This place is really cute! I love the location next to the ballpark. The service was friendly and quick. I ordered the tacos de alambre. They had a nice, smoky bacon flavor, and I could taste the bell peppers, which still had a nice bite to them. With a squeeze of lime and a little salt they were perfect. read more

As a Southern California native, I've been spoiled my whole life with incredible Mexican food so when I moved to the Midwest, I'll admit I set the bar pretty high. Let me just say... this place clears that bar with room to spare! Honestly, it might be the best Mexican food I've had outside of California. The salsa alone deserves its own review. Fresh, bold, just the right amount of kick it's the kind of salsa you keep dipping into even after you're "done eating." The carne asada? Perfectly seasoned, juicy, and full of flavor that takes me right back home. The chile relleno is everything it should be: cheesy, smoky, and comforting, while the enchiladas are packed with flavor and smothered in the kind of sauce that makes you want to lick the plate clean. On top of the food, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the staff makes you feel like family. This isn't just good "for the Midwest" it's genuinely amazing Mexican food, period. If you're craving the real deal, this is the spot. read more

Had a great meal at this restaurant! Our server was fantastic! And, great guacamole and margaritas! read more

La Esperanza - Margaritas - Mexican Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

The fish tacos were exceptional!! I had them with the corn tortillas. The service was excellent and all the flavors were right on. I appreciated the tasteful decor and the ethnic pop music in the background. Great experience and hope to come again! read more

10000/10!! The food is so delicious. The beans are actually very good here for some reason. One of my new favorites :)

The best Mexican food in South Bend. I frequently travel here for work and this is one of my favorite restaurants for lunch or dinner. They also serve all day breakfast here. The chips and salsa are unique and delicious. Chips are seasoned and tasty on their own, when dipped into the fresh, flavorful salsa they are truly excellent. Salsa is spicy! The guacamole is always freshly made and tasty. Today I ordered cheese enchiladas, one of my favorites. They were served with flavorful rice and refried beans. The beans had a good texture, and a good spice level. Service is always super friendly and excellent. The dining room was clean and bright. I visited the restroom and it was spotlessly clean and fresh. The menu features many specialties as well as traditional favorites. The lunch menu is extensive. Portions are large, even the lunch specials. read more

La Esperanza - Fresh guacamole and delicious seasoned chips - Mexican Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

See all

We had such a lovely time! The food was absolutely delicious, the service was friendly and attentive, and we were just all around blown away! I had easily the best horchata AND chips & salsa I think I've ever had at a Mexican Restaurant. 6/5 Stars- We will be back again soon! read more

I have been coming to La Esperanza since it opened in the nineties. What draws me back? The ambiance, the warmth and caring of staff, good cold Mexican beer and crispy corn chips, absolutely delicious regional dishes, reasonable pricing, the community of folks who love coming here all contribute to making La Esperanza my go to place for time with family and friends as well as out of town guests. read more

I decided to order food to go for carry out and am choosing to believe this must be an off day. The sauce for my tamales was a bit scorched to the point that I could smell it outside of the package. One of the tamales I could've even eat because it was that bad. I went to start chewing and spit out the burnt tamale. If it had not been it would have been a near perfect tamale. My tostada was average with an insane amount of cheese. I don't think I've ever seen this much cheese on a Mexican dish in my life, that was suppose to be authentic. Perhaps in the future I'll give them a chance with dine in, but as a first time customer this was unacceptable. read more

See all

This restaurant is amazing!! The best Mexican food in the world! We had an amazing visit. Hope we can come back soon!!

I went in here for dinner while in south bend--enough parking outside, which is good after dealing with that snow on Thursday. Didn't have to wait long for a seat, staff was friendly and nice, the chips were nice and warm when our server brought them out. The food was okay small portion but overall it was good, the flan was very lumpy, just got it with caramel however but flavor was good just couldn't get pass the lumps. When we first got there it wasn't busy but when we were preparing to leave seemed to be getting busier. I would probably give them another try next time I'm in town read more

See all

Ok let me start off with. Amazing food 10/10, server was nice, the salsa was the perfect spice. The chips were a perfect crisp, the decorations at the restaurant were amazing. The food brought me back to my childhood, thank you La Esperanza for the amazing food. read more

When La Esperanze on Ironwood it our families favorite place to go. This weekend we got carry out from their new location, and sadly it was not the same La Esperanze than we knew. The seafood burrito, which had increased in price, only had one piece of shimp and the rest was a white fish. At their restaurant on Ironwood, you always got scallop, shrimp as well as some fish. read more

The food was delicious, the staff was friendly and attentive. 10 out of 10 I would highly recommend! The portions are very filling, the atmosphere is clean and bright. Will definitely be back! read more

The best most authentic food on this side of town! Best rice, pico, and carne asada! If you want great service and great Mexican food then this is the place. Flautas are great too. Their food is always fresh! For those of you that don't like Hacienda because you know real Mexican food then go to La Esperanza! read more

it was amazing I love the people the owners everything about it is amazing, also the ownership of the people is super amazing and I got seated right away read more

Hubby and I go here once a month. I don't think the food is that great and portions are small for how much items are, but my husband likes the burritos. We went in today and the restaurant was dead, but for some reason, we sat and sat and 15 minutes goes by and the two servers that were there decided they didn't want to wait on us, so we left! The restaurant was completely dead and we tip super well, so I don't get why we were ignored. I messaged the restaurant on Facebook and they couldn't care less, so if this is the way paying customers get treated, eventually it will start affecting their business. What has happened to customer service? It baffles me that these places just don't care whether customers come back or not! Oh well, not my business, so I don't care, but if it were my restaurant, I'd treat my guests better than these idiots! read more

this was my favorite Mexican restaurant once. don't know what happened but its awful now! The refried beans are terrible! grew up in So. California so it was so nice to find LaEsperanza years ago but I won't be going back.... read more

I can't get enough of this place. Delicious food, fantastic service, shrimp cocktail was delicious tonight with the margaritas.

Went to La Esperanza tonight after not having been there since before COVID. I ordered the Cameroness a la Diabla. My husband ordered the Milanesa. My food came quickly and the promised spicy shrimp didn't disappoint. It was probably a level 6 or 7 on a 10 scale. It was quite tasty and was served with traditional refried beans and red rice. I really enjoyed it and ate the remaining free tortilla chips with the sauce. My husband totally enjoyed his Milanesa. The server was very attentive even though it was a busy Friday night. Everything seemed clean and cozy. I would definitely return again. My only disappointment was that there wasn't any espresso to finish off the meal. read more

Great chips and salsa, I got two tacos with shrimp and carnitas. They offer mexican ir American styles toppings and corn or flour tortillas. Both tacos were very good and a reasonable price. read more

La Esperanza - Mexican Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

Very tastefully, authentic food and reasonable prices to feed a family. First time trying this and I will be trying this again. Unable to post food due to my stomach lol. read more

This place has gone downhill ever since the new owners took over. You can't get any extra Salsa unless they have the owner come out and tell you they charge eight dollars for extra salsa. This place used to be the best Mexican restaurant in town and now, I can't see it being open much longer as the food has gone down in quality and they have never in the past five months got an Carry out order correct. read more

The atmosphere is warm and quiet. The food and service are great! Their seafood burrito was delish! Sometimes, they don't have all the drinks offered on the menu, but it adds to the authenticity. Will definitely girly go again! read more

We had an amazing meal when we picked up food at La Esperanza. Friendly staff, one of the best (actually the best) Mexican meal I had in South Bend. The enchiladas are TOP NOTCH! read more

We went for lunch. The chips were hot and fresh. The tacos yucateco (fish) were tasty. Unfortunately the grilled chicken was very dry. It seemed as if they'd just overcooked it for a bit. Overall not bad but could be so much better. Chris read more

La Esperanza is a local, family-owned restaurant that has been around quite awhile (they also have a location in Elkhart). I've been numerous times in the past, but for some reason we don't seem to go out for Mexican that often (maybe because I'm pretty good with cooking it at home!). My husband and I recently decided to stop in for lunch. We were greeted and seated immediately and served chips and salsa. The chips were fresh and the salsa was homemade with a great balance of flavors. I would have liked it a bit spicier, but it was perfect for my husband. I opted for the chicken fajita salad with marinated chicken, sauteed peppers and onions, served in a tortilla bowl (would have preferred baked over fried) and topped with guacamole and sour cream). Flavors were good, but I would have preferred some fresh jalapeno instead of the typical pickled kind from a jar. My husband ordered the original burrito with grilled steak served Mexican style (rice, cilantro and onion). It was topped with a homemade sauce similar to an enchilada sauce. Steak was tender and nicely flavored. Our server was attentive and the owner stopped by to check on us as well. Overall, good service and pretty authentic Mexican food at a great price (our lunch for two was $17). read more

Loved the combo platter with Chile relleno and carne Assada. Plus the chicken chili was amazing. Margarita was good too. Will come here again. Tried both South Bend and Elkhart locations. Both good. read more

I'm starting off with the service....ugh. The sign says "everyday burrito" $4.99. There are 2 burritos on the menu, so what's the Everday Burrito Special? "It's a burrito." Oh really? I thought it was a enchilada....I really wanted to say that. Second, there are two specials on the board. One is pollo w/ vegetables and the other is seafood w/vegetables. Ok. Can you tell me about that, please? "The vegetables are zucchini, onion, tomato and pepper." Needless to say, I didn't get any specials because I have no idea other than chicken or seafood (no idea of what kind) what (preparation-wise) I would've gotten. My chicken burrito, Mexican style, was good. I ordered a margarita, it came at the end of my meal. My husbands steak and shrimp with vegetables to stuff in corn or flour tortillas was ok. read more

See all

Very hit salsa with the chips! Almost too hot, truthfully. Poppers were average. The food was not served hot and seemed overcooked. Dry. Disappointing. There are better options in South Bend. read more

La Esperanza - Mexican Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

La Esperanza has the most authentic Mexican food offered in South Bend. I have eaten at many locally owned Mexican restaurants (Chicago de Taqueria, Flamingos, Puerto Vallarta), and La Esperanza is my favorite. The food is excellent, and prepared perfectly. The service is a hit or miss. Even when there are only two servers, they do a sufficient job. Overall, La Esperanza is a fine restaurant to visit, if you are in the mood for some authentic, tasty, Mexican food. read more

La Esperanza - Chile Rellenos...so yummy!! - Mexican Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

Don't bother coming for dinner. They should close the door. There is just one waitress and one cook. The food took forever and was lacking meat. We ordered fajitas for two. We waited for over 45 minutes and received a meal that was so disappointing. They didn't bring any tortillas and there was very little meat. If this is the best than can be done, shut the doors This is a home game weekend and very few wait staff. We will not be back, read more

The food is very good, but the meals came out one at a time so some of our party was finished eating before others even got their food. Also, most of the orders were not done correctly. It's too bad. We normally love this place. read more

The salsa was great! My fajitas came out they were chewy and cold. My tortillas were crumbly. I would not recommend to anyone.

We love it here! Good authentic Mexican food, affordably priced, and quick to come. The carne asada is my favorite.

1. They weren't open when I got there so I sat in the car. I saw the open light go on so I get out of the car and go to walk in. The manager is outside and said they are closed. I said your Open light was just turned on. He said well, we're closed. So I walk back to the car and go to get in and he yells at me and says you can go in now. Really??? My legs at this point are killing me and I'm irritated. 7:26 AM 2. So I go in and he pull a third chair up to a table. I ask if we can sit in the room with the tv. He says there is plenty of room here. I'm like, whatever. 7:28 AM 3. Some people come in and he asks them how many? They said 3. He asks them if they want to sit in the room with the tv. I was furious but didn't say anything. 7:30 AM 4. They were seating a specific ethnic group where the tv is and everyone else in the outside room. The food was not as good as it used to be and the chips and salsa looked and tasted like they got them from Kroger (the generic brands). I will not be going back there. That's why the parking lot is always empty. read more

My husband was craving what he calls "nasty, greasy Mexican" a while back, so we decided to give this place a try. I still hold fond memories of a Mexican restaurant near my alma mater, where the chips were warm and fresh, margaritas were plentiful and cheap, and service was lightning fast. Well, La Esperanza wasn't quite the same, but it was decent nevertheless. I ordered the chicken fajita, which is pretty much foolproof. Nothing exceptional, but it did hit the spot. My husband ordered the chile relleno, which was deep-fried and greatly to his liking. According to him there are several ways to do chile relleno and he likes the batter-fried style, which is what they do here at La Esperanza. Chips and salsa were a disappointment. The salsa had the texture of watery ketchup and was quite bland. There wasn't even a hint of a fresh onion or sprig of cilantro. Unfortunately we are growing resigned to the blandness that passes for "spicy" here in Indiana. Unlike my former undergrad hangout, the chips were definitely from a bag. That might have been forgivable if the salsa had had a little more kick and flavor. But alas, they caved to the wimpy palates of Hoosiers. The dessert might have been the highlight of the meal. They have a better selection of Mexican desserts than most places - I was surprised to see something other than the usual flan and sopapilla. I ordered tres leches cake, which was absolutely to die for. My husband got the churros with ice cream and was also very pleased. All in all, not bad and we'll probably be back if my husband craves Mexican again. read more

Great spot for lunch. Fantastic selection of authentic dishes. A great set of lunch time specials as well. Sometimes it takes a few minutes for the server to get to you but once they do time from order to food on table is FAST! Salsa is pretty tasty as well. Has a little kick, and is a bit heavy on the cilantro. Some folks don't like that, I do. read more

Some of the best authentic Mexican food in South Bend! Everyone but everyone always wants to go to Hacienda but let's face it, it is not for their food but the free chips and salsa and flavored margaritas. If you want fabulous, authentic, cheap Mexican food, you must visit this place. We have tried at least 5 or 6 different dishes on their menu and have not been disappointed with any of them. I love the rice and refried beans that come with many of the dinners and you always get a decent sized portion. Their menu is HUGE so I can't believe that most people can't find something they would like - and many they haven't had a chance to try yet. I love the service, so friendly and it does a heart good to see the families of the wait and kitchen staff congregating in the back, enjoying the food themselves and having a good time. My husband is a big fan of their chips and salsa - not my favorite, I find it way too watery. However, I know they have a couple of different salsa offerings, other than the one they immediately bring to the table so if you would like to try a different kind, just ask them. Great price, great food - don't miss it! read more

Growing up in Southern California, there is a tremendous variety of options regarding Mexican food, including regional dishes. I am one of those people who buy tamales, champurrado, carne asada and other delicious culinary treasures from street vendors all over L.A. County. I know my Mexican food, and can appreciate a restaurant for what it is, and its acknowledgment of that. It's not Tex-Mex style food; the cuisine prepared there is from a region that is not in the same vein as Tex-Mex, nor has even remotely similar roots. I don't really like Tex-Mex, so I'm not bothered by that. No offense to Tex-Mex fans, by any means! ^_^ Growing up in L.A., La Esperanza was a nice place to come when I wanted, or needed, some real comfort food, which, for me, is Mexican, for sure. A girl who soon became a dear friend of mine first took me here, after hearing how homesick I was (it was the second month of my first year, and the first time away from home without any family members for that long) The chips and salsa were reminiscent of my favorite Mexican restaurant from my childhood, which burned down in the Northridge Earthquake in 1994 and never recovered. I really enjoyed the enchiladas I had that night, and the rice and beans were great (I'm discerning when it comes to rice and bean preparation and execution, and the taste nor the texture ever disappointed me) I became close with the owners, and were kindly amused when I used my broken elementary-school Spanish with them. If you are a California transplant, need some sturdy, comforting Mexican food and hospitality, La Esperanza is the place for you! read more