The newest La Fortaleza in the area. Food is decent, portions are good for the money just like all the others in the area. This one in particular is fairly bigger than Garfield and the Passaic location. Didn't like the fact I had to valet my car during the week when it wasn't even busy. Tons of decor inside, I sometimes wonder how they dust it all. Lol read more

La Fortaleza - Steak enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Lodi, New Jersey

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Shit Hole Ripp off place,Sangria was $60.00 for a pitcher! Waitress robb a $50.00 bill off my table 20% was added to my bill.Stay Away

First time at this new location, I can see why people like it. The decor is cheesy and fun, nice selection of mixed drinks, with a very large menu. I don't usually mention cleanliness, but the floor was super sticky. I got the Cemita birria, the sandwich was very lackluster, not much flavor, the birria dip definitely helped, but I wouldn't get it again (the sandwich was massive). I would go with something safe like the quesadilla which I tried, and was a lot better. read more

La Fortaleza - Beep beep - Mexican Near Me - Lodi, New Jersey

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One of the newest Fortaleza's in the area. It's in a corner by an exit so lot of people usually miss that exit (happened to my friend). I went on a Wednesday with a couple of my friends. When we got there they had valet parking for free (just make sure to tip at the end). Since it was a Wednesday night they did have live music. We noticed it was a lot of people's birthdays because they kept on singing happy birthday at different tables. I wish the volume was a little lower because you can barely hear your friends talk. Lets be real, La Fortaleza is known for their alcoholic drinks but if you are not drinking like me you are relying on the food. I simply think the food at this Fortaleza misses on the flavor. It is bland and Mexican food is supposed to be full of flavors. read more

La Fortaleza - Mexican Near Me - Lodi, New Jersey

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Although this restaurant has good potential, it has very scammy business practices that could easily take advantage of its customers. It started out bad with a forced valet parking. We reluctantly opted for street parking as we didn't want to give our keys. The parking lot was large and empty enough to have a separate self parking section. The valet only option was unnecessary. Our waitress had a poor attitude. She tried to force the most expensive options on us with every chance she had. It's very loud inside the restaurant, so if a customer hears wrong, they may accidentally agree to something that costs more $. For example, I ordered chicken and steak fajitas. Before writing this down, she said "Ok so the combination fajitas?" Combination fajitas would have included chicken, steak, AND shrimp - and cost $4 dollars more. I ordered a basic margarita and she went on to suggest the most expensive tequilas. I asked that she please give me the house or cheapest option. The margarita certainly tasted cheap, but I was charged for casamigos tequila. That was not casamigos! You could also tell she was upset that we didn't order more drinks, appetizers, or desserts. The upselling didn't stop with our waitress. We were constantly interrupted during our dinner. A random woman stopped by to take pictures. We thought we might find them on social media later. Instead she returned with them printed and framed, asking $20 for each! Another man stopped by our table with flowers and wanted us to buy some. They were trying to make money at every turn. And it ultimately turned us off of dining there. The food was below average. Our fajitas came out cold and lacked flavor. Chili's could do better. The drinks were ok, but better for an Instagram picture than actually drinking. The final straw was when we got our check and noticed that 18% gratuity was included for a party of 4. The service we received did not deserve 18%. But the worst was the option to tip more was still at the bottom of our bill. Now, if a customer is a few drinks in, they could easily tip twice, not realizing the tip was already included. Scammy! One star for the creative and artistic decor. Whoever designed this place did a great job. It's worth a visit if you want some cool pictures for your social media. But beware of the upselling, poor food, and valet parking. You might want to take your business to the Garfield location as I heard afterwards that it's a better option. read more

La Fortaleza - Mexican Near Me - Lodi, New Jersey

Pesimo servicio, no se por donde empezar, todo mal mal..llegamos alas 9:00 a 91:15 por ahí revisamos primero dice que cierran alas 11 llegamos pedimos 2 margaritas todo bien la mesera llega y nos dice ya estan listo para ordenar porque ya van a cerrar la cocina y nosotros si ya estamos listos,​ pedimos lo que ibamos a comer queríamos una musica y la chica para poner decirnos que si nos podía poner la musica vio su reloj?? Como por?? Y luego queríamos otra bebida viene mi chico y le habla a alguien para pedir una cerveza llega el chico y nos dice que ya habian cerrado el bar alas 10 y mi chico le pone una cara al chico como enserió y se la trajo pero de muy mala gana y en ese momento se nos fue el apetito... aha y una cosa mas fuimos a festejar mi cumpleaños quitaron la musica se supone que cierran alas 11 no??? Y pedimos hablar con algun encargado y para nuestra sopresa nos dimos cuenta que el encargado era el chico que nos dijo que ya estaba cerrado el bar mi chico fue muy educado y dijo que el lugar esta muy padre que el lugar da vibra de "mi casa es tu casa" un lugar donde deben de atender bien no solo el lugar se debe de ver bonitoo mi chico me dijo vamos ala fortaleza amo como festejan los cumpleaños ahí sinceramente mi chico salió apenado de ese lugar y yo también ojalá mejoren el servicio es pesimo no te pregunta si necesitas algo más todos estan metido en su cosas menos en lo que hacen mi chico les dijo que si hacen algo lo que hagan con amor!! 1.especifiquen su horario de comida y bar si dicen alas así llegan 10:50 debería de atender y se suponen que alas 11pm es porque esa hora se cierra todo apagan la música media hora antes dejan de poner!!! Y todos con sus caras ya se pueden ir... que desagradable momento !! read more

Personally, I like the ambience of the place. Good food, good drinks, but the waitress Michaela gave my table a terrible customer service. The attitude and rudeness needs to stay at home. I just expected a certain level of professionalism on her part. read more

My wife and I went to the La Fortaleza in Garfield for the first time today and we had a great experience. It starts and ends with our server, Jefferson, who was polite, efficient and helpful. Our drinks were superb including the red sangria. I had the steak and chicken fajita and my wife had Mole Poblano. The meals were hot and served in a decent time. We were not interrupted so we could enjoy our meal. We saved room for desert which was the flan and churros. The churros were very hot but so delicious. Coffee was served in a beautiful mug and was as good a coffee as you could get in a coffee shop. We will be back. read more

Love this new place !!!! Went last night for a quick drink and quick tacos and friendly waitress and staff !!! Will be coming back !!!! Everyone was so nice food was good too !!! read more

When we use to be in this area, we would go to the Garfield location all the time. When it use to be BYOB and even after. We wanted to try this new place out and came over the weekend for lunch. It wasn't too crowded when we got there, and they have plenty of seating options so even if it does get packed, I'm sure the wait wouldn't be too bad. Decor is amazing and vibrant! Some booths are vehicles which would be super fun for a bday or celebration. Ordered the guacamole which came in a glass car - so cute. Got some drinks too - but the spicy margarita didn't really impress me. Chicken and shrimp fajitas were flavored and cooked perfectly - huge portions, had leftovers for days. Staff was very friendly and accommodating! When we left, there were about 5 cars waiting for valet (we just got to park anywhere when we had got there) so expect parking delays during peak hours. read more

Place has great potential. The detailed decor is amazing! Great photo opps. Waitress was outstanding taking the order of about 12 at our table. She assured everyone's order was accurate, quick with delivering our drinks and attentive overall. We split the bill and averaged about $70/pp. Not so bad when everyone had appetizers, main course and drinks. The downfall was the food. I ordered the chimichanga with steak. The rice and beans were just as cold as the guac and sour cream. The steak tasted horrible. It had a sour taste. After two bites I could no longer eat it. Those on my side at the table that ordered the same thing felt the same. I did ask the waitress if she knew what kind of meat it was thinking possibly it's just from a different/unknown cut but it wasn't. I expressed my dissatisfaction. She was willing to bring the manager and/or bring something else to eat. Being that it was a birthday celebration that was not mine I did not find it appropriate to bring over the manager; yet, thought it was best to inform them for future visits. The downstairs bartender was just as great serving those that stood after dinner. This bartender managed to attend those at the bar plus distribute drinks for waitresses to take out with a positive attitude. We also expressed our food dissatisfaction to the bartender and he too offered to get us a manager; yet, was understandable that it wasn't our party. Staff has great team effort. Thumbs up to the mariachi band that walked around singing to each table. Superb birthday celebration. Compared to other chain locations, the food was not up to par. Hopefully there is improvements in the food area soon enough. read more

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Decent service food came out quick but the tacos was kind of bland may go back to give them a second try read more

This place knows how to party. Went for a coworkers bday and the drinks were great, food came out quick & hot. Unfortunately, we had a few members of our party running late and the staff did get a little annoyed saying we would lose our table if they did not show soon. Also being seated directly infront of the very loud dj made it impossible for us to even have a conversation throughout the night. read more

La Fortaleza - Mariachi Loco - Mexican Near Me - Lodi, New Jersey

Omg...if you're over 40...you will hate this effing place....volume of music is level 100 on a scale of 1 to 10. Will never come back. Plus food was nothing to write home about. read more

This location is pretty big compared to other. It is a little difficult to get to, the entrance is a quick right after the highway exit. They have valet, tips only. The location has amazing decor. They even have a store. I didn't appreciate the pushing for over priced pictures and merchandise. For example, they have cups for additional $10 for your drink that you can keep. We had to tell the photographer no a couple of times for the pictures. We enjoyed the live singer. The server was friendly. Food is okay. There are a variety of drinks. read more

La Fortaleza - Mexican Near Me - Lodi, New Jersey

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I wish they had the option for no stars. I'll start by saying if you want to get ripped off...this is the number one spot to go to. It's a total scam coming here. Please please go to Passaic or Rutherford...other real authentic Mexican spots for real food. Not here. Food is beyond basic, valet parking only and during your meal you'll be asked for the option to get the more expensive liquor or the more expensive type of beef. On top of that, they come around interrupting you to take a picture that will later be sent over on a frame and you can purchase for $20. Service is included so even if it wicked you're stuck with 18-20%. Valet tip also. Drinks and food are overpriced. The decor is very loud and fun but this place just sucks...it really is a rip off read more

Valet parking should be optional not mandatory! The decor was amazing. The food was very good. The prices were reasonable. The music was too loud! Cannot hear the waitress never-mind my date! If i wanted club music i would go to a club. When i take a date for dinner i enjoy conversation with my date. Not possible here. Has to be the loudest place i have ever visited! read more

Food too salty drinks great . Being here twice n I think that's it. No more. Thank you read more

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Excellent service, great food, awesome vibe. I really recommend this place. We are picky with places and this place checks every box. Camila's amazing. Will def return. read more

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Wonderful place. The food was really really good the drinks was amazing and we get the special cups for my birthday.

Nt bad tbh. I like food. Sometimes it's slow but it's fulfilling. I like it hre. It's not that bad

Delicious food, great Margarita, love the decor and ambience. The music is played at a comfortable level so you can have conversation.

I ordered chicken tacos old school, the chicken didn't have any flavor, the onions, and cilantro were like old. The service was ok. The ambiance not a big deal. I thought it was going to be better. read more

Great ambiance and good size portions. Music makes you want to dance. Very fun place. Ask to be seated upstairs for a better ambiance. Look out for the sneaky sales tactics on their brown drink mugs. No warning on $10 mug or barrli surcharge l this will add +10 dollars to any drink. Wait staff should advise clients that you will be charged extra so is not a surprise when you get your bill. Otherwise a good ambiance.. read more

La Fortaleza - Expensive Mug without warning that it will be extra on top of your Drink. This will make it closer to $30 dollars a drink! - Mexican Near Me - Lodi, New Jersey

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3.5 rounding down. My family and I came for dinner on a Friday night. I expected the place to be a bit busier but so I was pleasantly surprised when we were seated right away. The restaurant is valet only so make sure you have a couple bucks to pass on to the valet person! I really like the decor in this restaurant. Everything was so colorful and eye catching. We were seated upstairs and every corner has a cute little display it was really nice. The downsides of the restaurant is that I feel like the staff is still trying to get their footing. Our orders were taken fast but after that our server was inattentive. A lot of them were just around the bar speaking to each other and hanging out - I had to raise my hand whenever I wanted something to flag someone down. When our food came out things were missing as well. Which took another ten minutes for me to get someone's attention just to tell them items were missing. The food was okay. My table ordered a steak burrito, birria tacos, and steak fajitas. Everything was just okay. Nothing special. We also ordered two red sangrias and those were delicious. Heavy handed on the alcohol which was appreciated. This place has really great potential and I hope they start running smoothly soon! read more

I was just there with 5 coworkers and we had an amazing time! The food was great and drinks were very good too. I was pleasantly surprised and will definitely be back! read more

Food is mediocre. Drinks are good. Went on a Friday night about 10pm and it's too loud. I understand that they want to keep the energy up, but the music is blasting way too loud for a sit-down family style restaurant. Communicating with the waitress was difficult and neither of us could hear each other lol Ordered mango margarita and passion fruit marg, both delicious. Side of plaintains was ok, could have been more ripe. Probably the best part of meal is the chips and salsa they serve while you wait for your food. This is my 2nd time at Fortaleza and the food has never been anything more than mediocre. Would not be back. read more

I've been here several times and I must say it never disappoints. The food is amazing, the atmosphere and the decor of the place is absolutely beautiful. And the drinks are on point. Someone by the name of Genaro was super nice. He checked on us several times and recommended some of their delicious drinks. read more

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They started our visit by explaining that they were short servers and to bare with them. It was about 15-20 minutes before realizing we were there. We were able to order everything at once and that was great. Finally. I got my order of shrimp tacos and was appalled by the amount of cilantro on my tacos. It was as if they forgot lettuce and just added cilantro. Way too much for my palate. read more

La Fortaleza - Taco with a whole lot of cilantro - Mexican Near Me - Lodi, New Jersey

Listen I love la Fortaleza. Very good margaritas, good food, and a fun environment. 4 stars for drinks food and fun. But we have to talk about the parking situation. Both this location and Calrstadt force you to valet park, we've tried to self park and the valet won't let it happen. When leaving the Lodi location on Saturday we realized we only had $2 in cash for the valet so that is what we left as a tip to them. The valet tried telling us the minimum was $3 and that we owed them more, and was hassling us for another dollar for the other valet. There was no sign posted indicating there was a charge for valet or minimum expected amount nor do they give you the option to just self park and avoid this entirely. I want to be clear that my issue here is with the restaurant management and not the act of tipping a valet when using one. If you're going to force your customers to use that service then you should be paying the valet a fair wage yourself rather than passing the cost off to the customer and allowing the valets to be rude when they aren't tipped enough money. 2 stars for the parking nonsense. Unfortunately we probably won't go back because of this and wont recommend this location or Carlstadt. read more

The drinks were great & the food was delicious! Only one problem, the music was to "LOUD"!! Great ambiance! Had to yell at each other to be heard! read more

I can only give a rating for the service and one star is being generous. After being seated, no one ever came to our table. No water, no chips, nothing. Finally, after sitting there for 25 minutes, we got up and left. No one even inquired as to why we were leaving. I felt obligated to tip the valet even though I didn't have dinner. No sure why I needed to valet in a 70% empty parking lot at 4pm. Not sure why San Francisco comes up as my hometown. Live in NJ Erica C. We were there on Saturday, May 28th at 4pm. At least 5 people who appeared to be wait staff walked by us during that time. Try to get the attention of one person but he was to busy watching the soccer game on the big screen. read more

This place was great! I would definitely come back! Food and drinks were good! Highly recomend!

Horrible service .. Waited 10 mins ..until I decided to tell the bartender to get me drink because the waiter was no where to be found . Asked for hot sauce and the waiter never came back . He did come by with the check read more

Start with the good: the food was pretty good and came out promptly...that's it Service was almost non-existent. After taking our order we didn't see our server until we asked for the check. I'm guessing this is because the restaurant takes 18% for tip no matter what so servers don't care to offer quality service. Drinks were far too sweet with barely any alcohol. Constantly staff running around with cameras in your face and bright lights trying to capture "content" for marketing purposes I'd assume. The person that was trying to sell the photos they take hovered over our table and when we asked him why he said "you are supposed to tip" - Oh really? I didn't realize this is a place where you're demanded to tip someone that hasn't provided you any service - that's a concept! The DJ (which could have been a fun little aspect, not opposed to it) just played the same 5 songs over and over again and screamed into the mic. It's a shame because the food itself was not bad and the place has a very unique fun kind of look that I can understand why it draws people in. Don't waste your money here when there are soooo many options for the same cuisine with better food and MUCH better service. read more

Valet only. There is no street parking like it states on the introduction. The restaurant is on a highway. I don't drive a Ferrari but don't want anyone in my vehicle. There should be an option. Won't come here ever again until they allow you to park your own vehicle. read more

Maybe we made a mistake choosing Cinco de Mayo to go there, maybe it was so busy that they were not on the top of their game. We waited an hour for our table, everyone waited that long. We were notified on the phone that we were the next table to be sat. Then we looked again and our name disappeared. We went to the host stand an inquired. The girl rolled her eyes at us and plopped, and I do mean plopped us at a tiny table under a very loud TV. Eh. Whatever. You have to scan a code for the menu. It was too small so I asked for a real menu, the first person I asked said it was a limited menu for the holiday so we had to use the phone. The next person I asked brought us a menu. Our drink order was taken and the server left. When the drinks were brought back we ordered and also asked for water. Time went by and then someone brought out the appetizer. At this point we didn't have plates or utensils. I stopped a worker and asked for some, he looked me right in the eye and said wait. I waited. No one came. I got up and went to the bar and asked for them. When our server was walking past us, he never stopped to check on us, I flagged him down and asked for the water again. I also told him that I had to go to the bar and get my own utensils. His response, the thumbs up sign. Really? Then someone brought our entrees and then we never saw anyone again. We were never asked how everything was, or if we needed anything. Again, I had to flag our server down to ask for a box. He brought it and disappeared again. Quite some time later I flagged him down again for the check. He brought the check and they had the nerve to add a 20% gratuity on it. He wasn't worth that much, if anything. I have been in the F&B industry my whole life. I know what good service is and what tip is deserved. The only reason they got two stars at all is because the food was very good. Unfortunately that is not enough to keep happy customers. read more

Service was awful. When waiter finally showed up, we ordered apps/drinks/main meal all at once being it took so long for him to show up. Margaritas were ehhh, seems like they are made weak on purpose so you can order an extra shot of tequila. Chips and salsa are complimentary - (sad salsa btw ) Guacamole was mediocre, nothing to brag about. Fajitas & birria quesadilla, both were pretty good. Food was dropped at the table without being given utensils. Waiter never came back to check on the table, had to hunt him down for a box to go & the bill. Ambiance was pretty cool I must say, music & bright color decor. read more

Food was delicious, but service was lacking extremely. The waiter did not check on us once, and when we finally flagged her down asking for the check it took a tremendously long time for her to return with the check. We were also told we couldn't split the check? She was also very unsure of the menu. read more

Just came out from this excellent restaurant, the food was amazing and service was great, I recommend this place 100 star!!!