This is more like a hole in a wall family restaurant and we went in after checking out the reviews. What amazing authentic Mexican food! We ordered the Camarone À la diabla and it was savory and spicy, just the way we like it. The portions were also generous. Will definitely stop by on our way to Portland! read more

La Fondita - Mexican Near Me - Salem, Oregon

Wasn't impressed with the seafood stew or tortillas. Hoping to be pleasantly surprised with the next visit. Perhaps the carne asada and beans will be better. read more

I went during my lunch break for some chilaquiles since I had been craving them for a long time & a friend recommended this spot. I wanted to thank the staff and kitchen for their amazing service during probably their busiest hour! They made the food fresh on the spot for me :) super spicy and delicious ! the salsa was very flavorful, I'm looking forward to coming back again this is definitely my new spot for this dish :') read more

La Fondita - Chilaquiles - Mexican Near Me - Salem, Oregon

See all

Based on the reviews, I saw on yelp I thought I'd give this place a try. To be honest, I sat outside for about five maybe 10 minutes trying to decide if I really wanted to go inside because mine was the only car in the parking lot and the place didn't look that great from the outside. Thought I'd give him a try any way. The interior is rather odd in that the tables were positioned in such a way that I wasn't sure if I wanted to sit inside or out in the patio. The patio was actually cooler but there were these long tables and not really any place for just one or two people to sit by themselves. The torta with Carne Asada was bland and the El Pastor taco was flavorless. In fact, if it was a blind test, I would've told you that the meat from the beef and the meat from the pork were the same in terms of flavor and texture. The only difference was the color. The server was pleasant enough and there was really nothing negative I could say about that. But in the long run, I don't find myself wanting to come back so I gave it to two only because I've been to worst places but not better. read more

I asked my followers on Instagram for a recommendation for a restaurant with good pozole or menudo, and I got a lot of people recommending this place. My boyfriend went and picked me up an order of menudo because I am sick, and I can in fact confirm the menudo was amazing! The menudo is made with a lot of flavor and a big serving. The menudo has hominy in it, which is my family's favorite way to have it. You have the side option of chips or tortillas. I chose chips. The chips happened to be very fresh. They also provide the sides of limes, cilantro, and onions that are also very fresh. My boyfriend orderedi a sope de asada and burrito of asada that were well worth the price. My boyfriend also mentioned that the staff are very friendly and open to answering any questions that you may have. I 100% recommend checking this restaurant out! read more

Excellent food! I didn't ask, but the corn tortillas I got have all the hallmarks of fresh made. The carne asada was perfect. The tacos dorados were also excellent. read more

Where to begin! It was my first time trying out this place, but to honest food here is amazing!! The food full of rich flavors. They also have such big portions with the dishes, that the price is definitely worth it. The service was very fast and very attentive. I really did like that they had an indoor/outdoor area which was very comfortable! I definitely recommend for anyone wanting to try food to come here! read more

See all

10/10! Great food, portions, atmosphere is great, clean. Highly recommend! The menudo and sopes were full of flavor. Will definitely be back! read more

La Fondita - Sopes de asada - Mexican Near Me - Salem, Oregon

See all

Very good margaritas and more authentic food. Love the service. The only thing lacking is the ambiance. read more

La Fondita - The restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Salem, Oregon

This is one of the best Mexican restaurants I have been to in a very long time. The salsa is amazing, the tortillas are made in house and the food overall was beyond delicious. The service was great too! The server (I think it was the owner) was very friendly, welcoming and personable and authentic. We will for sure be back and I've already been telling friends and family to check it out. read more

La Fondita - Tacos de Pastor and Tacos de carne asada - Mexican Near Me - Salem, Oregon

See all

Wanted Mexican food because it was Cinco de Mayo. Found this place and decided to give it a try. Walked in and it was a great little hole in the wall. The waitress seated us right away and ca to take our order. The food came out hot. It was well seasons and nice portions. I got a tostada with regular grilled chicken. Coworker got some kind of shrimp and pepper dish. Her's looked really good. It all tasted and smelt fabulous. I love finding hole in the wall places with great service, friendly people and FANTASTIC FOOD! read more

See all

I wanted to keep this place a secret but I won't. The food is made to order and it's great quality and they definitely take pride in their dishes. I'm picky with Mexican food. I don't go around calling it good when it's not. This hole in the wall is such a hidden gem. Don't let the exterior fool you. Stop and eat! The staff was knowledgeable and friendly. The portions are big and the chilaquile plate is definitely for sharing. It's spicy, so maybe go with green salsa if you can't handle some heat. The burrito was good the champurrado was a little disappointing, but the food was amazing! I haven't stopped craving this place since I left! read more

La Fondita - Champurrado. Chilaquiles. Burrito mojado - Mexican Near Me - Salem, Oregon

A small restaurant with the most adorable waitress. We got the chips with salsa, guacamole, and beans, mole verde, birria caldo, and 2 beef enchiladas with red sauce combo. Amazing food, great service. The mole was so tender and flavorful. The chips were fresh, the guac was sooooooo flavorful and fresh. I like my salsa on the peppery side, and it was just that! Yum. The rice that came with the enchiladas combo was so delicious. the rice was soft and not clumpy (if you know, you know). read more

See all

I had the Oaxacan mole with rice and beans. It was a nice little spot in Salem. The rice and beans weren't anything special but definitely had good flavor. Beware, the mole was definitely spicy. read more

Saw this on social media and tag it on my map for the next time I was in Salem. This was actually really nice and clean and very presentable. The staff was super friendly. Food was excellent and presentation was spot on. It was definitely worth the stop. Don't be fooled by the outside atmosphere and location. I almost drove away. Glad I didn't. Thanks read more

Wow, I was told there was good Mexican food in Salem and coming from Santa Rosa, where I feel very spoiled I was not anticipating much. La Fondita was the highest rated on multiple sites. I pulling up I figured the food had to be good because the location was not. I ordered the Mole Verde and my brother had the Steak Fondita. The mole was amazing, so much depth of flavor, I would pull a franks red hot and put the ... on everything if I could. My brothers was also fantastic, that steak was a little grissly, but over all the flavor was so deep and rich, with a nice, very spicy slow burn. The corn tortillas were also great. Now the beans and rice... bland and boring, not even needed in the plate! But everything else is so good, they are forgiven read more

La Fondita - Fondita Plate de Res - Mexican Near Me - Salem, Oregon

See all

Good homemade food! The breaded chicken was great! Will not disappoint! Located near lancaster and close to i5 Service was 10/10 read more

The prices are outrageous, especially for how small the portions are. It could be a viable business if they had someone more practical in management who knew the Salem restaurant market better. Mediocre food, small portions, and at New York City prices just doesn't work for me. read more

Outragiously expensive for fair quality mexican/american food. I think the prices were recently raised by about 35% from our past visits. Will not return or refer. I wish our wages would get a comparable increase. Really a shame. read more

Like other reviewers have said- the outside doesn't reflect the dining experience. Good food, beer and margaritas, and excellent service. Next time we're in the area, we'll stop by to try a few more entrees. read more

In my opinion this place is easily top three Mexican food restaurants in salem. What a hidden gem that's been here awhile yet I just recently discovered it. Anyway 2's read more

Fantastic food. Perfectly seasoned and prepared with obvious care. Friendly service. Truly one of the best in the area.

my partner and i have been here a couple times now and every time our experience is TOP TIER! service is very quick and friendly, and the food always comes out hot, well spiced and delicious. the establishment is pleasant and clean, and their agua frescas are fabulous. some of the best mexican food in salem for sure! read more

Found this uniquely located restaurant thanks to Yelp. Easy enough to miss as it shares a parking lot with a neighborhood grocery store. My point is, don't miss it! I had my rolled tacos that were cooked with a lack of oil. The chicken was seasoned with a red sauce, but was zesty in a good way. The highlight might be the mole. Verrrry traditionally cooked. I'm not a fan of this meal normally, but this version starts its journey far south in Joachata and makes it way up to this restaurant. Maybe this is the way mole is supposed to taste? Some of the meals are pricey, so don't rely on Yelp's price guide, but understand the meals are well presented and top notch in their quality. Serving portions are more than adequate. To sum it up, the outside appearances could dissuade you from missing out on a delightful culinary experience. read more

The service was fast and the staff were friendly. The tacos and sopes were really tasty.

When you first arrive to this place, from the outside it looks like a very sketchy building & very small. However we decided to give it a try. My son always says to not judge a book by its cover and so we kept this in mind. Once you enter, it transforms into this really cute mom & pop shop/restaurant. We we're greeted by all their staff too upon entering. It was a really warm feeling & gesture. We ordered a Chile Relleno plate, a torta of Al pastor meat, a huarache with carne Asada, and a shredded chicken burrito. The portions are huge and pricing is great for the amount of food you get. On top of the pricing and portions being great, the food was so flavorful and tasty! Each bite from every plate was one of the best! And their red salsa (not pictured) was a nice hint of spice to add to their dishes. We will definitely be back to La Fondita next time we're in Salem, OR. read more

See all

We are from Los Angeles visiting friends who live locally. We know our Mexican food. Found La Fondita via Yelp and we met up. Very easy to miss. Food was fabulous! Service was very attentive and very friendly. I can honestly recommend La Fondita. read more

Auténtica comida mexicana no tengo queja. Servicio al cliente excelente, este local se recomiende. Authentic Mexican food no complaints. Excellent customer service, I recommend this establishment. read more

It was good, but a little pricey. About $25 per person and chips/salsa are not included. read more

La Fondita - Mexican Near Me - Salem, Oregon

Such an awesome find my randomly passing through Salem today. I wasn't quite sure if it was open when I first approached, but sure enough it was and my friend and I were greeted with a very warm, welcome and seated immediately. The waitress was smiling the whole time and very kind, the menu has lots of pictures and lots of variety all of which seems very authentic. I had the Fondita beef plate and I love the level of spice and flavor. We had chips and pico de gallo and it was delicious. The inside is cute and is very reminiscent of a restaurant you would find in Mexico, which I love. I recommend you stop and give this place a shot! read more

Delicious home style food. Very authentic and large portions. 1 star removed because they don't serve chips at the table.

Fabulous food (try the mole), friendly service and one of the best margaritas ever! We were driving through OR and needed a place to stop for lunch. So glad we made this choice. I would be a regular if I lived closer. read more

La Fondita - Margarita - Mexican Near Me - Salem, Oregon

We decided to stop here on our way to CA. The reviews intrigued me so we gave it a shot. The store is in a corner next to a bridal shop. We ordered 2 Sopes de Carne Asada & 2 carne asada tacos to go. They included red & green salsas, lime, sautéed onions, rábano, and one Serrano Chile. Food was delicious! Truly recommend for those on a road trip or near the area! The sopes were big and the masa was spot on! The tacos were excellent. The salsas were spicy as they should. I'm sad I don't live close to this local food shop! ------------------- Decidimos parar aquí de camino a CA. Las críticas me intrigaron, así que le dimos una oportunidad. La tienda está en una esquina al lado de una tienda de bodas. Pedimos 2 tacos de carne asada y 2 sopes de carne asada para llevar. Incluyeron salsas rojas y verdes, limón, cebollas, rábano y un chile serrano. ¡La comida estuvo deliciosa! ¡Realmente lo recomiendo para aquellos en un viaje por carretera o cerca del área! ¡Los sopes eran grandes y la masa estaba perfecta! Los tacos estaban excelentes. Las salsas estaban picantes como deberían. ¡Estoy triste porque no vivo cerca de esta tienda de comida local! read more

See all

A hidden gem!! Authentic and delicious Mexican food! Will definitely be back for more :)

This has been a favorite restaurant, but lately it sadly is going Downhill , like a Black diamond ski slope. We ordered shrimp diablo and some other stuff. The beans were super watered down, like some kinda gruel, we threw them out. The tomato must have been from last year, gross - out. The rice is horrible and disgusting. The chips, which we occasionally get fresh from here, were STALE AGAIN. All the hot sauces and salzas for which we paid plenty were disappointingly only half full or less. It's so bad now, we won't be returning. Sad, used to be much higher quality, now I recommend Any Other Restaurant....... IDKWTF is going on here, but quality control must have went to Mexico. .... read more

La Fondita - Watery beans, more like soup. Crap, Disgusting. INEDIBLE. - Mexican Near Me - Salem, Oregon

Pozole was SO yummy! Large portions! Small, very clean restaurant. Friendly and welcoming. We tasted the mole - very good! We'll be back!

Sometimes the best places are what look like a little whole in the wall that you drive by a thousand times without thinking about it. Then there's that one time you stop in and you say to yourself, "Why didn't I do this sooner?!" Case in point, La Fondita. My Mom and I were looking for a place to have lunch so I fired up my trusty Yelp app and picked a close spot with high ratings. The service was fast and friendly. Chips, refried bean dip, and pico de gallo were on our table before we knew it. Excellent pico. We opted for the lunch special and split 4 tacos, 2 chicken (not shredded, grilled), 2 pork (but it was called by its Spanish name). Our server put one of each of each plate since we said we were going to share, which was very cool. The tacos came covered in cilantro, with perfectly seasoned meat, lime to squeeze over everything, and as an added bonus, a grilled jalapeno and some leeks, which just gave it that extra "Holy Moly" my taste buds were waiting for. As we left, Mom told the staff that it was the best Mexican food she's ever had. Quite an accomplishment. We'll be back for sure. I'm dying to try their Chile Relleno. read more

See all

We drove to la Fondita after yelp reviews. Surprised by the size of the establishment but thought food would be great. Not to be. Chips tasted store bought. Surprised bean dip wasn't very good. Then we got entrees. The carne asada was super over cooked. And the portion was nit large. I had shrimp wrapped in bacon. The bacon was good but the shrimp were so well done they were like beef jerky. The only good item was the rolled chicken tacos which were plentiful and good. No drinks, and a total price well over $50. Before tip. I can't even give 2 stars as the prices are inappropriate for mediocre food in a dreadful setting. Why does yelp have so many positive reviews? Please think twice before going as there are so many good Mexican options in Salem. read more

We came here as we were traveling through the area on Christmas Eve. The ambiance was bright and welcoming, the staff were gracious and attentive. The food was so delicious- incredibly flavorful! There was karaoke in one of the rooms and it looked like everyone was having a great time. One of the best brick and mortar Mexican restaurants we've visited in a long time. We definitely plan to go again when we next have the opportunity. read more

If you like Mexican food, then certainly head here and you'll be hooked. The high ratings are accurate for this place. Not only is the food great but so is the service and what nice, hard working folks. Well, I ordered the menudo and it was just as good if not better than anything I've had in Los Angeles, I also got the quesadilla and I thought it would be small but it was huge, sort of a meal in itself. They have inside seating and an outside covered patio. Don't go there with a huge group but groups of four to five will fit hopefully. Lastly, my friend ordered a couple of farmer asada tacos and he said they were amazing and fully loaded with meat. read more

See all