Let me say, the portions are enormous! When I saw they wanted four dollars for a taco I was a bit outraged, then the taco came to the table and it was not your average street taco. My sister-in-law and I shared a fried burrito with Al Pastor in it. The shit was fire! They make their own hot sauces in house. The waitress brought a creamy habanero sauce to the table that was still warm. Mad respect for that. It was delicious, but hot as hell. This place is a 12 year-old boys dream. It has such a cool nacho Libre vibe. I would've given it five stars except for a few small details. I really wish you could give 4.5. It just wasn't quite at that five star level. For me a five star level means all the food is executed. Well, the service is impeccable, the place is clean, and it's a good overall experience. There was nothing bad about this by any means. But it just wasn't quite five stars. The queso is not good. It has a decent flavor, but it is super watery. I also don't like that none of their giant burritos come automatically with rice and beans. If I am ordering a $14 burrito even if it's huge, it should really come with rice and beans. Also, I wish they had a few more appetizer options like Mexican street corn. While they did have some nachos, a few basic dips and some Ramen, I just feel like they could do a little more on the appetizer front. My sister-in-law and I split a burrito and usually what I would do is get an appetizer for us to share as well and there just wasn't anything. I will argue to the death. That queso is not an appetizer. It is a condiment. A delicious condiment. Like I said... 4.5 stars for this place the waitress was very helpful. I also wish you could mix and match three tacos for $12 or something like that and I also wish they had some happy hour drink specials. read more

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We always go to Los Agaves but sometimes we feel like we should broaden our Mexican food horizons. We stopped in here one morning in search of huevos con chorizo and figured any Mexican restaurant open before noon should offer it. Wrong! While El Arena DOES have a breakfast menu, they do not offer huevos con chorizo. We asked if we could order it off and there seemed to be confusion. I ordered the Breakfast Burrito instead. It was delicious and something I would definitely order again. The decor inside was fantastic and I loved looking at all the luchador art work. The restaurant wasn't busy at all. I was a little annoyed because I asked for coffee - it's on the menu - and I was told they didn't have any. My only complaint. Well that and the paper lined trays to serve food. That always irritates me because it never fails to cut into your food and cut paper with it. read more

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We enjoyed this spot! The theme was super fun and the staff were wonderful. The food was great as well. Lots of menu options available. Also comes with chips and salsa! read more

El Arena Taco Shop - Birria Tacos - Tacos Near Me - Toledo, Ohio

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Great food and a fun vibe. The birria is a highlight but there are a lot of different taco options.

4.5 Takeout We had a great experience dining in last month and noticed that it was also a popular spot for takeout. Decided to order takeout the other night. Ordered two Burrito Bowls with Grilled Chicken. Also ordered two sides of guacamole with chips and salsa. Since chips and salsa were included in our dine-in meal, I thought it would be the same for takeout, but not the case. However, since we ordered two side orders of guacamole, chips and salsa were included- however, two guacamole orders included TWO bags of tortilla chips but only ONE small container of their amazing salsa... How does that make sense? In fact, I think it's confusing to their staff as I was originally charged for the two bags of chips with one container of salsa, but the bill was easily corrected when I inquired about the charge. The homemade salsa is so delicious that you need more than one small container to go with two entree chicken burrito salads in addition to the chips and guacamole. Given that you pay roughly $8 for a side of guacamole that comes in a generous serving size, it seems you would receive a generous amount of salsa to accompany the guacamole and chips, right? Well that's my opinion. Honestly, the tortilla chips in bags were so greasy that we threw them out but really missed the salsa! The chicken burrito bowls are delicious with the salsa and lacking without the salsa, which makes everything taste delicious! When dining in, one can easily ask for additional salsa, but not so easy with carryout. So we tried to ration the salsa, yet only goes so far. Bottom line is that at least two small containers of salsa should be provided with each entree and additional salsa should be included with an order of chips and salsa. Aside from the important salsa issue, everything else was fabulous- nice bright colored ambiance when picking up your order. Staff members were very nice. If ordering takeout, be sure to order extra salsa containers and I'm sure you'll be happy! read more

El Arena Taco Shop - Takeout Chicken Burrito Bowl - Tacos Near Me - Toledo, Ohio

It seems like when reviewing the dates, it has been a while since I last visited. It hasn't been that long. I just didn't update after every single visit. EVERYTHING in my previous review applies. This is just a great spot for tacos and other dishes. I hope that they never retire - I need my taco fix!! The service remains very friendly and the fun decor only adds to the experience. read more

The passion that this owner has for his restaurant is evident the moment you open the door and enter. You just know you're in for a great time. Every surface is decorated to make you smile. I didn't expect to be eating Mexican food while visiting Ohio from California but the special theme drew me in. The restaurant was very clean, the menu complete and very reasonably priced, and big screen TVs were plentiful. I had the Rolled Tacos (also known as Taquitos in some locales), refried beans, and rice. The tacos were great, served with guacamole and sour cream. The beans and rice were prepared differently than I am accustomed to, but reminded me I'm in the Midwest and I enjoyed the difference. El Arena with its salute to Lucha Libre is a must visit restaurant. The great Mexican food, reasonable prices, and lively design is fun for solo travelers, couples, or a gathering. read more

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I ate here shortly after the place first opened. It was just OK, nothing great. I guess I never made it back until last Friday after work... I perused the menu and decided on a carne asada fried burrito (I would call it a chimichanga, but this is their place and their name). I ordered it to go with rice and beans. When I got home and took a look, it was HUGE! I also noticed that there was no rice or beans. I looked at the receipts and I wasn't charged for them, but still. So, the fried burrito was really great. Lots of meat that was very tasty. Not at all tough or bland. It came with a huge dollop of sour cream, diced tomato and lettuce garnish, and some of the saddest looking guac I've ever seen. The guacamole was turning that repulsive greenish brown and there was no texture at all. No bits of onion or tomato. It looked like it was squirted out of some type of tube into a pile of sorts. I couldn't bring myself to try it. Just awful to look at - terrible thoughts conjured in my mind as to what this could be. I scraped it up and threw it out. Now, I'm not one to get queasy with odd or strange things. I love sushi, raw kibbe, lengua tacos, octopus/squid, tripas, etc. I couldn't "unsee" what was there. It just had to go away. I noticed that they had chiles relleno on the menu, but it was only mentioned as being served as a burrito. I asked if I could get one just as-is, not in a burrito or taco. Sadly, they wouldn't do that. I do love them and would have probably ordered a chiles relleno dinner if that was an option. Not sure why they only serve them the one way??? The red and green salsa were fine but could have been a bit more spicey. All in all, the place was much better than my first go-around. I couldn't eat all of the fried burrito, only got through about half of it. I'll definitely ask that they not include the guac the next time (seriously guacamole is one of my favorite things, but not when it looks like someone already ate it). Dinner was something like $16 bucks. Not a steal, but a fair price for a lot of food. If they included the rice and beans (as asked), sold me a chiles relleno and did something about that guacamole, I would have gone 4 or 5 stars. read more

Very clean and festive inside. The food and service were excellent! We walked in and ordered some tacos to go and had a margarita at the bar while we waited. Very nice Taco Tuesday special. They were tasty and a good deal! I also had the quesabirria served crispy and wow was it great! Right near the corner of Douglas/Laskey in Toledo, OH. I will be back. Great job! read more

Food was really good. Our local taco places don't carry Birria. Interior and ambience were very interesting. Wife and I really appreciated the hand painted artwork. The server was super friendly. We prefer our salsa a little chunkier, and theirs did not disappoint. read more

If you have a thing for Rey Mysterio, OR, if you just dig basic but well prepared tacos, you should probably stop into LLTS. The menu is not humongous; LLTS doesn't need anybody judging it as a full service authentic Mexican restaurant. Think of it more like a taco truck, a taqueria, or, like it says in the name, a 'taco shop.' There are a few other things on the menu, but TACOS are indeed the name of the game. Here's what I notice when I'm eating a carne asada taco from LLTS: (1) Size and weight: These are nice hefty tacos packed with meat. You could practically use one of these tacos for concentration curls. For $3.50, you get your money's worth. (2) High quality meat: Not only do you get a lot of it, but the carne asada is super high quality. Excellent flavor and (essentially) no fat or gristle. Barbacoa was also good, and chorizo was excellent. (3) Noticeably fresh and flavorful onions, cilantro, and lime. The optional, and free, salsas are great toppers, but the basic ingredients are so good that the salsas aren't really necessary. Service: It was great (fast and friendly) all three times I've been here. They might seem understaffed (who doesn't these days), but the workers really bust ass to get your food out to you, and to keep the place clean. Location: West Toledo, on Douglas. North of Sylvania. Incidentally, it's literally next door to another damned good Mexican place, El Nuevo Vallarta. Drinks: No craft beer, but they do have beer...and liquor...and American pop...and Jarittos...and milk...and juice..and water. I can't remember if they have sangria. Basically though, if you're thirsty, you're covered. This place deserves between 4 and 5 stars, but because they do the basics so very well, 5 stars it is! read more

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Very good food, and the staff was very nice and friendly. Thanks for the great experience the first time.

We came for dinner without a reservation and expected to wait, but they squeezed us in at the bar. Ended up being the best choice--the bartender was super friendly and made us laugh the whole night. I had the salmon, which flaked apart easily and wasn't drowned in sauce. My partner got the pork chop with apple glaze and didn't let me steal more than one bite. Cozy atmosphere, good music, not pretentious at all. read more

Placed an online order asked for grilled chicken nachos horrible customer service. Was not grilled chicken looked, smelled and tasted like cat food. Called to bring food back and Manager would not speak to me they actually hung up on me then same girl said the best she could do it take my name and number down. Guacamole wasn't real and looked old. Health department should do an inspection on this place. Did not offer replacement not for me to get my money back. Wasted 20.00 for the nastiest nachos ever. Do not go here. Threw the food in the trash along w my hard earn money disgusting place read more

Absolutely best Mexican food in town! Great prices, amazing art everywhere, and great service.

One of our favorite restaurants, environment has a lot of character, menu isn't too crazy and all the food is insanely good. Small area too so service is usually fast. Highly recommended. read more

I go at least once a week for margs and tacos always amazing service friendly smiles and laughter they make you feel welcomed and the food is to die for read more

El Arena Taco Shop - Tacos Near Me - Toledo, Ohio

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So clean and the food is amazing! My husband has travelled all over the world and thinks their salsa is the best he's ever had. Nothing is not good! Everything is so tasty! Service is great and so are the prices. My kids love all the wrestling stuff everywhere. Definitely recommend! read more

We decided to give this place a try. The salsa was very good, homemade for sure. The queso was also good. The entrees were very bland and just not that appetizing. I had the fried burrito with cheese, it was just very bland not many flavors. My boyfriend had a veggie quesadilla as well as a breakfast burrito. He said the same thing, that his food was bland. I wouldn't return, just not worth the money. read more

The menu is small but it's all about the quality. Street tacos are really good. They have the best burria tacos I've yet to have. The salsa is top notch. Service is always on point and they are always there checking on you. Restaurant itself is small and comfortable with all the lucha libre artwork throughout makes it stand out. It's definitely a in rotation Mexican restaurant to go to read more

Food is great. Best, and maybe only quesabirria tacos in town. Portions are good and the price is reasonable. Staff is very friendly and the decor is cool with all luchador masks and memorabilia. My kids love the place. read more

I will admit, my stupid restaurant reviews are like American Idol, the TV show. Very early on in the production of that television show, producers put it together that no one wanted to see mediocre singers, they either wanted to see the really really bad singers or the really really good singers. Similarly, I have no interest in reviewing mediocre restaurants that everyone seems to forget. I only want to review horrible establishments OR the Great ones. When I drove past Lucha libre taco shop on Douglas Road in Toledo, my head snapped simply because of the name. Admittedly, I love the allure and mystique of Mexican wrestling, but I thought the placement of this restaurant was hidden away from the rest of the world. What would A themed restaurant like this be doing, tucked away from high traffic areas or away from downtown or the business district of a shopping mall? Certainly, this was a joke. I couldn't possibly be missing such a grandiose experience hidden in an unassuming residential neighborhood in North Toledo? The answer is, I was missing such an experience. And you are too. All of Toledo should be visiting this place. The Lucha Libre Taco Shop seems as authentic as you can get, outside of actually being at a wrestling arena in Mexico City. When you walk in, the decorum is nothing but Candy for the eye. Children and adults both will take massive enjoyment simply walking around and looking at the intricately handcarved chairs and booths, all painted with wild Mexican wrestling stylings, and complete with championship wrestling belts and Lucha libre masks on every wall. The traditional Mexican mariachi band music pumps through the air while both the server/hostess and manager come and greet me at my table and converse. I am in awe of my surroundings, and the manager explains how he plans to add live music to the mix. All I can think about is My hope that he doesn't sell out to the cover band scene and rather - finds some true mariachi performers, just to complete the perfect picture. Heck, the only thing that would make this place visually better is if the waiters and waitresses wore Lucha Libre masks. I'm sold. While I had somehow already crafted this idea that this restaurant was the greatest restaurant in Toledo, it occurred to me that I had not yet even ordered from the menu. So I became convinced that the food was going to be a major let down and ruin my seemingly perfect image. After being greeted with warm tortilla chips and salsa, I surveyed the menu, which was admittedly simple and Straightforward. Missing were the big plates fancy dishes of theme restaurants like Don Pablo's or Condados or other franchised-type places, but what you do get seems to be like an authentic experience you would get from a taco stand in the Colonia Doctores neighborhood in Mexico. I couldn't complain. The descriptions seemed enticing and I was eager to adventure. I went with one of the house specialties, the rolled street tacos. Ternderly shredded beef was rolled in corn tortillas before being deep deep fried and covered in a crema and Guacamole creme sauce and a myriad of cheese. I first worried that I would not be able to pick these up with my hand, but as loaded as they were, everything was unbelievably handheld and with only minimal mess. It was darn near perfect. Additionally, I have come to despise other Mexican restaurants that claim their chimichangas are deep-fried, when they are only lightly flashfried. Are chimichangas not meant to be crispy fried? I'm not sure. But most come off as just a slight variation to a burrito. However, Lucha Libre deep fries these rolled tacos to perfection. Crunchy goodness, but certainly not overdone. They mastered the timing of frying, much like the art of lucha libre wrestling. Forgive me for any grammatical mistakes you may find in this review, I voice text all of my reviews like I am some 75-year-old man who just discovered how to use a cell phone. I write this, I post pictures, I endorse this restaurant, not because I care if you eat there. I do it because I am crossing my fingers and praying to the Lucha libre gods, that this place stays open. This review is for MY benefit alone. It was a wonderful experience and one that the whole family will enjoy. And Yes, You naysaying critic, wrestling is fake. But this place ain't. It's as real as you can get. Skip Pollo Loco. Skip San Marcos. Come get 619'd at Lucha Libre Taco Shop. read more

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Came back for a third time and it did not disappoint! Awesome food & service. Margaritas were good, chips were great, salsa was amazing, and meals also were outstanding. It is In the top two of our favorite Mexican restaurants in the Toledo area. Thank you for a great meal & great service!! read more

Absolutely killer carne asada torta. The horchata was refreshing, not the best but solid, good chips and fresh salsa. Props on the atmosphere, it was unique. The place was very clean, service was ok. Worth checking out for sure and if you like tortas or lucha libre a must. read more

El Arena Taco Shop - Decor - Tacos Near Me - Toledo, Ohio

This place is awesome! I love everything on the menu and the staff are always friendly. It's the perfect taco shop with all the decor and plenty of TVs. Has a nice little bar. This place is a really chill restaurant where you can sit back, relax, enjoy some great drinks, and even better food. My go-tos are the chorizo or steak street tacos. Delicious! read more

Okay look this is the only review that should matter. I'm from Southern California. This food is legit. I'm in Toledo for work and will come here every time. read more

Clean, friendly, professional. The tacos and fresh guacamole are the best. Not a big menu but what they do, they do good.

We went very hungry and we all could hardly eat half our order, it was delicious. The margaritas were hand made and on point. Very pleasantly surprised to have tried it. read more

The food is really good. The staff is above and beyond attentive and welcoming. The place has such a fun decor. Been there many times and can't wait to return. read more

Had the Shredded Carne Asada burrito. Tasted like quality meat with perfect seasoning. My daughter had the Steak Street Taco. She was very pleased as well. We'll be coming back soon. read more

This place is the real deal. I'm from Southern California where taco shops are a dime a dozen but this place would stand out even in that company. Only had take out so far but the restaurant itself looks very fun and warm and it seems a shame that there aren't more reviews. Certainly better than the current #1 spot on Yelp in the Toledo area. Oh and there's a bar too! read more

Can't say enough about what a great place this is. Food is delicious and the service is great. Our waitress was very helpful and she made sure we were well taken care of. read more

Been here a couple times now and I highly recommend it! Great food, good atmosphere! The California burrito is out of this world, tastes very SoCal. read more

I love this place. Everything is like homemade. We have been there twice now and have absolutely loved everything we had. This is our new favorite Mexican restaurant. read more

This was my first time visiting this establishment and I must say I was highly impressed and had a great experience. The place is creative, vibrate decor and the service was amazing. As well as the food. Will recommend this place to anyone now. read more

So far everything has been very good, my only criticism would be the beef pieces vs chunks used in the chili colorado, and the cod in my fish taco was square, which could easily been cut into two to be more taco friendly, aside from that every meal i have gotten was delicious and wait staff was very friendly. Excellent sauces, flavor on point. read more

Delicious ! Every time the food is so delicious, we usually get takeout and the food is always ready on time and the staff are easy to order from and friendly to deal with read more

Always 5 stars. Their new name is El Arena but the food is the same amazing deliciousness. Margaritas are fantastic. Flautas are top notch. Hubby loves the street tacos. Kids go crazy over the quesbirra. Love it here. It's impeccably clean, sanitized and fresh smelling. read more

El Arena Taco Shop - Tacos Near Me - Toledo, Ohio

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I've been here a few times and I have never been disappointed. Friendly staff and good food. I usually get the barbacoa tacos and shrimp tacos. They are always plenty stuffed that the fillings are falling out. I also get their al pastor burrito bowl which is topped with this amazingly marinated pork on rice, sour cream, lettuce, beans, cheese and salsa. I highly recommend this place! read more

This place was AWESOME! The food is amazing and the ambiance was perfect! Highly recommend.