Food was fresh and generous, service was excellent and ambiance was very authentic. Definitely will come back again.Outside seating also. Byob read more

If you're ever in Manahawkin, New Jersey definitely give this place a visit. They offer breakfast, lunch & dinner. Inside it's very cozy and spacious seating. The server was very polite and attentive. The food is delicious. Very well seasoned and reasonably priced! read more

See all

Newly single I went on a first date, met my date here I did not realize the place was gonna be that busy and that you needed reservations, but we were able to get counter seats right in front of where they're preparing food. They are doing an enormous takeout business as well. They bring over what is definitely homemade chips and a very heavy on the cilantro salsa, but it was excellent. More on the watery side restaurant style. We ordered the medium sized guacamole, which was huge. I can't imagine what the large looks like. My own guac I would have had diced tomato and some jalapeño in there, but it was still super fresh and delicious. We both ordered street tacos. They're on white corn tortillas. Very simple, squeeze lime on there, you got diced onion and cilantro. It was excellent and my date said hers were the al Pastor and she liked hers as well. I would've liked a more intimate dining setting, but I highly recommend this place if you want authentic delicious Mexican food and it was reasonable But if you've got four or more, I would definitely recommend a reservation on the weekends even if you have 2 maybe. No seafood enchiladas which was I guess was in line with their menu. Oh, and also they give you like a grilled cactus blade. I don't know what else to call it. It was delicious. read more

LA Cabanita - Carne asada street tacos - Mexican Near Me - Manahawkin, New Jersey

Yesterday we ordered Mexican food from La Cabañita. They're a local family owned restaurant that makes the most delicious and fresh food. We ordered: -tacos birria with consommé -steak asada sopes -chicken chimichanga -chicken and cheese quesadilla They included sides of salsa verde and salsa roja for everyone. I ordered online but called the restaurant to make a special request and they were so polite and gladly made the change. This is the second time we've ordered from them and we will definitely be going back, but next time to dine in. read more

See all

Stopped here after a long trip to the DMV. I got the Huevos Racheros with rice & beans on the side. A very hearty and tasty breakfast. Top notch. Decent price. Server was very nice and prompt and friendly. read more

LA Cabanita - HUEVOS RANCHEROS - Mexican Near Me - Manahawkin, New Jersey

2025 review still a great Mexican restaurant. food is very authentic. I had a ribeye steak. It was accompanied by great sides, delicious beans and rice and topped with cheese and chorizo. My other guests had a chimichanga and tacos all super delicious. read more

See all

This place was a staple in our lives for almost as long as it's been open , my first review was 5 stars . Last few times there is no love in the food anymore must be new chef if not they lost there touch. I'm so sad about this please get it together again there are so many other places to go ., you have to step it up . I give a star for the wonderful service. And I want this to remain my favorite. But three strikes are scary . Fajitas with no sizzle and lacking flavor and chaquillas with a canned tomato soup taste and burnt breaded chicken. Prices are rising and chef skills need to do the same . Please try harder. I want you guys to stick around. read more

Excellent spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Food is fresh and delicious. Friendly service. read more

LA Cabanita - Chiliquilles - Mexican Near Me - Manahawkin, New Jersey

Great Mexican menu lovely and good looking service nice ambience very modern and up to date

I have to go to Manahawkin weekly for an appointment and the restaurant I usually go to is closed on Mondays. So, I searched Yelp for vegan friendly food. I found La Cabanita. I read the reviews on here and they were great! So, I went around 4:30 pm and there were a lot of cars in the parking lot. That was a good sign to see it busy at a time that isn't really lunch or dinner. The outside is cute and neat looking, so that was good to see as well. I came in and was greeted by a waitress at the front station. I told her I was vegan and gluten free and she was speaking to the other women about options. She showed me they can substitute corn tortilla for anything and they also can make a veggie version of the meat dishes (if it isn't already offered). I asked many questions and asked her what some items were on the menu. She was very helpful and patient. I would watch each dish go by and each one looked amazing! I was getting take out but I have to visit for sit down one day! I finally decided what to get my mom and I and the food was ready quickly. My mom got a chicken dish that she loved. It was grilled chicken with peppers and cactus. I got the Huarache Vegetariano which was so tasty! And it was nice looking as well! Very good food, even the free chips! Definitely would recommend. read more

LA Cabanita - SIDE DE TORTILLAS. They looked homemade and so soft and fluffy! Simply beautiful. - Mexican Near Me - Manahawkin, New Jersey

See all

La Cabanita in Barnegat is one of our favorite spots for Mexican food. The food is always fresh, flavorful, and served in generous portions--perfect for enjoying in the moment and taking some home for later. Our go-to favorites are the enchiladas and the birria tacos--absolutely delicious every time! The flavors are authentic, and you can tell everything is made with care. Plus, the prices are very reasonable considering the portion sizes and quality. read more

Excellent Mexican food experience. Food was yummy, plentiful and reasonable for this day and age. Very nicely decorated, comfortable seating (no Formica table/bench booths here.) Highly recommend! read more

Food..Service...Ambiance. Check marks all that. All flavorful and a truckload of it. Beef Empanadas were so light. How did they manage to do that ? I get so excited when my entree is big enough to fit on a Thanksgiving Turkey size platter. Mexican food in the 08050 destroys all. read more

See all

been here a handful of times and the food is always incredible. The staff is friendly and service is always quick!

Great spot! Delicious food, nice service. We had a huarache and the nachos; both were excellent. Their chips are fresh and tasty; their house salsa is fresh but mild. The spice they call "spicy" that accompanied our dishes is spicy as advertised. This isn't a tourist place, the food is authentic, freshly prepared and special. We really liked this place and plan to return. read more

This place is worth the hype. A little off the beaten path from Long Beach but honestly it's so worth it. And depending on where in the beach you are it really isn't that bad of a drive. I honestly wish they were located in my neck of the woods because it was TOUGH to choose what to eat. It didn't help that they had a couple of tvs scrolling through real, in-house photos of their menu. What we got: Chorizo Sopes - 4.5* yuuuuum. I'm knocking it half a start because the menu said it came with its own spicy sauce but I didn't taste a thing in that department. Other than that it was fantastic. Filling and surprisingly packed I'd recommend the sopes to anyone who asks. Cabanita Latina (the special platter featured on the front of the menu) - 5* this apparently isn't featured in the menu other than as a photo in the front of the book. We saw another table order it and asked our waiter for the details. All of the meat (I think there were 5 different kinds) were well presented and I liked all but one. The shrimp was my favourite. The guacamole and rice were both super good. The black beans tasty but not something I'd rave about. The cheese and salsa pretty standard. And the tortillas must be home made. If you don't know what you want and have someone willing to share, this is a great choice. My partner shared this with a friend and let me have a small sample of everything to write my review. read more

LA Cabanita - Cabanita Latina - Mexican Near Me - Manahawkin, New Jersey

See all

love the food! portion size is huge and their prices are one of the cheapest around. service is quick also. can get a little loud but other than that it's great! read more

Place is greedy, have been going here for a little while now and always give me extra salsa for free now all of a sudden it's $2 for a little cup of salsa and last week I got a side of beans for $1 now it's $2 and they never do a $1 side of beans. Okay not the money the principle! Shouldn't treat paying customers that way. read more

We heard of this restaurant from our family formed who was raving about how good the food was and we had to try it. We went here yesterday for the first time and were not disappointed! We went in around 1:30pm for lunch and were able to be seated right away. There are about 15 tables inside and 4 or so bar seats. They start you off with complementary chips and salsa. Their salsa was very unique and flavorful. I ordered the shrimp tacos which were amazing! The mango was so fresh and the shrimp was cooked to perfection! The prices are also super cheap! 4 shrimp tacos were $14! The food was amazing and I can't wait to go back to try more dishes! read more

See all

This was a little authentic gem. Many of the meals that passed before my eyes, spoke to my taste buds. My dish, wasn't as explosive, but it was good. My guest had bistec... it was alittle salty. We are going to try the paella dishes or a seafood treat next time. The fried cheesecake was a nice treat. I had the garlic shrimp, was a bit of a skimp. Not as garlicky as I've hoped. But it was decent. Will I reorder that? No. The empanadas are made with a flour tortilla, okay.... but too much doe for the amount of meat. I will go back, the place draws a crowd. I have to taste why. read more

See all

This is a festive restaurant, is a nice family atmosphere, food is good and service is quick. Decor is also nice and sometimes they have live entertainment. read more

Posted a review here in the summer but had to update we just got fish tacos and shrimp burritos they were -as usual- outstanding La cabinita may be a little more expensive than others in area but they are totally worth it! Only thing is they dont give you tortilla chips but oh well still worth it !!! Yum ! read more

LA Cabanita - Chicken fajita - Mexican Near Me - Manahawkin, New Jersey

See all

Best Mexican food I have had. Started with nachos and moved to the fish taco. Every was perfect

Big portions, even surprisingly big for the kids menu. I had the carne asada chimichanga, took half home and even reheated it's so great. Staff are respectful and fast acting. Salsa's thin, aside from that, I'll definitely be visiting again. read more

Delicious food, excellent service, clean & fun place to dine in or take out! Chips and salsa served immediately yummm!

This is our go to for Mexican food. The service and food are always exceptional. The value is also very good. As to ambiance the restaurant Is a converted house with a very nice, clean and welcoming interior. I like the TVs that highlight pictures of their dishes. If you are looking for the restaurant be aware that the sign is partially covered by shrubs. read more

Met and old friend for dinner . . . first time there. Relatively small place with maybe 20 tables. Extensive menu (see their website) . . . almost overwhelming . . . but what we had (massive portions) was very good. Not just a taco joint! No liquor license (would have been five stars with) but brought our own Carta Blanca cerveza. Service was excellent and the place is tastefully decorated and the restrooms were above average and spotless. We were there 4ish but was filling up for the dinner crowd before we left. They really have got it right. If you like south of the border fare, this is the place for you! read more

Do not eat here if you have a food allergy. Specified with the waitress of my food allergy they still managed to place it on the dish as a garnish on top of all the food. When I specified the allergy the waitress said they'd remake it. They didn't...I found more of the food I was allergic to underneath the mountain of cheese on the dish... Trust me worth the sickness read more

LA Cabanita - Mexican Near Me - Manahawkin, New Jersey

I ordered a small soup- take out- that was half filled and room temp. They forgot the rice that comes with it. I called and they argued with me!....DIDN'T APOLOGIZE! I asked to be compensated for the terrible lunch experience; they gave me no satisfaction. I basically wasted 10.00! I've been having issues every time I go there; things are going down hill in that place. I will not be going back! read more

Great authentic Mexican food and great service. I had Sopes and Chuck had Steak borritos, both were very good. I highly recommend the shrimp cocktail, it is an authentic Mexican twist. Beautiful landscaping and out door seating. read more

See all

Top notch, authentic Mexican food. Everything was extremely fresh and made with love. It's clear to see why the dining room was filled with regular customers. The fried calamari was light and crispy, and the Chipotle mayo was smokey and delicious. We really enjoyed our birria tacos - which where garnished with the perfect amount of onions and cilantro. The birria itself was extremely tender and the consomme was very well seasoned. We also had the Cabinita Latina special - which included pretty much everything (fried shrimp, grilled chicken, Short rib slices, chorizo, steak) this was a great choice! We will certainly be returning soon! read more

See all

The food taste bland but, has incredible potential. Could it be infused with authentic Mexican flavors? Yes! Adding more flavor would elevate it. Was the service slow because it deserves a larger team, but the cozy ambience is a charming highlight. read more

While passing through Manahawkin one day, we spotted this great looking Mexican restaurant and since we had a hankering for some Mexican food, we figured we'd give it a shot. Well, as it turned out, this place has some great, authentic Mexican food. Inside, the atmosphere was simple Mexican decor and we were greeted promptly and seated right away by our friendly waitress. We were then presented with some nachos and salsa to snack on while we perused their extensive menu. Well, when I go Mexican, I usually go for some Fajitas and this time was no different. Went for the Steak & Shrimp Fajitas and it was delicious. Served in a sizzling platter, the meat was tender and plentiful and the shrimp was flavorful. Gave you so much, I couldn't finish so we took some home for later. My wife went with Tacos, six altogether and two each of pollo, chorizo and carnitas. All were excellent and again, ended up with a couple to take home. Only negative here was no liquor, so no margaritas. Will be sure to bring some adult beverages for our next visit and definitely looking forward to trying some of the many other great offerings on the menu. read more

See all

El Pastor Tostadas Very good, pork was very tender and seasoned well. Brink your own alcohol a beer would go well with this dish read more

LA Cabanita - El Pastor TOSTADAS DE PASTOR/SEASONED PORK WITH PINEAPPLE - Mexican Near Me - Manahawkin, New Jersey

We spotted La Cabanita driving by and looking for breakfast. Saw 81 reviews and a 4.8 rating, so had to do it. Food was fantastic -- I had pollo chilaquiles and they did not disappoint. Everyone else had breakfast: huevos rancheros, a breakfast skillet and a La Cabanita omelette. They were all great, and yes, the plates are enormous, as advertised. I'd give it 5 stars, but service was just a little off, just mixed up one order and a little slow. Our waitress was lovely. I'd give them a 4.5 and will definitely make this our regular stop on the way out of LBI. read more

It was back in 1983. I was working ops in the small town of San Dionisio del Mar in Oaxaca in southwestern Mexico. It is part of the Juchitán District in the east of the Istmo de Tehuantepec region. We were meeting with some Mexican policía friendlies, and we all went out to eat at a local restaurant. Our friends chose to eat inside due to the heat and because as they said, "You sit and feel at home". The walls were red, the floors were terracotta, the ceiling fans were spinning and the aromas were pure heaven. It was just what you would expect in Mexico. The food was terrific, the cervezas were ice cold and I will never forget the people, the food, and the hospitality there. Fast forward 30 years--- Manahawkin, NJ-2023---It was Taco Tuesday, and My wife, and I both had a hankering for authentic Mexican food. Not that Taco Bell stuff, I mean like I ate 40 years ago in San Dionisio del Mar There are three Mexican ristorantes in Manahawkin, some better than others, but La Cabanita Authentic Mexican Cuisine restaurante we consider the very best. The building La Cabanita now operates had been a small breakfast café for years and then went out of business during COVID. The present owners all apparently Mexican as far as I know purchased the building and gutted it and rebuilt a quaint small café with maybe 14-15 tables. As you walk in you are immediately greeted by one of the friendly beautiful waitresses with menus and seated. The specials are keenly placed so that you can see them and boy they looked good. The décor was purely Mexican, not gaudy, but very tasteful. I was immediately back in San Dionisio del Mar with my Team with cervezas in hand. Then the heavenly aromas of freshly grilled steak, and chicken wafted from the grille and my mouth started to water. Busy behind the counter were the chef and his crew cooking and creating some of the most authentic Mexican food in the area. When I go to ethnic restaurants I look at the clientele. Here we had everyone from landscapers to retirees and Police. That tells you something, it tells you you found a good one. We were greeted by the lovely Anna and ordered the ice-cold Coca-Cola with complimentary chips and salsa. Sitting and relaxing sipping on my Coke I began looking through the extensive menu I spied numerous entrees that I wanted to taste. From the traditional taco ($2 on Taco Tuesdays) to the camarones al ajillo, sopes, steak Bistec a la Mexican, huarache and Chimichangas. Then it happened, Anna came by us with a sizzling platter of fajitas to serve the table behind us. Not only did the heavenly aroma permeate the dining room, but many patrons were looking at this presentation as well. When Anna came back with that cute smile of her's she took our orders. My wife ordered the Pollo Chimichanga and I of course ordered a small bowl of the creamy guacamole, grilled jalapenos, and of course the fajitas. We sat there thoroughly enjoying the fresh guacamole and the tri-color chips with two sauces, a green fire sauce, and the traditional red sauce. After a short time, the food parade began to arrive. Did you ever order dinner and immediately realize you would never eat it all? Well, this is apparently what La Cabanita is known for. My wife's Pollo Chimichanga was huge, a toasted burrito with a luscious creamy cheese sauce, chocked full of sauteed chicken that was seasoned just perfectly. A portion of yellow rice and black beans accented with a fresh salad. Boy did that look good. Then came my fajita lunch. It arrived at the table sizzling and smoking on a hot cast iron pan on a well-used burnt wood platter. The mound of steak, sautéed peppers, and onions all seasoned perfectly and was expertly presented beautifully. My side of three jalapenos with salsa came next along with the freshly steamed tortillas, the rice, and beans with salsa. I began digging into this beauty of a mound of steak. Placing tender steak strips, onions, and bell peppers with a slice of grilled jalapeno with the creamy white sauce and the fire sauce was my strategy. Then that bite, OMG! The flavors and the sensation of the spicy jalapeno coupled with the spices and that green fire sauce were heavenly. Not over seasoned at all. There was the right amount of cumin, pepper, and other spices. The rice and beans were scrumptious (I could have made a meal of the beans) and the ice-cold Mexican Coca-Cola accented everything. We sat and ate until we were really full. Looking at both platters, it was surely enough for dinner later on. Anna came over and provided boxes for the leftovers and threw in a whole bag of fresh chips. The chef at La Cabanita apparently has a set of dishes and culinary techniques that are truly part of Mexican tradition. I can truly say that they serve you authentic and unique dishes with all the Mexican flavor that you would find if you had traveled to the Mexican country side all coupled with a very reasonable price. read more

LA Cabanita - guacamole and the tri-color chips with two sauces - Mexican Near Me - Manahawkin, New Jersey

See all

The restaurant is very fast paced and more like a lunch place. The food choices were good but what you get is different from the description on the menu. The waitress was very good and friendly kept apologizing for new cooks. Three different meals were all wrong but weren't bad. The atmosphere was authentic but they seemed to rush everything and most of the food was premade. My chicken was like Chinese take out. I would give them a second chance but I wouldn't go out of my way to give it. Enjoy read more

My boyfriend loves Mexican food above all else, and we are constantly searching for new places to eat while out of town. We ventured out from our shore house on LBI to find grub, and just happened to drive by this place. So good. I got a combo platter and my boyfriend got tacos, everything was delicious. I don't know what the table next to us ordered but it looks like you can get a big ol' family platter that looks to be enough to feed an army, with about a gallon of fresh guacamole. I was impressed. Anyway, definitely eat here if you're in the area! It's just a short ride from LBI. read more

LA Cabanita - Combo platter special - Mexican Near Me - Manahawkin, New Jersey

I hate to go against all the positive reviews, but we were severely disappointed by our trip here. The guacamole tasted strange and had no creamy avocado texture. My daughter got an order of cheese quesadillas that were STUFFED with so much cheese that she couldn't eat them. My tacos were a similar story -- big on quantity, low on quality. The worst part was when my daughter noticed something dripping on her from above. It was a leaking air conditioning register on the ceiling that was literally dripping dirty water on her head and her food (we were sitting at the bar). See the attached picture. They obviously knew about this problem and chose to seat us there anyway. Disgusting!! read more

LA Cabanita - This AC register on the ceiling was leaking directly on my daughter and her food. Nice, huh? - Mexican Near Me - Manahawkin, New Jersey

The food here is amazing! The chicken was seasoned to perfection. The guacamole was outstanding. The wait staff were really friendly.