We were looking for something more than just a typical taqueria and came across Santo Cantina y Cocina--and it absolutely lived up to the hype from its great Yelp reviews. There were so many tempting options on the menu, but we landed on the empanadas with mango slaw, birria tacos with a side of vegetables, and the enchiladas suizas. Every single dish was mouthwateringly delicious--nothing fell short of spectacular. Even the service stood out; our waitress was outstanding and made the whole experience even better. The portions are generous, and what really sets this place apart is the seasoning. Each dish had its own unique twist that elevated it well beyond your standard Mexican menu. The slow-cooked meat in both the empanadas and birria tacos was incredibly tender--so good it kept us going back for "just one more bite" long after we were full. And the tomatillo sauce on the enchiladas? Easily the best I've ever had--and I don't say that lightly. I'm a bit of a tomatillo sauce snob, and this one completely blew me away. We're just visiting the area, but this quaint little spot--with its charming covered patio--left a lasting impression on our trip. If you're local, this should be in your regular rotation. If you're visiting, don't miss it read more

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Hands down the best guacamole ever! I also enjoyed a very tasty Birria Quesadilla Service is wonderful! read more

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First came here last year when Calle Latina was packed on Valentine's Day: same owners, so I knew the food & mixed drinks would be first rate, and veggie friendly. They did not disappoint. Wait staff is friendly and first rate, just like Calle Latina. Real pride in the food. You can tell when a restaurant is well run: this one is, and I have been so happy to see them busy and thriving each time we visit. I always order a margarita with a Tajin rim, and my husband has a beer, and we start with the guacamole which is well above average, and generous portion. Their salsa is also simply amazing. (I am a condiment junkie, and I will eat salsa by itself.) I've had the Enchiladas Queretanas, and the Santo Bowl. Both are excellent with a good assortment of well seasoned vegetables. I value restaurants who give me more than one vegetarian menu choice, and give these selections the same level of care as their higher priced meat entrees. My husband loves the Baja Fish tacos. Like Calle Latina, their sister restaurant, the restaurant is comfortable and cozy & thoughtfully decorated, so it is a perfect destination for celebrations or date nights. A real neighborhood treasure. read more

Great service, good food and great atmosphere. Always leave there satisfied, I love their soups crazy enough.

Our first few times going there a couple years ago were great ... it felt like a family business ... The last few times we went the food was good , but not amazing .. My main complaint is if you go even an hour before they close the staff can't wait to get out ... they're pushing the tables in for the night .. putting together set ups ... hard to get anyone's attention .. hey ... if you own a business that's open til 9:30 please let your staff know they probably are not going to get out the door AT 9:30 Maybe it's great at 4 but 8:30 -9 nope Something feels like it changed read more

First I think for 2 birria tacos with rice & beans for $18 was steep. Bill for 1 was almost 40. With an ok Paloma. The birria was nothing more than grease with no flavor. The meat was tough and stringy, better with a fork, but with tacos? Service was ok, hard to flag down the bartender although once I did, he was fine. I do agree they have great guacamole, wish I just had that instead of going with the tacos instead. Not sure if I'll be back and I've enjoyed this place in the past. read more

The tortilla soup was good but the fajitas, rice, and beans were almost inedible. And the server literally had her entire ass hanging out the back of her skirt, which struck me as unsanitary. I wouldn't have wanted to sit anywhere she had already sat. And there were plenty of children around too, which made the skirt even more inappropriate and also brought the atmosphere down. No one wants to have to dodge or listen to unruly kids while at a bar at 8:00 in the evening on a school night. So, while I might go back for the soup (and only the soup) I'll be getting it to go. read more

I went back even though I wasn't sure if I would and my previous thoughts still stand. The service was much better this time, but the food still leaves a lot to be desired. I tried their street tacos, and they were good and pretty cheap. I just wish they had a little bit more flavor. However, the birria tacos and rice and beans were just not good. They had like no flavor and it was super pricey for what you get. The rice and beans had absolutely no salt and just weren't worth getting. The birria tacos also just weren't that good and were just greasy without a lot of flavor. The outside patio is nice but can get loud from the street noise so I wish that the music that they were playing wasn't as loud because it can get a little hard to hear. At this point, I've been 3 times, and it has never been that good. I really wouldn't go back. read more

After driving by this place on numerous occasions, I finally decided to come on an early Tuesday evening and sat at the bar. The ambiance is casual with tons of natural lighting, and as the sun sets, the place becomes dimly lit as if you're back in a cantina in Tulum (woke up a core memory of mine). As a first time patron, I had my mind set on the delicious Lobster tacos and paid no mind to the taco specials, but took advantage of the half-priced Margarita special. John was my bartender-extraordinaire and took care of me. My "spicy" marg was perfection! The free chips & salsa were amazing, especially since everything is made in-house. Word of advice: Ask for a to-go order of the chips & salsa. Save your receipt for a discount at their sister restaurant "Calle" located down the street read more

Santo Cantina & Cocina - Lobster Tacos w/ refried beans & rice, and in-house made chips & salsa - Mexican Near Me - Avondale Estates, Georgia

The food, service, and ambiance were all great. I enjoy some of the new dishes they serve. I especially enjoy most seafood dishes like fish, shrimp, scallops and any combination of the three. I really like the grilled version of these dishes. I enjoy and I am surprised with each new addition to the menu. Keep up the great work, Scott Fontenot read more

Great food and drinks, nice live music and super friendly staff. They have both covered and uncovered outdoor space and a parking lot. It was pretty crowded on a random weekday so the secret is out. This is a great place. read more

Not too bad I had a few cocktails- street tacos where sooooo smalll but ok Love sitting outside people watching read more

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Sopa de Tortilla - Might've been the best Mexi soup I've had in looong time; Not light or slight on anything; HUGE portion, be prepared, No Kidding. Full-sized pieces of avocado bathed in some nice hottt Chili Ancho spices. It will do for most. We got checked on multiple times by multiple staff; Kind bartender knew his biz, ordered a B.Mary (not on menu) and he killed it. Portion sizes are Huge, Have to say that again ;) Be ready to eats; gots me lunch fo tomorrow. Dug the casual vibes of the place, Younger crowd; will certainly be back at this mystifying Cocina :) read more

I came around 6:30pm on a Friday with a group of 4. We were seated immediately, although they were more busy by the time we left. They do have covered outdoor seating with heaters, but it was still too chilly for me. Everyone ordered a margarita and enjoyed them. We also enjoyed the free chips and salsa (probably ate too many). For dinner my husband and I had the birria tacos. They came filled with meat, I really appreciate that they didn't skimp on the meat! I felt like it was missing some flavor but my husband thought it tasted fine. I'd be open to returning but would probably order something else. read more

Santo Cantina & Cocina - Menu Jan 2024 - Mexican Near Me - Avondale Estates, Georgia

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I LOVE this place. It's so delicious and great staff. Such a cute place. There is parking in the back. read more

Santo Cantina & Cocina - Mexican Near Me - Avondale Estates, Georgia

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Everything is great! This is my go to For great service and food. Everything is fresh and sooo freaking good. read more

Santo Cantina & Cocina - Street chicken tacos with a side of mixed veggies. A house (teremana) margarita! - Mexican Near Me - Avondale Estates, Georgia

This is my go to Mexican spot in town! Service is always great and you're seated quickly. Margaritas, salsa, and the food are all great! I really have enjoyed the tacos and enchiladas. read more

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We love this unique Mexican restaurant in the Avondale area. Today we sat on the patio for the first time and it was a beautiful day. The hostess was super nice and made sure our table was clean and we were comfortable. The waiter (Shaun) was very helpful when we asked a few questions. All this is great, but the reason we come here is the delicious drinks and food. We love the Santa (House) Margarita, but the hubby tried the Jamaica Margarita today, it was sweeter but good. House salsa and chips are so yummy! Guacamole is delicious and the Queso is always a hit. The hubby usually gets the lobster tacos which are great, but today he tried the Mole Ojo Rojo (which was so good). I usually get the Verdes O Rojas (chicken enchiladas) which are wonderful with that verde salsa, but I tried the tacos (carnitas and al pastor) and they were amazing! Can't wait to go back..next week! read more

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Have dined at Santo quite a few times over the last year. In the beginning the food was great. Over the last few months it has had some up and down moments with my taste buds. Therefore an overall rating of 3. Most of the food is beautiful to look at. The plating of the dinners is amazing with color. The best thing we have had there recently was the guacamole. You fall in love with the presentation and it is huge. Presentation a 5. All of the street tacos have been very good. Simple is sometimes better. Chicken Tinga is great. Street Tacos a 5 The salsa rona was outstanding a year ago. Something has happened. Neither my spouse or I care for it at all. Other friends that frequent Santo have agreed. This past week I asked for salt and lime to try and jazz it up. Didn't work. I asked if they had any other and was brought some salsa verde. It was outstanding. Salsa Rosa a 2 and Salsa Verde a 4+ overall a 3. The Verdes O Rojas, shredded chicken with a green sauce was spot on. The refried beans very bland. The rice was just ok. Rating a 3+ Now for the Beef Fajitas. Some of the worse we have had. No taste. A bit tough and all the lime juice and salt in the world could not help them. But then there is that beautiful presentation. Rating it a 2. Service is almost nonexistent. They are always on slowmo. Friendly enough but just down right slow. Another rating of 2 Atmosphere is nice and typical of a Mexican Cantina. Rating of 5. Will return because it is close. read more

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We love the food and the service at Santo! The Hostess & Manager, Ty is the BEST! The food is consistently good. And the Bartenders are FIRE!!! It has become our Friday night spot!! read more

I have been here once before and remembered enjoying the experience but surprised I didn't share. This place gives you a private romantic but trendy vibe. Like you can do this individually, date, girls night out it works for all of those. The people amazing. I brought my kid and they where awesome about knowing what we needed without saying. But the most important part is the food. I love a good carne asada so went with that. Since it was Tuesday I did the special which was there margaritas and it was good. I know I was impressed. But I would say they drinks alone does it. But the food is absolutely delicious. I also appreciated that the sever thought to ask how I wanted my steak, did I want flour or corn tortillas and just the consideration all around. read more

Santo Cantina & Cocina is a cozy place! We knew it was a casual atmosphere when the high school aged host said "We got a 4-top but it's got a rez on it for 7pm... but if yall promise to get out of here in 60 minutes it's all yours." I wouldn't say the food, service, or atmosphere was perfect enough to warrant a 5 star, but I had an awesome dining experience and enjoyed my enchiladas a lot. Santo will definitely be on my lineup of local Latin places for when I get tired of Taqueria Del Sol, La Fonda, or Superica. read more

Santo Cantina & Cocina - Chips, salsa, and reservations - Mexican Near Me - Avondale Estates, Georgia

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Until today, I didn't think you could get authentic Mexican outside of Buford. El Rey del Taco holds a special place in my heart, but sometimes I don't feel like heading out that way or ordering in. I've had Santo on my list for some time and finally decided to head in around 5:45 for an early dinner. I can't remember the last time I had such a memorable meal. In addition to the complimentary chips and salsa (which were both very good and fresh) I had a spicy margarita, two skirt steak tacos, rice and beans, and a shrimp street taco. It was all freaking delicious. My only small complaint is that you can't mix the taco meals that come with rice and beans... the two have to be the same. The server was very helpful and attentive and suggested since I couldn't get the shrimp taco as part of that meal that I try a shrimp street taco instead, which proved to be an effective substitute. We also enjoyed sitting on the outdoor covered patio on a warm winter evening. There's a small parking lot which I could see being an issue on a busy night. There's also limited seating between the indoor and outdoor areas. We will definitely be back! read more

Santo Cantina & Cocina - Hot Senorita (spicy marg) - Mexican Near Me - Avondale Estates, Georgia

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Avondale has a New Mexican cantina for us!!! Avondale is a quaint little city. Within the last couple of years new developments have changed the look and weekend offerings. Parking and access: Located off a high traffic road, be careful entering the small shared parking lot. Eating area: Indoor and covered outdoor eating area. Small restaurant, if your coming with a large party - call ahead. Food: I wasn't really hungry. Go figure!!! Just wanted to check out this new spot. I love that the guacamole comes in different flavors. I didn't want to seem like a punk, so I went for the hottest they had. I loved how chunky it was and I could see all the fresh ingredients. It went great with the warm chips, queso and salsa I had. Ambiance: Lovely decor. A couple of TVs that normally have sports on. Really fun environment. Really cool to hear Spanish speaking guys rooting for their team. Go check it out. Prices and staff were fun as well. I hope they don't change much. read more

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Table for 2 for Lunch Approaching the restaurant, I noticed there was a nice-sized parking lot right next door.  We entered and were quickly seated outside on the patio, without a reservation. Our server came by with our complimentary chips and salsa. Wifey and I ordered a couple of beers. She had a Pacifico lager and I tried the Santo, a Mexican beer.  My beer looked frozen and when I advised our server, Keegan, he quickly replaced it, without question. We reviewed the menu and I ordered the Chicken Mole Ojo Rojo while Wifey opted for the Shrimp Fajitas.  We enjoyed our beers while waiting for the food to come out.  From what I could tell, they had a small indoor dining area.  The food arrived quickly. My Mole dish was good, but one piece of chicken tasted dry and overcooked. Wifey loved her Shrimp Fajitas and had a little leftover to take home. Overall, we had a good experience and will come back to try some other menu items.  Keegan, our server, was a winner. read more

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Wow! I've been here several times. The consistency of flavors rivals that of the most delectable offerings from corridors like #bufordhwy and other points #northatl. The service is friendly and welcoming, and the vibe is cozy but airy. I'm not sure if the owner appreciates clientele. But the staff kinda does. Here's what we had: - Mexico City Street Tacos with a deep roster of turf meats including: Suadero (roast beef), Chorizo, Asada, Pollo, Campechano (Roast beef y Chorizo), and carnitas. We loved all of these well curated meats each and every time we've visited. Shrimp and fish options available. A+ - A really fun Mexican Burger - an 8oz Angus hand crafted patty topped w/caramelized onions & poblano chili rajas, chorizo and melted Oaxaca cheese. Second with fries. B+ - An unforgettable Mole Ojo Rojo - This combination of two traditional Mexican moles comes w/ a chicken breast or in this case a leg and thigh option accompanied by sesame, onion, sour cream and grated fresh panela cheese served w/Mexican rice. Very good, very filling and savory with a kick. B read more

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We just had another great meal at Santo! Come out and support! No problem with parking on a Saturday night!! We had the carne asada and spicy guacamole! So good!! read more

Wow. I had my doubts from the outside. And we were there on a Friday night and the place was packed. The greeter asked if we had reservations and of course we didn't, but they found us a table and got us in right away. This is a true Mexican restaurant, not Tex-Mex, all Mex. Specialties from Yucatán, Jalisco, some serious mole. Yea they have fajitas also, but the menu has some seriously good choices you just don't see in your average Tex-Mex restaurant. This place is so authentic you will worry about drinking the water. I got the birria tacos, my wife got the mole and my daughter the baja fish tacos. All three were amazing and shared between us. I do not write many 5 star reviews but this place earned it. I will be back and try this place again. I highly recommend. Not really the best place for small children. Very noisy and hard to have a conversation in the dining room. But the food made all that fine. They have an extensive list of cocktails but we did not sample any so I will just say they are available. If you get a chance check this place out. Reading the other reviews it seems some did not like the chips and salsa. Well they must have fixed that issue because ours were amazing. Definitely chips fried on-site and the salsa would have to be ground with a stone pestle next to the table to be more authentic. Not what you get at the box and chain stores. Real cilantro, fresh tomatoes. It was really good. read more

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The food is delicious, I keep coming and try different foods. I enjoy coming to Santo Cantina, the staff are wonderful and attentive! It is always a Joy to come and dine here. The ambience is lovely and feels magical to sit outside, eat yummy food, and people watch! read more

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Underwhelmed. Meh. Came to this cute lil neighborhood spot for some appetizers and quick drinks and was unimpressed. Positive- the margaritas were pretty good though... a little syrupy but not bad. Negative- the food and service. The guacamole was pretty good, would recommend. The shrimp aguachile, hard pass. It was just a No all the way around. Definitely not worth it... pick a different menu item. Oh and the table salsa, not what you would typically expect of a Mexican restaurant - tasted like canned tomatoes. Just wasn't hitting' AND it's not free. Apparently they charge you $3! Lastly, the service wasn't so great. With such a small place you'd think it would be easy to keep up with the tables, but the wait staff was slow to respond. Good place to go if you want some drinks and guacamole but I'd pass on some other menu items. read more

Santo Cantina & Cocina - Mexican Near Me - Avondale Estates, Georgia

Cute New Mexican place in a very unexpected location. Food was really good. Great dog friendly patio. Great service. Nice atmosphere. Will definitely go back! read more

Santo Cantina & Cocina - Tuna tacos - Mexican Near Me - Avondale Estates, Georgia

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I've been to Santo Cantina & Cocina twice now, once dining in and once to go. Located in Avondale estates, right at the corner of N. Avondale road and Ashton place, don't drive too fast or you could miss it! Here's what I ordered to go: Arrachera (steak) Fajitas: $22 Sopa de tortilla: $8 Dine in orders: Guacamole en molcajete $11 Santo bowl: $16 Sopa de tortilla $8 Starting off with the positives, every item I tried was pretty good! Dining begins with your eyes, and the presentation of the dishes here at Santo, at least while dining in, look colorful, flavorful, and are just as delicious as they look. The Guacamole en molcajete is impressive for guac, and must be shared just from the size. Chips come with it and man, it's so fresh and tasty. This by itself could be your meal. My favorite dish was the Santo bowl, which comes with ingredients you're used to, like black beans and rice, but they also surprise you with sweet potato, green tomato, etc. And you can tweak the ingredients however you want. Sadly photos of the soap de tortilla didn't get taken, because the soup was half gone before I thought about it. Nice flavorful and nicely sized soup though! We actually came with a party of eaters who had dietary restrictions, and like I said above, 5 stars to staff accommodating us on every request we had. When we dined out, we sat outside. It was chilly, but they have heaters in their outdoor dining area. Their center table outside is also pretty slick. It's glass and lights up white, at night. Nice touch. There is a full bar, and plenty of tables inside. We only had a party of 3 but we saw groups of 6 or more coming and going. Parking in the front can be tight, but there is shared parking to the left of Donatos pizza, sitting next to Santo. I'm glad Santo Cantina & Cocina popped up here. The fact that it's not 5 minutes from my house means I'll definitely be back. Hope to see you there! read more

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Great food and service. The price was acceptable and a great place to eat. Everyone should try it.

Visited on a Wednesday evening because we were told they have a live mariachi band from 6-8pm. They have seating in an enclosed patio, inside and at the bar. We opted to sit inside and were greeted with menus from our server. We were then brought chips and salsa while we looked over the menu. The chips were ok, nothing special. Would've been better if they were warm, but the salsa was good. My fiancé ordered a smoky margarita which was different for him, but he really enjoyed. I ended up ordering a Santo margarita, which I liked. For dinner, I got the nachos without chicken and whole beans. He ordered the Gobernator as a burrito. As we waited for our food we enjoyed the band and our drinks. Our food arrived and everything looked delicious. The nachos were some of the best I've ever had with a great flavor profile. His burrito was also different but flavorful. We both agree that this was by far one of our best Mexican restaurant experiences. I highly recommend giving them a try and definitely go on a Wednesday to experience the mariachi band. read more

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Santo is going to be my new go to! The service was amazing and the food was delicious. The daily drink specials make it an easy decision any day of the week. We even got a discount on the receipt to visit their sister restaurant Calle Latina, another favorite! It's a small space but it's laid out well and doesn't feel cramped. We will definitely be back! read more

Santo Cantina & Cocina - Shrimp fajitas and Mexican street tacos - Mexican Near Me - Avondale Estates, Georgia

Food is consistently good. Service can be hit or miss. A good vibe overall, and a spot you should check out in Avondale Estates.

The food was great! like, REALLY good. The chicken was very delicious, not to mention the staff were also incredibly nice. When I ran low on water They came with an empty glass bottle and poured it like champagne, also kept the mood incredible It feels like a small shop, i mean thats what it is, but this little local resturaunt was a great place to eat on our trip from florida! They give you chips and salsa for free the first round, and for just an enchilada and i think a fahita (butchered that spelling), was only 30 dollars, which in my opinion was great for the quality of the food. read more

Santo Cantina & Cocina - Mexican Near Me - Avondale Estates, Georgia

Came with a friend for drinks and a bite. It was a weird time of day, (3:00 pm) so they weren't really busy. Alex, our bartender, was on point! Drinks were lovely. We shared the birria tacos. They were awesome! An order comes with 2 tacos, rice, beans, and all the trimmings, including a rich dipping consume. We shared the food but man, those tacos were completely stuffed with juicy, flavorful meat. Will definitely return! read more

I've had a hard time finding good Mexican food since I moved to GA from California. This place was LEGIT. Their x-spicy salsa is incredible, the Mexican Style Burger blew my boots off! (Chorizo, caramelized onion, roasted poblano, Oaxaca cheese, & chipotle cream) !!!WOW!!! read more

Wonderful spontaneous discovery! Great flavors and a great spot. We stopped in here after a trip to the DeKalb Farmer's Market for Thanksgiving provisions and really enjoyed our lunch. Plus Tuesdays are half priced margaritas so my passenger enjoyed that too. Highly recommend! read more