The food at Corto Lima was so delicious and flavorful! We arrived and our group of three was seated within 15 minutes - the host and our servers were very kind and attentive! The ambiance inside is very trendy and has touches of Latin American flare in the decor. We ordered several drinks including non alcoholic (any of their cocktails can be made virgin which is nice!). The food came out quickly and was delightful, I look forward to coming back again! read more

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Love their unique dishes! Also delicious Margarita slush drinks. The specials are usually unique and delicious!

Absolutely love this cozy restaurant. Friendly staff, delicious food and drinks. We love the nachos and margaritas during happy hour, too.

A small restaurant. We sat at the bar which was the perfect spot on a busy Sunday evening. The service was amazing! Logan was helpful when inquiring about different margaritas to order. Recommended the Prickly Pear with Salt! It was delicious. Started with the Queso Blanco, it comes with a warm very large bag of freshly made chips. My husband had the Steak Rajas Tacos, which had great flavor. I had the Smoked Pork Tacos, which had a good kick of spice. It was still amazing! Would definitely recommend it! We were just passing through Lexington and went there on a recommendation from someone at our Hotel. We plan to stop again the next time we go through there! read more

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Fantastic experience here on a busy evening. There was a wait when we walked up, and the manager took the time to highlight all of the local spots on the block for us if we were in a hurry since we were unfamiliar with the area. We decided to wait it out and I am so glad we did! The food and drinks were fantastic, great atmosphere, great staff and very quick service. Highlights for us were the blue corn crab empanadas and the pork tamales. The guac was also great! If I was local, this would become a regular dining spot for us, and above all appreciate the friendliness of the management and read more

Corto Lima - Bar area with restaurant atmosphere - Latin American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

They don't take reservations, so giving a phone number resulted in a half hour wait or so on a pleasant Sunday afternoon. Having been offered a choice of indoor and outdoor seating, their indoor space was quite sunny and airy. I started with a strong and salty limeade that lasted the length of my meal. My mushroom quesadilla was rich, the mushrooms likely marinated, and my elote spicy. The guacamole had a high ratio of toppings, including bits of onion, radish, and limes to be squeezed on top. The amount of chips we got was 2-3 times what you'd use for that amount of guacamole, and everything took a rather long time. They did apologize for the wait and comp some things; I wonder if it's reflective of the general labor shortage. Nonetheless, we tipped based on the full price for those that were working. I was a bit miffed that the online menu was not the same as what was in store, but the number of vegetarian options was good for me (GF clearly marked as well). There's nothing else similar in Lexington. read more

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Great food, sat at the bar, we had great micheladas, and margaritas. Service was on point. The space itself was really cute. read more

Corto Lima - Latin American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Ordered carry out for a late lunch. We got some tacos, the chips and salsa trio, and blue corn empanadas! The empanadas were so tasty and different from anything I've had! The tacos were good, and so were the salsas! They gave a generous portion of chips, but the tacos and empanadas seemed a little small for the price. They were very nice when we came to pick up and had the food out when they said it would be ready. read more

Awesome food. Awesome Service. Awesome drinks. The atmosphere was perfect! Would return

I used to love Corto Lima, would tell everyone to go there when asked but the last time I went it changed my mind completely. We went here to get a bunch of tapas to share and we felt disappointed. Everything was lacking flavor and mostly warm versus feel hot and fresh. The chicharron were soggy versus crispy, the empanada were doughy, the Guac was lacking flavor we had to put a ton of salt and lime to make it be worth eating. To top it off the service wasn't great, they just dropped our food off and never really did any follow up with us. Hopefully it was just an off day but it will be a while before I'm back. read more

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We've wanted to try Corto Lima for quite some time when visiting Lexington. We timed it well, and were able to grab a seat at the bar recently. Bar staff was helpful as it was our first visit. The margaritas were quite refreshing and paired nicely with the salsa trio and guacamole, which was nicely presented. We ordered the tamales and the chicken chicharron. The chicken thighs were a little spicy, but we were forewarned about this. Probably will try different entrées/apps next time. So many options! read more

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LOVE this restaurant! Such a great experience. Our server was so nice, and the food is delicious. They have the best margaritas and food. We were visiting from out of town and randomly stopped here as we were walking downtown. They allow dogs on the patio and even brought them little treats. When we visited (Sunday) they had a brunch menu that was affordable and so good. I would come here again! read more

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Cool place! Checked it out based on it's high rating, and it was legit. We basically ordered on a tapas style so that we could try more things. Everything was really good. The drinks were fantastic, too. The service was good, too. We had more than one person stop at our table to check on us. I also asked for something extra and she went right to get it, and it was no extra charge. read more

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Made reservations for 2 to meet up with my sis. Place is small but we didn't wait for our seat. Very cool ambiance upon entry, looks to look at! Our server was excellent...answered questions & offered great suggestions. I truly have no complaints! We loved everything from queso appetizer, corn chips, drinks, & our entrees. Definitely recommend and will be returning! read more

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The service was outstanding. The chips were warm and made to order! All of our meals were exquisite. The hybiscis marg was excellent. Quick service, clean bathrooms. Loved it. Those churros were gone so fast we didn't get a photo. read more

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This place was awesome!! Everything was so yummy!! Service was great I cant remember our servers name but he was so nice and had great recommendations. Also tried a few margs the best was the house and pina colada marg. The place is tiny so definitely make reservations. We went on a Wednesday and it was packed and waited 20ish mins for a table. read more

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More recent experiences were disappointing as the food menu changed, and the other options haven't been as impressive. Also the brunchtime Bloody Mary's were disappointing. And worst of all, their most beloved arepas were no longer on the menu during my last visit :( But a stool a good place for bunch in Lexington. read more

One of my favorite spots in Lexington!! I come here OFTEN, and for good reason. Corto is very consistent and very exceptionally delicious. I'm a die hard for the steak tacos, and I never go without ordering chips & queso. Best margarita in Lexington. Staff is always upbeat and kind (remembers my name, too!). Environment is super cool and always bustling. Love you, Corto. Hot tip! If you want to switch up your drink, get the prickly pear in a mojito sometime read more

Corto Lima - Steak Steak Rajas de Poblano Taco, Black Beans and Rice - Latin American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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Came here for a family dinner to see what all the hype was about. Food was great but nothing over the top. Service was great and very prompt. I will say though, their guac is the best I've ever had! read more

The 25 minute wait on a pleasant Friday evening was totally worth it! Our server was energetic, friendly and helpful in this our first visit. We ordered the prize-winning margaritas - which were balanced and very flavorful. The restaurant was full and abuzz with conversations, but pleasant! Our food was fantastic - and we finished all the beef tacos, guacamole, and shrimp ceviche. Next time we will try more menu items! read more

Corto Lima - Beef tacos and shrimp ceviche - Latin American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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This was during COVID 19. I really wanted to sit outdoors and enjoy some food and margaritas, but the indoor and outdoor facility was packed. The wait was an hour. The staff was wearing masks, but there were tons of people waiting around outside without masks. So I chose to do takeout to try to respect the fact that we are in a pandemic. I got all of their tacos (served in quantities of three, each with beans and rice). I got braised beef, pork, cauliflower, and adobo chicken. The chicken and pork were dry. The most flavorful tacos (and the ones that were moist) were the cauliflower and beef tacos. The beans and rice were good, with green onions, red onions, and tomatoes. I also got chips with the salsa trio as well as queso dip. All of the dips were bursting with flavor and the chips were properly prepared. If I had to choose, I would go with the salsa trio, as the dips were light and refreshing and offered a huge spectrum of flavors. I got the house margarita to go. Too generic and sweet for me, too heavy. But again, this was a 16 oz delivery bottle of margarita, so I have to give it a pass. Can't rate this establishment's margs based on this alone. The tacos are quite small. This is ok for me, as I like tapas fare, but they are 13-15 dollars for three of them, so a little on the higher side. Ok by me, but some people might not like the size or the price. Three tacos and the chips and salsa were plenty for me. I expected more. I've had better. I am not ok with how they are handling COVID 19 restrictions/precautions. But overall, if things return to normal, I might try them again. But not for takeout. read more

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The BEST MARGARITA EVER. Every time we are in town, we have to stop here to grab a margarita. My go to is the classic spicy marg and my fiancé orders a mezcal marg- both delicious and we crave these all the time!! The food is also really good- the first time I went I got the shrimp ceviche, very fresh and delicious flavors. The second time I went I got the adobo chicken tacos- YUM!! read more

Corto Lima - Guacamole with spicy margarita!! - Latin American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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The real deal in scratch made Latin dishes. Great tequila and mezcal selection, we love the Slushy Prickly Pear Margarita! Best tamale in Lexington. read more

Best eats during our stay in Lexington, and wish we had this place back home. Loved the food, flavors, and atmosphere! Food and drinks couldn't have been better. I had the margarita special of the night which was peach habanero and amazing. Perfect combo of slightly sweet and lots of heat! Yummmm. My boyfriend had the house marg which was also delicious. We split queso blanco which comes with a hearty portion of fresh warm chips, and the bartender kindly gave us a bonus chili de árbol salsa that was sooo good. I had the cauliflower tacos and my boyfriend the nightly special of smoked brisket tacos. We loved it all. So much flavor, not too spicy, but fabulous combo of ingredients. Both came with a side of rice and black beans. Service was super friendly and the decor enhances the entire experience. We were only in Lexington for a quick visit while exploring bourbon distilleries, but otherwise would totally come back here regularly. read more

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Cute place but very small and felt crammed. Was sitting very close to the table next to me. Service was slow but food came out fast. It was busy and every table was full. Chips and queso were great but food was mid. Might consider coming back to try the margaritas but I'm not in any rush. read more

Corto Lima - Queso Blanco Chips - Latin American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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The service was fast, restaurant was clean, and food was good. The bathroom hand dryer did not work, left with wet hands.

Food was great! We were looking for something different. We all loved the rice and beans. This hit the spot. It was a little pricey for a family of 4. read more

A nearby bar stop turned into the wonderful and unexpected meal. After a drink at Bourbon on Rye, it was suggested we saunter on over to this spot with outdoor seating and fabulous food...boy, they were not kidding! We scored an outdoor seat moments after showing up at the host stand and we quickly ordered some margaritas to sip while we waited for food to arrive. My wife tried their special that day called a green goddess (and no, it was not a Vitamix smoothie) and she raved about its refreshing flavors! The menu is full of small tasting style items, so that is how we ordered...cheese dip, emapandas, tamales, tacos. The queso blanco was smooth and creamy touched with a slight kick from the peppers and served with warm, freshly made chips. The blue corn empanadas were crispy and briny (on the inside due to the crabmeat) dipped in a "hot" sauce powered by banana peppers. The tamales are house made and filled with a smokey shredded pork and dipped in a tangy salsa verde sauce. The steak rajas street tacos were the hit of the meal made with succulent chunks of grilled meat topped with pico de gallo and fire roasted poblanos. The dish was served with one of the best beans and rice we've ever had (huge beans with chucks of smokey pork). Cannot say enough good things about this meal, the service, and the fun streetside dining spot. We'll be back next time through Lexington! read more

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Great spot to visit with friends and excellent food. We tried the Queso Blanco dip and chips appetizer and the fresh house made guacamole. Both were very fresh and flavorful. Our group passed around plates so I tried several entree items Tamales are house made and tasty Taco Steak Rajas were good Taco Roasted Pork was even better The Roasted ButternutSquash Tacos were AWESOME!! I ate the leftovers the next day before my wife could get to them! I haven't mentioned the the Margarita de Casa with top shelf tequila. Enjoy a couple and take Lyft home. We will be back!! read more

Corto Lima - Pulled pork tacos - Latin American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

The trifecta! Delicious food, excellent service and beautiful ambience. This was our 2nd time here when traveling from out of town and it's held up to the memory of the first trip. Get a cocktail- or mocktail - they are delicious. Trust your server when they make recommendations about the food. But everything is good. This is a small quaint location with excellent Mexican food. We highly recommend it! read more

Food was dry, very small portions. Margaritas were well balanced. Quick service, but weird that front of house is outside - we were dining in on a cold day, and she kept opening the door to seat guests or set up tables, etc. Good ambiance for a small party or date night. read more

What an amazing place! Probably the best Mexican food in Lexington! Atmosphere is incredible, place is nice and cozy. Decorating looks great! seating by the window were nice and comfortable. Literally EVERYTHING on the menu looks and tastes amazing. Presentation was great too. Service was fast and friendly. We loved the experience. read more

Classic expensive gentrified Latin American restaurant. The food was unseasoned, uninspired, and incredibly overpriced. The beans were unseasoned, the guac had no flavor, the adobo chicken was incredibly bland and honestly go to chipotle and save your money. The ambiance was kind of weird lofi music that got very repetitive. Staff was very nice though! I'd just go somewhere else for something authentic. Lots of white people in the kitchen lol read more

I had only heard good reviews of this restaurant, so I was disappointed to find the food bland and dry. I ordered the seasonal special, vegan Winter Squash tacos, and did not find anything special about them. The most flavor on the plate came from the green onions topping the rice and beans. Not only this, but the food came out cold for everyone in my party. Not worth $14 for 3 tiny, tasteless tacos. However, the appetizers were delicious; one of the best guacamole's I've had in a long time! read more

Corto Lima - Special - Winter Squash tacos, with Black Beans and Rice - Latin American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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I love the atmosphere & decor of this downtown restaurant! their food was very good and at the time I went, which was early afternoon, there wasn't a long wait. read more

Corto Lima - Latin American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Loved the margarita menu--don't miss the prickly pear mezcal marg!! Chip portion is enormous. I recommend the guacamole over the salsa, but both were great. They are willing to customize items on the menu as vegan and the mushroom quesadilla without cheese was so good! read more

Corto Lima - Prickly pear mezcal marg! - Latin American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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The food is so delicious here! Very cute decor throughout the restaurant. Drinks were also very good. read more

Corto Lima - Brunch Papas - Latin American Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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We got here at just the right time last night and we were able to get a table. They don't take reservations so it's first come first serve. We checked in with the hostess and were seated pretty quickly. Emily M served us and she was great. Dining with great service makes the meal enjoyable. I started with a local beer and then ordered the happy hour Planter's Punch. The punch wasn't too sweet so I really liked it. My husband had a margarita. We started with fried chips salsa trio. We then picked 4 small plates to share. It was too much food but there were too many great options to try so we were stuffed. The blue corn empanadas with crab and cheese were my favorite. I don't usually love tamales because there is too much dough and not enough filling. These tamales were delicious with plenty of filling. The Cubano sandwich and the Chicken Chicharron were yummy but I couldn't finish because I was stuffed. I'm so glad I got to taste them. Everything was delicious and we will be back. read more

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Another meal in Lexington where the food gets 4 stars but the clueless waitress gets 2. Service was abysmal. Rarely saw her, forgot to put certain foods or drinks on our ticket. Cost her and the restaurant money for sure as in 90 minutes I was able to order 1 drink due to her forgetfulness and slow pace. read more

This Latin-inspired cuisine restaurant is simply sublime! This was my first time at Corto Lima, but most certainly will not be my last! Our server, Anthony, was the bomb! He was equally hilarious as he was helpful! We absolutely loved having him as our server, he knew exactly what we'd like and not once did he disappoint us! I love a good margarita, but I'm used to seeing the typical choices between regular, strawberry, mango, etc. Anthony recommended I get the Prickly Pear margarita and it was lush! Honestly I only needed the one because they put just the right amount of liquor in the drink. The margarita did not taste like pears, which was a good thing for me, but was sweet, which I enjoyed very much. No matter where I go, I always always always have to get chips and queso and BOY, I fell in love. I can't quite put my tongue on it, but all I can say is that their chips and queso is worth getting! It was so good that when my friend tried it, she couldn't even believe how good it was! I also got the Adobo Chicken tacos and double rice as my side. I'm so glad Anthony recommended that I tried this or else I would have gone with their steak tacos like I typically do. The chicken is so well seasoned and even though the tacos looked small overall, they were very filling! Once we asked for the check, we were each given a Corto Lima postcard. I love when restaurants do this, especially since I have a personal postcard collection, but also makes the whole experience unforgettable. I'm mad it too me so long to eat here, but I know they'll definitely be seeing me soon! read more

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