Cantaritos Restaurant & Bar

I'd consider Cantaritos a traditional Mexican food experience. Which means there's only one way to judge how well the meal is gonna go... The salsa can make or break it! In this case, the salsa definitely adds to this establishment. So many bold and unexpected flavors took the salsa to a new realm... The guacamole didn't have as many bold flavors but what stood out was the portion size and freshness.

The food in general came out fresh and piping hot. The plating was pleasing to all senses and I was very happy with the portion size. Prices were very reasonable.

Of course, a meal is only really part of the experience. The service was really what stood out to me. Thank you to our awesome waitress who helped us customize and make vegetarian dishes.

As far as ambiance goes, you really couldn't ask for more. Big spacious area that was great for our family.

Will definitely be back!!

Updated review: super sad about my recent visit. This used to be my favorite Mexican restaurant in Fremont. But my recent visit was not the best. I walked in it was crowded but not busy. The waiter was seating people and said someone would be right there to seat us (party of two). I sat there for twenty minutes waiting to be sat and I saw they sat a party of four that just walked in being sat before us. So I stood back up, got his attention and told him they forgot about us. He did apologize though but I was a little sad.

After we were sat the service really didn't do this dinner any more justice. The server was such a sweet heart but maybe it was a long shift or management didn't train them enough. The service used to be proactive and attentive but this time I had to ask for every little thing and had to take the lead on how things needed to get done. I had to ask if we could order, I had to ask for the check and boxes. She didn't come back for a while so then I had to get back up and ask for a cup and a bag for our food. Either the severs are new or they're understaffed, I don't really blame them. Management needs to step in to help this situation because it definitely wasn't the food.

I didn't take a picture of my food cause I was pretty much over the dinner before it started, but it was delicious. I usually get the same thing: chile relleno, steak enchilada-red sauce and refritos. But today I got the Chile relleno, shrimp enchilada green sauce and pintos. The shrimp with the green sauce was chef's kiss and the pinto beans were cooked to perfection. But I won't be coming back for a while, even though I always come when I'm in the area... I'm heart broken, this experience really turned me off 0:-(

Tried Shrimp diablo - it was very good. Cleaned up my plate.
Fiesta Shrimp and Meat fries - are a miss!
Service needs improvement!

Lots of vegetarian options, food was great and portion size was good.
Service could have been better especially when it gets busy.

We did takeout here recently and food was good. When they say super burrito, they aren't joking. It's at least double the size of any burrito. If you get it "wet", they top it with enchilada sauce and cheese. So how was it? It was delicious -- filled with rice and meats.

The fish and shrimp tacos were good, but not the best I've had. On the plus side, the tacos were a good size and came with double tortillas. However the shrimps were pretty tiny in the shrimp taco, and it was mostly filled with lettuce. It was like eating a salad with a bite of shrimp every 2-3 bites. The fish taco was better, but I didn't see a fried fish taco on the menu. This one was grilled, and not bad, but when I have a fish taco, I need it fried. Overall, the tacos weren't bad, but I've had better.

This is a nice family friendly place with decent food, especially if you have a large appetite.

Wasn't thrilled about having a dog eating with a party at an outside table. They were allowing it all over the table and what not licking everything. But as we were leaving this Saturday 4/27 a group came in with a fluffy white dog and they sat them inside close to where we had been. Folks this was clearly a pet and not an ADA animal in any shape or form, violating health code. I fault entitled customers and restaurant equally here.
Other than that food was decent, drinks strong. One order came out wrong but was corrected. Water I think forgot about us and we waited 20+min to pay bill, ok since we were not in a rush

Unexpected stop over on the way to San Jose. Located in a small strip mall in Fremont, it was inconspicuous. You wouldn't really notice it much. You wouldn't even notice the neon sign on the window as you'll be fixated on the sign outside that simply just say "Mexican". We knew it would be authentic having seen Hispanics dining inside. We ordered the super taco and the meat fries. I'd say the portions are generous. The food was tasty and the service was great!

Went for Fremont Restaurant Week Lunch

Food - 5/5. The cantaritos platter showcased a plethora of the restaurant's options! Shrimps were a beautiful golden brown with tender meat. The taquitos had a great crunch and plenty of filling. Quesadillas were my favorite as the tortilla was toasted just enough for nice texture, cheese was melted and the chicken was delicious. Fresh guacamole made for great dip, along with the sour cream for extra creaminess and the chipotle aioli for a little heat. Tacos were loaded with meat and the spicy salsa gave plenty of flavor. Tortilla chips were fresh with a nice crisp and the horchata was sweet & creamy.

Service - 4/5. Very friendly and courteous.

Value - 5/5. During restaurant week, the combo of a cantaritos platter and a horchata was only $22, an amazing deal! I'm not sure if the platter is offered on the regular menu but the flavor, variety and portion sizes were top notch. Excellent location!

Parking - Mall Lot (Free)

Amazing food! Great service and just a fun place to unwind. Can't beat a corona on tap either!

Third time coming and this place is just consistently good. Friendly service, willing to accommodate substitutions, and great-tasting food.