Food- We enjoyed the house chili relleno and chicken gorditas , chips salsa and guacamole. Everything was great! Definitely on the calendar for a return visit! Also of note, the service was on point, friendly, welcoming and attentive to details without being intrusive . WELL DONE! read more

God awful... beyond weird and uncomfortable. The food was average at best, and calling it "New Mexican" is misleading. There were no New Mexico green chiles, no red chiles--just ordinary Mexican food with microgreens sprinkled on top. Microgreens don't magically make mediocre food special. The service was just as disappointing. There were seven servers for roughly fifteen customers, yet everything moved painfully slowly. Waiting that long for subpar food at extraordinarily inflated prices made the experience even worse. The whole place feels like the kind of restaurant where guilt-ridden adult children take their parents after picking them up from the retirement home--more about appearances than good food or a memorable dining experience. read more

Came on an early afternoon Saturday. We had a reservation and were the only ones there for a bit. We had been to the other Tavos, love that one, and wanted to try this one. We got the classic guacamole $15 and then salsa $12. Both were average grocery store level. The whole time I was cold. They were very good about allergies and friendly, maybe awkward. The music was a bit dramatic, but if there were more people maybe it would have been more subtle. For a Mexican place the prices were much higher than normal. It was a little strange - right as we were about to leave they started removing everything instead of waiting one more minute; we had been there for a while. -Enmolada very good. Somewhat sweet, decently "chocolate". Some building heat. -The elote is okay. Maybe somewhat wet and needs to be mixed. -Shrimp fajitas were very good with more assortment of vegetables than normal. $29 -The rice was a bit dry. The beans were plain but healthy tasted. read more

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Our food was very fresh& delicious. They were very accommodating when I asked for only two items. Both were excellent. Daughters shrimp tacos were outstanding! Definitely plan on returning. read more

Food and service was great! It's definitely a bit above a casual restaurant I'd say. The food was delicious, the prices were a bit high though. The guacamole was our favorite, it was amazing! Excited to go back, but may wait a bit because of the cost. read more

Tavos at The Grove - Churros - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Elm Grove, Wisconsin

Going to a Mexican restaurant can be a little tiring. And not necessarily because they aren't good, but because many places don't go out of their way to give you anything unique. This was our first time at Tavos, and they did a very good job giving us some things worth coming back to. We showed up on a Sunday afternoon. When we arrived around 4:00, we were the only ones there. It was a bit chilly outside, and it was also a bit cold inside. I ran back to the car to get my quilted vest. There's a bar area with TVs and video poker machines. I'm not a big fan of those in a restaurant. I get why places have them, but they create a very different aesthetic for dining. Fortunately, they weren't making any noise, and the poker screens were not in view from our table. We were seated by our very friendly server and set up with waters and menus. The menu is extensive, printed on stapled pages. Not sure if they are still formalizing it or if that's just how they do it. We decided on a couple of drinks. I got the Paloma, and my partner got the House Margarita. The margarita was good. The Paloma was just okay. It tasted like a bit too much grapefruit soda and not enough tequila and lime. For starters, we tried the Guacamole Azteca. It comes with plantain chips. We asked if we could get a mix of tortilla and plantain, but you have to pick one or the other. You could add chips and salsa for another 12 dollars, but the explanation was that the chips are already portioned out in the kitchen. That felt like a miss in terms of customer satisfaction. The guacamole itself was excellent. Loved the textures from the poblano pepper and roasted corn. We normally don't finish the guac right away, but this was gone before the rest of the food arrived. Truly delicious. We aren't big fans of rice and beans, so we were really happy that many items could be ordered a la carte. We chose the Beef Taco, Carnitas Gordita, Chicken Empanada, and Shrimp Taco. When they came out, everything was nicely presented and hot. They were all very good, but the empanada was the standout. The crust was flaky, and the chicken and cheese filling had great flavor and a generous portion. The carnitas on the Gordita was good but not as flavorful as I expected. A little of the verde salsa helped a lot. We happily finished everything. We saved room for the Tres Leches cake but found out they were out of it. We love Tres Leches, so that was a big disappointment. But after trying the Dulce de Leche cake, we didn't feel too bad. It was a very good substitute. For us, this was a very good first experience. A couple of tweaks would have made it even better. I'm not a fan of video poker in restaurants. They need to turn the thermostat up a bit. And while the food was very good, it would be nice if tortilla chips came with the Azteca Guac, especially at 17 dollars. Our server did an excellent job the entire time. Really appreciated the good service. ps - love the paint color in the mens restroom :) read more

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New location, new review... When I finally got around to taking my bf here, I found out they had just moved. Three weeks into their move, they are still figuring things out, but the food is STILL delicious! Tavo's has gone from cute and quaint tiny restaurant to at least 3 times its original size. It's not as cozy anymore, of course. The vibe is casual and festive with more elbow room. Everyone working there was very friendly. The host at the door gave us head's up about their recent move and the staff still learning the menu. Our server Yazmina (sp?) was super sweet and was very attentive. We ordered some cocktails - my bf ordered a gold margarita and I, the caipirinha. They tasted pretty good. Later, he went to the bar to check out how they were made and found out they were poured from a big container. The bartender mixed one specifically for him and he was a happy camper! My second caipirinha was not as good - tasted like mostly lime juice. For the appetizer, I ordered the guacamole Azteca which was still as yummy as ever. Of course, I had the beef enchiladas with verde sauce. I'm a creature of habit. My bf had three different types of flour tacos. He said they were the best he has ever had. Since I ordered the dinner, rice and beans were included. I didn't eat much of that since I filled up on the appetizers. Next time, I would probably order the enchiladas a la carte. I hate to waste food! There was a bit of a snafu with our dinner: the kitchen was running behind due to a large party. They offered us chips and salsa in the meantime, which were good. Two things that could use tweaking - the timing on our main dinner entrees and consistency of drinks. That's why I can't give it 5 stars. Overall , I was happy and full. We will definitely be back for more! read more

Tavos at The Grove - Guacamole Azteca with plantain chips - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Elm Grove, Wisconsin

Great food and margaritas! Serve was prompt and answered all our questions about GF and vegetarian options.

What a hidden gem! Very good, authentic food and excellent service! We'll be back soon for sure now that we know it's there.

I made a reservation for this place a week in advance for my birthday. I had 14 people coming to my reservation and they knew that. Upon our arrival, there wasn't room for everyone to sit. We stood in the restaurant until a table left. It was pretty frustrating as they knew how many people our table was. We sat and it took 15 minutes for someone to come over and get our drinks. My fish tacos had some strawberry aioli on it which I did not care for. It came with rice no beans. Our bill for 2 margaritas, 2 beers, and two taco dinners was $120. I found that ridiculous. With our group they also wouldn't do separate checks and would only do split in half or one check. Small space. Food okay. Very pricey. UPDATE: The owner felt the need to respond to my review and say that we made changes to our reservations which we did not do. There was supposed to be 14 of us but 2 people were sick so only 12 of us came. They could barely seat the 12 of us I don't know how they thought they could seat 14. Not sure what my friend coming to the bar and ordering tequila from them has to do with my review. Also just because my friend paid for our bill doesn't mean IT WASNT PRICEY! read more

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My wife and I were looking for something different in and around Waukesha/Brookfield. We had been to Tavos when they were located on Bluemound and found that restaurant to be quaint and very good food wise. So we decide to try the new location, especially since we were celebrating a special occasion. I called two weeks prior, to secure one of their better situated tables, something romantic by a window. I explained the circumstances and the man who took the reservation seemed a touch confused but I let it slide. I then called two days before our arrival to follow up on the reservation and found that none had been made. Bad vibe. I requested the same as before and was told they would try to accommodate us but we would have to understand that the request could not be assured if the restaurant was busy. I said I understood and we could wait in the bar. We arrived on the day, about ten minutes before our reservation and asked about or request (the restaurant was not full) reiterating the specialness of the night. They were congratulatory and proceed to sit us in the middle of the restaurant instead of the lovely two top right by a window. We were accommodated after asking to be moved, but I was dismayed that we had to ask to be moved. It was like they weren't paying attention. The meal was fine, tasty and I would get takeout if we ever decide to try again, big maybe. So the food is not the issue, except, regardless of whether I can afford the meal or not, seriously, $12 for a small bowl of chips and salsa that definitely needed salt. Bad vibe. After the main meal, the waiter asked if we wanted dessert and we decided on Tres Leche. Now don't get me wrong, telling you this was a special occasion does not mean I was looking for a comp. What I was looking for is to be treated with a little more emphasis on the "We're so happy you chose us to celebrate your special occasion.", attitude! What we received was the corner piece of Tres Leche that looked like it was dumped sideways onto the plate. Bad vibe. All in all it was not the special occasion dinner I had planned. We will definitely be picking a different place for celebrations next time! Tavos had a welcoming attitude before, not this time! read more

Still one of the best hidden gems in the city! My friends and I dined there Saturday on the patio. Started with the Guacamole Cali topped with cheese and chorizo, and I didn't know that I needed that, but now I do! I ordered a Mole Margarita because hell yes, and it was incredible! So were my enmoladas and the taste I had of my friend's Enchiladas Rojas! My other friend loved his birria tacos, and we all enjoyed our experience, overall. Get there if you haven't! read more

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Spicy mango margarita was amazing. Quesa Briaa tacos were mid-wish they used beef not goat. Thee Hubs love the carne asada tacos. Only one server working so she was busy. Nice atmosphere read more

We have gotten take out food from here and really really want to eat here again! The restaurant seems small with only a few tables but the food was excellent! Slightly higher pricing but worth it. Everything was so fresh and presented well for take out! read more

Tucked away on Elm Grove Rd, Tavo's found its perfect home! What can we say - SUPERLATIVE!!! Fresh, gourmet - an absolute delight - highly recommended!! We will be back! read more

This is a small place! We got there about 5:00 and were the first ones there. It did fill up by the time we left. The service was great, not rushed, but well paced as we had appetizers, entrees, and dessert. We enjoyed everything, all very fresh and flavorful! It is ok to park next to the building, we were not sure it was restaurant parking or not and got a spot in front of the restaurant. But it is a busy street and it does fill up. read more

My husband and I dined at Tavo's last week for lunch. Prices are high, but what isn't these day's. I ordered the Tostada with the ground sirlion, but somehow they gave me chicken. I thought, okay I will try it. It looked nice when it was served, but it was not served hot. It was on the cool side. It was also kind of bland. My husband ordered the chicken enchilada's which he said, were kind of bland, but put salsa on them and then they tasted better. Not sure it's worth a trip back again? I have had better, plus you don't have to pay for the usual chips and salsa that are usually served at other Mexican restaurants. I'm glad we tried it, but will probably not return. read more

Had the fish tacos with rice and beans along with the poblano and plantain guacamole. It was so tasty! The fish tacos are served with a strawberry dragonfruit sauce that is unlike any taste combinations I have had previously. read more

Anthony - Rather than get into a debate, today's world has enough tension and friction, I'm going to delete my review so we can both erase it from our concern. In my defense, if corn tortillas "break" a dish, perhaps don't ask if a guest wants corn or flour with said dish? Or warn them that it won't be good with corn tortillas? I wish you success. - - - - - Was a fan when it was on 61st & Bluemound. Tried this new location and it wasn't as good. Someone ordered fish tacos and the sweet (strawberry?) sauce they use is NOT good with fish. Overly sweet and flowery. Look up a good California fish taco recipe and change it to that. Immediately. And the fish was too fishy, IYNYN. Opt for quality ingredients, or don't have it on the menu. Some other dishes were better but it didn't taste as authentic as the small original place. New chef? I'd rather see a trimmed down more authentic menu done well than offering everything, but mediocre. The atmosphere, with the giant big screen gambling games, basic hard top tables, in-cohesive aesthetic, scattered organization and color palette, is so-so. What happened between the old and new location? read more

We've dined at Tavo's a couple of times and enjoyed the food each time. The restaurant evidently uses high-quality ingredients and serves reliably tasteful dishes. The server who helped during our first visit was very knowledgeable about the menu and gave us great suggestions, but the server during our recent visit seemed new and had limited knowledge about the dishes. Fortunately, all the dishes we ordered were very good. Our first visit was in early 2022; two of us ordered Guacamole Azteca and a number of Tacos with different meats. We thought that Tavo's was the best Mexican restaurant in town. Three of us visited the restaurant again recently and ordered three dinner plates to share s: Enchiladas Verdes Dinner, Tacos Dinner (Chicken and Pastor pork), and House Chile Relleno Dinner. We found the meets to be of high quality, but the chicken and pork in the Tacos Dinner were a little dry. The House Chile Relleno Dinner seemed more unique had more complex flavors, although we liked the flavors of all the dinner plates. In addition to the use of fresh and high-quality ingredients, the key to the restaurant's tasty food seems to be its sauces, which tend to be balanced rather than exuding one overwhelming taste such as sweetness, acidity or spiciness. The restaurant is very small and has only 4 tables that each seat 2-4 guests, and there is no online reservation system. So, it seems to be a good idea to show up early (e.g., 5:00 sharp) or call ahead. read more

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Guacamole was very good. We really enjoyed the Sopas, Enchilada and the Enmolada. Good authentic Mexican.

Best authentic Mexican food I've had outside of Mexico. Small family owned shop that has won best restaurant awards for a reason. The service was excellent as well. I just wish that we didn't devour all the food first before getting pictures. The New Zealand beef made it halal for us to eat the steak and it was amazing so tender read more

I want to love this place. Maybe they'll work out some of the kinks as they settle in to this new location. The lighting needs some major help in this space. We were seated right away on a Tuesday night, wasn't very busy. Our waitress was friendly. She took our drink order and we also started with the chips and salsa. The chips and salsa took over 20 minutes. Chips were unsalted and their salsas had ZERO flavor. We were finally able to get our hands on some habanero salsa that was much better. The drinks came, but she brought out talls and we asked for shorts. The food took FOREVER and we also didn't get extra chips while we waited. Needless to say, we were starving. I ordered chicken tostada, chicken sopa, and taco Al pastor. The chicken is dry and lacks any sort of flavor. Those of us that ordered anything with chicken were disappointed. The al pastor, however, was DELICIOUS! Tender pieces of pork seasoned perfectly. I'd highly recommend that. I do hope they can fix some things because it has great potential. They need better salsas and more flavorful food! read more

The margarita tasted like Elm Grove well water with a slice of lime in it. The "homemade" chips were store bought tortillas cut in 4 and deep fried, but not salted. Rice and beans was white rice and canned black beans, neither had flavor. Chicken fajitas was boiled chicken and a bunch of vegetables, none of which were onions or peppers. Chili Relleno stuffed with picadillo lacked flavor. No seasonings in anything we ordered. Gave the place a try. High prices, little flavor. read more

Tavo's had some of the best Mexican food I've eaten in Milwaukee. Surprised at the minuscule size on entering, Tavo's has maybe five tables, with two four tops. I was fortunate only one couple was there at 5:30. The four of us perused the extensive and interesting menu after we ordered cocktails. This is a family-run restaurant, with the husband in the kitchen operating the stoves and his wife serving tables. Service isn't lighting quick, but it never created long waits disturbing our pleasure. Your drinks and food are custom-made; nothing is canned or mass-produced. That Margarita is a craft cocktail. Beautifully presented, each dish was a colorful display of culinary skills. My chicken with a piquant verde mole was scrumptious. The standard Burritos and Tacos rose above what you would find at 99% of the Mexican restaurants in town. Tavo's kitchen has skill apparent in every dish. Restaurant Tavo's is a culinary destination. You won't find buckets of slushy Margaritas served in plastic glasses. Prices were slightly higher than the typical Mexican joint with the packed lot and the recorded Mariachi music. However, you get what you pay for. read more

Wow!! These are the BEST tacos I've had in Wisconsin so far! If you haven't tried them yet, you have to!! The place is a bit small, so it is best to come with a group of 2-4 people. The service was great, and the chef is amazing. We tried the guacamole, shrimp tacos (my favorite), and the birria tacos. Both tacos were juicy, delicious, and full of flavor. I cannot wait to come back! read more

Tavos at The Grove - House Shrimp Tacos, birria tacos - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Elm Grove, Wisconsin

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Glad we stopped here! Service was great. Lots of vegetarian options. Loved the gorditas and classic guacamole! read more

Tavos at The Grove - Gorditas Dinner - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Elm Grove, Wisconsin

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We've been wanting to get here for some time and finally made it in. It's cool space but small with only 4-5 tables. Menus are QR code available only--which I don't have a problem with but my husband is not a fan of... This isn't a down and dirty taco and marg joint. They are definitely trying to go for a more elevated experience and offer farm to table ingredients so plates are priced accordingly to the ingredients they are able to source. To that I say, bravo. Wine by the glass is not an option, which, again, I totally get due to the size of the place but when we asked about a bottle of red, the price was $96. We laughed, was that the year or the price? They were willing to bring the price down to $75 but the moment had passed. On to the food! Tables out with an amuse-bouche--called: Molletitos which seemed like a Mexican version of bruschetta. Bread rounds, bean spread and a little marinated tomato and cheese. It was a nice touch and quite tasty. We started with the Bean Dip. House refried black beans topped with cheese and chorizo; served with corn chips. The dip was delicious. The only thing that would have made it better and I feel like this is a miss...the chips. They were pretty generic. If they made and seasoned their own chips--it would have made it soo much better. My husband had the Birria Cheesy Tacos. They were good but the way they are plated on a flat board isn't very practical and made a mess. Hands down the best thing we had were the Shrimp Tacos. Wow. Sautéed shrimp topped with a house tequila-chipotle creamy aioli, roasted corn, microgreens, purple cabbage, and sour cream. You can order these as a dinner or ala carte. These should not be missed and are worth multiple trips back. We will return if for no other reason, to have more of those darn shrimp tacos. Expect to pay more here, but again, you are paying for the quality of the ingredients sourced. read more

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Oh what a perfect definition of a hidden gem, something Anthony Bourdain would have been stoked to experience in the depths of Milwaukee. My boyfriend and I just went to Tavo's for the first time this weekend and we both had nothing but great things to say about the entire experience. The food being the highest of our priorities (always), we were greeted with a free little amuse bouche (Molletitos); simple yet delicious. I ordered a Paloma, which I am wildly picky about because some are made too sweet or too tart, this one was excellent, crisp and refreshing! I then ordered the House Shrimp Tacos because I read nothing but great reviews on them and like that of everyone else has said...they were glorious. Get them. My boyfriend got a chicken burrito and even the simplicity of the burrito was super good. They only have like 6 or 7 tables so I suggest if you do go on a weekend go about 4:30-5 so you don't have to wait to experience all of the goodness Tavo's has to offer. read more

Tavos at The Grove - Chicken Burrito - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Elm Grove, Wisconsin

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The food was very good, but the drinks were a bit pricey. Atmosphere was cozy, they have about 5 tables so call ahead. Service was good food came out in a reasonable time frame. read more

Tavo restaurant is a terrific restaurant. Use to be on 51st Bluemound. Now on Elm Grove Rd. Get there soon! No reservations so get there by 4:30-5:00 to get in. Tres Leches cake is the best. food could be a bi spicer for my taste, and they could list ounces in Margaritas menu (small or large) All in all great place. Staff is new so cut them some slack. You won't be disappointed! Open every day. But Wednesdays. read more

Disappointed in this place tonight. Ordered two enchiladas - while they tasted great, they were very small and overpriced ($8/enchilada). No rice or beans included, no chips and salsa for the table included. Chips and salsa for the table is $12! One of my enchiladas was cold - I told the server and she didn't know what to do. She said she would tell the chef. No other follow up. Nothing was comp'd on my meal. I left hungry. Bummed. read more

Came with a friend at 5:30pm on a Thursday. We got a table, which was very exciting, since there are only 4! We were refraining from alcohol so they made us sour/spicy mocktails - much appreciated! Guac was good and the house shrimp tacos were a home run! Rice and beans were ok, but not my favorite. Parked in a neighborhood down the street. Couldn't stay too long because the table needed to be used for other customers. A great local business to support! read more

Tavos at The Grove - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Elm Grove, Wisconsin

Tavos is an absolute hidden gem of superior gastronomic exploits. Anthony, the chef , has carefully curated the food and drink menu and the experience in general. The food menu has both vegetarian and meat options. In the appetizers, the guacamole Azteca is yummy and the plantain chips go very well with the guacamole. Also definitely try the Molletitos, very good flavors. For entrees, this Nuevo Latino restaurant has an abundance of options. My favorites are the birria cheesy tacos and the traditional chile relleno dinner and camarones a la diabla (caution: this one is super spicy but abundantly flavorful!). Their house flan with rum sauce will perfectly polish off the dinner and don't forget to get margaritas to accompany this fantabulous meal. read more

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Excellent! Worth the trip. Very small (4 tables) but the food and drinks were delicious. read more

Tavos at The Grove - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Elm Grove, Wisconsin

This food is amazing! It's definitely different and more upscale than a typical Mexican restaurant. The flavors and presentation were above and beyond! The owner introduced himself and gave a little bit of background about the restaurant and we enjoyed meeting him. Highly highly recommend the birria tacos as well as the sopes and gorditas. We made a reservation for 6 people and even though the space is small- they were able to make room and we had excellent service. read more

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The best!!!! Please never leave our neighborhood because your food is amazing! I dream of the Guacamole Azteca and the sopes!

Outstanding authentic dishes. Truly talented people in their kitchen. A quaint spot for a date. read more

Tavos at The Grove - Guacamole with the best plantains you'll ever have. Not too sweet and perfectly crisp. - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Elm Grove, Wisconsin

Great food and amazing customer service!! Small, but comfortable atmosphere. Our server was so pleasant and very attentive. read more

It has been almost three years since we've eaten here. Not sure why we waited so long. The food is still as great as ever. We started with a complimentary appetizer of Molletitos, which is kind of like a bruschetta - but with refried beans and queso fresco. Really good! We also ordered the Elote - Mexican street corn - which was so good and served off the cob, so it was easier to eat than most Elote. For our main course, I had the Chile Relleno (because unfortunately they were out of the Chile en Nogada that I raved about in an earlier review). It was excellent. My wife had two sopes - pastor and carnitas. Both were, again, very, very good. For dessert we tried the flaming Fire Bowl Platanitos. It was kind of like bananas foster but with plantains. It was tasty, but the show was more impressive than the dish itself. Overall, still a fantastic little restaurant. I'm sure that it won't be three years again before we're back! read more