of pictures highlighting it. They we out, strike two. So I ordered enchiladas verdes, which I sometimes get elsewhere. I also saw hibiscus drink on menus online, which I never pass up, but no drink menu on the screen, so I just got what I could see, strike three. I wait 30 MINUTES for counter service, strike four. That's borderline for table service and unreasonable for counter. I didn't get my coke until I sat down, so nothing to drink for half an hour. The food came and it was presented nicely. But then I didn't get enchiladas, I got chicken pieces on top of flat tortillas, strike five. First 'enchiladas' I've ever seen that came empty. The food was fine, but the verde sauce was saltier than it needed to have been. There was supposed to have been avocado on top, but since I don't like it, I would have pushed it aside, but it wasn't included. There was only seven other people in the entire place, but for $25 and 30 minutes of counter service, I'll eat elsewhere faster and cheaper, with probably better food. read more

Service: Fantastic service. The owner was alone and taking orders as well as cooking and serving the food. He was so friendly and a pleasure to talk too. Ambiance/Atmosphere: The outside was a little rough and I can see this discouraging people from dining here. The inside was a totally different story. Clean, spacious, well decorated and inviting. Food: Birria Burrito was delicious. A solid flavor and decent size. Rice was delicious, beans were smooth and creamy with a nice flavor, the meat itself was tender and well flavored. I'd like a little more meat, but nothing to truly complain about. The consommé was good, but could maybe have a little more flavor. Lamb Barbacoa was fantastic. You can order a pound or half pound and I'd highly recommend ordering the pound as you'll regret it. Slow cooked for 8 hours and so incredible tender. I picked up the bone and the meat didn't even leave the plate. This was delicious and I'd highly recommend. Fresh onions and cilantro to pair with the house made corn tortillas. Incredible dish. Catrina's Mexican Cuisine deserves more attention, this is truly an overlooked Mexican restaurant. The food is authentic and ingredients are fresh and it all mixes together for a delicious meal. read more

We gave Catrina a try tonight and were very pleased with the service and the quality of food. Highlights were the tikka chicken empanada and the shrimp tostada - both delicious. The ambiance was fine , and enhanced by some very enjoyable Mexican music. We will be back! read more

Checked this place out last night after our favorite Mexican restaurant was closed. I'm glad we stumbled upon it because the food here is unique and delicious. The building itself looks like it used to be a Burger King. The decor is minimal, and the lighting is a little bright for my taste, but the food more than makes up for it. This restaurant specializes in Oaxacan cuisine, a regional style of Mexican food I hadn't tried before. One thing that stood out was the number of lamb dishes on the menu, which is unusual for most Mexican restaurants I've been to. I ordered the lamb shank in a rich consommé, and my wife had the chicken with mole. We also split two massive empanadas--one filled with chicken tinga and the other with chorizo and potatoes. Everything was incredible. The flavors were deep and complex, unlike typical Tex-Mex fare. The lamb was fall-off-the-bone tender, clearly slow-cooked for hours, and the consommé was packed with flavor. The chicken tinga had a smoky, savory richness that suggested a long, slow simmer, and the mole was velvety and layered with spices. Several different styles of beer are available as well as a fully stocked bar. Margaritas are reasonably priced and have a nice kick to them. If you're looking for a completely different take on Mexican cuisine, this place is a must-visit. It's not your standard tacos and burritos--this is authentic, slow-cooked, deeply flavorful food that showcases a side of Mexican cooking many people haven't experienced. Highly recommended! read more

Catrina Mexican Cuisine - Lamb shank in consumé (meat stripped off) and chicken molé. ¡Increíble! - Mexican Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Amazing food from the nicest chef. We were staying at a nearby hotel looking for a late dinner. We saw the reviews, but were worried that the place was empty. Of course, it was a Tuesday night. There were two other diners in the large dining room. But the one man who seemed to be doing EVERYTHING, was so kind and clearly made our food with love. My dad has the enchiladas verdes and I had the tacos dorados. Both were tasty, authentic Mexican dishes, with just the right seasoning for a person who loves flavor but is sensitive to spice. Our host kindly made my father coffee, even though it was not on the menu. The portions were extremely generous. The meal was very affordable, coming in under $20 per person. I'm so glad, despite what the place looked like from the outside (former fast-food place with a parking lot that had seen better days) and the lack of diners, that we took a chance and stayed. It was probably the best Mexican food I've ever had in the Midwest. read more

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I'm a New Yorker who loves to find hidden restaurant gems - and heavens did we ever find one when we visited our daughter in Columbus. Wow! As advertised, the outside makes you sure you're in the wrong place - but then you walk into an Eden of authentic Mexican cuisine (not TexMex, not anything but the real deal). The host/cook/gentleman who made our dinner was so welcoming, informative, and accommodating, offering to make me veggie enchiladas and gently teasing us into delicious drinks (tamarind, hibiscus, and one more) - and the meals were beautiful and delicious! Usually "vegetarian" anything involves the same old tired and greasy mix - but not here - I had tender mushrooms and succulent other things, really by far the best dish I've had in ages, with a lightly spicy and insanely delicious sauce. Go now, go often, thank your lucky stars for Catrina in Columbus! read more

We arrivedaround 2:00pm on Wednesday afternoon. One other customer. Nice having place & service mostly to ourselves. Server was pretty young woman with sweet smile and helpful descriptions. Started with warm chips and dip. Yum. Ordered the small v. Large hibiscus drink. Small seemed LARGE to me, and so refreshing. Got the popular tacos Dorados. Plenty good. Same with the camerones a la diabla. I have to admit these mexican dishes aren't what you typically find around C-bus. BIG PLUS. Doesn't look the greatest from outside, but warm & inviting inside. Free parking. Interested in coming back and trying other dishes. read more

Another GEM discovered on my tour. Excellent Mexican fare served by friendly people. I am not exaggerating with my impressions. Go! Just 4 min off the highway. Tucked away and inhabiting an old Chinese restaurant with a slightly crumbling parking lot, Catrina Mexican Cuisine is still seeming undiscovered. The sign is still a temporary canvas one. I was first struck by the name. You don't often see Mexican places using "cuisine" in its title (often it's "Food" or "Restaurant"). And I was not disappointed as the food presented was indeed of a higher "culinary" standard, prepared with talent and care. They have wide ranging and generous menu and their prices are VERY reasonable (thank you for helping ease the higher prices and anxiety caused by our spiteful, moronic POTUS). I got three a la carte tacos: Birria (their specialty), chorizo/asada, and shrimp. All were delicious and thoughtfully crafted. The shrimp were fresh and plump, the birria taco and accompanying consommé were excellent. If you are local or just passing through please give Catrina Mexican Cuisine a try. You won't be disappointed! read more

Catrina Mexican Cuisine - My custom combination. - Mexican Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

This is the best of the best Columbus has to offer. Absolutely amazing dinner! If you haven't seen my pictures here, please look. If that doesn't make you wanna come I don't know what will? Food is phenomenal. My man never disappoints. If you haven't been, you owe it to yourself to go! read more

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Pros: Large, clean dining area Booze is available Family owned place - support local! Enjoyed the shrimp street tacos Tasty queso Cons: Service is slow during lunch. Likely cause there aren't many employees around Had to ask for chips and salsa; didn't come out automatically like other places Parking is weird around here and it looks like a hole in the wall from the outside, but Yelpers said food is good so gave it a shot Need to specify water in a cup otherwise you will get bottled water Pro tip: Use the menu board at the counter to order. They will give you a binder menu which is confusing to navigate and has no prices. read more

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First Catrina's has moved to 6111 Busch Blvd. Formerly this was a restaurant called TacoMex. It looks to be a former Skyline Chili. It's clean but no attention was given to the decor. No problem because we are here for the food. The owner seated us and told us the day's specials. He told us the recipies all came from Jalisco Mexico and they are known for their Birria Tacos. (Music to my ears) We spoke to him more before we left. He explained that the Landlord on Ferris Blvd also owned the automotive shop next door and refused to leave parking spots for Catrina's so he let his lease go. Now, they have merged with TacoMex. It's only been 2 weeks so they are working out hours for each kitchen Hubs ordered the Chicken Enchilada Verde; a corn tortillas with shredded chicken breast, green sauce, creme fresh, cilantro, lettuce, onion and an Avacado Corn tortillas are authentic but my husband prefers flour. The Verde sauce was served warm )temperature) and not to my husband's taste. But the flavor was well built and complex in the dish. I tasted the chicken and enjoyed the seasoning as its flavor popped on my taste buds! I ordered the queso Birrea and loved every bite! It was served with a very spicy red sauce our waiter warned me to be careful eating. I opted for the milder Verde sauce that was fantastic! The Birrea meat and consume are both so flavorful. The complex layering of spices danced on my pallet and left me happy. I love hibiscus water after discovering it in Guatemala a few years ago. Catrina's was delicious- lotsa of flavor without excessive sugar. I was served a large hibiscus water in a pitcher for $6.00. more than I needed or wanted but it was so good, I drank it all! The menu has no prices. Both of our meals were $16.50; a fair price for authentic Mexican cuisine. They accepted credit cards but for the food only. I had to leave a cash tip. We will return. I highly recommend the hibiscus water and Quesobirria. Please note chips and salsa were not served table side and we didn't think to ask. But we had more than enough food and will try an order next time. read more

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Perfect! This restaurant is the perfect setup. It's clean but they're focused on the quality of the food and not so much the cosmetics of the restaurant. My chicken enchiladas were outstanding! Maybe the best I've had and that's well over a hundred servings nationwide. The tomatillo sauce has a little spicy but not overblown. The combination of crem, lettuce, onion, cilantro, and Mexican cheese on the enchiladas was done perfectly. Very good horchata! I didn't see chips and salsa and my plate didn't have beans or rice. Also my enchiladas were not rolled as you would traditionally see them but more of a layered presentation. I tried the pinto beans out of curiosity and they were fabulous! A must stop for great Mexican food! read more

Catrina Mexican Cuisine - Pinto beans - Mexican Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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You won't believe what a gem this place is until the food hits your mouth! It is outstanding. I was lucky enough to find this place on a whim, and now I can't wait to crawl through the entire menu! The food is really delicious with complex flavors, and everything is clearly made right there in the kitchen. It's feels like being in someone's home. The super friendly and talented chef is back there making Soups, tacos, enchiladas, and tortas in a big open space with the kitchen in plain view. There is a bar and simple tables surrounded by luchadore masks, a few TVs, and Latin music in the background for the dining area. NOTE : Parking was tough due to the body shop next door taking up their spaces unfortunately, but honestly you can just park across Westerville rd and walk. It's worth it. They put the menu items up on a whiteboard for you to peruse and choose from, but be sure to ask what the specials are! My friend got the Quesabirrias which were delicious, I got an enormous bowl of Carne en su Jugo to take home which is absolutely incredible, and I honestly think those might have been the best fish tacos I have ever had. Definitely the Best in Columbus. Hands down. I can't wait to go back! read more

Catrina Mexican Cuisine - These Fish tacos were Off. The. Chain. - Mexican Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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Excellent food withgreat service. Authentic. Give this place a try!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After several attempts, I finally made it to Catrina Mexican Kitchen for lunch today. There was only one parking space available so I was expecting it to be packed inside. To my surprise, there were only a few customers. The majority of the spaces are taken by the auto mechanics shop. The kitchen and dining area are in one open space which was nice because you get to watch your food being prepared. The dining area looks really nice. I was immediately greeted by the cook who came o er to explain the menu to me and to offer a few suggestions. I decided on two steak tacos and one chicken. I thought my tacos were prepared well and will probably return. Note, no prices are listed on the board so ask before ordering. read more

Catrina Mexican Cuisine - 2 steak, 1 chicken taco. Chicken comes with lettuce, sour cream and queso fresco - Mexican Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

A co-worker suggested that I check out this restaurant! He has been telling me for weeks, to stop what I am doing and go get some Awesome Authentic Mexican Food! So I took heed and decided to check them out. The service and food simply amazing. I ordered the Birria Tacos . The tacos had to be some of the best tacos I have ever had. The gentleman that took my order and made the food, was very polite and patient. He made sure that I had everything that I needed to ensure my first time visit was enjoyable. The restaurant was clean. I truly look forward to coming back and trying more food that is on the menu. I highly recommend this place! read more

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Listen, I know what the outside looks like when you pull up, but do yourself a favor and go into the restaurant and get the food and margaritas. It was freaking fire. The margaritas are so fruity and natural deliciousness. And the food was freaking phenomenal!!! read more

Excellent food and service. Bright and cheery atmosphere! We will be back! Authentic Mexican.

The food and service was great. Was so good the first time we came back another night! We got 4 different things and all of it was really good. It's also a very fun but relaxing atmosphere! read more

Great service and very authentic and delicious food. Good for a quick lunch. Check it out! read more

Catrina Mexican Cuisine - Pazole - Mexican Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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AMAZING. You MUST EAT HERE. I don't care what you are doing. Drop whatever it is and GO get food from Catrina. This food is the real deal. SUPER fresh, extremely delicious. We practically licked the plates clean. We can't wait to come back and try more. The chef said he switches up the menus based on what he can get fresh! The moment you walk in, you know it's gonna be good. And if the delicious and authentic food was not enough, then know that the folks that own and run the restaurant and the kindest people. Extremely welcoming. I wore a white shirt and they were so kind and brought me a larger towel bc I was afraid I was going to spill. So nice!!! Seriously, you have to go here. We will be adding this as a weekly place to eat. read more

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We were directed to Catrina by friends. Good thing, because we would never have found this gem on our own. The most outstanding features of the location; it is between two salvage yards and the building is butterfly yellow! Inside is another story. It is clean and well organized. The menu board tells the food choices, which are many! There is no beer, and payment is cash only or a cash app. The owner was around. He educated us on the menu, took our order, cooked the food, delivered the food. We also talked about soccer and wrestling!! Food was 5*. We will be back!! read more

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VERY ENTHUSIASTIC 5 STARS...!!! This is OMG-good food. Actually, it's amazing. I had a chorizo & potato empanada ($9.50 - it's a meal). It was mine-blowing. They use thick corn masa to make the shell instead of the typical flour shell. Super crispy, super crunchy, amazingly delicious. The filling was very flavorful. This was one of my favorite empanadas in my life. I also had (yea, I ordered too much food and brought some home) the Doribirra ($13.50) - a medium-sized birria beef & rice grilled burrito with birria dipping sauce. Equally amazing. Super-delicious. The horchata is house-made, delicious, and a very generous pour (half-pitcher for $5). This place is out-of-the-way for me, and I will go out of my way to come back soon. I'm bringing friends for lunch next week. Amazing, authentic, phenomenal food. Dive alert - Catrina is in an out-building of a car junkyard. Enjoy the adventure - the inside of the restaurant is very nice, and very clean, with super-nice people. My HIGHEST recommendation, especially if you like dives. Important - it's cash only. Bring cash... read more

What a gem of a find!! I can't believe we hadn't heard of Catrina sooner, but man am I grateful we have a new restaurante favorito! It's found off of Westerville Rd/Ferris Rd near the intersection in the yellow building. Yes the neighborhood isn't the best, but trust me, the food is absolutely worth it! Friendly couple runs it and they make everything (even down to the salsa) from scratch. The menu is limited, but the gentleman owner said they would like to expand and grow the menu eventually. Upon his recommendation, we ordered and shared enchiladas verde and quesobirria tacos. He said the quesobirria is in a very authentic Guadalajaran style. We also took advantage of their homemade aguas frescas offerings (I think they have a few different flavors each day.) We got hibiscus (jamaica) but they also had pineapple and strawberry. Each order of agua Fresca comes in a small personal pitcher which is several refills for $5. It's amazing! The food. Oooooh man. It is hard to put into words how good the food is. It tastes like Mexico. Like comfort food. Generous portions, super fresh, perfectly seasoned. It's hard to choose which dish we liked more, but the enchiladas might win for me. They're just so insanely good I could eat it every day! We did watch several other dishes being made and I will say that I might have to try steak tacos next time because they looked amazing, too. So go forth and eat well -- BRING CASH! It's a cash only place!! read more

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Catrina is our favorite! Amazing service and delicious food! we have come a few times and they never disappoint.

In a city full of fantastic Latin fare, there may be a new top dog. The food is very authentic and absolutely delicious. Service was fantastic. When I was ordering, I thought it might be a little pricey, but when we got our food, you get more than what you pay for. The portions are gigantic. The queso Birria tacos were particularly good. The dining room was nice and clean with some neat art. Just a fantastic place. read more

New location on Busch Blvd. Easy to get to and tons of parking. Serioulsly yummy AUTHENTIC cuisine from Mexico. This family serves delicious food. And now a full bar. Mi Hermana found this restaurant for me one year ago upon my arrival from South Texas. I felt right at home immediately. Sundays are big family days. There is plenty of room for a big party. Take Out is also available. You really have to go and then keep returning again & again. Catrina Mexican Cuisine se ha MUDADO a una nueva ubicación. Julio de 2024. Visítelos en su gran y hermoso restaurante en 6111 Busch Blvd, Columbus, OH 43229. Abren a las 11 a.m. Toneladas de estacionamiento. Mucho espacio interior para un grupo grande. ¡Barra completa! Acabo de llegar a casa con sus tacos. Absolutamente auténtico y delicioso. (614) 505-0802 read more

Catrina Mexican Cuisine - Catrina Mexican Cuisine! - Mexican Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Phenomenal! This is really authentic food. The pride they take in their traditional dishes shows in every bite. Don't be deterred from the appearance of the outside if you want homemade quality food and really great prices with friendly kind staff this is your spot. Id be surprised if you can find a better more authentic spot in Columbus. read more

They are the best Mexican flavorist restaurant. As a Mexican I can say is 1000% a must visit is you are in OH. I am updating pictures from every day I can here so you can see the quality has not changed since my first time. read more

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If you're in the Easton / Westerville area, this hole-in-the-wall Mexican joint is a must stop. You walk into what looks like a little yellow e house and immediately you're hit with lively Mexican music + all the smells. The menu is written on a couple white boards. You place your order and take a seat. There are no price points on the menus and items are tallied at the end by hand. Our order came out to $37 before tip. I read on google they are cash only and panicked that we didn't bring cash but turns out this is no longer the case; we paid by card. Quesabirrias were recommended by the chef. He said this had the true authentic flavors of Mexico. We had to try it then! It is birria-style beef folded into a tortilla but with melted cheese too! This dish was the star for us. The tostadas de camaron was also delicious but note the shrimp is cold - almost like an appetizer instead of an entree. There was a huge amount of shrimp and a delicious mango salsa that was very fresh. Glad I tried but probably wouldn't order again since I prefer warm shrimp. Lastly the two tacos (asada and pollo)...so much flavor. Protein was cooked perfectly and they pack the tortillas full of it plus toppings! read more

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This is my favorite Mexican place in Columbus!!! The food is fantastic and the owner is so kind! Best Horchata I have ever had. I cannot recommend this place more !! read more

The food was absolutely amazing. The chef came out to tell us it was the best birria in town, and he was not wrong. Our server, Yafet, was prompt and dedicated to his work. Will absolutely be back. read more

Catrina Mexican Cuisine - Birria ramen - Mexican Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

2 cooks (who also served the food) 8 tables and a counter Menu on a white board No liquor license Cash or cash apps only In the middle of an automobile salvage yard Unimpressive exterior Best Mexican food I've ever eaten. I told the guy to surprise me and make whatever he thought was good, but that I didn't want fish (I like fish but I'd already had it two days in a row). He made me two different chicken tostados. Both were sooo good. Loved the tomatillo sauce. My husband had lamb flautas. I tried a bite and they were awesome! We split a dessert: he described it as angel cake, with a layer of flan and then chocolate cake. It wasn't really angelfoid cake...more of a denser sponge....but it was the BOMB! I don't think they had your typical chips and salsa....but they brought us a little bowl of pistachios to snack on. We can't wait to go back!!!! read more

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