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    Exotic Latin Grill

    4.3 (131 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 2:00 AM (Next day)

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    EXOTIC LATIN GRILL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Divey
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Exotic Latin Grill

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    Menu
    Jonathan K.

    Oh man... Authentic but very accessible latin fare To the lay Mexican food fan. Food was super fresh & such a fun & diverse menu. If I lived in Columbus I would have to be a weekly visitor.

    Colombian Hot Dogs
    Adri C.

    *Cash only From the name and location, I was super skeptical of this place. But it has actually turned into one of my favorite food places in Columbus! They have delicious, authentic food and fast service. I've tried so many new things there and loved all of them. My recommendations are the Colombian hotdog, arepa with cheese, and stuffed plantain.

    Torta !
    Kalah Rae F.

    I have been eating from this truck for a decade! And it's always in this location, right outside of 14-0, which has one of the best carry-out beer selections in the campus area. It should be noted that the place got a major facelift and paint job and it looks much different than it did 10 years ago, but they still only accept CASH so come prepared so you don't have to pay UDF or 14-0's wack atm fees. I've never known the exact hours of operation, but I think I've only stopped in on a few random days over the years and been disappointed to see it closed. Otherwise they are typically open, and usually until pretty late to cater to the boozie midnight snackers who are leaving local bars at that time. My go-to order is a chicken baleada. I usually ask for it to be cooked 'extra crispy', and it comes out perfect. It's like a quesadilla but with a thicker dough instead (I know, sinful) I hadn't been there in awhile, so last time I ordered the house baleada because I saw it had avocado in the photo, low and behold I got a behemoth of 2 eggs, meat, beans, avocado, etc. lol. It was still good even though I am super picky about eggs and I rarely order them when I'm out... let alone from a food truck at 9pm. I also love their tamales, and I order those whenever they are available. They used to not have them most days, but last time they did, so maybe they have them more often now! The best empanada IMO is the Hawaiian empanada which contains cheese and pineapple! Yum. Another favorite item is the arepas. Always amazingly delicious-- like a cheesy cornbread pancake. Last time I ordered both of their beverage options (never had tried them before) and I liked them both. Horchata is always amazing, I would compare it to drinking an iced chai, but less spicy and complex made mostly with cinnamon. The Tamarindo is basically a tamarind-flavored juice. If you've never had Tamarind I'm not quite sure how to describe that, sorta fruity? It's common in Mexico. It's like a super sweet/tart snapple tea flavor that you can't quite place. I would definitely recommend El Manantial Latino :) I'll always go back after those late-night campus shows at Rumba Cafe!

    Carne asada tacos
    Deniece W.

    This food truck has existed in the parking lot of 14-0 for yeeeeears. They offer a decent variety of Latin American food for a food truck. Unfortunately, it took way too long for our food order to be prepared. The burger & carne asada tacos we ordered were good, but over 30 mins is just too long of a wait for food truck food, especially in the campus area.

    #3, must try
    Pat E.

    This food truck is pretty popular. The quality & quantity of food is the reason. Always a wait to get your order, so call ahead. The Cubano is huge, full of meat & cheese. Very filling. Personally, I would like more pickles, but delicious anyway. #3 Bandeja palsa is for the HUNGARY person. Beans, potatoes, rice, sausage, beef, half avocado & plantains. Speaking of plantains, the last few times, fried bananas replaced the plantains. Not sure why as they aren't as good. The woman working at the window is hard to understand, and I am good with accents. If you like very good value price food, this spot is for you. CASH ONLY. MASK REQUIRED to order. Oh and BTW, they have plenty of vegetarian options too if that is your thing :,-)

    Sobrebarriga
    Richard P.

    Exotic Latin Grill has been around for a while; 7 years plus at the current location outside the 14-0 on Hudson, and down by campus before that. At some point, I can't honestly recall when, it came under new ownership. Besides the snazzy new wrap on the trailer, the new ownership also brought with it a few new dishes. Amongst the usual tacos and burritos on the menu are a couple of standout Colombian dishes, including bandeja paisa and sobrebarriga. The sobrebarriga is a particular favorite of mine. Big chunks of unctuous beef stewed with onions, tomatoes, and spices, accompanied by yucca, rice, sweet plantains, half an avocado, and a bit of salad. It's a generous helping of beef; I can get several meals out of the amount of meat. My only gripe is that it doesn't come with enough of Exotic Latin Grill's tasty fried sweet plantains, but this is easily solved by ordering a side of sweet plantains to accompany it, which I unfailingly do. The bandeja paisa is pretty indulgent, if meat is your thing. Chorizo, chicharrones, and flank steak, plus a fried egg, an arepa, half an avocado, rice & black beans, and fried plantains. I would order it more often, but the sobrebarriga (which isn't always available) usually wins out. There are also arepas, empanadas, and tamales to be had, in addition to the usual taco truck offerings. Don't forget to order that side of the fried sweet plantains. They get pretty busy in the evenings, particularly when OSU is in session, but you can always call ahead and then go pick up your order.

    Cuban sandwich, papusa
    Jessica E.

    This place is SO GOOD! The only thing that could make it better is if they excepted credit cards and if the Baleadas were authentic. Don't order the baleada here because it's nothing like an actual Honduran baleada. HOWEVER they have a million other amazing things. You really can't go wrong with the Papusas, empanadas, and tamales. My mom is OBSESSED with the Colombian hot dog and my husband got the Cuban sandwich last time and it was SO good. We still have so many things on the menu that we're looking forward to coming back and trying.

    Empanada, my hand is for scale
    Mindy H.

    I was recommended to go to this food truck so many times by my friends I thought I just had to try it when I didn't have time to make lunch one day. We waited about 7 minutes for our food and we just waited in our car to social distance. It was not a bad wait at all. The person serving us gave us two salsa verdes and 1 hot red sauce. It was the perfect amount to spread on the torta and two empanadas. The empanadas were were freshly fried, crispy and the fillings(shrimp; beans) were soft and nicely spiced. I had a bite of my partner's torta and it was just so good. The steak and cheese complimented each other perfectly. This is a great find and I would not pass up a chance to try Exotic Latino Grill!

    meat (below) and pineapple and cheese empanadas (above)
    Yessica A.

    Soooo good! I love to order their tacos, tortas, empanadas, plantains, and cubans. It's cash only so make sure you have that and a few bills to leave a tip! These guys are extremely hardworking, stay open late, and serve some of the best food on campus. Love this place!

    Burrito
    Patrick S.

    This is the place. Don't let the exterior keep you from eating one of the best food trucks in Columbus. YEARS, I had been driving by and never thought twice about it until a friend recommended it to me. Reasonably priced, fantastic food. My go to is the steak burrito and the pineapple cheese empanadas. Try the salsas. The red is extra spicy so beware. Also cash only. You won't be disappointed.

    Please be great!!!
    Ruben R.

    Coming from Los Angeles I've been on a mission to find some great tacos. I'd like to FINALLY announce, "I have found them!" My 1 complaint is they're double tortilla tacos and I'm not a big fan so take that with a grain of salt. The Pastor was great and no salsa needed, just add lime. The Lengua, oh man, it took me back to my childhood. It's def a top 3 Lengua taco I've ever had. I absolutely loved it. We live in New Albany and that taco is bringing us back. The Asada was really good as well. Unfortunately, the Cuban Sandwich was on the opposite side of the spectrum. The bread was not pressed, it was soggy. 2 pickles for the entire sandwich and very minimal mustard. I hate to say it but it was probably the worst Cuban I've had. I don't entire rule out going back because this is NOT a Cuban truck. I will be back for those tacos and to try other items. My wife got a Torta and she liked it but it wasn't anywhere close to a LA Torta. Flavor was good but to much cheese (shouldn't have any). Lengua Taco 9.5 Pastor Taco 8.2 Asada Taco 8.5 Cuban Sandwich 3.3 Torta 8

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    3 months ago

    So good the Cuban sandwich are some of the best I've had. They're so big that I have leftovers for lunch the next day!

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    1 year ago

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    9 months ago

    Food was decent, service not so good. Wouldn't go out of my way to go here lots of other options where they seem to appreciate my business.

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    The food was mediocre at best, kinda cold when I got it and everything was overcooked. Not the best for Caribbean food, you can do better.

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    6 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Mucho mucho tasty. Nicest workers and people in columbus Ohio - arepa w cheese and green sauce and the veggie burrito are champions

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    3 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    2 years ago

    The food is all very bland, dry, and flavorless. Disappointing after reading all the raving reviews. Wouldn't go again or recommend.

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    6 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Pricey for a food truck that serves mediocre food. Never had a good or worthy experience here. This is a cash only establishment too.

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Best Latin food ever!! Me and my husband love getting take out From here! Wish the owners would put up a restaurant

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    Ask the Community - Exotic Latin Grill

    Are there any gluten-free options?

    Yes. The tacos use corn tortillas, the tamales use masa (cornmeal), and the arepas are made with cornmeal as well. Also, the dishes like sobrebarriga come with rice, no wheat.

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    Tatoheads Food Truck

    3.9(50 reviews)
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    Tatoheads = a solid food truck lunch experience!…read more Tatoheads parks outside of Germania on Front Street from time to time and it is SUPER close to my work so, recently, I decided to check it out. The first thing I did notice was that the poor young lady working in the truck was all on her own. This lead to the Tatoheads experience taking a VERY long time. I saw other colleagues walking to other restaurants in the area who both passed me heading to lunch and heading back to work because I was in line for so long and then had to wait for my food for so long. The gal working in the truck seemed very flustered even though she was super nice. When she brought me my order, she realized that it was completely wrong. She was super apologetic but I didn't have time to wait any longer so decided to go ahead and take the food she made. I ended up with Bacon Cheeseburger Fries. They were super delicious! It was such a yummy meal. Sadly, I am allergic to dairy so I ended up with some hives and a rash for eating it but it was basically worth it since it was so tasty. The portions were HUGE and I could barely finish my meal. I really liked it a lot and I hope to check it out again when they're less busy or less understaffed.

    Again, more hype and excitement then needed. It was better…read morethan all the other food trucks at the festival, but only because the others really weren't great. Again, pricey, $4 for fries, and an extra $1 for sauce which of course you need. Then $7 for "combos" meaning loaded fries. We got the chicago dip with fries and I chose spicy which was too hot for me or my son so my husband got it. The fries were nothing special, a bit of mozz, some steak and way too much watery gravy which stained up everything. I did get to try the herbs de provence topping which was great exactly the right herbs it should be and I refused to pay $1 for ketchup so I asked him for a taste of the roasted red pepper and cilantro ketchup (with such a name I coulbd't leave without at least tasting it) and he gave me a try, it was not as expected. More like your cornstarch filled jellolike sweet chili sauce with green specks in it, so glad I saved the money on that. In all ok, but not worth going to again, I don't like fries enough to make a meal out of it and the portions not big enough to fill you up.

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    Exotic Latin Grill - mexican - Updated June 2026

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