I love their food! (Especially their burrito bowls and maduros) They're very flavorful. Cute decor, too!

Wanaque, NJ - this is the new Mexican restaurant that took over the spot where Nene's Cocina used to be. Love the day-glo fluorescent chic and cool aesthetics! The food wasn't bad at all and portions are huge. (I know this is a very American thing to praise but when it comes to hearty comfort food I quite like taking home leftovers and enjoying it the next day). The queso fundido appetizer is awesome, and we enjoyed the complimentary chips & salsa. The alambre which we ordered with steak has a really nice flavor though some of the meat was kind of gristly and veiny. The burger was as big as my child's head! No complaints about the aguachiles, which had a substantial amount of shrimp. Service was very friendly and they didn't mind us taking a ton of photos next to all the rad murals. We had a great time and will be back! read more

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Pros: The interior design and decor are very eye-catching and clearly put together with customers in mind. The space looks curated and inviting when you walk in. The waitress who helped us was also very attentive and kind, which made the experience more pleasant. Another pro: the churros were tasty. However, I don't think the raspberry drizzle or the artificial cherry on top was necessary, and considering the price, they didn't feel worth the cost. Cons: We discovered upon arrival that the restaurant uses valet parking. Personally, I'm not a fan of valet. When a restaurant pays someone to park customers' cars, it's usually an automatic "not returning" note for me. If a restaurant doesn't have its own parking, I generally won't come back nor can I meet there with a group of friends or family. Another downside was the bar situation. When we walked in on a Saturday night, the bar area was completely empty, which felt odd at first. We soon realized the reason: the restaurant does not serve alcohol. It's BYOB. You can order a mocktail and then add your own alcohol, but the restaurant itself doesn't provide any. I was disappointed because several reviews made it seem like they served alcohol when they actually do not. The iPad at the table was also confusing. I understand using technology, but it wasn't clear whether we were supposed to order through the iPad or through the server. The answer turned out to be the server. Also, the stock photos of the food on the device don't do the dishes justice. The food actually looked much prettier in person. I ended up not ordering something because of the photo, and then regretted it when I saw the dish come out to another table. Another issue was the lighting and overall vibe. The restaurant is very brightly lit--almost like a doctor's office. The photos online show more of a colorful fluorescent vibe, but in reality it felt harsh. I honestly wanted to put sunglasses on and ask for the music to be lowered. The atmosphere gave more of a fast-food feel rather than an authentic Mexican dining experience. There's also only one co-ed bathroom for the entire restaurant, which isn't ideal. Overall, I'm glad I tried it. Unfortunately, I felt let down by some misleading expectations from advertising and reviews. The place definitely has potential, but I can't say I would return. read more

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The food was absolutely delicious at La Catrina. Even the salsa they give to start is outstanding! I loved the Aguachiles, so spicy and the Avacado balances it out perfectly. I only took off a star because our server was MA quite often and it seemed like he really didn't want to be there. I get it, but you still need to as least check on your tables. I don't expect a smile or anything more to be honest. Overall, I would still return, simply because the food was outstanding and portions are huge. read more

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La Catrina delivers an immersive dining experience steeped in colorful, authentic Mexican charm. I took my wife there to celebrate her birthday, and we were completely blown away. We shared a massive, flavor-packed burrito that we absolutely devoured. Every bite was exceptional, making this vibrant spot well worth the visit. read more

This a wonderful place to eat out. The food and the service is great. we love the music. I'm thrilled we have such a pleasant place to eat in the neighborhood read more

La Catrina - Mexican Near Me - Wanaque, New Jersey

Had a 7:15 reservation, got seated immediately. Was told they didn't have menus available. Had to download menu (which was fine). Sat until 7:40 without a single person coming to take our drink order. Had multiple waitresses walk by us many times never stopping to check in. The family sitting next to us said they never received their drinks and was already waiting 45 min for food. Table was filthy, girls working were miserable. Will never give them another chance. read more

We had heard that this place had a rocky few weeks after new owners reopened it so we decided to wait before trying it. Glad we did. It's a fun restaurant with lively decor and very good food. Our group of four had the following dishes and all were excellent: Mole Poblano, Tacos Pastor. Tacos Birria, Montaditos, Maduros, and an interesting version (firm) of Flan for dessert. The online menu indicates they have beer and traditional Mexican drinks but there is no alcohol here. It's BYOB so grab your beer, tequila, et.al. and head on down. Service was pleasant and efficient. The place has plenty of space and would be great for a larger party. read more

Delicious new restaurant in town! The decor core is modern and on point . They have a few mocktails, and quite an extensive menu of your Mexican favorites, including jarritos . We had the fajitas and burrito. Quick and friendly service definitely worth a try. read more

La Catrina - Steak fajitas & jarrito - Mexican Near Me - Wanaque, New Jersey

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I ordered 4 churro orders through DoorDash for pick up - ordered at 5:30 said 20 to 30 minutes went at six to pick it up said it was ready. I got there and the place was a disaster. They apparently aren't ready for it to be full. They only work well when there are one or two customers in there I tried to be patient but it took another half hour to get my four orders. People were leaving because their food was not coming out. I could go on and on about how the service front girl was rude. How they gave me the wrong order how the churros were cold, but I think a one star will suffice. This is the third time, as we ate there twice and did not have good luck with service although the food was good. You have been open for a while. Your kinks should've been worked out by now will not return. read more

We've ordered from this place twice, and the food is really good. It looks pretty cool inside, too, so we're going to eat in sometime soon. We've had the chicken tacos, quesadillas, burritos, and some of their main entrees, which were all great. read more

La Catrina - Chicken Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Wanaque, New Jersey

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Great customer service. Authentic Mexican Food. Will visit again! Great customer service. Authentic Mexican Food. Will visit again! read more

Recently moved to Wanaque from Passaic so i wanted to try this out. I havent been to many if any BYOB mexican places so i do appreciate it as prices are crazy for dine in drinks everywhere. Nice decor and good food. I had the chk fajitas as i consider it a benchmark meal ( if you mess up chk fajitas you deserve to fail) . Very good flavor but no sizzle on the hot plate, i can overlook it. Guacamole was pricey so even though it tasted great i would avoid it. Flautas were good, service was good and i hope they succeed in the future. read more

The long-awaited opening /re-opening of Catrina (was Nene's). Stopped in after they'd only been open for five or six days, so I assume they're still working things out. Lots of great reviews from FB posts. Room was 1/4-1/3 full at about 7:30 on the night before Thanksgiving. Started off being brought chips and salsa. Chips were good, house fried, but could have used a bit more salt. Salsa also needed more salt and was served in one of those small silver bowls that are higher than they are wide. Chips don't fit in these bowls, yet, many restaurants use them. My friend and I ordered Guacamole to split. Small-ish order came, but was full of black spots. Waiter replaced immediately when I pointed it out. Also asked if we'd like more chips. Yes, please! Guacamole was tasty. Very smooth. Not spicy at all, but we forgot to ask for it to be. Next up, we both ordered enchiladas with Mole'. Vegetable for me, Chicken for my friend. Plates came piled high... VERY high with food. Lettuce, Avocado, Lettuce, Crema, Lettuce... with the enchiladas buried somewhere underneath. The cold lettuce on warm/hot enchiladas doesn't work. After we finished, I asked my friend if he knew how many enchiladas had been on his plate. He guessed four, I couldn't guess. We literally couldn't see the dish we'd ordered. Taste was ok, but I'd be hard-pressed to identify any of the vegetables in the enchiladas. My friend said his were ok. The mole' was a bit thin, both in consistency and taste. The dishes came with two separate bowls of rice and re-fried beans. Both were delicious, especially the beans! Apparently, Catrina is getting a liquor license soon. That will be a welcome addition. It's a fun place to go, with its dayglow 'Day of the Dead' themed walls. There was music playing, which I thought was a *little* too loud. Service was prompt and friendly. I'll go back to Catrina to try some other dishes another time. 2-1/2 to 3 Stars based on the restaurant only being open a week, with room to improve. read more

Food was subpar and pricey. The burrito is probably the smallest burrito I've ever seen and was 18 dollars. It is literally 4 1/2 inches long. Queso fundido was like water and didn't have any chorizo or anything in it. Probably the worst I've ever had read more

Ordered take out from here. While some of the prices were a little pricey, we ordered the Nachos which I felt were decent at $16. The food was great, two pretty big plates and a lot of substance on it, not just lettuce and a bunch of nonsense. Would definitely come here again. Not sure about the entrees, but they nailed the apps. read more

Tried this new restaurant, and the food was EXCEPTIONAL. The service was quick, and our order was accurate. The portion size was generous. And, the art in the restaurant is AMAZING. We'll definitely be back. read more

Prices. 17.50 for guacamole. That's so far over and above a reasonable profit margin for guacamole. This place is always empty just like the last Mexican restaurant that was in the same location (same owners? Who knows...). Good luck to them. read more

The food was delicious!! Fast service, overall great experience! Will definitely visit again.