Botanas II
1421 East Howard Ave, Milwaukee, WI, 53207
Botanas II Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Milwaukee for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Milwaukee for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Milwaukee for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
1421 East Howard Ave
Milwaukee, WI, 53207 - Phone
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Opening Hours
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Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street, 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 : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
Categories
Mexican Cuisine
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.
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Anne B.
This place has been so busy since they opened that it took a while for us to check it out. When we finally did we realized how HUGE the place is, that the parking lot could be packed and there is still plenty of room in there. It actually seemed somewhat dead late on a Friday evening. It was really cold in there though, I didn't like that. I guess I'd rather have that than have it be hot. Hopefully they have their patio open soon too! A friend encouraged me to try the shrimp soup and YUM! It is soooo good. Not at all what you would expect. Delicious. Seriously, you really should try it.
(4)Corey C.
The food has a different flavor than most of the Mexican restaurants in the area. The flavors are simpler and somehow feel more honest, more like you'd get at home. The enchiladas and chimichangas were delicious, with melted cheese and tender meat throughout. The chicken enchilada soup was amazing. I'd come back just for that. I also love the fresh tomato and red pepper flavor of the table salsa with just the right heat. The black bean soup and tamales were good, but I didn't like them as much as the other dishes. The decor of the place is pretty cool. Its colorful without being cartooney. I like the night sky painted ceiling in the back dining room, and the colorful lighting in the bar. The large open space, tile floors, and basic chairs give the back rooms a little bit of a cafeteria feel though. but the hand painted murals help to offset that. They have two huge flat screens facing the bar. One was tuned to sports, one to the Disney channel (genius for family dining with small kids). The service was great. Our server Crystal was always available in the distance, ready to come over with a simple gesture if we needed anything. (Granted, the place was pretty slow at the time.) Everyone else was good too, but had kind of a scowl. Cheer up guys!
(4)Lori L.
Botanas II reminds me of when the original Botanas opened before the food and service went south. I wasn't expecting much but I was impressed. The guacamole was kind of bland so I added some salt and their salsa and then it was perfect. The salsa they serve actually has a nice kick and good flavor. We always ask for a side of green salsa which is typically spicier. They told us this time it was free and next time it will be a charge. The green salsa came out piping hot in a big bowl....confusing....stick with the regular red salsa. My friend ordered the steak fajitas and it came out with a big portion of steak that was very tender unlike some other places. The combination platters were good and the meat had good flavor. Rice and beans were very typical but not dry. The place was hopping on a Monday night so expect a crowd for some time. They are very busy so don't expect your food in 5 minutes like other Mexican restaurants. Which is good because it means they are trying to make it fresher vs. scooping it out of a trough. Also, get here for happy hour because they have half off margaritas from 2pm to 6pm! Botanas II isn't the most authentic Mexican restaurant but the food and service were good enough for many return visits. Also, it doesn't hurt that they installed huge curved flat panel TV's. Ladies - The first bathroom on the right has a surprise picture on the door which I have uploaded. It doesn't leave much to the imagination :)
(4)Mike T.
No thanks. Why visits the x-wife's place when you can visit the original owner Jaimie at the real Botanos
(1)Kelly M.
I am a frequent flyer to the original Botanas, so of course I had to try the new location closer to me...1st parking is great!! they have a large lot and an attendant, 2nd FOOD was PHENOMINAL! I had the enchiladas plate they we so good huge chunks of chicken inside my husband had sopa de pescado- which was filled with shrimp- no skimping at all- my kids loved their tacos!
(5)Diane L.
Botanas II has great food and service. Margaritas are just the way we like them. Awesome renovation and nice large open space. The bar is very spacious and it will be a great place to watch the big games on the huge Curved TVs. The Saturday night we were there it was extremely busy but plenty of room to wait for a table. Never felt crowded. Owner Martha Navarre is an excellent hostess, and the rest of the staff is just as awesome!
(5)Laney V.
Pretty good food - service and cleanliness are outstanding.
(3)greg c.
Food was decent service was good . BUT beware their generic margaritas in small glasses are $8 a pop.
(4)Christine F.
We live pretty close in Bay View and were looking for a new hang out since Hector's on Delaware closed. This place is always packed since the opening. It's in the old Patio space. I was hoping they would have a Friday fish fry. Since they didn't I opted for the Caldo de Camaroon. I asked the server if it was like ceviche but he said no. When it came, it was exactly ceviche but hot. I also had the Poblano Mole chicken. The sauce was good but the chicken was overly moist. It was as if they were holding it or warming it in broth beforehand. Beans and rice were great. The hubby had the chimmichanga and a tostada. Both were delicious. All in all it was a good lunch with a $6.00 margarita thrown in. I know we will visit again.
(4)Kim F.
Botanas II is located in a pretty quiet, residential area. It's great because parking is easy. There service was fantastic. Our server was attentive, and we had several other people check in to make sure everything was going well. I asked to order a vegetarian chimichanga. It wasn't in the menu, but they made one with cheese and grilled vegetables. It was delicious and was served with rice, beans, sour cream, and guacamole. I'd definitely go back!
(4)Marie K.
Disappointing. I really love their main location, but this one leaves a lot to be desired. We sat on the patio. Terrible idea. They have a bit of a bug problem (not really their fault, though) and the noise from the airport is really terrible. Love the enchilada soup. Just like the original. However, the rest of the food was really mediocre. Terrible guac and the chicken had no flavor. The rice was super bland, too. The service was slow, too. The food came really fast after we actually got to order, but then we waited nearly 15 minutes after we finished until we had to flag down another waiter to get a box and our check. Not impressive. Plus, I find it a little weird that EVERYTHING has a disclaimer on it. "Park at your own risk!" and "We are not responsible for bugs on the patio!" and "Stay off the grass and flowers!" and "Don't climb on the leopard!" We kinda made a game out of how many we could spot. It seems like management is terrified of getting sued.
(2)S T.
I have never seen this place in this area as far as I can remember until now so it must be relativity new and I went over not knowing what to expect. First off the lot was just about full at 2pm on a Sunday so that was a good sign. As I walked in I was instant greeted and shown to my table while she got on a radio and alerted someone I was being seated. The chips and salsa came right away. The chips were warm and the salsa was not chunky like I like but it was good and had some heat to it. The place was very nice with tile floors, rich wood and colorful walls with a mural. On my way to the table I saw the nice bar and and said I would sit at the bar instead and she got on the radio again to notify someone of the change. Service was kind of annoying because before I could settle in and relax my server was all over me for my order and I told her to give me a few minutes and then she asked if I wanted a drink and I said again in a few minutes, let me look over the menu. I wanted to see if they had some special drinks for this location but no bar stuff on the menu. One thing caught my eye on the menu and that was # 27 milanesa and I had a lime margarita. The margarita was too thick to drink right away and it was good. The food came quick, see my pictures. # 27 is a thin breaded steak, beans, rice, pico de gallo, guacamole and corn tortilla garnished with lettuce and tomato. I like to taste everything separately before I dig in. The breaded steak was tasty. The rice was cooked perfect, firm and not mushy. The beans were good and on the thick side, I hate loose beans. The guacamole was outstanding because it tasted very good and very smooth and creamy. The pico de gallo was so mild that maybe thats not what it was. The corn tortillas were warm and good. The plate was probably the absolute best Mexican plate I have had because of the quality and the combination of items. Wow this place has moved to the top in the category of the best Mexican places in Milwaukee. Overall the whole experience I had was wonderful and the food was great along with outstanding service. This is a great Mexican restaurant with outstanding food and I would definitely go back.
(5)Matt M.
Wanted to eat here but couldn't. We called to check the hours of operation. When we showed up some random guy in the parking lot tells us they have closed early! Rather disappointing.
(1)Andrew A.
I feel that you can't take the first review of 1 start on Botanas II as truthful review since the restaurant wasn't even open at the time - Grand Opening to the public was March 2nd and the first review was done on Feb 20th. The menu, the quality of food is still the same, the quality of the margaritas are exactly the same. And by same - I mean "AWESOME"!!! I had the Milanesa de bistec and my wife had the taco salad. Both accompanied by 2 blended strawberry margaritas. The differences, II has a more fresh open space. Their bar area is larger and much more customer friendly. 3 flat screen TVs - two of which are at least 50 inches curved. The bar area you can actually sit comfortably at the bar or at bar table tops and have a margarita or meal while enjoying watching any sport that is on TV. At the original restaurant, the bar area is used primarily for waiting for a table and cramped, hard to get drinks, etc. The service was a little slow but hey they just opened and their new staff is still training; so I'll cut them a little slack. Happy Hour Special: Monday to Thursday from 2 pm to 6 pm 1/2 price lime and strawberry single margaritas and $10 all you can eat ground beef tacos. I am more than happy to welcome to Botanas II to my neighborhood. It sure beats driving down to 5th and National...I can just walk now.
(5)Amber P.
I love that it is so close to our house. I think the food is better here then at the original.
(4)K M.
The food was good, the waiter very attentive. We ordered the chunky gaucamole and it was great, and chunky as advertised. Fresh guac and fresh chips. Great start. My friend asked for the spicy salsa and she loved it. I had the steak Chimichunga and she had a spicy beef dish, both excellent, the only down fall was the side of mexican rice it was dry, I mixed it with the beans. Pico was good, guac. was good, salsa and food were good and we had a great waiter.
(4)Rena R.
Unfortunately 3 out of 4 of us were not crazy about our food. However the bar/restaurant itself is awesome. Wide open, decorated great, cool bar and the service was really good. I always get the seafood enchiladas at the original and didn't think they were as good here. I will go back and try something else, oh and margaritas were delish!
(3)Mke D.
I took my family here today and almost left before entering because the lot looked packed! The wonderful gentleman working the lot guided us into a spot and even opened the doors for my wife and kids. Where do you get THAT kind of service in this city?? (Make sure you tip this guy; he earns it!) Walked in and we were seated immediately. The service was amazing. We had chips and drink orders were taken almost before we were even settled at the table. The staff was on point; polite and efficient. Paco H was our server and he was awesome. The food was delicioso. Just as good as the South Side location. Puerco con Salsa Verse for me, Enchiladas Verdes for the wife and the kids menu was great for the little ones. Add some mango margaritas for the grownups and horchatas for the kids and it doesn't get any better. This place has the same vibe as the original location but much more open and spacious. You could definitely just come to hang at the bar with some friends or have a great meal. The 5th St. Location has been my wife's favorite place for years, but with II being so much closer to the house, I think we found a new spot. This crew did an outstanding job and Botanas II definitely earned the right to put the name up on their sign!
(5)Cindy S.
I met my bff here yesterday for lunch and I was totally impressed with Botanas II from start to finish! The landscape and combination hanging baskets are lovely. The bathroom was beautiful and spotless. The service, food, chips, salsa and margarita's were excellent. They have a huge menu that's reasonably priced and a great selection of lunch time specials as well. We're looking forward to coming back when their patio is open!
(5)Connie Z.
NEVER AGAIN! Went there last night with a friend and food was so-so. The problem was the service. When we arrived the waitress asked us if we would like anything to drink and let us know that if was happy hour and the margaritas were 3.00. We each ordered one (reg and strawberry) and then placed our food order. When the waitress brought us the check she charged us full price for the drinks (6.00 for the reg. and 7.00 for the strwaberry). We though she just made a mistake and we questioned her. Her response was the order was placed after 6:00 and happy hour was over. Had she not mentioned it WAS happy hour we wouldn,t have know the difference. Her answer to that was ther was nothing she could do about it! I then asked for the manager and she came to the table with the waitress. That's when the real trouble started. The manager and the waitress began to discuss the issue in SPANISH!!!!!!!!!!! We had no idea what the waitress told the manager! She finally did credit check for 6.00 but not after much ado. PS Also watched them over serve several customers!
(1)Julie M.
My husband and I have found our new favorite Mexican restaurant. My shrimp tacos were to die for. My husband's chimi was huge filled with all white chicken meat.
(5)Erin P.
We went here for a Mother's day brunch. Our food was "just okay". While it was busy, the food was very bland. The staff was attentive and there was plenty of seating.
(2)Jean B.
The original Botanas is way better. They have good chips and salsa. The margaritas are good. The food is just okay.
(2)Kate D.
Pretty much exactly the same as the original Botanas! Good food, solid service. But this one has lots of penises in the bathroom.
(4)Jen T.
I always leave here feeling overly stuffed. I think Mexican food has a way of doing that no matter where. Service is usually pretty good although I've been there a few times where the server seemed inconvenienced when we asked for a water refill. Chips and salsa are pretty decent. Cheese and onion enchiladas are always tasty. I like that you are given the option to select different meat when ordering a combination platter. For example: if you order flauta, enchilada and taco combo, you could do a chicken flauta, cheese and onion enchilada and beef taco. I will return again and again given that it's close to home and food is always good!
(4)Frank W.
We had eaten at the Botana's on 5th & enjoyed it but don't exactly go out of our way to go there. When we do get to that area of town our Mexican restaurant of choice is La Fuente's. We both love their shrimp soup, hot or cold, & haven't found any place even close to it. So, it was to our pleasant surprise we tried the shrimp soup & it was equal if not better than La Fuente's. The bonus is now it is within 2 miles of our home instead of a trek up the freeway. We are looking forward to seeing what their patio experience will be this summer. La Fuente's is hard to beat also. This place, Botana's II, will definitely be our first choice for Mexican fare. We're happy to see them in the neighborhood. PS, don't be discouraged by the full parking lot, the place is huge & they get you seated & served in no time.
(4)Cory Z.
We're fast becoming regulars. The food is good, and the service is usually good to great. It gets really loud at the back of the restaurant, as there's nothing to absorb the sound.
(4)Holly M.
Very disappointed. The Walker's point one is MUCH better. How do you not put cheese on taco's or burrito's? Our waitress explained they don't do that in the combination platters or children's menus. Unheard of. No free refills on soda and they only offer soda (no milk or juice) on the children's menu. Ridiculous how they cut corners there. Way too much ice in the margarita pitchers. Guac was VERY bland as was the ground beef. Just overpriced for what you get. Too many other options in Milwaukee.
(2)Lynn B.
I had heard great things and was not disappointed! While crowded on a Saturday night, our group of 5 still got seated immediately. Our waitress was all business but fairly attentive. There seemed to be a lot of staff scouting the room to make sure every customer was attended to. The food was exactly on par with the original Botana's = delicious! I can't remember the name of the dish I got but it was grilled chicken in a salsa sauce that came with tortillas. They had almost too many choices of entrees. It was hard to decide. And large portions too. The specialty margarita is a little expensive at $8 and was too sweet for my taste so next time I think I'll just get the regular one which I believe is $6. The only couple of disappointments I would say are that the water glasses were the size of a kids' juice glass and when I'm eating Mexican food, I want a lot of water. (I do want to point out that a friend asked for a bigger glass and got one with no problem). The second thing is that it was HOT in there and it was only about 60 degrees outside. I wish they would have opened up a door or something. Hopefully it was just a fluke since it was one of our first warmer spring days. With that said, I'm going back tonight and excited about it. I just know I'll be wearing short sleeves!
(4)Molly S.
I believe that chips and salsa are not just an appetizer - they can make a full meal. No, not in the "I'm a jerk, so I'm not going to order a full entree and instead just sit here and eat all the chips and salsa while my friends pay for food" kinda way. In the fully reverent, I love this ritual sorta way. There have been numerous times I have made a meal out of good homemade salsa fresh from the garden and good quality tortilla chips. Put simply, I LOVE eating good chips and salsa. And Botanas II delivers. The chips are crisp and taste fresh, not like stale oil. They're perfectly salted and sturdy enough to hold generous amounts of the salsa, with a nice quantity of foldovers that make scooping even more fun. And the salsa, although different than what I normally prefer, was outstanding. A slightly chunky puree, ruddy red in color and indistinct in aroma, was full of flavor. There was a bit of smoky heat to it, a tartness, not overly heavy on onion or garlic - just right. I thoroughly enjoyed the combination of the hot chips and cool flavorful salsa. The rest of the food was good but nothing super memorable. I ordered a combination platter and enjoyed it but wasn't blown away. The plate was served with a generous serving of sour cream, guacamole and pico de gallo. The guacamole was creamy, but not remarkable in flavor. The pico de gallo had a nice citrusy brightness but lacked much punch beyond that. The taco I had was filled with a generous helping of ground beef, but I ended up pouring on the salsa left from the chips to add something to it as the seasoning seemed rather simple and lacking in depth. My friend and I sat at the bar, and although the service was efficient and hit all the major points, it wasn't overly conversational or outgoing. I'll be back for the chips and salsa and to try some less 'run of the mill' options.
(3)Marie H.
I remember not being that impressed with the original Botanas after moving to MKE from the Bay Area, something about iceberg lettuce or winter making me crabby. I grew up in WI and there are only 2 reasons I'd rather live in CA: better weather and better Mexican food. Well thanks a lot Botanas II, now I only have one tenuous reason to stay here in SoCal paying stupid prices for everything like a chump: fear of winter. Chicken tortas were excellent. Looking forward to eating there again next time I am home.
(5)Kim F.
Botanas II is located in a pretty quiet, residential area. It's great because parking is easy. There service was fantastic. Our server was attentive, and we had several other people check in to make sure everything was going well. I asked to order a vegetarian chimichanga. It wasn't in the menu, but they made one with cheese and grilled vegetables. It was delicious and was served with rice, beans, sour cream, and guacamole. I'd definitely go back!
(4)Marie K.
Disappointing. I really love their main location, but this one leaves a lot to be desired. We sat on the patio. Terrible idea. They have a bit of a bug problem (not really their fault, though) and the noise from the airport is really terrible. Love the enchilada soup. Just like the original. However, the rest of the food was really mediocre. Terrible guac and the chicken had no flavor. The rice was super bland, too. The service was slow, too. The food came really fast after we actually got to order, but then we waited nearly 15 minutes after we finished until we had to flag down another waiter to get a box and our check. Not impressive. Plus, I find it a little weird that EVERYTHING has a disclaimer on it. "Park at your own risk!" and "We are not responsible for bugs on the patio!" and "Stay off the grass and flowers!" and "Don't climb on the leopard!" We kinda made a game out of how many we could spot. It seems like management is terrified of getting sued.
(2)Anne B.
This place has been so busy since they opened that it took a while for us to check it out. When we finally did we realized how HUGE the place is, that the parking lot could be packed and there is still plenty of room in there. It actually seemed somewhat dead late on a Friday evening. It was really cold in there though, I didn't like that. I guess I'd rather have that than have it be hot. Hopefully they have their patio open soon too! A friend encouraged me to try the shrimp soup and YUM! It is soooo good. Not at all what you would expect. Delicious. Seriously, you really should try it.
(4)Laney V.
Pretty good food - service and cleanliness are outstanding.
(3)greg c.
Food was decent service was good . BUT beware their generic margaritas in small glasses are $8 a pop.
(4)Corey C.
The food has a different flavor than most of the Mexican restaurants in the area. The flavors are simpler and somehow feel more honest, more like you'd get at home. The enchiladas and chimichangas were delicious, with melted cheese and tender meat throughout. The chicken enchilada soup was amazing. I'd come back just for that. I also love the fresh tomato and red pepper flavor of the table salsa with just the right heat. The black bean soup and tamales were good, but I didn't like them as much as the other dishes. The decor of the place is pretty cool. Its colorful without being cartooney. I like the night sky painted ceiling in the back dining room, and the colorful lighting in the bar. The large open space, tile floors, and basic chairs give the back rooms a little bit of a cafeteria feel though. but the hand painted murals help to offset that. They have two huge flat screens facing the bar. One was tuned to sports, one to the Disney channel (genius for family dining with small kids). The service was great. Our server Crystal was always available in the distance, ready to come over with a simple gesture if we needed anything. (Granted, the place was pretty slow at the time.) Everyone else was good too, but had kind of a scowl. Cheer up guys!
(4)Lori L.
Botanas II reminds me of when the original Botanas opened before the food and service went south. I wasn't expecting much but I was impressed. The guacamole was kind of bland so I added some salt and their salsa and then it was perfect. The salsa they serve actually has a nice kick and good flavor. We always ask for a side of green salsa which is typically spicier. They told us this time it was free and next time it will be a charge. The green salsa came out piping hot in a big bowl....confusing....stick with the regular red salsa. My friend ordered the steak fajitas and it came out with a big portion of steak that was very tender unlike some other places. The combination platters were good and the meat had good flavor. Rice and beans were very typical but not dry. The place was hopping on a Monday night so expect a crowd for some time. They are very busy so don't expect your food in 5 minutes like other Mexican restaurants. Which is good because it means they are trying to make it fresher vs. scooping it out of a trough. Also, get here for happy hour because they have half off margaritas from 2pm to 6pm! Botanas II isn't the most authentic Mexican restaurant but the food and service were good enough for many return visits. Also, it doesn't hurt that they installed huge curved flat panel TV's. Ladies - The first bathroom on the right has a surprise picture on the door which I have uploaded. It doesn't leave much to the imagination :)
(4)Mike T.
No thanks. Why visits the x-wife's place when you can visit the original owner Jaimie at the real Botanos
(1)Rena R.
Unfortunately 3 out of 4 of us were not crazy about our food. However the bar/restaurant itself is awesome. Wide open, decorated great, cool bar and the service was really good. I always get the seafood enchiladas at the original and didn't think they were as good here. I will go back and try something else, oh and margaritas were delish!
(3)S T.
I have never seen this place in this area as far as I can remember until now so it must be relativity new and I went over not knowing what to expect. First off the lot was just about full at 2pm on a Sunday so that was a good sign. As I walked in I was instant greeted and shown to my table while she got on a radio and alerted someone I was being seated. The chips and salsa came right away. The chips were warm and the salsa was not chunky like I like but it was good and had some heat to it. The place was very nice with tile floors, rich wood and colorful walls with a mural. On my way to the table I saw the nice bar and and said I would sit at the bar instead and she got on the radio again to notify someone of the change. Service was kind of annoying because before I could settle in and relax my server was all over me for my order and I told her to give me a few minutes and then she asked if I wanted a drink and I said again in a few minutes, let me look over the menu. I wanted to see if they had some special drinks for this location but no bar stuff on the menu. One thing caught my eye on the menu and that was # 27 milanesa and I had a lime margarita. The margarita was too thick to drink right away and it was good. The food came quick, see my pictures. # 27 is a thin breaded steak, beans, rice, pico de gallo, guacamole and corn tortilla garnished with lettuce and tomato. I like to taste everything separately before I dig in. The breaded steak was tasty. The rice was cooked perfect, firm and not mushy. The beans were good and on the thick side, I hate loose beans. The guacamole was outstanding because it tasted very good and very smooth and creamy. The pico de gallo was so mild that maybe thats not what it was. The corn tortillas were warm and good. The plate was probably the absolute best Mexican plate I have had because of the quality and the combination of items. Wow this place has moved to the top in the category of the best Mexican places in Milwaukee. Overall the whole experience I had was wonderful and the food was great along with outstanding service. This is a great Mexican restaurant with outstanding food and I would definitely go back.
(5)Matt M.
Wanted to eat here but couldn't. We called to check the hours of operation. When we showed up some random guy in the parking lot tells us they have closed early! Rather disappointing.
(1)Christine F.
We live pretty close in Bay View and were looking for a new hang out since Hector's on Delaware closed. This place is always packed since the opening. It's in the old Patio space. I was hoping they would have a Friday fish fry. Since they didn't I opted for the Caldo de Camaroon. I asked the server if it was like ceviche but he said no. When it came, it was exactly ceviche but hot. I also had the Poblano Mole chicken. The sauce was good but the chicken was overly moist. It was as if they were holding it or warming it in broth beforehand. Beans and rice were great. The hubby had the chimmichanga and a tostada. Both were delicious. All in all it was a good lunch with a $6.00 margarita thrown in. I know we will visit again.
(4)Andrew A.
I feel that you can't take the first review of 1 start on Botanas II as truthful review since the restaurant wasn't even open at the time - Grand Opening to the public was March 2nd and the first review was done on Feb 20th. The menu, the quality of food is still the same, the quality of the margaritas are exactly the same. And by same - I mean "AWESOME"!!! I had the Milanesa de bistec and my wife had the taco salad. Both accompanied by 2 blended strawberry margaritas. The differences, II has a more fresh open space. Their bar area is larger and much more customer friendly. 3 flat screen TVs - two of which are at least 50 inches curved. The bar area you can actually sit comfortably at the bar or at bar table tops and have a margarita or meal while enjoying watching any sport that is on TV. At the original restaurant, the bar area is used primarily for waiting for a table and cramped, hard to get drinks, etc. The service was a little slow but hey they just opened and their new staff is still training; so I'll cut them a little slack. Happy Hour Special: Monday to Thursday from 2 pm to 6 pm 1/2 price lime and strawberry single margaritas and $10 all you can eat ground beef tacos. I am more than happy to welcome to Botanas II to my neighborhood. It sure beats driving down to 5th and National...I can just walk now.
(5)Amber P.
I love that it is so close to our house. I think the food is better here then at the original.
(4)K M.
The food was good, the waiter very attentive. We ordered the chunky gaucamole and it was great, and chunky as advertised. Fresh guac and fresh chips. Great start. My friend asked for the spicy salsa and she loved it. I had the steak Chimichunga and she had a spicy beef dish, both excellent, the only down fall was the side of mexican rice it was dry, I mixed it with the beans. Pico was good, guac. was good, salsa and food were good and we had a great waiter.
(4)Kelly M.
I am a frequent flyer to the original Botanas, so of course I had to try the new location closer to me...1st parking is great!! they have a large lot and an attendant, 2nd FOOD was PHENOMINAL! I had the enchiladas plate they we so good huge chunks of chicken inside my husband had sopa de pescado- which was filled with shrimp- no skimping at all- my kids loved their tacos!
(5)Holly M.
Very disappointed. The Walker's point one is MUCH better. How do you not put cheese on taco's or burrito's? Our waitress explained they don't do that in the combination platters or children's menus. Unheard of. No free refills on soda and they only offer soda (no milk or juice) on the children's menu. Ridiculous how they cut corners there. Way too much ice in the margarita pitchers. Guac was VERY bland as was the ground beef. Just overpriced for what you get. Too many other options in Milwaukee.
(2)Diane L.
Botanas II has great food and service. Margaritas are just the way we like them. Awesome renovation and nice large open space. The bar is very spacious and it will be a great place to watch the big games on the huge Curved TVs. The Saturday night we were there it was extremely busy but plenty of room to wait for a table. Never felt crowded. Owner Martha Navarre is an excellent hostess, and the rest of the staff is just as awesome!
(5)Molly S.
I believe that chips and salsa are not just an appetizer - they can make a full meal. No, not in the "I'm a jerk, so I'm not going to order a full entree and instead just sit here and eat all the chips and salsa while my friends pay for food" kinda way. In the fully reverent, I love this ritual sorta way. There have been numerous times I have made a meal out of good homemade salsa fresh from the garden and good quality tortilla chips. Put simply, I LOVE eating good chips and salsa. And Botanas II delivers. The chips are crisp and taste fresh, not like stale oil. They're perfectly salted and sturdy enough to hold generous amounts of the salsa, with a nice quantity of foldovers that make scooping even more fun. And the salsa, although different than what I normally prefer, was outstanding. A slightly chunky puree, ruddy red in color and indistinct in aroma, was full of flavor. There was a bit of smoky heat to it, a tartness, not overly heavy on onion or garlic - just right. I thoroughly enjoyed the combination of the hot chips and cool flavorful salsa. The rest of the food was good but nothing super memorable. I ordered a combination platter and enjoyed it but wasn't blown away. The plate was served with a generous serving of sour cream, guacamole and pico de gallo. The guacamole was creamy, but not remarkable in flavor. The pico de gallo had a nice citrusy brightness but lacked much punch beyond that. The taco I had was filled with a generous helping of ground beef, but I ended up pouring on the salsa left from the chips to add something to it as the seasoning seemed rather simple and lacking in depth. My friend and I sat at the bar, and although the service was efficient and hit all the major points, it wasn't overly conversational or outgoing. I'll be back for the chips and salsa and to try some less 'run of the mill' options.
(3)Cory Z.
We're fast becoming regulars. The food is good, and the service is usually good to great. It gets really loud at the back of the restaurant, as there's nothing to absorb the sound.
(4)Marie H.
I remember not being that impressed with the original Botanas after moving to MKE from the Bay Area, something about iceberg lettuce or winter making me crabby. I grew up in WI and there are only 2 reasons I'd rather live in CA: better weather and better Mexican food. Well thanks a lot Botanas II, now I only have one tenuous reason to stay here in SoCal paying stupid prices for everything like a chump: fear of winter. Chicken tortas were excellent. Looking forward to eating there again next time I am home.
(5)Lynn B.
I had heard great things and was not disappointed! While crowded on a Saturday night, our group of 5 still got seated immediately. Our waitress was all business but fairly attentive. There seemed to be a lot of staff scouting the room to make sure every customer was attended to. The food was exactly on par with the original Botana's = delicious! I can't remember the name of the dish I got but it was grilled chicken in a salsa sauce that came with tortillas. They had almost too many choices of entrees. It was hard to decide. And large portions too. The specialty margarita is a little expensive at $8 and was too sweet for my taste so next time I think I'll just get the regular one which I believe is $6. The only couple of disappointments I would say are that the water glasses were the size of a kids' juice glass and when I'm eating Mexican food, I want a lot of water. (I do want to point out that a friend asked for a bigger glass and got one with no problem). The second thing is that it was HOT in there and it was only about 60 degrees outside. I wish they would have opened up a door or something. Hopefully it was just a fluke since it was one of our first warmer spring days. With that said, I'm going back tonight and excited about it. I just know I'll be wearing short sleeves!
(4)Erin P.
We went here for a Mother's day brunch. Our food was "just okay". While it was busy, the food was very bland. The staff was attentive and there was plenty of seating.
(2)Jean B.
The original Botanas is way better. They have good chips and salsa. The margaritas are good. The food is just okay.
(2)Kate D.
Pretty much exactly the same as the original Botanas! Good food, solid service. But this one has lots of penises in the bathroom.
(4)Jen T.
I always leave here feeling overly stuffed. I think Mexican food has a way of doing that no matter where. Service is usually pretty good although I've been there a few times where the server seemed inconvenienced when we asked for a water refill. Chips and salsa are pretty decent. Cheese and onion enchiladas are always tasty. I like that you are given the option to select different meat when ordering a combination platter. For example: if you order flauta, enchilada and taco combo, you could do a chicken flauta, cheese and onion enchilada and beef taco. I will return again and again given that it's close to home and food is always good!
(4)Frank W.
We had eaten at the Botana's on 5th & enjoyed it but don't exactly go out of our way to go there. When we do get to that area of town our Mexican restaurant of choice is La Fuente's. We both love their shrimp soup, hot or cold, & haven't found any place even close to it. So, it was to our pleasant surprise we tried the shrimp soup & it was equal if not better than La Fuente's. The bonus is now it is within 2 miles of our home instead of a trek up the freeway. We are looking forward to seeing what their patio experience will be this summer. La Fuente's is hard to beat also. This place, Botana's II, will definitely be our first choice for Mexican fare. We're happy to see them in the neighborhood. PS, don't be discouraged by the full parking lot, the place is huge & they get you seated & served in no time.
(4)Mke D.
I took my family here today and almost left before entering because the lot looked packed! The wonderful gentleman working the lot guided us into a spot and even opened the doors for my wife and kids. Where do you get THAT kind of service in this city?? (Make sure you tip this guy; he earns it!) Walked in and we were seated immediately. The service was amazing. We had chips and drink orders were taken almost before we were even settled at the table. The staff was on point; polite and efficient. Paco H was our server and he was awesome. The food was delicioso. Just as good as the South Side location. Puerco con Salsa Verse for me, Enchiladas Verdes for the wife and the kids menu was great for the little ones. Add some mango margaritas for the grownups and horchatas for the kids and it doesn't get any better. This place has the same vibe as the original location but much more open and spacious. You could definitely just come to hang at the bar with some friends or have a great meal. The 5th St. Location has been my wife's favorite place for years, but with II being so much closer to the house, I think we found a new spot. This crew did an outstanding job and Botanas II definitely earned the right to put the name up on their sign!
(5)Cindy S.
I met my bff here yesterday for lunch and I was totally impressed with Botanas II from start to finish! The landscape and combination hanging baskets are lovely. The bathroom was beautiful and spotless. The service, food, chips, salsa and margarita's were excellent. They have a huge menu that's reasonably priced and a great selection of lunch time specials as well. We're looking forward to coming back when their patio is open!
(5)Connie Z.
NEVER AGAIN! Went there last night with a friend and food was so-so. The problem was the service. When we arrived the waitress asked us if we would like anything to drink and let us know that if was happy hour and the margaritas were 3.00. We each ordered one (reg and strawberry) and then placed our food order. When the waitress brought us the check she charged us full price for the drinks (6.00 for the reg. and 7.00 for the strwaberry). We though she just made a mistake and we questioned her. Her response was the order was placed after 6:00 and happy hour was over. Had she not mentioned it WAS happy hour we wouldn,t have know the difference. Her answer to that was ther was nothing she could do about it! I then asked for the manager and she came to the table with the waitress. That's when the real trouble started. The manager and the waitress began to discuss the issue in SPANISH!!!!!!!!!!! We had no idea what the waitress told the manager! She finally did credit check for 6.00 but not after much ado. PS Also watched them over serve several customers!
(1)Julie M.
My husband and I have found our new favorite Mexican restaurant. My shrimp tacos were to die for. My husband's chimi was huge filled with all white chicken meat.
(5)