My dinner was not as good as I remembered Salsa could be. After a week of meetings I wanted a casual dinner and knew I could count on mexi food. I walked over from my hotel and easily found a spot at the bar. The bartender offered the standard chip and salsa and I ordered a corona light. After reading my previous review I was reminded how much I enjoyed the tequila lime shrimp so after some internal debate decided to go with that instead of a combo. Bummer for me as I should have gone for something, anything, else! The shrimp tasted like it has been swimming in tequila. It was bitter and nothing good about it. I pushed it around my plate and left most of it uneaten. Either they changed the recipe or they haven't trained their staff very carefully. I am disappointed with the inconsistencies and am now in no rush to hurry back. Another thing I noticed is that I probably wouldn't want to visit the restaurant in day light... There is a reason the lighting is kept low. The decor reminds me of bars in Ensenada.
(3)
Jeri T.
I've been hitting a lot of Tex Mex this trip and it has been acceptable. The chips were warm, the salsa was cold and spicy! The salsa was fresh and had veggie chunks which is always a good sign. I had an order of guacamole which was okay. I ordered beef fajita quesadillas which I wasn't too fond of. One side of the tortilla was seared while the other was lightly seared so it was close to soggy and would not hold up towards the end. I've always had pico de gallo with my quesadillas and this time I just got sour cream. Overall it was OK for a Texas girl.
(3)
Brittney H.
Excellent! This is probably our new favorite Mexican place. Their cheese dip is to die for, beef tacos are like nothing I have ever had, and their top shelf margaritas are the best! Sit at the bar! It's such a fun atmosphere!!
(5)
Leslie S.
This is your usual Mexican restaurant. Prices have gone up a little bit since last I have been here. What place has not though. Food is your normal Mexican fare. Nothing fancy. Reminds me a lot of on the border food. Service was pretty good.
(3)
Emily R.
This is a charming locally owned Mexican restaurant. I love the salsa and creamy cheese dip with the crisp fresh seasoned chips. I can make a meal of it. My favorite entree is the pollo Colorado. This is a grilled chicken breast topped with avocado slices and melt ed cheese served with a spicy mole sauce served with rice and red or black beans.
(5)
Mechelle M.
The worst dining experience EVER! I watched a waiter & waitress wipe their brow, play in their hair & then put their BARE hands into a bin for chips! The service was terrible & the food was awful! I will NEVER return to this place!
(1)
David B.
salsa is one our favorite places to go for a great lunch or dinner at a great price. They are always fast and the food is consistently good.
(5)
Katie K.
I love this little place! Cutest atmosphere and best chips,salsa, and guacamole! The vegetarian burrito was what I ordered and it was yummy i look forward to trying the rest of the menu!
(4)
John M.
Not your average Mexican restaurant. It was a fun, friendly atmosphere with superb food. Fish tacos and black beans tasted great. Margaritas not the prefab type. Nice severs and helpful staff. I recommend.
(4)
Robin B.
Generally speaking, this place is pretty solid on the food and touch-and-go on the service. Prices are reasonable, and the drinks are great. A family friend even threw us a buffet-style bridal couples' shower here on the 2nd floor, which overlooks the bar. I recently went for the Cinco de Mayo party, which was standing room only! Cash bar only, too, but fortunately they took pity on my friend who was on crutches and didn't say anything when we ganked someone's patio table as they left (I think there was a list, but did not see said list). Our waitress was kind of fishy with our credit card receipt. My friend's disappeared between my handing it to her and her getting inside, and they had already left. She wanted to know "how much they left for a tip". My credit card information was used fraudulently the very next day- I'm not saying she did it, but I'm not saying she couldn't have! I will be honest, usually I just get their soup or a chimichanga. For Cinco de Mayo we were really just there to drink and hear the Dantones play (they were outstanding all night long), and through the 3 or 4 top shelf margaritas, I cannot remember for the life of me what the food was. The restroom was clean, and everyone seemed to have a good time. Just bring cash!!
(3)
Gordon P.
This place has been a steady, solid place for me since the 1990's. Same owner, a lot of the wait staff has been there for many years. Not too upscale or fancy, but good food, excellent top shelf margaritas. An especially good treat is when they have a seafood special (usually just late in the week).
(4)
Nicole S.
I was kind of surprised their salsa wasn't that great considering their name. We sat outside and while their chips were delightful, everything else was kind of just "eh". This is a nice spot for drinks after work but I doubt I would ever come back to eat.
(3)
Matt D.
I was excited for some good Mexican food on my recent visit with a large party of twelve. Unfortunately, Salsa did not deliver. They got off to a poor start with a nearly emotionless, sloppy server. He had no interest in being there, and it's a shame, because that's the kind of tip situation servers love to see walk in on a Monday night. I liked the appetizer sampler and found it to have some good options. The guac seemed well seasoned, but the chips were a huge disappointment. At first I thought they were Doritos! None of the mains looked good, except the quesadillas. I had the tequila lime shrimp based on the Yelp recommendations, and I found them to be dry. The black beans and pile of bitter greens (with no dressing) served alongside the shrimp were inedible. Lastly, the top shelf margarita was incredibly sweet with way too much salt on the rim. You should be able to taste the good tequila, not have it masked with a ton of cheap margarita mix.
(2)
Carol M.
I'm totally in love with the spinach and mushroom quesadillas here! There is something different about the way they chop up the mushrooms and spinach and incorporate it with the cheese. I might be hopefully wishing this but I almost feel like I taste a hint of cream cheese in there. Just sayin... The atmosphere is just darlin' and staff is always very fast and friendly. This is a great place for large groups too. There is a large area upstairs that could possibly accommodate a small party. There is a great area for outdoor seating too!
(4)
Drew A.
We went here last night for a birthday dinner. We've been here before and it's always for someone's birthday. I'd say the Mexican food here is on-par with everywhere else I've had in Memphis. However, what sets them apart is their atmosphere. Rather dim lighting and brick decor. The bar is in the middle near the front. I enjoyed the restaurant. I've never had bad food but it's never blown me away. Last night I had the Pollo Colorado con Queso which was a grilled chicken breast with sliced avocado on top covered in melted cheese with rice and refried beans. It's normally served on a bed of Colorado salsa but I opted for the queso blanco instead. The fourth star was for the atmosphere but this is a 3 star "average" Mexican restaurant otherwise.
(4)
Anne M.
Wow - not great food but we've always had great service til today - Daniel de la Paz worst manager - charged my friend one price for drink at bar and double for drink outside! Weird. Going to Owen Brennan's next time.
(1)
Samuel D.
The location is nice. The food is okay. And the service was meh....I will try to find a better Mexican restaurant next time.
(3)
Mark S.
After receiving a recommendation from the hotel staff that I was staying at, I was eager to try this restaurant. Unfortunately Salsa did not live up to the billing from the staff. I ordered the Burrito Carne Asada, chips, a small salsa and a iced tea for carry-out. After waiting for 30 minutes I inquired with the hostess who took my order about the status of it she went go check. It had now been 41 minutes before I finally had my order and was able to pay for it. Once I returned to my hotel room, a 3 minute drive, the burrito, rice and chips were cold and the salsa was warm. The cheese on top of the burrito which had melted earlier, probably after it was made about 30 minutes ago, was now hard and was more like a helmet for the burrito. I figured the burrito would have come with sour cream but was surprised that there was not any in the Styrofoam container. i don't know if it was left out or if I had to specify that I would have like some, but what good Mexican restaurant does not serve sour cream with their dishes. The steak in the burrito while it had decent flavor was more of minced steak with several chunks of fat. After pay $18.14 tip not included, I think it is needless to say this experience with Salsa was beyond disappointing and I would not recommend this restaurant to anybody.
(1)
Melanie L.
The fiesta inside with loud live music is worth eating at Salsa despite the lackluster food. We came with a large group of girlfriends and sat at a long table upstairs. Our server took a while to take our orders but did a nice job settling the bills with so many tickets. We enjoyed the cheese dip and chips and my friend's tortilla soup looked tasty. I had the chicken tostada which was unremarkable and lukewarm. I think I needed a margarita instead of a soda to give this place another star!
(2)
Josh P.
This place is absolutely fantastic. It is a tad pricey if you are on a more strict budget, but I am here to testify that the food is worth it. I had the Pollo al Cilantro and enjoyed every rich flavor found in every tasty bite. Our waiter was very attentive and never let my drink run low or our chips run out. On a Saturday night, that seems like quite an accomplishment to me! If you're in the area, definitely give this place a shot!
(4)
Heath G.
Great location at Poplar and Ridgeway, so if you are hitting the high end retail in the area, stop by and have a margarita. I actually have lunch or happy hour at Salsa about once a month. Regarding the food it is ok...it offers a Tex Mex style which is not my thing. When I do eat at Salsa, I enjoy the following 1. Chicken Enchilada Soup... Very good 2. Mexican Pizza 3. Jalapeño Poppers...these are just basic but good pub grub I also recommend the Margaritas ....Salsa is not stingy with their tequila and they make a great Margarita
(3)
Jeff R.
I really like it. It's not that it is revolutionary Mexican food or super authentic. It's like taking a regular Mexican restaurant and preparing the food with some care and investing in an atmosphere. I give stars based on how much I look forward to going and I always am happy to go to Salsa. The service is fine. More functional than extraordinary. We didn't have to wait too long for outer server, we got everything in a reasonable time, and our server is always quick with refills. To me that is plenty.
(5)
Joelle P.
You really can't beat the location of this place. The location is so awesome that you expect an awesome restaurant. Well, sorry folks. This ain't it. I had been here once before...for a birthday party, and for parties of 20 or more I really don't think you can judge any restaurant fairly. And so tonight when I went I was excited. That was short lived. The queso is supposedly the house specialty...but the texture and temperature was beyond gross and it remained uneaten. And the chimichango was another recommendation...but it was gross too. 3/4 remained untouched. The only savior of the night was the blackberry vodka drink...3 of those and it was delightful! Not sure if I'll be back to this place.
(2)
Hugo M.
I was pleasantly surprised, being a Tucson boy I am uber picky about my Mexican food choices. I lived in Memphis for 11 years and was always deeply disappointed to the point I quit even trying to find Mexican food. Now this place is not perfect but when I am In Memphis on business this will be my go to joint from now on. friendly service and a very good frozen margarita are added pluses.
(4)
Nichole B.
I come here often for Wine tastings and the food always smells delicious. So I tried them for lunch today. Well the food smells better than it tastes. It's not really bad, just not very good. The salsa is watery and bland. However the chips are seasoned and tasty. My house margarita was an odd neon yellow color...obviously a mix. So not worth the $6 I paid. Definitely get these on happy hour for $3. (My bad, I should have asked abt the mix) the beef& chicken enchiladas were ok. The meat was tender but not flavorful. The sauces not flavorful either. The beans were decent...not just brown mush. The rice was decent as well. Portion size was good though. And the service was average. Server was neither good nor bad...just serviceable. I didn't feel particular valued as a customer, just another human to serve food to. So I would not make a special trip to come here again. I would not recommend it either. But there's worse Mexican in Memphis for sure.
(3)
Jennifer R.
I have been to this place a few times over the years and have never had a bad experience here. I enjoy the food and the company that I place myself in the few times that I have been here. I am a creature of habit and always seen to get the same thing, the tacos and a mango frozen margarita....yummy. Not the best Mexican food but still yummy in my opinion.
(3)
Chris S.
My second lunch visit, and I've had so-so service both times. The waitress wasn't rude, but was far from friendly. She never made it back to check on us or refill our drinks. Now the food was great! Great salsa and chips, and I had the Maria Enchiladas, and they were wonderful. The portion size was a little big, but the food was very yummy. I'm dying to go back at night to try the margaritas!
(3)
Amanda C.
I had a preconceived notion that Salsa was somewhat of a "tex-mex" restaurant, so I have been avoiding it for years. Turns out it's not tex-mex, and it's pretty good. I had a chicken quesadilla, which was average, but huge! I could have split it with someone. While I wasn't overly impressed with my food selection, we ordered spinach cheese dip, which was amazing. They're chips are seasoned and crispy and I couldn't quit dipping them in the delicious dip. Definitely my favorite of the meal. My aunt also got a stellar spinach and mushroom quesadilla. I'm not a huge mushroom fan, but the spinach and cheesy goodness masked the mushrooms, so I didn't care. I'm not sure if this would be a place I frequented due to the average food and expensive prices, but I would go back solely for that spinach cheese dip.
(3)
Irene R.
The food was amazing. You can easily fill up on the yummy chips and salsa. The chips are light and well made, they don't feel like a brick in your stomach. I got a spinach and mushroom quesadilla. It was crispy but not burned and had a nice balance of flavors. The margaritas are almost as expensive as the meal but they're strong. So why only 3 stars? The waitress. We'll start at the beginning. She came and took out drink orders, upon bringing us our drinks we said we needed another minute. 10 minutes later she comes back to take out orders "do you need another minute?" at that point we were afraid if we said yes we wouldn't see her again. We ordered and chowed down on chips. The wait for our food wasn't bad, plus I don't mind waiting for good food. The waitress brought our food and then ran off. Didn't ask if we needed anything else, no extra napkins...just put the food down and went off again. At no point did she come back over to ask if we needed anything until she came over, put our checks on the table and then asked if we needed anything else. We HAD wanted dessert but she just put the checks on the table without even asking. It was so rude to bring the check over while we were still in the middle of our meal. It's sad because they atmosphere is great, but servers can make the experience and this one didn't make us feel very welcome.
(3)
Frank B.
I stopped at Salsa on the way home tonight from a business mtg. I'll have to say I'm a big fan of Salsa but was very disappointed. The food did not taste very good and the service was some of the worst I have had in years. The waitress literally slammed my drink on the table and threw the plates on the table. She then proceeded to become busy talking to male patrons standing at the bar, she was way too busy to come back & check on her customer. Did not see the owner onsite, when he is there things run much smoother.
(2)
Eric W.
Overall good food. Very good salsa. My chicken taco and black beans were very good, but the tamale was just okay. Service was competent but less than friendly.
(3)
Channa P.
There's a sticker in the window that proclaims "Yelp Loves Us," but I was a bit disappointed. I wanted two hard shell chicken tacos, but I was told only the shredded beef came crispy. I was a bit confused by that because I don't understand the difference in inputting one meat for the other. Not very flexible in my opinion. I skipped the margarita, but my sis got one and didn't really rave about it. Our food came extremely fast, but something just makes me think the stuff here is just not the freshest. If I want Mexican in Memphis, I'm not sure this would be my first stop. But it's definitely, a cuter spot than the awfulness that is Happy Mexican that's nearby. The prices are very reasonable as well.
(3)
Liz J.
I've really enjoyed Salsa every time I've gone (only been for lunches). I really, really LOVE the shrimp enchiladas! I'm always on the hunt for seafood enchiladas - it's the first item I look for when I visit a Mexican restaurant - and I haven't seen any menu item like them anywhere else around Memphis. Their salsa is good, too. Just enough flavor and kick without it being too much that you can't keep eating.
(4)
Joe S.
Let me start off by acknowledging that preferences with respect to Mexican restaurants seem to be very personal, and I don't want to step on any toes. But, honestly, I don't get this place. I happened to be nearby for a meeting yesterday, and a coworker suggested stopping in for lunch. I used to avoid strip-mall restaurants, but I've learned to make exceptions in Memphis -- especially for ethnic food. The interior was suprisingly pleasant, with more of an upscale feel than your typical Mexican joint, and the service was adequate. Unfortunately, I have nothing positive left to say. The chips and salsa tasted packaged and canned, respectively. The menu was boring. The food was bland and chewy. The prices were maybe a dollar or two more than average. There are plenty of great Mexican places in Memphis: go to Las Delicias, La Guad, Molly's, or (surprisingly) Casa Mexicana (on Hacks Cross). Go to the countless other places that do a better-than-average job with standard Mexican fare. But, please, do yourself a favor, and skip this place.
(2)
Carrie B.
This place is the only local place that comes close to matching the quality and taste I miss from my Mexican restaurants back home in Texas. However, this is not Tex-Mex. It has much more of a Southern California influence hence the seafood and black beans you'll find on the menu. This place is consistent and good. Someone complained about the chips and salsa tasting "packaged" - I would tend to agree but that's they way the chips and salsa taste here in Memphis. Period. I've just learned to get used to it :( Overall, good food, good price and the atmosphere is nice when you can sit outside on the patio.
(4)
Michelle M.
This was my third time visiting Salsa, and as usual I was very happy with the food. I LOVE salsa, and this is some of the best I've had. The tacos al carbon is what I always get, and its fantastic. I've heard wonderful things about some of their menu items so I'll have to branch out next time I go back. I also love their frozen margaritas. The strawberry is amazing! It's also pretty strong ;) The reason they lost a star is because of the service. Today was the first time I have never gotten anything less than great customer service. We weren't quite ready with our order the first time around so we were asked if we needed a few minutes. I didn't time it exactly, but a lot more than "a few minutes" passed before she came back. She immediately asked us if we need "a few minutes" or if we were ready. I wasn't sure if she thought we were still looking or if she had forgotten she had previously asked us that. We placed our order (for fear of never seeing her again if we said a few more minutes) and didn't have to wait very long. When the food came, she proceeded to basically throw it onto the table and flounce off. About five minutes later, she brought us our check, never asking if we wanted dessert or another drink. A good while later she came back and kept asking if she could take our plates. I got the impression that we were holding her up from doing something else that she wanted to do. I only took off one star, since it was a one time experience and the service has been great every other time. The ambiance is great, the wait isn't long, and the food is great!
(4)
Charles C.
Always a solid, go-to place. Like the trusty relief pitcher coming out of the bullpen. Been here numerous times and have never had a sub-par meal. The food is a notch above the typical Mexican fare. Solid selection of seafood/other dishes that allow you to have a higher level dining experience if you choose. Atmosphere is nice and the staff friendly and accommodative. Of course, if you crave regular ole' nachos or chips and salsa in a decent, unpretentious environment, with margaritas galore, can go that route too. All in all, when the wife and I have brain freeze and can't make a decision or decide we don't want any hassle, we seem to end up here.
(4)
Tanya T.
Salsa is an awesome Mexican restaurant in East Memphis that is hidden away in a pretty large outdoor shopping mall, so sometimes I forget about it. I shouldn't. I love the atmosphere at Salsa- great lighting, great service, a little hustle and bustle, but a fun place. They even have upstairs rooms that you can reserve for big parties. The food is good- I usually order quesadillas. I'm not a big salsa eater and generally prefer cheese dip, but the salsa here has just enough kick to keep me coming back for me. The best part about this place? The margaritas, folks. They're good, but watch out- they're also very, very strong.
(4)
Tal C.
There are many better Mexican Restaurants in the Memphis area, you just want find them near Oak Hall. Average food here, but asking them for a true Margarita with good Tequila really stumped them. If they can't make it with a mix, you are in trouble.
(2)
David R.
Had a ribeye with a black bean mole sauce. Not your everyday Mexican. I have never had a bad meal at Salsa.
(5)
Sheila B.
I was very disappointed with the meal here after reading other good reviews. We started with spinach queso and frozen margaritas. The queso was creamy but super salty with a mild cheese flavor (perhaps a blend of Monterrey Jack & American?), and contained very little spinach. The frozen margaritas were slushy at best and were sour. We had combo #1 and the pollo ala cilantro. The chicken was dry and overcooked, and the sauce was sweet and sour but lacked good fresh cilantro flavor. The black beans and rice were better than average but the "salad" side was a joke. A spoonful of shredded iceberg with a diced tomato doesn't qualify as a salad. The combo was rated as ok by my companion. I tasted the cheese enchilada and found the sauce savory and the enchilada to be soft and flavorful. He thought the refried beans were quite good. Overall, we were not thrilled with the food. The staff was very friendly. The place was really busy and we couldn't quite figure out why.
(2)
Jolynna M.
With so many good Mexican restaurants to choose from in Memphis, I sometimes forget about Salsa and just how good it really is. It's Tex-Mex style, with your typical entrees that include enchiladas and tacos, etc.. But they have some things here that really stand out as well, such as their Chicken with a citrus chipolte sauce. Their signature Salsa and chips are great too. But be careful - they are addictive. I've been known to down a whole basket in record time. The service is wonderful and the atmosphere is cute and bright and clean.
(3)
Brent P.
Okay went here for lunch today. This restaurant has everything it needs to be a go to place. The surroundings inside is very open and has a nice feel to it. The waiter was very pleasant and very aware of our needs. The wait was not long at all. The food was good. I cannt say it's the best Mexican food I have had, but it was better than most around here. I'm sure I will be back.
(4)
Albert L.
Had a business lunch here. Waitress was a clumsy one and she said too much coffee in the morning got her clumsy? Asked for a bottle of Corona, she said they were out of them, asked for a glass of Arnold Palmer (sweet tea cut in half with lemonade) she said no lemonade, lemonade I can understand but no Corona in a Mexican joint? C'mon man!
(3)
N. P.
I have to give kudos to the hospitable staff at this restaurant. And it's a lovely place inside -- you can sit upstairs as we did, and overlook the entire restaurant. I had the Al Tiempo salad -- so good, the perfect flavor combination of chicken, a pineapple pico de gallo (why, yes, it is as good as it sounds), and a lime viniagrette dressing. It's high-quality Mexican fare at reasonable prices. Kind of a 'fresh-Mex'.
(4)
Daniel C.
Ate outside here on a beautiful Memphis night. Food was good, inexpensive and fresh. Service was fine. Replaced our chips and dip without asking. I had the chicken cilantro. They have all the usual stuff you would expect. Night we were there they had live music inside and it was a noisy, bustling place.
(4)
Katherine M.
This is the best Mexican restaurant in Memphis, hands down. We often go there because it is authentic, high quality food. It isn't your traditional slop served at most other Mexican restaurants. We've never had bad service here either. We like this restaurant so much we booked my sister in law's graduation party here. They went out of their way to make the food and service spectacular. They exceeded my expectations in every way. Not only was it a good value, in terms of price for what-you-get, but two waiters were dedicated to our 40 people and the presentation of the food was impressive. The waiter told me that the manager hand selected the meat for our beef entre. When I was decorating before the party, I asked where one of the waiters went, and the other one said that he went to buy extra plates for the cake we had brought. This place exceeds my expectations in every way, both quality of food and service.
(5)
Daniel P.
Not a long wait time and the hostess was very apologetic for the short wait.the salsa and chips they bring to you right off the bat were excellent.The cusine was actually right on point for mexican food the only downside of the whole thing was the crappy waitress, didnt keep drinks full,didnt check on us to see if we needed anything but was super fast about bring the bill and taking our money.if i run the risk of hr again ill wait for the next available server for sure. Thumbs down kayla but thumbs up salsa.
(4)
James D.
The negative reviews for Salsa are ridiculous. This place is MUCH, MUCH better than most Tex-Mex restaurants in Memphis. In fact, this is probably the Tex-Mex place we go to most frequently. They make a decent frozen margarita. I enjoy the carne asada a la tampiquena. The tacos are good, too. Salsa is way above the common run of Tex-Mex places in Memphis.
(4)
J C.
Actually really good. We ate here several times during our stay in Memphis.
(5)
Jennifer L.
Good mexican food. The chips and salsa were excellent. I don't remember what I ate very much, but do remember liking their chips and salsa!
(4)
Lisa C.
Hubby and I had a gift card for this restaurant. We still have $25 on it after a visit and I don't think it's worth the free meal. Went to the bar to wait for our table. I asked the bartender if I could have a Scarlett O'Hara. The answer was no. Just that, no. Then I asked for an Alabama Slammer and also got told no. I asked if they didn't carry Southern Comfort- I get a yes. Gave up and got water- they had that. At our table- the waitress spent her whole time talking to a family she knew. Had to get another waiter to help us after our food wa served. Just bad service all around. The food was OK no better than El Porton. In fact, a drive down Poplar towards Germantown to Cozymels for better service and just as good food is a better choice.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : 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 : Yes Wi-Fi : No 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.
Courtney C.
My dinner was not as good as I remembered Salsa could be. After a week of meetings I wanted a casual dinner and knew I could count on mexi food. I walked over from my hotel and easily found a spot at the bar. The bartender offered the standard chip and salsa and I ordered a corona light. After reading my previous review I was reminded how much I enjoyed the tequila lime shrimp so after some internal debate decided to go with that instead of a combo. Bummer for me as I should have gone for something, anything, else! The shrimp tasted like it has been swimming in tequila. It was bitter and nothing good about it. I pushed it around my plate and left most of it uneaten. Either they changed the recipe or they haven't trained their staff very carefully. I am disappointed with the inconsistencies and am now in no rush to hurry back. Another thing I noticed is that I probably wouldn't want to visit the restaurant in day light... There is a reason the lighting is kept low. The decor reminds me of bars in Ensenada.
(3)Jeri T.
I've been hitting a lot of Tex Mex this trip and it has been acceptable. The chips were warm, the salsa was cold and spicy! The salsa was fresh and had veggie chunks which is always a good sign. I had an order of guacamole which was okay. I ordered beef fajita quesadillas which I wasn't too fond of. One side of the tortilla was seared while the other was lightly seared so it was close to soggy and would not hold up towards the end. I've always had pico de gallo with my quesadillas and this time I just got sour cream. Overall it was OK for a Texas girl.
(3)Brittney H.
Excellent! This is probably our new favorite Mexican place. Their cheese dip is to die for, beef tacos are like nothing I have ever had, and their top shelf margaritas are the best! Sit at the bar! It's such a fun atmosphere!!
(5)Leslie S.
This is your usual Mexican restaurant. Prices have gone up a little bit since last I have been here. What place has not though. Food is your normal Mexican fare. Nothing fancy. Reminds me a lot of on the border food. Service was pretty good.
(3)Emily R.
This is a charming locally owned Mexican restaurant. I love the salsa and creamy cheese dip with the crisp fresh seasoned chips. I can make a meal of it. My favorite entree is the pollo Colorado. This is a grilled chicken breast topped with avocado slices and melt ed cheese served with a spicy mole sauce served with rice and red or black beans.
(5)Mechelle M.
The worst dining experience EVER! I watched a waiter & waitress wipe their brow, play in their hair & then put their BARE hands into a bin for chips! The service was terrible & the food was awful! I will NEVER return to this place!
(1)David B.
salsa is one our favorite places to go for a great lunch or dinner at a great price. They are always fast and the food is consistently good.
(5)Katie K.
I love this little place! Cutest atmosphere and best chips,salsa, and guacamole! The vegetarian burrito was what I ordered and it was yummy i look forward to trying the rest of the menu!
(4)John M.
Not your average Mexican restaurant. It was a fun, friendly atmosphere with superb food. Fish tacos and black beans tasted great. Margaritas not the prefab type. Nice severs and helpful staff. I recommend.
(4)Robin B.
Generally speaking, this place is pretty solid on the food and touch-and-go on the service. Prices are reasonable, and the drinks are great. A family friend even threw us a buffet-style bridal couples' shower here on the 2nd floor, which overlooks the bar. I recently went for the Cinco de Mayo party, which was standing room only! Cash bar only, too, but fortunately they took pity on my friend who was on crutches and didn't say anything when we ganked someone's patio table as they left (I think there was a list, but did not see said list). Our waitress was kind of fishy with our credit card receipt. My friend's disappeared between my handing it to her and her getting inside, and they had already left. She wanted to know "how much they left for a tip". My credit card information was used fraudulently the very next day- I'm not saying she did it, but I'm not saying she couldn't have! I will be honest, usually I just get their soup or a chimichanga. For Cinco de Mayo we were really just there to drink and hear the Dantones play (they were outstanding all night long), and through the 3 or 4 top shelf margaritas, I cannot remember for the life of me what the food was. The restroom was clean, and everyone seemed to have a good time. Just bring cash!!
(3)Gordon P.
This place has been a steady, solid place for me since the 1990's. Same owner, a lot of the wait staff has been there for many years. Not too upscale or fancy, but good food, excellent top shelf margaritas. An especially good treat is when they have a seafood special (usually just late in the week).
(4)Nicole S.
I was kind of surprised their salsa wasn't that great considering their name. We sat outside and while their chips were delightful, everything else was kind of just "eh". This is a nice spot for drinks after work but I doubt I would ever come back to eat.
(3)Matt D.
I was excited for some good Mexican food on my recent visit with a large party of twelve. Unfortunately, Salsa did not deliver. They got off to a poor start with a nearly emotionless, sloppy server. He had no interest in being there, and it's a shame, because that's the kind of tip situation servers love to see walk in on a Monday night. I liked the appetizer sampler and found it to have some good options. The guac seemed well seasoned, but the chips were a huge disappointment. At first I thought they were Doritos! None of the mains looked good, except the quesadillas. I had the tequila lime shrimp based on the Yelp recommendations, and I found them to be dry. The black beans and pile of bitter greens (with no dressing) served alongside the shrimp were inedible. Lastly, the top shelf margarita was incredibly sweet with way too much salt on the rim. You should be able to taste the good tequila, not have it masked with a ton of cheap margarita mix.
(2)Carol M.
I'm totally in love with the spinach and mushroom quesadillas here! There is something different about the way they chop up the mushrooms and spinach and incorporate it with the cheese. I might be hopefully wishing this but I almost feel like I taste a hint of cream cheese in there. Just sayin... The atmosphere is just darlin' and staff is always very fast and friendly. This is a great place for large groups too. There is a large area upstairs that could possibly accommodate a small party. There is a great area for outdoor seating too!
(4)Drew A.
We went here last night for a birthday dinner. We've been here before and it's always for someone's birthday. I'd say the Mexican food here is on-par with everywhere else I've had in Memphis. However, what sets them apart is their atmosphere. Rather dim lighting and brick decor. The bar is in the middle near the front. I enjoyed the restaurant. I've never had bad food but it's never blown me away. Last night I had the Pollo Colorado con Queso which was a grilled chicken breast with sliced avocado on top covered in melted cheese with rice and refried beans. It's normally served on a bed of Colorado salsa but I opted for the queso blanco instead. The fourth star was for the atmosphere but this is a 3 star "average" Mexican restaurant otherwise.
(4)Anne M.
Wow - not great food but we've always had great service til today - Daniel de la Paz worst manager - charged my friend one price for drink at bar and double for drink outside! Weird. Going to Owen Brennan's next time.
(1)Samuel D.
The location is nice. The food is okay. And the service was meh....I will try to find a better Mexican restaurant next time.
(3)Mark S.
After receiving a recommendation from the hotel staff that I was staying at, I was eager to try this restaurant. Unfortunately Salsa did not live up to the billing from the staff. I ordered the Burrito Carne Asada, chips, a small salsa and a iced tea for carry-out. After waiting for 30 minutes I inquired with the hostess who took my order about the status of it she went go check. It had now been 41 minutes before I finally had my order and was able to pay for it. Once I returned to my hotel room, a 3 minute drive, the burrito, rice and chips were cold and the salsa was warm. The cheese on top of the burrito which had melted earlier, probably after it was made about 30 minutes ago, was now hard and was more like a helmet for the burrito. I figured the burrito would have come with sour cream but was surprised that there was not any in the Styrofoam container. i don't know if it was left out or if I had to specify that I would have like some, but what good Mexican restaurant does not serve sour cream with their dishes. The steak in the burrito while it had decent flavor was more of minced steak with several chunks of fat. After pay $18.14 tip not included, I think it is needless to say this experience with Salsa was beyond disappointing and I would not recommend this restaurant to anybody.
(1)Melanie L.
The fiesta inside with loud live music is worth eating at Salsa despite the lackluster food. We came with a large group of girlfriends and sat at a long table upstairs. Our server took a while to take our orders but did a nice job settling the bills with so many tickets. We enjoyed the cheese dip and chips and my friend's tortilla soup looked tasty. I had the chicken tostada which was unremarkable and lukewarm. I think I needed a margarita instead of a soda to give this place another star!
(2)Josh P.
This place is absolutely fantastic. It is a tad pricey if you are on a more strict budget, but I am here to testify that the food is worth it. I had the Pollo al Cilantro and enjoyed every rich flavor found in every tasty bite. Our waiter was very attentive and never let my drink run low or our chips run out. On a Saturday night, that seems like quite an accomplishment to me! If you're in the area, definitely give this place a shot!
(4)Heath G.
Great location at Poplar and Ridgeway, so if you are hitting the high end retail in the area, stop by and have a margarita. I actually have lunch or happy hour at Salsa about once a month. Regarding the food it is ok...it offers a Tex Mex style which is not my thing. When I do eat at Salsa, I enjoy the following 1. Chicken Enchilada Soup... Very good 2. Mexican Pizza 3. Jalapeño Poppers...these are just basic but good pub grub I also recommend the Margaritas ....Salsa is not stingy with their tequila and they make a great Margarita
(3)Jeff R.
I really like it. It's not that it is revolutionary Mexican food or super authentic. It's like taking a regular Mexican restaurant and preparing the food with some care and investing in an atmosphere. I give stars based on how much I look forward to going and I always am happy to go to Salsa. The service is fine. More functional than extraordinary. We didn't have to wait too long for outer server, we got everything in a reasonable time, and our server is always quick with refills. To me that is plenty.
(5)Joelle P.
You really can't beat the location of this place. The location is so awesome that you expect an awesome restaurant. Well, sorry folks. This ain't it. I had been here once before...for a birthday party, and for parties of 20 or more I really don't think you can judge any restaurant fairly. And so tonight when I went I was excited. That was short lived. The queso is supposedly the house specialty...but the texture and temperature was beyond gross and it remained uneaten. And the chimichango was another recommendation...but it was gross too. 3/4 remained untouched. The only savior of the night was the blackberry vodka drink...3 of those and it was delightful! Not sure if I'll be back to this place.
(2)Hugo M.
I was pleasantly surprised, being a Tucson boy I am uber picky about my Mexican food choices. I lived in Memphis for 11 years and was always deeply disappointed to the point I quit even trying to find Mexican food. Now this place is not perfect but when I am In Memphis on business this will be my go to joint from now on. friendly service and a very good frozen margarita are added pluses.
(4)Nichole B.
I come here often for Wine tastings and the food always smells delicious. So I tried them for lunch today. Well the food smells better than it tastes. It's not really bad, just not very good. The salsa is watery and bland. However the chips are seasoned and tasty. My house margarita was an odd neon yellow color...obviously a mix. So not worth the $6 I paid. Definitely get these on happy hour for $3. (My bad, I should have asked abt the mix) the beef& chicken enchiladas were ok. The meat was tender but not flavorful. The sauces not flavorful either. The beans were decent...not just brown mush. The rice was decent as well. Portion size was good though. And the service was average. Server was neither good nor bad...just serviceable. I didn't feel particular valued as a customer, just another human to serve food to. So I would not make a special trip to come here again. I would not recommend it either. But there's worse Mexican in Memphis for sure.
(3)Jennifer R.
I have been to this place a few times over the years and have never had a bad experience here. I enjoy the food and the company that I place myself in the few times that I have been here. I am a creature of habit and always seen to get the same thing, the tacos and a mango frozen margarita....yummy. Not the best Mexican food but still yummy in my opinion.
(3)Chris S.
My second lunch visit, and I've had so-so service both times. The waitress wasn't rude, but was far from friendly. She never made it back to check on us or refill our drinks. Now the food was great! Great salsa and chips, and I had the Maria Enchiladas, and they were wonderful. The portion size was a little big, but the food was very yummy. I'm dying to go back at night to try the margaritas!
(3)Amanda C.
I had a preconceived notion that Salsa was somewhat of a "tex-mex" restaurant, so I have been avoiding it for years. Turns out it's not tex-mex, and it's pretty good. I had a chicken quesadilla, which was average, but huge! I could have split it with someone. While I wasn't overly impressed with my food selection, we ordered spinach cheese dip, which was amazing. They're chips are seasoned and crispy and I couldn't quit dipping them in the delicious dip. Definitely my favorite of the meal. My aunt also got a stellar spinach and mushroom quesadilla. I'm not a huge mushroom fan, but the spinach and cheesy goodness masked the mushrooms, so I didn't care. I'm not sure if this would be a place I frequented due to the average food and expensive prices, but I would go back solely for that spinach cheese dip.
(3)Irene R.
The food was amazing. You can easily fill up on the yummy chips and salsa. The chips are light and well made, they don't feel like a brick in your stomach. I got a spinach and mushroom quesadilla. It was crispy but not burned and had a nice balance of flavors. The margaritas are almost as expensive as the meal but they're strong. So why only 3 stars? The waitress. We'll start at the beginning. She came and took out drink orders, upon bringing us our drinks we said we needed another minute. 10 minutes later she comes back to take out orders "do you need another minute?" at that point we were afraid if we said yes we wouldn't see her again. We ordered and chowed down on chips. The wait for our food wasn't bad, plus I don't mind waiting for good food. The waitress brought our food and then ran off. Didn't ask if we needed anything else, no extra napkins...just put the food down and went off again. At no point did she come back over to ask if we needed anything until she came over, put our checks on the table and then asked if we needed anything else. We HAD wanted dessert but she just put the checks on the table without even asking. It was so rude to bring the check over while we were still in the middle of our meal. It's sad because they atmosphere is great, but servers can make the experience and this one didn't make us feel very welcome.
(3)Frank B.
I stopped at Salsa on the way home tonight from a business mtg. I'll have to say I'm a big fan of Salsa but was very disappointed. The food did not taste very good and the service was some of the worst I have had in years. The waitress literally slammed my drink on the table and threw the plates on the table. She then proceeded to become busy talking to male patrons standing at the bar, she was way too busy to come back & check on her customer. Did not see the owner onsite, when he is there things run much smoother.
(2)Eric W.
Overall good food. Very good salsa. My chicken taco and black beans were very good, but the tamale was just okay. Service was competent but less than friendly.
(3)Channa P.
There's a sticker in the window that proclaims "Yelp Loves Us," but I was a bit disappointed. I wanted two hard shell chicken tacos, but I was told only the shredded beef came crispy. I was a bit confused by that because I don't understand the difference in inputting one meat for the other. Not very flexible in my opinion. I skipped the margarita, but my sis got one and didn't really rave about it. Our food came extremely fast, but something just makes me think the stuff here is just not the freshest. If I want Mexican in Memphis, I'm not sure this would be my first stop. But it's definitely, a cuter spot than the awfulness that is Happy Mexican that's nearby. The prices are very reasonable as well.
(3)Liz J.
I've really enjoyed Salsa every time I've gone (only been for lunches). I really, really LOVE the shrimp enchiladas! I'm always on the hunt for seafood enchiladas - it's the first item I look for when I visit a Mexican restaurant - and I haven't seen any menu item like them anywhere else around Memphis. Their salsa is good, too. Just enough flavor and kick without it being too much that you can't keep eating.
(4)Joe S.
Let me start off by acknowledging that preferences with respect to Mexican restaurants seem to be very personal, and I don't want to step on any toes. But, honestly, I don't get this place. I happened to be nearby for a meeting yesterday, and a coworker suggested stopping in for lunch. I used to avoid strip-mall restaurants, but I've learned to make exceptions in Memphis -- especially for ethnic food. The interior was suprisingly pleasant, with more of an upscale feel than your typical Mexican joint, and the service was adequate. Unfortunately, I have nothing positive left to say. The chips and salsa tasted packaged and canned, respectively. The menu was boring. The food was bland and chewy. The prices were maybe a dollar or two more than average. There are plenty of great Mexican places in Memphis: go to Las Delicias, La Guad, Molly's, or (surprisingly) Casa Mexicana (on Hacks Cross). Go to the countless other places that do a better-than-average job with standard Mexican fare. But, please, do yourself a favor, and skip this place.
(2)Carrie B.
This place is the only local place that comes close to matching the quality and taste I miss from my Mexican restaurants back home in Texas. However, this is not Tex-Mex. It has much more of a Southern California influence hence the seafood and black beans you'll find on the menu. This place is consistent and good. Someone complained about the chips and salsa tasting "packaged" - I would tend to agree but that's they way the chips and salsa taste here in Memphis. Period. I've just learned to get used to it :( Overall, good food, good price and the atmosphere is nice when you can sit outside on the patio.
(4)Michelle M.
This was my third time visiting Salsa, and as usual I was very happy with the food. I LOVE salsa, and this is some of the best I've had. The tacos al carbon is what I always get, and its fantastic. I've heard wonderful things about some of their menu items so I'll have to branch out next time I go back. I also love their frozen margaritas. The strawberry is amazing! It's also pretty strong ;) The reason they lost a star is because of the service. Today was the first time I have never gotten anything less than great customer service. We weren't quite ready with our order the first time around so we were asked if we needed a few minutes. I didn't time it exactly, but a lot more than "a few minutes" passed before she came back. She immediately asked us if we need "a few minutes" or if we were ready. I wasn't sure if she thought we were still looking or if she had forgotten she had previously asked us that. We placed our order (for fear of never seeing her again if we said a few more minutes) and didn't have to wait very long. When the food came, she proceeded to basically throw it onto the table and flounce off. About five minutes later, she brought us our check, never asking if we wanted dessert or another drink. A good while later she came back and kept asking if she could take our plates. I got the impression that we were holding her up from doing something else that she wanted to do. I only took off one star, since it was a one time experience and the service has been great every other time. The ambiance is great, the wait isn't long, and the food is great!
(4)Charles C.
Always a solid, go-to place. Like the trusty relief pitcher coming out of the bullpen. Been here numerous times and have never had a sub-par meal. The food is a notch above the typical Mexican fare. Solid selection of seafood/other dishes that allow you to have a higher level dining experience if you choose. Atmosphere is nice and the staff friendly and accommodative. Of course, if you crave regular ole' nachos or chips and salsa in a decent, unpretentious environment, with margaritas galore, can go that route too. All in all, when the wife and I have brain freeze and can't make a decision or decide we don't want any hassle, we seem to end up here.
(4)Tanya T.
Salsa is an awesome Mexican restaurant in East Memphis that is hidden away in a pretty large outdoor shopping mall, so sometimes I forget about it. I shouldn't. I love the atmosphere at Salsa- great lighting, great service, a little hustle and bustle, but a fun place. They even have upstairs rooms that you can reserve for big parties. The food is good- I usually order quesadillas. I'm not a big salsa eater and generally prefer cheese dip, but the salsa here has just enough kick to keep me coming back for me. The best part about this place? The margaritas, folks. They're good, but watch out- they're also very, very strong.
(4)Tal C.
There are many better Mexican Restaurants in the Memphis area, you just want find them near Oak Hall. Average food here, but asking them for a true Margarita with good Tequila really stumped them. If they can't make it with a mix, you are in trouble.
(2)David R.
Had a ribeye with a black bean mole sauce. Not your everyday Mexican. I have never had a bad meal at Salsa.
(5)Sheila B.
I was very disappointed with the meal here after reading other good reviews. We started with spinach queso and frozen margaritas. The queso was creamy but super salty with a mild cheese flavor (perhaps a blend of Monterrey Jack & American?), and contained very little spinach. The frozen margaritas were slushy at best and were sour. We had combo #1 and the pollo ala cilantro. The chicken was dry and overcooked, and the sauce was sweet and sour but lacked good fresh cilantro flavor. The black beans and rice were better than average but the "salad" side was a joke. A spoonful of shredded iceberg with a diced tomato doesn't qualify as a salad. The combo was rated as ok by my companion. I tasted the cheese enchilada and found the sauce savory and the enchilada to be soft and flavorful. He thought the refried beans were quite good. Overall, we were not thrilled with the food. The staff was very friendly. The place was really busy and we couldn't quite figure out why.
(2)Jolynna M.
With so many good Mexican restaurants to choose from in Memphis, I sometimes forget about Salsa and just how good it really is. It's Tex-Mex style, with your typical entrees that include enchiladas and tacos, etc.. But they have some things here that really stand out as well, such as their Chicken with a citrus chipolte sauce. Their signature Salsa and chips are great too. But be careful - they are addictive. I've been known to down a whole basket in record time. The service is wonderful and the atmosphere is cute and bright and clean.
(3)Brent P.
Okay went here for lunch today. This restaurant has everything it needs to be a go to place. The surroundings inside is very open and has a nice feel to it. The waiter was very pleasant and very aware of our needs. The wait was not long at all. The food was good. I cannt say it's the best Mexican food I have had, but it was better than most around here. I'm sure I will be back.
(4)Albert L.
Had a business lunch here. Waitress was a clumsy one and she said too much coffee in the morning got her clumsy? Asked for a bottle of Corona, she said they were out of them, asked for a glass of Arnold Palmer (sweet tea cut in half with lemonade) she said no lemonade, lemonade I can understand but no Corona in a Mexican joint? C'mon man!
(3)N. P.
I have to give kudos to the hospitable staff at this restaurant. And it's a lovely place inside -- you can sit upstairs as we did, and overlook the entire restaurant. I had the Al Tiempo salad -- so good, the perfect flavor combination of chicken, a pineapple pico de gallo (why, yes, it is as good as it sounds), and a lime viniagrette dressing. It's high-quality Mexican fare at reasonable prices. Kind of a 'fresh-Mex'.
(4)Daniel C.
Ate outside here on a beautiful Memphis night. Food was good, inexpensive and fresh. Service was fine. Replaced our chips and dip without asking. I had the chicken cilantro. They have all the usual stuff you would expect. Night we were there they had live music inside and it was a noisy, bustling place.
(4)Katherine M.
This is the best Mexican restaurant in Memphis, hands down. We often go there because it is authentic, high quality food. It isn't your traditional slop served at most other Mexican restaurants. We've never had bad service here either. We like this restaurant so much we booked my sister in law's graduation party here. They went out of their way to make the food and service spectacular. They exceeded my expectations in every way. Not only was it a good value, in terms of price for what-you-get, but two waiters were dedicated to our 40 people and the presentation of the food was impressive. The waiter told me that the manager hand selected the meat for our beef entre. When I was decorating before the party, I asked where one of the waiters went, and the other one said that he went to buy extra plates for the cake we had brought. This place exceeds my expectations in every way, both quality of food and service.
(5)Daniel P.
Not a long wait time and the hostess was very apologetic for the short wait.the salsa and chips they bring to you right off the bat were excellent.The cusine was actually right on point for mexican food the only downside of the whole thing was the crappy waitress, didnt keep drinks full,didnt check on us to see if we needed anything but was super fast about bring the bill and taking our money.if i run the risk of hr again ill wait for the next available server for sure. Thumbs down kayla but thumbs up salsa.
(4)James D.
The negative reviews for Salsa are ridiculous. This place is MUCH, MUCH better than most Tex-Mex restaurants in Memphis. In fact, this is probably the Tex-Mex place we go to most frequently. They make a decent frozen margarita. I enjoy the carne asada a la tampiquena. The tacos are good, too. Salsa is way above the common run of Tex-Mex places in Memphis.
(4)J C.
Actually really good. We ate here several times during our stay in Memphis.
(5)Jennifer L.
Good mexican food. The chips and salsa were excellent. I don't remember what I ate very much, but do remember liking their chips and salsa!
(4)Lisa C.
Hubby and I had a gift card for this restaurant. We still have $25 on it after a visit and I don't think it's worth the free meal. Went to the bar to wait for our table. I asked the bartender if I could have a Scarlett O'Hara. The answer was no. Just that, no. Then I asked for an Alabama Slammer and also got told no. I asked if they didn't carry Southern Comfort- I get a yes. Gave up and got water- they had that. At our table- the waitress spent her whole time talking to a family she knew. Had to get another waiter to help us after our food wa served. Just bad service all around. The food was OK no better than El Porton. In fact, a drive down Poplar towards Germantown to Cozymels for better service and just as good food is a better choice.
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