Stopped here for lunch and other than the over the top decor, this place would make the cut in Arizona, Texas or New Mexico. This is real Tex-Mex. The lunch servings are smaller and affordable which is perfect. I live in the Southwest, and its not normal to see the painted chairs and "cheesy" decor at home, but it seems common here. I mention the decor because it it a good contrast with the food. The food looked unassuming and was delicious while the murals were overdone. I will be back with my sun glasses and an appetite. Five stars for what it is: A Mexican restaurant in a Detroit suburb.
(5)
Melissa B.
Decided to try it out for a late lunch/early dinner. After reading the reviews I really wasn't sure what we'd get? Chips and salsa were normal but good. I actually enjoyed the salsa because it had enough but not too much spice or heat. It's mild by most standards but it was nice for my kids to be able enjoy it without screaming. I ordered the vegetable burrito. It was ok. Grilled vegetables wrapped and topped with sauce and cheese.... I think. The cheese seemed saucy as well not very thick. It was a bit on the spicy side for me. I like things milder. Beans and rice were good. My husband said the steak flautas were yummy but confirmed what my daughter said about the steak fajitas.... A little on the chewy side. Service was good. Cantina means bar and they have quite a few televisions with both American football and European (Soccer) Music reminded me of being in Mexico All in all a good visit
(4)
nozmo K.
Bland chips. Bland salsa and not a good place to eat if you have seafood allergies. Shrimp is in about a third of every dish including "chicken" dishes. Won't be back again.
(3)
Victoria M.
We didn't realize that Dragon on the Lake was occurring when we wanted to go to the popular Sagebrush. Downtown Lake Orion was a hot mess, so we headed home and then saw Forest Mexican Cantina. We were craving Mexican food still! Forest reminded me of a more east side Mexican restaurant, Grand Azteca. Forest was basically the same as Grand Azteca when it came to the decor and menu. Not a bad thing, but they were basically the same place! Chips and salsa are complimentary but we ordered the queso as well. Queso was thick and creamy. Our waiter was great and very attentive. He made sure we were taken care of and he always had a smile on his face. The food was great - I got a combination plate and couldn't complain about anything. Forest feels a bit more of an authentic Mexican restaurant and more laid back than Sagebrush. Forest hits the spot and do not pass it up!
(4)
Alex M.
Great chips and salsa to start off our dinner. Refills are complimentary. The drinks come in large glasses. I got the Forest Special #2 and it came out in a very generous portion. I barely finished it. I could have went without the peas in the rice, though.
(4)
Cheryl S.
This is the place to go in Lake Orion to enjoy a relaxing dinner in a comfortable and festive environment. The cantina is nicely decorated with Mexican paintings and murals. Contemporary Mexican tunes set the tone. The staff are friendly and attentive, which was the difference between three and four stars. Our food was tasty, flavorful and filling. Good solid Mexican food with plenty of choices. We are from Southern California and know authentic Mexican food. Thus, our standards are high. Based on food alone, our rating would be three plus stars, but the restaurant experience as a whole is a definite four.
(4)
Robert R.
Love this place, excellent food and the people here are very welcoming! One tip, they use bleach for cleaning and you can smell it, it puts off my buddy from wanting to eat here. Although I'm glad it's a clean place
(5)
Rob E.
I just enjoyed a super rad carnitas plate. The pork roast was just...beautiful. Chips and salsa were rather average bit good nonetheless. My wife had a combo that came with like 5 items, so bonus for me having some late night regrets tomorrow! Kid had a "Mexican hot dog" so she was happy. Now, I love Sagebrush, and I don't feel like these restaurants are that comparable. I liked it here. I will bring my family back.
(4)
Becki B.
Forest was fine. We can now say we've been here, but we'll probably hit a couple other Mexican place in the area before we go there again. We did not have to wait for a Sunday evening table, so that was a plus. My strawberry margarita was kind of bland, and hubby questioned whether there was booze in it. My daughter was sadly disappointed. First her Sprite, well, wasn't. She was brought a club soda. Not too tasty for a seven-year-old. That was promptly corrected, but then her kids' cheeseburger was served with lettuce and tomato. Really? Are my kids the only pretty plain eaters? The tomato was easily removed, but she was not at all pleased that I was unable to pick every piece of shredded lettuce out of the melted cheese. Overall, I wouldn't avoid Forest, but there are better options close enough.
(3)
Sherri M.
I read the previous rating, so sorry for her experience. Excellent food! The chips are served warm with flavorful salsa. Chile relleno exquisite for appetizer. Carnitas dinner very tasty. Vegetarian dish, good and gooey. Service was just right, friendly and efficient.
(5)
Meredith E.
The moose with a beer is the oddest mascot for a Mexican restaurant. Are there even moose in Mexico? The house margarita was solid. The chips and salsa were average. We blew through them pretty quickly and didn't get offered a second round. In fact, we didn't see the waiter much. I had an enchilada and tamale. Both were good, not great. Mariachi band style music blared through the restaurant at a very loud level. Even though there was nothing 'wrong' with any aspect of our visit, nothing really stood out for a return visit.
(3)
P Yelp N.
Very good food at a very good value. Family of 3 with beers $50 without tip. This includes one of the more expensive dishes the molcajete a side of grilled fresh jalapeños and guacamole. Food and atmosphere was outstanding considering it was located in a strip mall. I really enjoyed the special spices and sauces in my molcajete. The server was a little confused and uncertain, but I'm assuming that was because we had a large group and perhaps he was new.
(4)
Darrick G.
The best Mexican food around, and definitely the most authentic. The food is wonderful along with excellent service and good prices. Highly recommend!
(5)
Gaelle G.
Forest was just okay for me. I went in for lunch so they quite slow. I ordered the molcajete and it's huge! It's good, lots of flavor and some spice. Where they lost me was my mojito. It was basically peppermint schnapps and soda, so very disappointing. Also the place looks a little too grimy for my taste.
(3)
Erik S.
In town for a show, grabbing a bite before the drive. Pleasant atmosphere, great food, and friendly people. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone.
(5)
Jessica M.
This place was the worst! There's not much else to say...imagine every bad service experience you've ever had and every failed recipe you've ever tasted rolled into one!
(1)
Grace B.
Forest Cantina is definitely better than Sagebrush because they actually serve Mexican cuisine. Portion is generous and ambiance is laid back. I haven't been back in a while but every time I'd come here, I'm always seated and served right away.
Love this place! Much better food then the other Mexican places in town. Being from Mexico it's hard to compare places here to authentic food but this place is by far the best around. Love that they use the right tortillas for certain dishes. Sauces are really good on everything. Also service is great, everyone is always attentive and nice.
(5)
Rich B.
Based on Yelp reviews, and the need for Mexican, we gave it a try. Walked in , seated quickly. Server was there in no time for drink orders, back in a flash to take the dinner order. Chips and salsa were good. Food came out fast and was very good. I have no complaints , service was great, food was very good. Definitely a place to return to .
(4)
Dave D.
Stay away at all cost!!!! Took my daughter here because Sagebrush had an hour wait! Next time I'll wait. Possibly the worst service I've ever had in a restaurant. I had to look around for a hidden camera. I couldn't believe it! It was Cinco De Mayo evening around 10pm and the place wasn't even busy. That should have been an omen. For starters three servers ask us have we been waited on and after the amigo's figured out we had not, one of them came back to take our order. We ordered two of their special $2.99 Margaritas, big mistake they tasted so bad we send them back. I ask why is the color of our drink not like the man at the bars drink.? Which looked to be the color a Margarita should be. The waiter said that was the Jumbo Margarita. I said ok if it takes ordering a jumbo Margarita to get a real one then I'll take two jumbos. Waiter said no problem. We saw him give the order to the bar tender. He comes back and takes our food order. We order two tacos for me and a bean dip for my daughter. He said What kind of bean dip do you want? My daughter told him one made with pinto beans. He looked confused and had to have another waiter explain to him that a bean dip is made with refried beans. Then he leaves, in the mean time we wait for our drinks, napkins and silverware and water. Fifteen minutes go by and we can see the bartender is not making our drinks, he's laughing and talking to other employees. Finally my tacos arrive without my daughters bean dip. I ask the waiter, what's up with my daughters bean dip? He says oh its coming. I said can we have napkins and silverware and our Margaritas? At this point my daughter says dad lets just leave. So we walked! The thing the bothered me the most was the fact that the employees seemed more interested in each other than taking care of business. To be fair the chips and salsa was very good. Good luck!
(1)
Zombie M.
I am very over-opinionated when it comes to Mexican food. Being from the border of Mexico in Texas, and spending my childhood and adult years eating in Mexico, I know what good Mexican food is. We decided to take a chance on Forest Cantina. When we arrived (230 p.m. on a Saturday), the place was empty. Should have taken that as a warning. The decor is ridiculously over the top. The chips and salsa were good, and that is where the good food ended. I had the enchiladas rancheras which had cheese that had the taste and texture of cheap bottled cheese, the rice was completely tasteless, and the pork was more fat than meat. My daughter's taco had an unusual amount of grease pouring from it, and my husband's chimis had ground beef that was the consistency of baby food. The only reason I gave this place 2 stars is because the waitstaff were friendly and attentive. I will never go back to this place again.
(2)
Sal R.
Do yourself a favor and order the MOLCAJETE. You will not be disappointed. The version Forest serves is one of the best Mexican dishes I've ever eaten. The waiters are super. Support this local gem!
(5)
David P.
Great food, great prices, great staff. We love this place! The quality of the food is outstanding, very flavorful and hot. The staff is very nice, attentive and friendly.
(5)
Kathleen C.
Excellent!! We have been to Sagebrush Cantina in Lake Orion a number of times and encountered LONG waits, noisy atmosphere, mediocre service...but tasty Mexican food. Forest Cantina, also in Lake Orion, has quite the authentic feel of a Mexican cantina. We have been to Forest Cantina four times and have never encountered a wait, the service has been wonderful and the food is absolutely delicious! The wait staff do not all speak perfect English but that aspect has added to the authenticity. The servers have all been exceptionally friendly and the food is served hot and without delay. Their salsa and chips are fresh and so good! Their guacamole, beans, fajitas, quesadillas, burritos are beyond comparison! There is a wide variety of choices on the menu and prices are very reasonable. The bar is well stocked but does not seem to be the focus. There are cozy booths that offer privacy and keep the noise level to a minimum. We will not be returning to Sagebrush when Forest Cantina is so much better and without the hassle.
(5)
Mike T.
This place is absolutely amazing. In my opinion blows away sagebrush. I never really like to eat sagebrush, but this food is amazing. Amazing guacamole and sour cream, great food, big portions. Great value, I was surprised it was as inexpensive. Try it you'll love it!
(4)
Steve V.
Excellent Mexican food for the Lake Orion area. After spending 20+ years as a resident in California, I have become picky when it comes to Mexican food. With very few exceptions, there are just no good Mexican restaurants in Michigan that I have found. I have tried many from Detroit to Flint. This is a surprisingly good, authentic experience. Service is fast and very friendly. The food is very good. Big portions and plenty of chips and salsa while you wait. I'm surprised they aren't packed all the time. They just added a patio area as well. This is a "must try" place.
(5)
Max W.
Some of the best mexican food i have ever had. By far the best in the area. The waiters are friendly and the chefs are fast. I cant wait for this place to get noticed and get more buisness.
(5)
Jerami K.
I really want this to be better. Really. my food was great, the margaritas cold and strong, but other orders in the group were not. Steak tacos poorly seasoned, chili rejano was under cooked. Salsa was good- the killer? Poor, horrendous, non-existent service. we never did get one entree.. and no extra chips, no waters for one diner, and a guy who kept saying "it's not my section".
(2)
Amanda B.
The food was great, but service was super slow. I hope that's just because the crowd was bigger than usual because of the groupon offer and not because they are cutting corners on staff. I had the #4, taco, 2 enchiladas and rice. My husband had some tacos with pork and pineapple that he said was awesome. We'll probably give it another chance, but I won't wait that long again.
(4)
Matt S.
Good place with a decent view of Buckhorn Lake. This was my first time here and I will return. Their was one guy running the front of the place during the day I went. 1/16/15, about 1:45 pm. He was very friendly.
(4)
J B.
Super food - authentic with large portions and very fair pricing. Customer service is top-notch. Waiter with the pink shirt is the BEST! Won't go anywhere else for Mexican in Lake Orion area.
We love this place. Found it on groupon and have been a fan since. I am very picky about Mexican food and this place meets my standards. Great food and prices.
(5)
Janette W.
I recently had family visiting from out of town. We had planned on sagebrush but there was a long wait time. Decided to try something new and check out forest Mexican cantina. The service was fantastic, food was great and margaritas were yummy! I also had a chance to check out the bathrooms when my newborn needed a diaper change. They were clean! I hate when we go somewhere and the bathrooms are filthy so this was a big deal for me. We have a new go to place for Mexican food.
(5)
Bonnie L.
We love this restaurant! It is by far the most authentic Mexican in the Lake Orion area and they have wonderful drink specials and the salsa is flavorfully spicy.
(4)
Sol ..
Authentic Mexican food!!! Their menu is huge and gives so many options. Go hungry because the portions are large and can be shared. The food is delicious, by far the best Mexican restaurant in the area!! Excellent customer service too and very reasonable prices. Forest certainly does not disappoint.
(5)
Matt B.
An hour and a half for a bowl of soup and fajitas is unacceptable. I have tried this place twice now and both times we waited forever. Food is decent but not worth the wait. I will not be going back.
(2)
Adam P.
The Forest food is AWESOME!! I have gone their twice for lunch. Place is dead which is confusing. I got carnitas. WOW. These were huge chunks of tender meat Pork pieces that melt in your mouth, served with tortillas, classic re fried beans and Mexican rice. My guest got the Tacos, loved them. It's a change from sagebrush and totally different menu so it fits. The staff is friendly, but needs to be more attentive. I would give five stars, if they were more prompt on service.. Having to track down a server when we are the only ones in the place is unacceptable.
(4)
Jude J.
Very tasty, authentic Mexican cuisine, big portions, great prices. What more could you ask for? Oh, yeah, the yummy margaritas and friendly, quick service. Haven't had a bad meal there in multiple visits. Best thing I've had so far? Their Mexican shrimp cocktail. Large and full of shrimp, it's a meal unto itself Mmmmmmmm.
(5)
M C.
We went here on a limb, and it was great! Get the chicken and vegetable soup they have! It's HUGE and phenomenal! The pitcher of margaritas we got was also great (albeit a little confusing, we wanted it on the rocks but got it frozen, still worked out great though!) They do use melted queso cheese on a lot of their burritos and in the quesadillas so make a note of that if you don't like it (I'm a queso addict so I loved it!). The service was friendly, took a minute (or 10) for us to get drinks because we say out of rotation, but the servers were all extremely friendly and the food came out in a very reasonable time! I'll be back and bringing friends :)
(4)
Erik J.
Best Mexican around. Skip Sagebrush and Casa Real. Great deals, fast and friendly service, awesome food. First time and will definitely come back. 99 cent draft beers. Had enchiladas, tacos, and guac. No wait and super fast.
(5)
Dawn W.
Gave it a few weeks to get up and running before we tried it. The menu is huge. It took us a long time to make our choices. There were 6 in our party and everyone was impressed with their food. No 1 - 2 hour wait to be seated. We will definitely go back!
(4)
Joanne W.
We were pleasantly surprised of the food quality. The meals we ordered were freshly prepared authentic Mexican cuisine. The food was excellent! The margaritas were great. The staff was friendly and helpful with menu suggestions. The atmosphere needs some work to make it warmer inside and more desirable for dining. We were informed they will be working on making it less stark.
(4)
Angela V.
Service is friendly but the food isn't as authentic as posted in other comments. I should know, I lived in Texas for 9 years! The rice was bland and the chips were stale. The Margarita was from a machine and had very little tequila. My husbands carne asada was extremely fatty. We will not be returning.
(2)
Arthur H.
Very good restaurant to compete with Sagebrush! It is more authentic and less "Americanized". Seriously, we have enjoyed the three meals we have had here since they opened recently. It does not have the glitz or personality of Sagebrush, but quite frankly I just want a simple Mexican restaurant to enjoy a meal most of the time. The menu is quite large, which might not necessarily be a good thing, but so far everything has been well done and served very promptly. The service level has been above average, and this is one area I think they can improve upon slightly. The people have been pleasant, but I think it's hard to find good wait service in the Lake Orion area. Most restaurants around have a very wide variety of talent serving people from the most pleasant to the bland ("oh-my-God, I hate working" types). I have enjoyed the fajitas and particularly like the Texanas. The portion size is very nice and I have always taken some home. (Why does it always have to be that restaurants only serve 3 tortillas with a huge portion of food? You can't possibly eat the quantity of food with only the 3 small tortillas!) I still agree that Sagebrush is more fashionable, but I think the Forest is more authentic and equally enjoyable.
(5)
Ron E.
The chimichangas were quite good, but my wife didn't care for her burrito. The service was slow but friendly. We'll probably give it another try.
(3)
Kelly K.
Our new favorite restaurant! We come once a week now at least, great authentic Mexican food and the best service!
(5)
Jay P.
I came in to Forest Cantina without high hopes. This location has been 3 or 4 restaurants in as many years...cursed? Arrived for lunch and the parking lot, and restaurant, were empty. Not good. I like to judge a mexican restaurant by their chips and salsa. First impressions, anyways. Forest's chips were OK, hard to tell if homemade or not. Their salsa was pretty good. I ordered the cheese dip and was happy to receive a good-sized portion of a yummy white cheese blend. Lunch was fajitas for me (and a ground beef taco to test) and a tostada for my guest. Both were served very quickly and tasted great. Overall the food seemed very authentic, very nicely cooked, and served quickly. The dining room did fill up a bit while we were there. I have a feeling the next time I go back, and I do plan to return, it will be more crowded as word of this great new choice for Mexican food in Lake Orion gets around.
(4)
Nao Saudade S.
Wow! Amazzzing food, prices, and variety!! If you have not been here, you ARE missing out! By far the best carne asada taco I've ever had, the salsa was awesome and spicy- just the way I like it. Great drink specials as well, $5 margaritas and they were awesome! Try this place, you won't regret it.
(5)
A G.
We just found our new favorite authentic Mexican restaurant! Service awesome, food amazing and very well priced. We will most definitely being coming here repeatedly. I would avoid sagebrush cantina likes he plague and come here instead!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
Michael C.
Stopped here for lunch and other than the over the top decor, this place would make the cut in Arizona, Texas or New Mexico. This is real Tex-Mex. The lunch servings are smaller and affordable which is perfect. I live in the Southwest, and its not normal to see the painted chairs and "cheesy" decor at home, but it seems common here. I mention the decor because it it a good contrast with the food. The food looked unassuming and was delicious while the murals were overdone. I will be back with my sun glasses and an appetite. Five stars for what it is: A Mexican restaurant in a Detroit suburb.
(5)Melissa B.
Decided to try it out for a late lunch/early dinner. After reading the reviews I really wasn't sure what we'd get? Chips and salsa were normal but good. I actually enjoyed the salsa because it had enough but not too much spice or heat. It's mild by most standards but it was nice for my kids to be able enjoy it without screaming. I ordered the vegetable burrito. It was ok. Grilled vegetables wrapped and topped with sauce and cheese.... I think. The cheese seemed saucy as well not very thick. It was a bit on the spicy side for me. I like things milder. Beans and rice were good. My husband said the steak flautas were yummy but confirmed what my daughter said about the steak fajitas.... A little on the chewy side. Service was good. Cantina means bar and they have quite a few televisions with both American football and European (Soccer) Music reminded me of being in Mexico All in all a good visit
(4)nozmo K.
Bland chips. Bland salsa and not a good place to eat if you have seafood allergies. Shrimp is in about a third of every dish including "chicken" dishes. Won't be back again.
(3)Victoria M.
We didn't realize that Dragon on the Lake was occurring when we wanted to go to the popular Sagebrush. Downtown Lake Orion was a hot mess, so we headed home and then saw Forest Mexican Cantina. We were craving Mexican food still! Forest reminded me of a more east side Mexican restaurant, Grand Azteca. Forest was basically the same as Grand Azteca when it came to the decor and menu. Not a bad thing, but they were basically the same place! Chips and salsa are complimentary but we ordered the queso as well. Queso was thick and creamy. Our waiter was great and very attentive. He made sure we were taken care of and he always had a smile on his face. The food was great - I got a combination plate and couldn't complain about anything. Forest feels a bit more of an authentic Mexican restaurant and more laid back than Sagebrush. Forest hits the spot and do not pass it up!
(4)Alex M.
Great chips and salsa to start off our dinner. Refills are complimentary. The drinks come in large glasses. I got the Forest Special #2 and it came out in a very generous portion. I barely finished it. I could have went without the peas in the rice, though.
(4)Cheryl S.
This is the place to go in Lake Orion to enjoy a relaxing dinner in a comfortable and festive environment. The cantina is nicely decorated with Mexican paintings and murals. Contemporary Mexican tunes set the tone. The staff are friendly and attentive, which was the difference between three and four stars. Our food was tasty, flavorful and filling. Good solid Mexican food with plenty of choices. We are from Southern California and know authentic Mexican food. Thus, our standards are high. Based on food alone, our rating would be three plus stars, but the restaurant experience as a whole is a definite four.
(4)Robert R.
Love this place, excellent food and the people here are very welcoming! One tip, they use bleach for cleaning and you can smell it, it puts off my buddy from wanting to eat here. Although I'm glad it's a clean place
(5)Rob E.
I just enjoyed a super rad carnitas plate. The pork roast was just...beautiful. Chips and salsa were rather average bit good nonetheless. My wife had a combo that came with like 5 items, so bonus for me having some late night regrets tomorrow! Kid had a "Mexican hot dog" so she was happy. Now, I love Sagebrush, and I don't feel like these restaurants are that comparable. I liked it here. I will bring my family back.
(4)Becki B.
Forest was fine. We can now say we've been here, but we'll probably hit a couple other Mexican place in the area before we go there again. We did not have to wait for a Sunday evening table, so that was a plus. My strawberry margarita was kind of bland, and hubby questioned whether there was booze in it. My daughter was sadly disappointed. First her Sprite, well, wasn't. She was brought a club soda. Not too tasty for a seven-year-old. That was promptly corrected, but then her kids' cheeseburger was served with lettuce and tomato. Really? Are my kids the only pretty plain eaters? The tomato was easily removed, but she was not at all pleased that I was unable to pick every piece of shredded lettuce out of the melted cheese. Overall, I wouldn't avoid Forest, but there are better options close enough.
(3)Sherri M.
I read the previous rating, so sorry for her experience. Excellent food! The chips are served warm with flavorful salsa. Chile relleno exquisite for appetizer. Carnitas dinner very tasty. Vegetarian dish, good and gooey. Service was just right, friendly and efficient.
(5)Meredith E.
The moose with a beer is the oddest mascot for a Mexican restaurant. Are there even moose in Mexico? The house margarita was solid. The chips and salsa were average. We blew through them pretty quickly and didn't get offered a second round. In fact, we didn't see the waiter much. I had an enchilada and tamale. Both were good, not great. Mariachi band style music blared through the restaurant at a very loud level. Even though there was nothing 'wrong' with any aspect of our visit, nothing really stood out for a return visit.
(3)P Yelp N.
Very good food at a very good value. Family of 3 with beers $50 without tip. This includes one of the more expensive dishes the molcajete a side of grilled fresh jalapeños and guacamole. Food and atmosphere was outstanding considering it was located in a strip mall. I really enjoyed the special spices and sauces in my molcajete. The server was a little confused and uncertain, but I'm assuming that was because we had a large group and perhaps he was new.
(4)Darrick G.
The best Mexican food around, and definitely the most authentic. The food is wonderful along with excellent service and good prices. Highly recommend!
(5)Gaelle G.
Forest was just okay for me. I went in for lunch so they quite slow. I ordered the molcajete and it's huge! It's good, lots of flavor and some spice. Where they lost me was my mojito. It was basically peppermint schnapps and soda, so very disappointing. Also the place looks a little too grimy for my taste.
(3)Erik S.
In town for a show, grabbing a bite before the drive. Pleasant atmosphere, great food, and friendly people. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone.
(5)Jessica M.
This place was the worst! There's not much else to say...imagine every bad service experience you've ever had and every failed recipe you've ever tasted rolled into one!
(1)Grace B.
Forest Cantina is definitely better than Sagebrush because they actually serve Mexican cuisine. Portion is generous and ambiance is laid back. I haven't been back in a while but every time I'd come here, I'm always seated and served right away.
(4)Andrew W.
Very friendly service, quick, inexpensive, auténtica música, large portions of good food, what's not to like...one thing, the salsa could be made with a bit more heat to suit my taste buds...I'm forced to splash the bottled hot-sauce into the bowl to bring up the heat and this isn't as pleasing as a well-blended hot salsa.
(4)Cynthia R.
Love this place! Much better food then the other Mexican places in town. Being from Mexico it's hard to compare places here to authentic food but this place is by far the best around. Love that they use the right tortillas for certain dishes. Sauces are really good on everything. Also service is great, everyone is always attentive and nice.
(5)Rich B.
Based on Yelp reviews, and the need for Mexican, we gave it a try. Walked in , seated quickly. Server was there in no time for drink orders, back in a flash to take the dinner order. Chips and salsa were good. Food came out fast and was very good. I have no complaints , service was great, food was very good. Definitely a place to return to .
(4)Dave D.
Stay away at all cost!!!! Took my daughter here because Sagebrush had an hour wait! Next time I'll wait. Possibly the worst service I've ever had in a restaurant. I had to look around for a hidden camera. I couldn't believe it! It was Cinco De Mayo evening around 10pm and the place wasn't even busy. That should have been an omen. For starters three servers ask us have we been waited on and after the amigo's figured out we had not, one of them came back to take our order. We ordered two of their special $2.99 Margaritas, big mistake they tasted so bad we send them back. I ask why is the color of our drink not like the man at the bars drink.? Which looked to be the color a Margarita should be. The waiter said that was the Jumbo Margarita. I said ok if it takes ordering a jumbo Margarita to get a real one then I'll take two jumbos. Waiter said no problem. We saw him give the order to the bar tender. He comes back and takes our food order. We order two tacos for me and a bean dip for my daughter. He said What kind of bean dip do you want? My daughter told him one made with pinto beans. He looked confused and had to have another waiter explain to him that a bean dip is made with refried beans. Then he leaves, in the mean time we wait for our drinks, napkins and silverware and water. Fifteen minutes go by and we can see the bartender is not making our drinks, he's laughing and talking to other employees. Finally my tacos arrive without my daughters bean dip. I ask the waiter, what's up with my daughters bean dip? He says oh its coming. I said can we have napkins and silverware and our Margaritas? At this point my daughter says dad lets just leave. So we walked! The thing the bothered me the most was the fact that the employees seemed more interested in each other than taking care of business. To be fair the chips and salsa was very good. Good luck!
(1)Zombie M.
I am very over-opinionated when it comes to Mexican food. Being from the border of Mexico in Texas, and spending my childhood and adult years eating in Mexico, I know what good Mexican food is. We decided to take a chance on Forest Cantina. When we arrived (230 p.m. on a Saturday), the place was empty. Should have taken that as a warning. The decor is ridiculously over the top. The chips and salsa were good, and that is where the good food ended. I had the enchiladas rancheras which had cheese that had the taste and texture of cheap bottled cheese, the rice was completely tasteless, and the pork was more fat than meat. My daughter's taco had an unusual amount of grease pouring from it, and my husband's chimis had ground beef that was the consistency of baby food. The only reason I gave this place 2 stars is because the waitstaff were friendly and attentive. I will never go back to this place again.
(2)Sal R.
Do yourself a favor and order the MOLCAJETE. You will not be disappointed. The version Forest serves is one of the best Mexican dishes I've ever eaten. The waiters are super. Support this local gem!
(5)David P.
Great food, great prices, great staff. We love this place! The quality of the food is outstanding, very flavorful and hot. The staff is very nice, attentive and friendly.
(5)Kathleen C.
Excellent!! We have been to Sagebrush Cantina in Lake Orion a number of times and encountered LONG waits, noisy atmosphere, mediocre service...but tasty Mexican food. Forest Cantina, also in Lake Orion, has quite the authentic feel of a Mexican cantina. We have been to Forest Cantina four times and have never encountered a wait, the service has been wonderful and the food is absolutely delicious! The wait staff do not all speak perfect English but that aspect has added to the authenticity. The servers have all been exceptionally friendly and the food is served hot and without delay. Their salsa and chips are fresh and so good! Their guacamole, beans, fajitas, quesadillas, burritos are beyond comparison! There is a wide variety of choices on the menu and prices are very reasonable. The bar is well stocked but does not seem to be the focus. There are cozy booths that offer privacy and keep the noise level to a minimum. We will not be returning to Sagebrush when Forest Cantina is so much better and without the hassle.
(5)Mike T.
This place is absolutely amazing. In my opinion blows away sagebrush. I never really like to eat sagebrush, but this food is amazing. Amazing guacamole and sour cream, great food, big portions. Great value, I was surprised it was as inexpensive. Try it you'll love it!
(4)Steve V.
Excellent Mexican food for the Lake Orion area. After spending 20+ years as a resident in California, I have become picky when it comes to Mexican food. With very few exceptions, there are just no good Mexican restaurants in Michigan that I have found. I have tried many from Detroit to Flint. This is a surprisingly good, authentic experience. Service is fast and very friendly. The food is very good. Big portions and plenty of chips and salsa while you wait. I'm surprised they aren't packed all the time. They just added a patio area as well. This is a "must try" place.
(5)Max W.
Some of the best mexican food i have ever had. By far the best in the area. The waiters are friendly and the chefs are fast. I cant wait for this place to get noticed and get more buisness.
(5)Jerami K.
I really want this to be better. Really. my food was great, the margaritas cold and strong, but other orders in the group were not. Steak tacos poorly seasoned, chili rejano was under cooked. Salsa was good- the killer? Poor, horrendous, non-existent service. we never did get one entree.. and no extra chips, no waters for one diner, and a guy who kept saying "it's not my section".
(2)Amanda B.
The food was great, but service was super slow. I hope that's just because the crowd was bigger than usual because of the groupon offer and not because they are cutting corners on staff. I had the #4, taco, 2 enchiladas and rice. My husband had some tacos with pork and pineapple that he said was awesome. We'll probably give it another chance, but I won't wait that long again.
(4)Matt S.
Good place with a decent view of Buckhorn Lake. This was my first time here and I will return. Their was one guy running the front of the place during the day I went. 1/16/15, about 1:45 pm. He was very friendly.
(4)J B.
Super food - authentic with large portions and very fair pricing. Customer service is top-notch. Waiter with the pink shirt is the BEST! Won't go anywhere else for Mexican in Lake Orion area.
(5)Sophia W.
Glad to have this place so close to home. We use to go to the other place (wont mention the name) until we found this place. There is no wait, food is just as good and is less expensive. Love there margarita's are the best. We always try something new and have not had a bad meal yet. The only thing they need to add more décor. I think that's what keeps the customers going to the other place instead of here. As far as food, drinks and prices this place wins my vote. Hope they keep up the great work.
(5)Kristine W.
We love this place. Found it on groupon and have been a fan since. I am very picky about Mexican food and this place meets my standards. Great food and prices.
(5)Janette W.
I recently had family visiting from out of town. We had planned on sagebrush but there was a long wait time. Decided to try something new and check out forest Mexican cantina. The service was fantastic, food was great and margaritas were yummy! I also had a chance to check out the bathrooms when my newborn needed a diaper change. They were clean! I hate when we go somewhere and the bathrooms are filthy so this was a big deal for me. We have a new go to place for Mexican food.
(5)Bonnie L.
We love this restaurant! It is by far the most authentic Mexican in the Lake Orion area and they have wonderful drink specials and the salsa is flavorfully spicy.
(4)Sol ..
Authentic Mexican food!!! Their menu is huge and gives so many options. Go hungry because the portions are large and can be shared. The food is delicious, by far the best Mexican restaurant in the area!! Excellent customer service too and very reasonable prices. Forest certainly does not disappoint.
(5)Matt B.
An hour and a half for a bowl of soup and fajitas is unacceptable. I have tried this place twice now and both times we waited forever. Food is decent but not worth the wait. I will not be going back.
(2)Adam P.
The Forest food is AWESOME!! I have gone their twice for lunch. Place is dead which is confusing. I got carnitas. WOW. These were huge chunks of tender meat Pork pieces that melt in your mouth, served with tortillas, classic re fried beans and Mexican rice. My guest got the Tacos, loved them. It's a change from sagebrush and totally different menu so it fits. The staff is friendly, but needs to be more attentive. I would give five stars, if they were more prompt on service.. Having to track down a server when we are the only ones in the place is unacceptable.
(4)Jude J.
Very tasty, authentic Mexican cuisine, big portions, great prices. What more could you ask for? Oh, yeah, the yummy margaritas and friendly, quick service. Haven't had a bad meal there in multiple visits. Best thing I've had so far? Their Mexican shrimp cocktail. Large and full of shrimp, it's a meal unto itself Mmmmmmmm.
(5)M C.
We went here on a limb, and it was great! Get the chicken and vegetable soup they have! It's HUGE and phenomenal! The pitcher of margaritas we got was also great (albeit a little confusing, we wanted it on the rocks but got it frozen, still worked out great though!) They do use melted queso cheese on a lot of their burritos and in the quesadillas so make a note of that if you don't like it (I'm a queso addict so I loved it!). The service was friendly, took a minute (or 10) for us to get drinks because we say out of rotation, but the servers were all extremely friendly and the food came out in a very reasonable time! I'll be back and bringing friends :)
(4)Erik J.
Best Mexican around. Skip Sagebrush and Casa Real. Great deals, fast and friendly service, awesome food. First time and will definitely come back. 99 cent draft beers. Had enchiladas, tacos, and guac. No wait and super fast.
(5)Dawn W.
Gave it a few weeks to get up and running before we tried it. The menu is huge. It took us a long time to make our choices. There were 6 in our party and everyone was impressed with their food. No 1 - 2 hour wait to be seated. We will definitely go back!
(4)Joanne W.
We were pleasantly surprised of the food quality. The meals we ordered were freshly prepared authentic Mexican cuisine. The food was excellent! The margaritas were great. The staff was friendly and helpful with menu suggestions. The atmosphere needs some work to make it warmer inside and more desirable for dining. We were informed they will be working on making it less stark.
(4)Angela V.
Service is friendly but the food isn't as authentic as posted in other comments. I should know, I lived in Texas for 9 years! The rice was bland and the chips were stale. The Margarita was from a machine and had very little tequila. My husbands carne asada was extremely fatty. We will not be returning.
(2)Arthur H.
Very good restaurant to compete with Sagebrush! It is more authentic and less "Americanized". Seriously, we have enjoyed the three meals we have had here since they opened recently. It does not have the glitz or personality of Sagebrush, but quite frankly I just want a simple Mexican restaurant to enjoy a meal most of the time. The menu is quite large, which might not necessarily be a good thing, but so far everything has been well done and served very promptly. The service level has been above average, and this is one area I think they can improve upon slightly. The people have been pleasant, but I think it's hard to find good wait service in the Lake Orion area. Most restaurants around have a very wide variety of talent serving people from the most pleasant to the bland ("oh-my-God, I hate working" types). I have enjoyed the fajitas and particularly like the Texanas. The portion size is very nice and I have always taken some home. (Why does it always have to be that restaurants only serve 3 tortillas with a huge portion of food? You can't possibly eat the quantity of food with only the 3 small tortillas!) I still agree that Sagebrush is more fashionable, but I think the Forest is more authentic and equally enjoyable.
(5)Ron E.
The chimichangas were quite good, but my wife didn't care for her burrito. The service was slow but friendly. We'll probably give it another try.
(3)Kelly K.
Our new favorite restaurant! We come once a week now at least, great authentic Mexican food and the best service!
(5)Jay P.
I came in to Forest Cantina without high hopes. This location has been 3 or 4 restaurants in as many years...cursed? Arrived for lunch and the parking lot, and restaurant, were empty. Not good. I like to judge a mexican restaurant by their chips and salsa. First impressions, anyways. Forest's chips were OK, hard to tell if homemade or not. Their salsa was pretty good. I ordered the cheese dip and was happy to receive a good-sized portion of a yummy white cheese blend. Lunch was fajitas for me (and a ground beef taco to test) and a tostada for my guest. Both were served very quickly and tasted great. Overall the food seemed very authentic, very nicely cooked, and served quickly. The dining room did fill up a bit while we were there. I have a feeling the next time I go back, and I do plan to return, it will be more crowded as word of this great new choice for Mexican food in Lake Orion gets around.
(4)Nao Saudade S.
Wow! Amazzzing food, prices, and variety!! If you have not been here, you ARE missing out! By far the best carne asada taco I've ever had, the salsa was awesome and spicy- just the way I like it. Great drink specials as well, $5 margaritas and they were awesome! Try this place, you won't regret it.
(5)A G.
We just found our new favorite authentic Mexican restaurant! Service awesome, food amazing and very well priced. We will most definitely being coming here repeatedly. I would avoid sagebrush cantina likes he plague and come here instead!
(5)