La Fogata Mexican Cuisine Reviews

This should be the restaurant Mexican food is judged by. We tried a variety of dishes we had in other restaurants, and were blown away. Each variety was flavorful and expertly prepared. I don't know where I'll find this kind of authentic cuisine back home. Any visitor to San Antonio should head over there for a great meal. Many families were there celebrating events. Musicians entertained but not in an in-your-face way. Great service, atmosphere, and indoors and outdoor dining and patio.

My husband and I love this place. Food and margaritas are always delish...margaritas are garnished with a flower. I personally like the skinny margaritas better than the regular ones. Yesterday I had the Ensalada Paraiso with grilled chicken, hearts of palm, olives, cilantro dressing...so good. Other great meals I've had have been the fish tacos made with mahi mahi, Chile en nogado (I hope I spelled that correctly), my husband's had the Enchiladas Verdes. The other great thing about this place is the outdoor seating with the fountains and greenery, but I think the outdoor part is only open during the evenings and weekends.

First of all, shocked by the overly sweet and sub par top shelf margaritas. They used to be known for excellent margaritas, but these are such a weird yellowish color and so very sweet. Also, the chile en nogada came out without the requisite pomegranate seeds. No explanation. Our server was wonderful and was tipped accordingly. Sadly, La Fogata is resting on its laurels and previous good reputation. Everything is so mediocre and overpriced these days. Not returning.

We always go here with my Aunt and Uncle when we're in San Antonio. The food is very good, more authentic Mexican than other Tex-Mes restaurants in the area. I forget the name of the margaritas we get, but they come with a flower and two test tubes of extra liquor (tequila and orange liqueur). They pack a punch and are delicious!! We were catching up on lost time and never felt rushed even though we were almost the last to leave! Thanks for a great time, La Fogata!

My partner took me to La Fogata as he has fond memories of eating there. Location is in a dated part of town and the decor probably hasn't changed since the 70's. They have a pair of antique doors that are really cool. The service was good, we had a really nice older lady who did most of the work with a younger staff member coming around occasionally. The only drawbacks were many of the chairs were warped and bent and the flies were awful!

We really enjoyed our time at La Fogata. They have a very pleasant setting including garden seating (that we did not use because of the hot summer season). The food was excellent along with our service. The fresh guac was very tasty along with the chips and salsa. All of our dinners were well prepared. My only disappointment was the price of the margarita with the mini Corona. I still highly recommend anyone to enjoy the food and restaurant.

It's been a few years since we've been here and it's still beautiful, inside and out. I wasn't real hungry and decided to just have nachos. Granted you don't get a real feel for the food when you order nachos, but I did order with chicken. To be honest, they were expensive for what you get. Maybe dress the plate up a bit with some shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes? A dab of sour cream? Anything to match what one is spending for 12 chips, refried beans, some canned jalapenos and a dab of guacamole. I was disappointed.

La Fogata has become a victim to its own success. The patio bar is still lovely, but the volume limits the quality and variety in the food. They are serving hundreds each day and it has become a factory. The salsa remains memorable, but rest of the food is okay. Some of our food was Luke warm as the kitchen is far away and the runners are swamped. I had much better food in the smaller SA mex-Tex restaurants. The mariachi band adds color, but only confirms this is now a tourist destination and not a local’s spot.

I like this place but I used to love it. The atmosphere is great. Without that this place would have almost nothing going for it. I had three mini street tacos last night, $16. Wow felt like I was mugged. Then I ordered a round of shots before I left, it was my dear friends birthday, they were $12 each. Mind you I had just bought 2 margaritas and they were only $10 each and they were top shelf. I will not go back anytime soon. They're are so many better priced places that actually have good food. Tourist trap here, just be warned people.

I had a great dinner and had the Enchiladas Verdes. I really recommend this site and the Enchiladas Verdes. Great atmosphere for this return customer!

We began eating at La Fogata on Vance Jackson in the early 80’s. Today’s lunch was a big disappointment. First, the good, queso flameado w/ flour tortillas and enchiladas verde. The acceptable, chips and salsa. The bad, chicken soup was flavorless except for the aftertaste of chicken fat. I attempted seasoning with lime, salt, and pepper. Lastly, we hoped to end our meal with a yummy empanada - we couldn’t eat it as the taste of old grease permeated every bite. This makes me sad - I love La Fogata. The truly need some quality control.

We had dinner at LaFogata Mexican Cuisine with good friends while visiting San Antonio. Upon arrival it appeared to be very busy and we weren't sure how long of a wait there would be. I saw one manager (Andres Cervantes) and spoke to him stating we were out of state visiting good friends who brought us to one of their favorite restaurants while celebrating my husband's special birthday. After our chat, the manager happily took us to a nice table located with outdoor heating. The menu has an array of dishes from appetizers to desserts and their drinks are excellent! Our waiter was Maurilio. He was able to describe all menu items in detail and I have to say, all our dishes were just impeccable to our taste! I had the Quesadillas Surtidas and thought they were so flavorful especially with their creamy chipotle sauce. Everyone ordered their award-winning margarita which is excellent and I'm glad I wasn't the DD as I had more than one! We were also entertained by their Mariachi band and these gentlemen can really sing! I had such an enjoyable time and hope we get to come here again next time we visit!

For a Saturday evening, we had zero wait time and it was breezy enough to sit out on the patio. Estevan was our waiter and offered excellent service. The Poblano pepper was well seasoned with the stuff cheese, the sauce was excellent. Chips were very fresh and the salsa was generous and flavorful. The drinks were made to order and the food was well priced. The atmosphere is casual to dressy, either way, you felt comfortable.

La Fogata is beautifully decorated with fountains, landscaping, and outdoor seating areas. This restaurant has a delightful "fiesta" feel which is highly attractive for tourists and locals alike. Service is decent, although spotty. We didn't feel particularly welcomed by the girls at the hostess table, but our waiter, Martín, was wonderful. For some reason it took about twenty minutes for them to seat us, even though the restaurant was not even half full. I wish I could brag about the food, but it just wasn't that great. I agree with other reviews which state this is NOT a Tex-Mex restaurant. Example: they use Oaxaca cheese, not cheddar cheese, on their enchiladas, and the chili sauce has an odd flavor. This is probably the more authentic version of true Mexican enchiladas, but I didn't especially like the taste. Side dishes were pretty bland overall. Good salsa, but cheap, tough tortilla chips. Beans and rice that could have come out of a can. And possibly the flattest, most watered-down soft drinks I've ever been served. If you have family in town and want to show them a lovely restaurant atmosphere, complete with mariachis, this is a good place to take them. If you're okay with "authentic" Mexican flavors, you'll probably love La Fogata. If you prefer Tex-Mex, I'd recommend you go somewhere else.

My husband and I ate at La Fogata yesterday around 1 PM. We had Martin for our server and he was spectacular! I am on a special diet for medical reasons right now and he took my order (with all the changes that I had to make) and got it perfectly correct. My husband ordered normally and we both LOVED our food. We told him that we were headed to the movies and he spent some time with us discussing different movies. As we were leaving, my husband realized that he didn't have his wallet, so we had to retrace our steps. Martin was right there with concern for our problem. We finally decided that he had probably left it at home (which he had) and went on to the movie. We'll definitely be back and ask for Martin again!!

The food was good the atmosphere was nice but they could've do better with music. I would suggest they spend some money on some surround sound better speakers.

La Fogata is a must visit when coming to San Antonio. Authentic mexican fare and beverage with great ambiance. The outdoor patio for simply enjoying a cold beverage is second to none.

Hidden gem! Delicious margaritas and wonderful service! Chips and salsa delicious. I got a dish with a mole sauce and realize i don’t like mole sauce but I’m Not gong to hold that against this restaurant. My bro in law had a delicious dish! Loved the atmosphere and live music.

Extended family luncheon on a Saturday. Grandson liked the quesadillas and everyone was a fan of the rice and Charro beans. The skirt steak tacos were very tasty as was the Chicken mole. Tacos Nortenos would have been better if the tortillas weren’t quite so greasy. Server did not seem to know much about the menu and never refilled our drinks. We’ll try again and hope for better service.

There is a saying success breeds complacency. This saying applies to this restaurant. Cheap old frozen Tilapia tacos. Ceviche where the marinara sauces is brown. Basically 100% unappetizing appearance and again made with old frozen Tilapia. Chicken Enchiladas were a C+. Skip this place over priced slop

La Fogata Mexican Cuisine has been a San Antonio staple since 1978, serving up classic Tex-Mex dishes and famous margaritas in a vibrant, festive atmosphere. Known for its lush patios, colorful decor, and family-friendly vibe, it's a great spot for everything from a casual dinner to a celebratory gathering. On my most recent visit, I tried the Poquito De Todo platter for the first time--literally "a little bit of everything." Perfect for when your taste buds just can't make up their mind! The platter includes a beef taco al carbon, a chicken flauta with guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, and cheese, a quesadilla, and a cheese enchilada. It's all served up with Mexican rice and frijoles charros. The enchiladas verdes are also a tasty choice I usually go with. While it might not be the best Tex-Mex you'll find in San Antonio, La Fogata always a solid and satisfying choice. And of course, the margaritas here never miss. Whether it's happy hour or a big celebration, they're always refreshing and on point-especially the coconut margs. (Bonus: the team at La Fogata is fantastic at helping you pull off a celebration seamlessly!) La Fogata is one of those reliable places you can count on for great service, quality food, and an all-around good time. Definitely worth a visit when you're craving Tex-Mex with a fun and lively ambiance!

It was my first visit and we were meeting friends from SA that had recommended La Fogata and I am glad they did. Pros: Great outside seating. The place has tons of atmosphere and is a great place to visit with friends. Lots of outside seating. Plenty of parking. It is easy to see why this place has been around for a very long time. The food was outstanding. It has a great selection of Texmex favorites that you would expect along with some great regional Mexican dishes that you normally do not see. Cons: They do not take reservations so you just have to show up and hope or wait. While in general I like mariachi bands - they made it very difficult to carry on conversions. Looking forward to returning.

Went to lunch here on Father’s Day. Good service, and food was good. You feel like you are on a resort when you enter the outside entrance, flowers are beautiful and the fountains. Enjoyed our experience off the river walk.

Nice atmosphere. Great margarita garden outside. Great food with some different dishes other than your usual Mexican fare. Huuuuge margarita available! Appetizers are great. Mains have always been good. I don’t usually get desert here but I never really do at Mexican restaurants.

We all loved our food. This was my first time to come here in the daytime and I was very impressed with the luxurious gardens, which just aren’t as easy to appreciate when it is dark. The atmosphere here really makes this restaurant stand out from most others. It is a fine place to take special friends. The waiter did a good job helping me choose between two possibilities. I got the shredded chicken enchiladas with salsa verde, which were excellent. Waiter listened well to our special requests about sour cream and extra lemon. Our waters ran low for a good part of our meal, though.

This wasn’t great and wasn’t bad. The wait staff did take a long time inbetween ordering food and getting checks (like 30 min from asking for a box and checks to getting it) average food for a higher price.

Food, drink and service were OK;but in my judgement the facility is totally out of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Only 1 small ramp near the rear handicapped parking area that led to a door permanently marked " NOT AN ENTRANCE" found no other customer entrance and ended up walking up the front steps...not fun. Told the manager about the situation and the poor signage for their handicapped patrons.

This La Fogata location has been around for decades and the food and service are consistently good. Most meals are in the $12-$16 range--drinks and desserts are extra. The food selection is varied as are the margaritas and I have never had a disappointing meal, drink or service experience. I also recommend the empanada desserts if you have room. The outdoor area is comfortable but LaFogata is located on a street that carries during dining hours so you will hear some road noise--but it fits in with the urban ambience as the surrounding vegetation screens the visibility.

Nothing special on the food - it's average and you pay a little above average for it. However, the service is generally good. The real plus is the setting - it's really nice with good outdoor areas plus an indoor area for the winter and if you really want air conditioning. They are also good for functions - the kitchen really has the capacity to pump out the food.

My morning was filled with law depositions and I was drained! The location was easy to get to from The Dominion and access roads. Not easy to come by. The chips and salsa was delicious and fresh! For lunch, I had the pollo loco roasted chicken thighs. They were spiced and cooked in a perfect balance. The Margarita and tequila drinks were worth the balance of everything. It was only lunch time! I liked the guacamole but it needs more pizazz more veggies in it-not so plain. New favorite place!

What an experience. Very authentic in all aspects. The food and menu were amazing. The band does a great job celebrating all the events that are happening.

A friend, and lifelong resident of San Antonio, suggested this place. It was a completely wonderful dinner. The atmosphere was just lovely, could hang out there just for that. The staff was very attentive, and our waiter, Martin, was so entertaining! The food was absolutely AMAZING!!!! We'll be eating here every time we're in San Antonio.

We were told this restaurant was very good, so we went. It was great. Our waiter, Bryan, was so helpfully fantastic. The food was soooo good, and presented nicely. We asked for a different cheese for the enchilada, and got it no problem. Bryan recommended a dish for me and it was wonderful. The ambiance is beautiful, and cheerful. All around so pleasant. Highly recommend.

Everything we ordered was so tasty and good. The margaritas were the best! Loved the tacos and enchiladas. We decided to sit inside. There service was great and they have nice outside seating. Fun place to go!

Visit at least once a month with my best friend. The blue margaritas are the best. We can also just stay and chat without being rushed out.

We dined at La Fogata last Saturday. While we waited for our table we purchased drinks from the bar. They stated they were out of Pinot Grigio so my husband ordered a Chardonnay which was roughly $7.00. We were caked or dinner and sat outside which was lovely. We were printed with menus but no wine list. My husband was pleased to hear they did indeed have pino Grigio and ordered one. The food choices were interesting. Some dishes were not in usually found on most menus. Service was good and we were very pleased with our meals and the atmosphere. However, when the bill came we were shocked to find thatwe were charged $14.00 per glass. We were there quite a long time so three glasses of wine that was in no way outstanding cost $42.00 which is outrageous. Especially considering we had no way knowing the cost before ordering. We spoke with someone who I suppose was the manager who stated that their Pinot Grigio only came in one price level unlike the Chardonnay. He intimated that this was more a fine dining restaurant which somehow justified the price. When we pointed out that we were never received a wine list and were unaware of the price, he could have cared less. We explained that the Chardonnay outside was only $7.00 he insisted that this wine was of high quality which it was not. Had he apologized and taken one off the bill I wouldn’t be writing this review. It is a kid restaurant in a lovely setting but fine dining it’s not. You would not be expected to walk through the kitchen to ge. To the ladies room in a fine dining restauran. I can assure you when we return to San Antonio this restaurant will not be on our list.

Beautiful courtyard and delicious food! The house margarita was delicious and beautiful. We ordered the fajitas and the braised beef tacos. The chicken fajita meat was slightly dry but everything else was perfect. The courtyard was full of little birds and had lovely fountains located in each section. The servers were attentive to us and we were there for less than an hour. We were there at 6:30pm on a Tuesday and there was no wait. They got slightly busy around 7:00pm, but there were still a few open tables.

I love this place. Incredible atmosphere, great food, and great service from Maurilio! I had the award winning margarita and Un poquito de todo. Best meal I’ve had here! Every time I come to SA I have to come here!

For me the first time there; really a nice surprise. This restaurant has great tasting foods, prepared in a thoughtful manner. The Birria (Beef Stew) was really nice; all my colleagues were impressed. Furthermore the service was good, the Mariachi band was a nice touch. I will definitely go back!!!

Wife had chicken fajitas al carbon which was excellent. I had poquito de todo (a little of everything) which was excellent as well. Enjoyed the taco and flauta the best. Large portions, too.

I am in a wheelchair. I went with my niece. The entrance was too narrow for my wheelchair to get through. We were guided to another entry with a glass door by a young girl who had no communication skills. Then guided to another outside entrance where we were rudely greeted by a manger who was unapologetic and seemed to busy to deal with us.We did not stay after told it was going to be a hour wait when it took about 15 minutes to get in. The rude manager let us out without a single word on his part. The manager was rude and very insensitive to my disability. I would not recommend la Fogata to eat or visit because if they treat people like that. The food is not worth it!!

Asked for a table for 3 inside and was quoted 45mts, needless to say over 2 hours later we where seated outside (Other parties where having issues with this too). Now waiting is normal no issue right ? After being seated it took 20mts to be greeted by the waitress and make our order. Now the worst part is after that another table sat adjacent and ordered after us, yet they received their food before us. We waited for over 15 mts and nothing. Is this bad organization and managing ? did someone have an issue with our party ? after this last incident we spent over a total of 3 hours waiting for 1 iced tea. Absolutely disgusted in the practices and relations of this establishment. Pros: They good salsa and chips

Went there for Family Christmas Dinner. The establishment itself was not crowded, however after taking a look at the menu prices, I understand why. We ordered the parriada for two. The meat contents are great, however all the meats were overcooked. No, we didn't send back, but we won't be going there any time soon.

We ate inside due to chill, but last visit we were outside, which is very, very pleasant. The atmosphere is quintessential San Antonio, the service beyond great and the food the best of its style. I cannot get enough of the fajitas - they are the best in town. My wife loves their tortilla soup and excellent margaritas. When we have visitors from out of the area, this is one of our top “go to” places. It is well worth your time and reasonable prices.

We stopped by for some apps and drinks. It was our first time and heard many good things about their margaritas. They were absolutely delicious. Also, me and my lady loved the architecture! It felt like you were in Mexico. The elevated ambiance doesn’t compare to any other Mexican restaurant in San Antonio. Good job guys. We will be back.

Ate here with (and at the recommendation of) relatives that live here in San Antonio. While the spot's atmosphere is nice enough, it's certainly nothing special for a Mexican restaurant. Menu offerings are what you would expect to see in most any "Border" Mexican restaurant. Food preparation, flavor, and quality- average. Portion sizes relatively small. Menu prices relatively high for the quality. This spot seems quite popular with the locals, but I've got to believe there are much better Mexican spots in a city with such a large Mexican-American population. Where are San Antonio spots that serve delicious foods from Mexico's interior regions?!? Pretty disappointing. I wouldn't recommend/return.

Another wonderful visit to La Fogata. The restaurant and grounds are so pretty and the wait staff is great - good recommendations. You best be hungry when you go - the portions are generous. I had the shrimp salad in avacado halves - best ever and the dressing is divine. Shrimp cocktail was great and the Mexican platter could feed a small family. We love this place.

Space feels like mix of a 1950's diner and authentic Mexican food. Great Mole and large patio space to enjoy.

We had an excellent dining experience here. This restaurant is away from the river walk crowd tucked into a neighborhood. Beautiful outdoor patio seating that looks like a little oasis. The chips were fresh and enchilada verdes, beans and rice were delicious. I highly recommend!

Four of us were visiting San Antonio from Canada for a conference. This restaurant came recommended to us from someone at the conference who lived here. Service was great; margaritas were delicious and we all enjoyed our dinner! Highly recommend!

Very disappointing. Our experience began when we decided to choose this location because the other location had an hour long wait. My “frozen” coronarita was frozen by no means whatsoever. And I was given the beer separately when normally it comes with the beer already turned upside down in the glass. I would have done it myself but the glass was too small to accommodate the addition of the beer. My father in law ordered a Michelada and got just a beer. I asked the waiter “Is this as frozen as the margarita gets?” He brought me a new one which was only slightly better and melted quickly and so I ended up having to ask for ice. If I had known this coronarita was going to be $18 I would have sent it back altogether. He brought my father in law a glass of tomato water so he could make his own Michelada. Then the manager came out to tell my mother in law that they were out of the food that she ordered. All of the food was mediocre. When you pay $18-30 for a meal you expect the food to be great if not phenomenal. This was simply not the case. Our entire bill was around $100 not including tip. May have just taken cash and thrown it into the fire. We will not be returning.

From your arrival in the parking lot you realize you are entering true Mexican dining with panache. Their margaritas are known throughout the area and particularly by the locals and in trying one I was not disappointed...fabulous. I tried the sampler plate because I wanted to experience more of their food choices on one plate -- half of it came home with me there was so much food!!! Amazing and delicious and the wait staff took great care of us too!

Having been to San Antonio over a dozen times, I was surprised that I had not been to La Fogata. Having fallen into the trap of frequenting the usual "historic" tourist Mexican restaurants, I failed to follow the golden rule - go where the locals go. After mentioning to my client my plans for my last night in San Antonio, I was quickly schooled on my uniformed understanding of the Mexican culinary hierarchy in the city. Properly educated, I went and had one of the best Mexican meals I have ever had. Simple, well flavored and prepared - the food was fantastic. Additionally, the service was outstanding. Quick, pleasant and comforting. It was a welcome surprise after a long day. The experience was so good, I was almost compelled to apologize to the staff for not getting there sooner. La Fogata - solo vamos.

Ernie was the dude. Get his "twin towers' margaritas that you will never regret. But you cannot drive after 2. This is a San Antonio.... oldie but "jewel" spot to dine at. We went for my birthday and oooh - la-la. True San Antonio experience!! Get the Enchiladas Verde (they made the Southern Living magazine~~!! ) Make this your 1st Mexican restaurant. Then to others. This is the bomb. Great for a family - small group - rowdy friends.

Tasty. Great service, Place is old and has seen lots of additions. So lots of history, have your waiter share! They have an outdoor drink patio and several outdoor eating areas too. Menu was nice, but did not offer much for a non meat eater. Drinks were done well for those who wish to partake! Parking is the down to the location. When they are really busy,that’s the drawback, ,

This is one of our regular stops any time we are in San Antonio. The food, service and atmosphere are always great, and today was no exception. I got the Un Poquito de Todo... and everyone on the plate was exceptional. My wife had the Pezzole which she thoroughly enjoyed. Our daughter and the Shrimp Cocktail. She really enjoyed it. When you come bring your appetite... you’ll need it

Pretty good Mexican food and had a nice time eating outside on the patio. Love San Antonio and the Spanish flavor! You can't go wrong here at La Fogata, they covered all the bases

My wife,son & I went one Saturday for lunch. Nice ambience and no wait. The service was mediocre and the food was OK, but not special. we offer straight of the menu. My wife & son had a margarita and I had a beer. The bill was $71.00. I thought that was pretty high especially when you add 15 % on top of that for a tip!! We won't go back.

This place is terrific! We came here on our first night in town. Driving there, we started to question whether we’d stop (the gps took us on a route that seemed a little run-down and questionable). But suddenly an oasis appeared out of the asphalt! The restaurant is surrounded with lush vegetation and you enter thru a very old wooden door. There is tons of patio seating in a well-lit and comfortable atmosphere. The drinks were outstanding (highly recommend the sangria margarita). I enjoyed the enchiladas verdes and my colleague had tacos. The food was perfect and there was plenty of it. Our waitress didn’t tell us about the larger sizes of margaritas that they have, and when we saw what we later learned were the medium size, our mouths hung open with wonder! Beautifully made drinks for sure! Highly recommend this place and the Mariachi band is very entertaining.

There were 9 persons in our party for lunch. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch. Martin was our server and was very helpful and accurate with our orders. He gave attention to each of our requests and brought our refills promptly. Needless to say, beside the fact that we were all pleased with our meal selection, Martin’s attentiveness to our requests with a smile, made our visit a memorable experience. Thank you Martin👍

This place is known for their margaritas, which are great, but the food is also excellent. Between my husband and I we think we've tried everything on the menu and loved all of it. There is nothing I wouldn't be happy to order again, and when we lived locally this is the place I always took out of town visitors. The atmosphere is phenomenal, and you'll feel like you're on vacation the moment you step into the courtyard from the parking lot. This is not a budget place, but it is SO worth every penny.

OMG…this place is so good! We went here for dinner on the recommendation from a friend in Dallas and he was spot on. Fire roasted salsa was amazing.

I love the patio, is very relaxing ambience, big restaurant, the margaritas are good, I like the shrimps quesadillas, good service.

This is a great little gem hidden in an unexpected place. Once you walk through the gate, you are transported to a Mexican paradise. I had Enchiladas Verdes (once featured in Southern Living) and the rest of the table got the roasted chicken. It was all delicious! Ask them to add a shot of tequila to the guacamole that they make table-side. It makes it extra special. It’s a lively place with mariachis walking through (very loud mariachis) so if you’re looking for a quiet dinner, don’t go here. But if you’re in a festive mood, you will love it.

Loved the atmosphere, very open and well decorated. Our Foodie group of 14 all had a great time and loved everything we ordered. What everyone really loved, were the many varieties of tasty Margaritas--top notch! Service was wonderful and our waiter was very attentive. A little on the pricey side but it is still going to be our new place to bring out-of-town visitors!

The grounds are just fantastic, see the pictures. inside or outside seating. We got there on a Monday at 1.40 for lunch. There were 5 tables of guests. at 1.50 we got our water and struggled to get a drink. The food arrived at 2.15. The waitress was not attentive and the delays were terrible. The margaritas, make up for slow service but they were hard to get and took about 15 minutes each to get. See the pictures. The summer salad was very good. I had the enchiladas campeninas and there were two served a lot of rice,beans and salad. They needed more gravy. its a readers choice spot but to me there are way better fro food. But for the view and margs, its killer. 2 skinny margs, 2 house margs the salad and two enchiladas campeninas ran me 99.00. Pretty pricey.

Ate here for lunch on a Saturday. Not super busy but as we sat throughout meal, it started to fill up quickly. Such a great space with indoor and outdoor seating-cute little courtyard separating the two spaces. Food was delicious and authentic-exactly what I was looking for from Mexican food in Texas. Also, woman came by and took our photo-they gave us one for free and the others were for purchase which was cool. I didn't think the prices were unreasonable either. Overall, happy with my experience and if I lived in the area I would go back for sure.

la Fogata is one of SA's classic Mexican restaurants . The atmosphere is relaxing and charming - the restaurant resembles a hacienda and is vast and spacious. Everything I have ever eaten hear has been great - be it tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, carne guisada, or otherwise. The frozen margaritas are a must as well. La Fogata is great for lunch or dinner. Just come hungry!

What an AWESOME experience! My husband and I went there and had the BEST service by Cesar. Awesome food, we got a picture made, got a free dessert, wow! Can't beat the great food, atmosphere, and superb service.

I have been here servers times starting in the 1980’s and at that time it was the best Mexican restaurant in the country. It is not anymore. The tacos also carbon were average and the empanadas are not the same fluffy kind they just to make. I was disappointed in the food.

Was recommended by a relative who said this was her one of her favorite Mexican restaurants. Now we know why. Food was excellent. Open/covered patio was really nice for late lunch / early dinner.

This is a great Mexican restaurant. The food we had was really tasty and well prepared. The house margaritas were well made! To top it all off there was a live mariachi band performing throughout the restaurant!

Enjoyed food / large portions worth the rate We ordered plate with a little bit of everything. Reasonable priced Dessert was amazing churro Family of 4

Great restaurant. Super fast seating and service. Spicy unique salsa. Classic Mexican dishes and also some unique surprises- like pumpkin blossom quesadillas. Most of the seating is outdoors. There are ceiling fans but it still gets hot. I think the tres leches cake could be improved by not drizzling Hershey’s chocolate syrup on the plate. This cheapened the taste of the dessert to me. Otherwise it was a delicious slab of cake!

The food there is amazing and the atmosphere is wonderful....and the Mariachi Band was good....but pricey. BEWARE!!! the band doesn't accept the gratuity you give them....they have a price per song! They did not tell us prior to asking us if we wanted to hear something. When they finished the song we requested, we handed them a $5 and that is when we were informed that was not enough. Their rate....$15 per song!!! We thought they were kidding, and told them so. Long story short we paid them and later asked our waitress and she apologized and later brought a dessert to our table to make amends. Word to the wise....check your wallet prior to requesting a song. I really don't know any song I want to hear so bad I would pay $15 to hear it.

Ernie put on a show and did a fabulous serving our group of 12. Started with table-side prepared gauc, queso flameado and those margaritas with an extra shot. Main dishes ranged from beef fajitas, pollo loco (plan extra prep time), enchiladas, alambre skewers and tacos al carbon. This place is crazy busy, for a good reason. The food is awesome. And the staff works hard, and with a smile, to orchestrate all the food and drinks being served. They make everyone at your table feel like it’s the only table they are waiting on. This is where you stop reading and go. And ask for Ernie when you arrive.

Food was excellent - and the outdoor seating was really cool. The location isnt very pretty, but when you're under the trees and a beautiful day, its great!

This was a must stop place every time we are in San Antonio. Our first restaurant we visited when we started the UIW experience 4 years ago. Hopefully we just caught them on a bad weekend, but our experience was not good. The food was not the usual quality. My wife's tacos shells were very greasy, had vegetables but no meat. My grandsons food was cold. The cheese was not even melted and my stew was all broth. Our waitress was non-existent. Had to stop her to get service. To the management. I know you are a icon of restraunts in San Antonio, but you are not the only one. Bring back the old La Fogata.

We visited San Antonio last weekend and two separate friends suggested we try La Fogata Mexican Cuisine restaurant. I'm glad we did! Sitting on the patio under the evening breeze and a ceiling fan, the Fresca Margarita was a great way to start the meal. Our server, Marlena, explained the specials and gave recommendations. She was attentive, professional and very personable. The food was terrifc, traditional Mexican cuisine. It was unlike the Tex-Mex that I love in Houston but equally as tasty. If you are in San Antonio for business or the weekend, give La Fogata a try. You will be glad you did.

We’ve been eating here a number of years and it’s always great. Great margaritas and great service. Our waiter Martin tonight was amazing and made our dinner wonderful. If your looking for a great local Mexican food place in San Antonio this is it.

Years ago I drove 5 hours each way just to have lunch here it was that good. It's been a couple of years since we were here and the quality was slipping then and has continued to slid. What was once the best restaurant now appears to be living on their reputation. The food is good, but not as great as it once was. We had the guac, salsa, enchiladas mole, Chile en nogada, fried squash blossom and tres leches. The Chile seems to have fallen the most. The serving size was meager and the sauce scarce. No rice either, which my memory has it being served with it but my wife may have donated hers as she did today. The mole was still very good and was probably the best item of the meal.

I had the enchiladas and they were great! The atmosphere is very unique and perfect for the location!

I have been going to La Fogata for more than 40 years.....starting back when I lived in SA in 1981. The original joint was small and cozy, but it has since expanded. If those tacos were around in 1836, the battle of the Alamo would have been fought on Vance Jackson Street. The queso flameado cannot be equaled....I tried to marry the chef in 1981 but she chose some NBA superstar. If you want Tex Mex, go here, visit the parrot, listen to the live music and enjoy a tiny bit of heaven.

Went to meet friends for drinks. It started raining before our entire party arrived. The staff made sure we had adequate table and rolled down rain shades by our table. The twin tower margaritas are amazing. All off the food is delicious. Great place to visit for special occasion with friends or family. Victor our waiter was funny and attentive. Thank you.

We had the place to ourselves for a dinner for over 125 people. Service was slow. place was loud. Food was mediocre. AC wasn’t working well either.

Took. Y out of town family and enjourped margaritas and chalupa, enchiladas, fajitas, and chili rellanos. All so good and the patio was great. We will be back

The service was prompt and the tortilla chips and salsa great but I ordered all vegetarian -only two items. We were on the patio and it was dark and I ate two large bites of the supposedly cheese enchilada only to find out it was cut up chicken. I was so disappointed as the server repeated my order and asked if I was vegetarian. Because I had not eaten meat in over 34 years I got somewhat sick to my stomach and let’s just say it didn’t set well for a full day. She took it off the bill, but it was highly disappointing. The drinks were wonderful and the patio was delightful and my vegetarian taco I asked for also did not come with avacodos that I had asked for as well. We were however charged for them and after she walked away from the table and I saw the $3.50 charge for guacamole that she charged I was irritated but just paid it anyway at that point. They need to pay better in the kitchen when reading the tickets.

I recently visited the Vance Jackson location. Food was great, the patio was romantic and there Pina Coladas rocked my date! She loved them! I wish I knew what they use.

Very good Mexican food (not Tex Mex). The queso fundido and table side guacamole were excellent. I had the Chile en Nogada, which is very hard to find. The chicken enchiladas verdes was also very good. I’ll eat here again!

The food, atmosphere (outside) and service were all very good. We had some vegetarians in our party. There were only two vegetarian items on the back of the menu. Other items that sounded meat free in their description had some meat flavoring (e.g. Tacos). Dos leches cheesecake was heavenly.

If you know the difference between Mexican and Tex-Mex food, you are in the minority. La Fogata is much more Mexican than Tex-Mex. Tex-Mex is based upon Mexican but like Spanish, Tex-Mex has change from its roots for old Mexico. Both can be excellent but they are not the same. I recommend the "flaming cheese dish" for an appetizer, and get the dish that translates to "a little bit of everything" as your main course but be hungry because it is so big, it comes on two plates. The Margaritas are by far some of the best in San Antonio. The menu has changed over the 30 years that I have been going to this restaurant, and is not quite as good as the original recipes. If the weather is good enough, sit outside and check out the photos of all the celebs that have been to La Fogata. This restaurant is a little expensive so we usually go on special occasions.

I always like to come here when in SA. Great patio and atmosphere. Had the steak and shrimp fajitas with a sangria margarita. This is just a fun place and good food.

We loved this, authentic Mexican. Our waitress was not real fluent in English and we struggled with there. There was a mix up but nothing real bad, we did ask a near by waiter to assist and he did. for us the bad part was we were unable to stay longer, we had an event to go to and lost time having to go back for something.

How many good places do I drive by to get here? I have friends who love this place and always invite us. It's not that it is that bad but it is really nothing special. The one issue I have is that they just don't seem welcoming. It is like a big touristy place trying to cram people in and then hurry you along so they can turn the table. Note that the food is more authentic Mexican than TexMex - which is fine. The food cab vary from average to delicious depending on what you order and the way the wind is blowing. Overall, I think the food is good here. The service not so much and it is expensive. You are likely to enjoy this place, but not as much as one of the many other places in town.

Locals all know about La Fogata. It’s somewhat off the beaten path but worth the trip. Great bar and patio if you have good weather for eating outdoors. We were inside this weekend. They made me an excellent top shelf margarita. I had a platter with several selections. Great when when I can’t decide what I want. Finished off a date night with my husband after a movie.

I have always loved to visit this restaurant when in San Antonio because if the atmosphere and food. I really hate to say it, but they have lost their touch. The service was not good at all as our waitress didn’t check on us very often. The food has declined to Tex Mex that you can get at most similar restaurants for less money. I hope they realize they have declined and are willing to improve because i hate to visit San Antonio and leave a trip to their place off my itinerary.

Great food, fun atmosphere! Enjoy the best tacos nortenas while being serenaded by mariachis and sipping on a yummy margarita! Definitely returning.

Almost a weekly spot for us- we love La Fogata! We take friends and family in town for the great Mexican food and they always enjoy it. When the weather is nice the patio is a fun spot to sit. The ambiance and decor gives a trueness hacienda feel to it and at times you have to remind yourself you are not actually in Mexico. Owners and management are visibily seen walking around the dining rooms and checking on tables- who even knew reatuarant owners Took the time to do that anymore???? I recommend La Fogata to anyone visiting San Antonio looking for us a good spot. Us local residents will have great pleasure of enjoying it as much as we like !!! (Unfortunately I don’t habe any photos but will add some next time we go!)

For years this was my go to restaurant while in town if I wanted good Mexican food dining in a patio garden and a 1st class margarita. On this visit I was very disappointed. Flies were out of control; made enjoying our meal difficult. Margaritas tasted watered down; not very strong. Place has lost its attraction to me. There are better.

Was in town on business and had not been here in years. The atmosphere and staff are tremendous. The food quality and quantity is still great. Definitely worth stopping by if you are in San Antonio.

Not good at all. Service was poor, it took 10 minutes to be served. Then the staff seemed very confused over how to service the tables. The food was among the worst mexican i have had. Tasteless.

This is an awesome Mexican restaurant! It is like a small neighborhood it is big. You can it outside near fire pits and heaters if needed or in many areas inside. There seems to be a million places in San Antonio for Mexican food. This is the place to choose for great Mexican food! Everything was perfect from the restaurant itself to the staff to the food! What a place!

I ordered a vegetarian option for a menu item. I said vegetarian option three times. It was for pick-up. When I got home it was the meat option. When I called the restaurant to let them know they really didn't care. I wrote a letter to the owner and apparently, he doesn't care either.

My family and I were on our way back home from our little escape to San Antonio, Texas but were fixing to go eat at IHOP when I spotted this very beautiful Mexican restaurant with a large patio and beautiful lush greenery. I suggested that since we had never eaten there, and the place looked so nice, why not give it a try? Upon arriving at the entrance, we were not greeted by anyone. Once we did approach someone to ask for help, the help was almost unhappy to see us, even though we had just arrived. One of my children noticed the terrible service right from the minute we got to La Fogata and suggested we forget about eating there and just go to IHOP like we had planned... In hindsight, I sincerely wish I would have accepted his suggestion. I would would have avoided us the most terrible meals, drinks and service we had experienced, perhaps ever in any restaurant. Not to mention the exorbitant cost of such a pathetic experience! After we paid for our meal and left our meals basically uneaten, we felt a terrible sense of disappointment and we felt utterly robbed of our time and money. The one single good thing I can say about La Fogata is that the chips and salsa were good,... but not good enough to make up for everything else wrong with La Fogata. Nothing makes up for such ineptitude in customer service and for lacking the ability or desire to provide a decent meal to a paying customer. First impressions are defining impressions! I already apologized to my family for accidentally dragging them into such an unfortunate experience, but I did promise them this... we are never going to mention that restaurant again and when we visit San Antonio in the future, if we drive past this place we are going to look the other way. As a last insult to intelligence and to the tradition and values of the Mexican culinary arts and history, this restaurant has the audacity to claim itself a restaurant of "Mexican Cuisine". Myself, being a native of Mexico City, knowing what true Mexican cuisine really is and should be, I simply do not accept their self appointed title as a restaurant of "Mexican Cuisine". Those who believe that La Fogata really represents what they claim, are simply unaware or misinformed. I would recommend this restaurant be avoided. There are plenty better options for Mexican food in San Antonio that will give you an actual cuisine experience and will not charge you only for the advertised words on their sign

We wondered why this restaurant was nearly empty, even at lunchtime. It's because the food and the service leave much to be desired. First, several of the utensils had food on them from someone else's meal. Also, there is nothing on the table - you have to request butter, salt, pepper, and sugar. And, it's not real butter, either. The tacos tasted like they had been fried in old oil. Overall, very disappointing.

I have been going here and loving it as an all time favorite since the mid-eighties. It’s in an inner city low income area, but has always been an authentic feeling oasis. We drove 45 minutes to enjoy it on a special night out and left disappointed for the first time ever. We sat on the enclosed for winter patio which is normally comfortable with heaters. The heater in our section was buzzing so loudly it was difficult to talk over and was literally giving me a headache. Our waitress kindly turned it off, but then it was chilly. She barely spoke enough English to function, but we managed and she tried really hard to please. Our margaritas were good and pretty, but expensive—mostly ice at 4/$50. Our meal took forever to come out and was disappointing. I ordered the always good Poquito de Todo and felt it was a decent value. My companion made the mistake of ordering the Tampiquena. Priced at $26, it should be a feast. He got a third of the food my $16 plate had. One skewer with two small shrimp, two bites of beef, some vegetables and a small beans and rice. When he inquired if they were running out of food in the kitchen they brought him a supplementary fajita meat side. That helped quell his hunger, but sadly WE WERE CHARGED FOR THAT adding another $6 to the overpriced plate! We were comped a tres leche dessert, which was nice, but gave us both horrid indigestion the rest of the night and really tasted like milk-sopped white cake with white icing from the supermarket. I’m sad that this place is going the way of so many independent restaurants: Down hill. It’s always been a treat, but it’s crossing the line from earthy and authentic with outstanding service into overpriced with a falling apart physical plant. Please bring back the charm and good food for a reasonable price and we’ll make the journey again and again!

My husband and I met another couple there and enjoyed a wonderful dinner on their patio. My husband is very particular about margaritas but he loved their margaritas. We shared a fajita plate, which was excellent. We will be back. I highly recommend this restaurant.

Bit disappointed! Was taken here for Mother's Day and they had a VERY limited menu! The food and drinks were ok but the ambiance is great! Too bad it was triple digit temps today so couldn't enjoy the outdoors today!

Went for my daughters birthday dinner. They have a nice atmosphere and a different feel that is hard to explain. Very pleasant. Food is average, but prices are about double a good Mexican restaurant. My daughter asked if she could get a shrimp appetizer. They said they had a skewer. Turns out the skewer, which is not on the menu is $26 for five shrimp. We complained, and the manager was not sympathetic. Basically the restaurant is popular and we got the message that they don't need our business. We will comply with their wishes. Restaurant is owned by the Silo group. We eat there quite often and only had one complaint ever there, but it to was not resolved. I'm going to have to rethink my thoughts on Silo also, as the management seems to not really care about customer service in general.

I’m fairly new to San Antonio (from Atlanta) so I’ve been asking around for good places to eat. Someone recommended La Fogata. I always check Trip Advisor first and saw the great reviews, so my husband and I made the drive over. We were seated and waited about 5-10 minutes before our server came over. Ordered the $10 queso dip, expecting a generous portion for the price, and were shocked to find it was a small, shallow bowl. We both found that we waited a while for our empty sodas to be refilled, which was frustrating and our server was difficult to find or flag down. We both ordered the tacos norteños, which came recommended by reviews. At $16 a plate, we expected more food. The portions were sized for a children’s meal. One small scoop of rice, a tiny cup of beans, and 2 small tacos. The food was all very bland and underwhelming. The tacos were incredibly greasy and left a puddle on my plate. My husband’s face looked like his soul was dying as he ate the food. I just can’t believe this restaurant is so well reviewed. It was one of the most disappointing meals we’ve had since we moved here. Way too expensive for mediocre food, pathetic portions, and inattentive service. Don’t waste your money.

We stopped at La Fogata restaurant for lunch. The food was delicious and the staff was very accommodating. We will definitely return on a cooler day to sit on the lovely patio.

This is the best Mexican food we had while in San Antonio. The server was awesome and friendly. Margaritas are good but not great. I couldn’t tell the difference between the “natural” margarita for $2 more but both were good. This is a huge restaurant so it was easy to get a seat. Will definitely go back here!

Excellent mole! Excellent chips and salsa! HUGE children's portions! I don't generally like refried beans, but these were quite good. Would skip the cheese and chorizo app however---cheese hardens quickly and its hard to eat.

Waited two hours. Never got food. No one cared or tried to remedy the problem. I tried to find a manager to fix the problem but everyone ignored us. Here on vacation. Unfortunate that we waited two hours and only got chips and salsa that was not that great. Everyone around us got their food. Never will go back.

Top shelf margarita pitcher = $60. Our small margarita glasses were beautifully garnished with orchids. The birthday man got a nice slice of flan and birthday song. My fish and vegetables and rice were good, but maybe smaller servings than I expected. My cousins tamales, wrapped in banana leaves, were served a la carte, even though my cousin thought he had ordered the meal. Everybody at our table was mostly satisfied. The margaritas and lovely environment are the biggest incentive to return.

At first sight this place has a very nice patio, I'm sure at night it's a great place to enjoy a drink. We stopped by at lunch time and were surprised it was quite empty. The interior is disappointing after seeing the patio but it was too hot to eat outside. The menu is quite extensive with a great selection it was hard to choose so we had the waiter give us his recommendations. I had the Arrachera a Enchiladas, my wife the Tacos Nortenos and my daughter the Flautas. I know the restaurant says Mexican but aside from the beans and rice the main courses have a different influence. The sauce on the enchiladas was made with Poblano sauce and was very good but lacked heat (SA people seem to fear heat) however it was very tasty. My wife's tacos were made with shredded beef and had asadero cheese which made for a very good combination. The flautas were very simple but the meat had great flavor and the crispness was just on point. We chose not to try the margaritas but they looked very tempting especially with that San Antonio humidity. I enjoyed talking to the waiter and he gave me an idea as to why it's not really "Mexican" food, most of the staff is from various South American countries including the cooks. So you have a good mix of Southern American influence in the way the cook. I would recommend this place for sure.

Loved the ambiance & the outdoor seating. Our server friendly & attentive. Some intriguing menu options. Service was quick. & that's where the pleasantries stopped. Nothing authetic about this food, except the names. Margarita on the rocks more of a spritzer. Nothing "homemade", per se. Store bought tortillas, chips, etc. Chicken in flauta flavorless & dry. My "chicken mole" was nothing close. I'd say it closely resembled a pre-cooked Tyson grilled chicken breast (& a dry, overcooked one at that ☹️) w/jarred Doña Maria mole sauce poured over it & then sprinkled w/sesame seeds, but then I'd offend the makers of Doña Maria. There's is much better. Nothing about this dish was indicative of the deliciousness of a well-made mole: chicken w/bones & a complex sauce that's been given hours to simmer & have flavors meld. So guess I'll be digging up my grandma's recipe soon! Charro beans were the best thing on my plate, & those were undercooked. Needless to say, won't be repeating this experience. If you're looking for good, actual Mexican food, I suggest you keep driving. San Antonio has some excellent Mexican food, but this was not it.

This place is huge, they just keep adding on so it now occupies a full city block. The outside areas with fountains are delightful dining sites in good weather. Service is quick and friendly. There is a wandering band but they are not obstrusive. Decent wine but the margaritas are far more popular. The flour tortillas and flan are made in house. The salsa has bite and very tasty. Shrimp quesadilla is a good choice.

La Fogata is a must place to eat. You will not be disapppointed! Not tex mex, but northern mexico if I remember correctly. White cheese, etc. My favorite meal is Un Poquito de Todo! Yum!

Our friends invited us to join them for dinner to celebrate some out of town guests during fiesta. Our server was patient and attentive. The Margaritas were delicious. One is sufficient for unwinding. The food was good. However, it lacked enough flavor. The restaurant is beautiful and the patio is popular with the locals. Beautiful plants throughout give one the sense of being in a foreign climes.

In addition to wonderful Mexican fare, our waiter, Martin (pronounced Martine’) was so helpful and enjoyable to visit with. Easy to determine that this job is not his first rodeo!

TERRIBLE!!! Do not go! Watered down "nothing" margarita. Food was bland and oily. Felt like the plate was just heated up by the microwave. NEVER AGAIN!! This was the Dominion location.

Came here with a large group. We were seated outside and the atmosphere was great. I do not think you could be seated at a bad table. The wait staff was wonderful, gave us suggestions on what to order when we asked. I must be honest, I do not remember what I ate but I do remember the great margarita I had. I would come here again with out of town guest.

Had a business lunch here, the Al Pastor Tacos were the best I have had. All food served at the table was commented on as flavorful and very good! This along with the Excellent Service and Atmosphere makes this a 5 star location for me.

This is perhaps my favorite restaurant in the world! I first started coming here in the late 1970s, when the owners transformed a little gas station into a small restaurant and patio. I've moved to Austin, and just went back here today for the first time in several years. The smoked green sauce served with tortilla chips as an "automatic appetizer" is the best sauce I've ever tasted, and I've gone in search of the best I could find. This is it! The margarita, garnished with a little orchid, was extremely drinkable on a hot, humid day. I had the chili relleno and my son had chicken mole enchiladas. Both were fantastic! The place is full of flowers and plants, fountains, and beautiful grounds. A beautiful, festive place. In the old days they used to have live parrots, but alas, no more. This restaurant has been here more than 50 years, and there's a reason they are still in business! They are a treasure! This is a wonderful restaurant with great food and great service. Plenty of beautiful patio dining and air-conditioned indoor seating . Please, please build one in Austin with all the same recipes and ambiance!

This place. Fresh everything. No corner-cutting here. From the freshly-julienned peppers in the marinades to the hand crafted margaritas. And the frijoles... Wow. Nothing like them anywhere have I had them. Not fried, but whole. Not canned, but fresh - with fresh white onion and fresh cilantro... I could just drink the broth. I had Tampiqueno and Shrimp and the blend of spice and zing... No acid, but you can tell they worked hard at perfecting this balance. And the Perfect Margarita? Glad I'm only a mile from my hotel. But that's not the best part... All the FLAVORS!! And most of the tables are outside. I feel like I've been to the sunniest beach of Mexico! And I've never even BEEN to Mexico! This is a can't-miss, y'all!!

I had lunch here for the first time with a friend. We were seated promptly, but at a table that wobbled, which was a bit annoying. Server was also prompt, friendly and polite, and food was served quickly. However, the food left something to be desired. My friend ordered the Tacos Huerfanitos and didn't finish them because the taco shells were extremely greasy. I ordered the 3 Flautas and Chicken Soup. The chicken soup tasted like garlic soup. I took one spoonful, but couldn't eat it, the garlic was so overpowering. The Mexican rice also had a lot of garlic in it. The flautas were crisp and tasty, which was good. If the chef would cut way back on the grease and the garlic, the dishes would be much better. I would probably visit again and try other dishes. Restaurant looked clean. The women's restroom was also very clean.

I was so excited to experience La Fogata after several recommendations for our trip to San Antonio! We drove quite a ways from the Riverwalk to experience this and it was a huge let down—to say the least! The margarita and the environment are all I can say were good. We waited well over 15 minutes for our drinks and were 1 of 2 tables in all of the outdoor area. I ordered the Enchiladas Campesinas and they were supposed to be steak with cebollas al carbon. There was only meat and just lacked any distinct flavor at all. The rice had an almost rancid taste and the refried beans were so watered down I didn’t even bother. The food left such a strange taste in my mouth I didn’t want to eat the rest of the day! My husband had the chicken nachos and they truly looked like the cheese had been sitting on them for hours. Typically I only share great reviews from our trips, but I felt this experience was so far from what I expected and read other reviews about that I owed it to the next person who relies on TripAdvisor reviews to help plan their trips (like I do) to have a recent “other side” review.

We found this restaurant after trying to fight the downtown San Antonio nightmare that is Fiesta. This little out of the way restaurant is very nice, with wonderful trees and flowers on the patio. The salsa is about the best I've tasted. The house margaritas were pretty strong. I had the Grilled Poblano with Chicken, which was an excellent meal. My husband had the Allambre which I stole a few bites of, and it was really flavorful. The only issue is that we waited 15 minutes at our table before someone asked if we were being helped, then another 30 minutes on our food (although I could tell it was really fresh, so no problem there), then another 30 minutes on our check. I'm not sure if it was because it was Fiesta and they were very crowded (an hour and twenty minute wait on a Saturday night), but they definitely needed more wait staff. However, it was a beautiful evening, we listened to the mariachis and enjoyed an all-in-all great meal.

My wife and I have been coming to this restaurant on and off for about 35 years. We do not live nearby, but if we are even close we will stop in. The food is very authentic and the service and atmosphere is awesome. It's the best Mexican restaurant we have ever been to. This last time we stopped in with some good friends and everything was outstanding. If you are in the area make a point to enjoy the food and the service at a great value.

Our tradition is to pick up our son on Dec 23rd and head to LaFogata for some good Mexican food! Our son left SA 10 years ago so he looks forward to this coming home ritual. The wait was 1 hour 20 minutes. Hmmmm.....Ok so it was busy because of the holiday---we will have a margarita and chit chat even though it was late and our son wanted to get home. Then I noticed that there was an entire room in the patio area of empty tables. I asked the hostess if the tables were reserved for a Xmas party? She said no. Then why if there are that many empty tables are we sitting out in the cold for over an hour for a table? "Because we are short handed tonight". WHAT?? The night before XMAS eve and you dont have wait staff? Poor planning on LaFogata's behalf. There were no apologies, no attempt to get us in quickly---no free offer of a drink while waiting--nothing. Guess what--our holiday tradition will be changed next year. We are used to waiting at LaFogata but this particular night, we were tired, hungry and did not appreciate the "too bad" attitude. We will change our Xmas airport pick-up/dinner routine next year and find a new restaurant. It was hard to "wait" when there was an entire patio room full of empty tables. I am sure it is hard to get staff at Xmas--pay the money LaFogata because it costing you money in lost customers. There are plenty of other great Mexican restaurants that do not require a 1+ hour wait for a table. I am sad at the end of our 20+ year family tradition.......

La Fogata is a long-time favorite since the late '70's because the food is always excellent. Unique! Not your usual greasy Tex-Mex. Sunday lunch was very disappointing though. Our waiter, L, couldn't understand that I wanted to leave the chicken off the Picadas Veracruzanas. Finally I just ordered something else. But most annoying was the loud (recorded, not live) music, blaring trumpets, screeching voices. Could hardly hold a conversation. Okay for a Saturday night party, but not Sunday lunch.

I have been coming here for the 30 years and something happened recently this place has certainly changed. The service was very slow and the food was not very good. The floor of I said the table over I surprised with the quality of the food. I am dissppointed.

Local guy told us La Fogota was the best authentic Mexican in San Antonio. It was delicious! The atmosphere was charmingly relaxed with outdoor patios, lush plants, and fountains. The staff was friendly and helpful. I will definitely come back on future trips to town.

My family tried this place for the first time this week and it was just as great as everyone had told us! Martin was our waiter, and he was the best! The margaritas are amazing, the queso was some of the best I’ve had, and the enchiladas were delicious!

The service was attentive but the food was not great. The ‘giant’ shrimp were tiny, peeled and from a packet, the carne was dry and tough. We’ve tried it twice, time to move on.

We went to LaFogata on a Saturday night to get out of downtown during Fiesta. Being from rural East Texas we forget that folks eat later in the city and culture that is San Antonio. We got to the restaurant at 10 and it was still hopping. The atmosphere is good and on a nice evening sitting outside is a treat. We ordered 3 plates of beef fajitas and an order of cheese nachos. The fajitas were good but somewhat under seasoned and could have used a few more minutes on the grill. The sides of rice, beans, guacamole were really skimpy and again they were under seasoned. Being from East Texas we were surprised that our local Mexican restaurants serve spicier dishes. The nachos were ...well cheese on corn tortilla chips, just as ordered. There was no wait, the service was good, and overall the meal and atmosphere was enjoyable. It was better than the famous restaurants located in the Mercado (you know who they are). But again, the food could be seasoned better and the prices...that's something you'll have to decide about.

I am very surprised this restaurant isn’t rated higher- possibly bc it’s not close to downtown or on the river walk. The food is as authentic as you can get and so is the atmosphere. Be advised most of the seating is outside- which is where you want to be. If you are not comfortable in the dry Texas heat, you’ll probably want a seat inside- and seating is limited. Delicious, large margaritas- strong and not too sweet. Food is outstanding and the portions are extremely generous. Our waitress was extremely nice and picked our dishes for us- and we were very satisfied with her choices. 10/10 will come back. I wish I had known about this place sooner!

I visited this establishment many years ago and remember it being an excellent experience. This visit left a little to be desired. Parking is terrible. Service was average. Food was good. Price was ok for the amount of food you receive.

I enjoyed lunch here twice last month after seeing a TV special spotlighting this hidden jewel. The atmosphere takes you away for a delightful escape. The food was excellent and my margarita was by far the best I have ever had.

My wife and I had another wonderful lunch at La Fogata Mexican Cuisine. Don’t ask about our favorite because it’s all good. Freshly prepared, consistent taste, and great service. Oh yeah, they serve the best margaritas in town!

We had a party of 12 and it was the worst service I’ve experienced in a long time. Food came out wrong, and the wait staff was completely clueless. The manager wasn’t any better. Too bad as this used to be a good place. Find somewhere else to go while in San Antonio.

We used to go here a lot when I was assigned in San Antonio with the Air Force but haven't been back for 11 years since I retired. It is just the same as I remembered it and just as good as it ever was. It is one of the best Mexican restaurants in San Antonio. The place definitely brought back some good memories for us and the food is still awesome. The staff is friendly and attentive we will continue going back whenever we're in town.

I love La Fogata!! I love the food, the atmosphere, dining on the patio, the entire experience! A great wait staff and an extensive menu, too.

Meeting an old co-worker there for dinner, I found this restaurant very exciting and colorful. Jose, our server was very friendly and helpful. The margaritas were tasty. The chips and salsa were plentiful as we remisced. I had Birria ( Beef Stew - Jalisco Style ). Servings of Chile Relleno, Carnitas, and Camarones Enchilados (Spicy Shrimp) were also selected. All the food was delicious !! Looking forward to my next visit.

We had dinner at La Fogata Dominion. They offer indoor and outdoor seating. The dining area is clean, bright and well ventilated. House margaritas were well made. Chips were fresh, crisp and not greasy. Quest flameado, Un Poquito de Todo (a little bit of everything) and Chile Relleno were delicious. Foods were well seasoned but not salty. Service was friendly, attentive and efficient. Wait staff greeted us as soon as we sat down. She checked on us throughout dinner. She made sure we were good with beverages and refilled our water glasses. A great place to relax and enjoy a meal.

I loved the outdoor cantina-style seating. I felt outside yet I was out of the elements. The flaming cheese dish was delicious and entertaining. The flour tortillas could have come out with the flaming cheese. It was a great experience nonetheless. Highly recommended!!!

We heard good things about the restaurant and food, but when all our party showed up, we were told the menu was limited to 3 items to pick from since it was a large group. So we couldn't order what we literally went for. So we pick out of the only 3 plates that came with an appetizer, the entre and the desert and drink....we never got our drink or the desert after numerous times asking the waiter. Let's not mention it took over an hour to get our food. Very disappointed and embarrassed for the way the service was given.

Visited La Fogata after being away from San Antonio for 10 years, still very good. No wait for 2 on a Friday night. Best Margarita we’ve had all week in town. Spilt Chicken and Pastor tacos, plenty for both of us. Topped it off with Sopapilla with Carmel and Honey topping. Worth the drive there.

We’ve enjoyed coming to La Fogata for decades and as the saying goes, “all good things must come to an end”. From beginning to end, our meal was absolutely horrible. Let’s recount the tragedies: 1. The chips were stale and tortillas undercooked. 2. The pozole was flavorless and undercooked. 3. The Chile Poblana Al Carbon was mediocre at best; the stuffing was barely warm. 4. The flan (which the waiter “raved” about) was old (a few days at least). 5. The tres leches cake is not a tres leches cake at all; it’s a yellow cake with whipped cream on top. We would have had a better meal at Taco Bell! Sad that an old favorite has fallen so far.

Hi, my name is Erin and I'm an addict- for their chips and salsa. It's one of my favorite guilty pleasures. I actually started ordering a pint to go because I felt like such a jerk eating so much at the table. Their food is delicious and authentic. Always quick service and consistent food. Guac is on point and the refried beans and rice are so yummy. I am a huge fan of their skirt steak and chilies relleno.

A local colleague took me here after my request for some authentic Mexican. I ordered the crispy tacos, southern boy in me, but the appetizer of cheese and tortillas that was heated with burning 151 Bacardi rum was awesome. The tacos were best I have had in years. The Mexican coke ( it has brown sugar) taste better than US coke. Cannot wait to come back.

Juanita and Evonne did a great job serving us. The food was awesome. Highly recommend the queso flameado and guacamole for appetizers. I had the steak and shrimp. Delicious. Everyone enjoyed their meal and cocktails. Definitely want to try when you are in San Antonio.

This long time San Antonio institution has a great reputation for a reason--it is great. From the service to the the atmospher and then great Tex-Mex food. The food was fresh. Even the price is reasonable. I did not sample them, but they are also famous for their margaritas.

Thanks for another evening of great food, great memories, and great music. Our family of 10 thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Service was wonderful, and the professional photos were the icing on the cake.

I had eaten here many years ago at the recommendations of a friend. Remembering it as good food we went again on this trip to San Antonio. The food was excellent as was the service. House margaritas were exceptionally good. Highly recomend.

We just moved to San Antonio and this was the first place we tried! It came highly recommended by a friend of ours! My husband had the fajitas and I had the verde enchiladas! Very good! The salsa is more of a fire roasted salsa instead of you normal salsa, pretty spicy but good. I also had their award winning margarita and it was amazing! I loved the atmosphere, they had fountains scattered throughout and it was a very enjoyable experience!

The service was very good. The food tasted a little plain to me...I'd rather a little more spice. You definitely get your moneys worth though.

This place is a really good place for a meal, many selections to choose from. Great atmosphere and great service. The food is is excellent and the salsa is outstanding, a must place for a couple or friends.

First time here while visiting the area. Recommended by hotel staff. Arrived on a Sunday at 5pm and was seated promptly on shaded patio with some fans going, was very warm day. Lots of little birds wanting crumbs, but not bothering anyone. Food was very good. Server was attentive and friendly, but was struggling bit as it got busier. Flies were the main issue once the food arrived. Ate faster than normal lol. Left an hour later and there were so many people waiting. So my recommendation is to get there before 5pm!

I cannot begin to tell you how horrified I was when I saw chips being carried in filthy containers that they use to bus tables. The tubs were on top of one another with the filthy bottom of one tub touching the chips. They were not sealed with wrap or anything and carted from one end to the other. We had already been seated and eaten, almost 2 hours after we listed our name for a table indoors, when I saw how they stored their chips. The waiter was horrible, rude and arrogant. He would not go around and leave the plate at the table he handed it to the individuals which burned my friend. After, I made mention to him to walk around, he left and the other waiter tended to us. Horrible, place, overpriced food, and dinks, loud, terrible service, and NO ONE speaks ENGLISH!I All of us said that we would NEVER return to that place!

Third time in 3 years I've been back and the food is just as good as the first time. Best steak fajitas in the U.S., and the margaritas are very smooth. Will return again!

La Fogota never disappoints. We drove out of our way on a trip to Houston just to eat at La Fogota. Delicious and at a fair price. Wait staff was on top of it. Will always go back to La Fogota!

My second time vising San Antonia, and needed to come back. Both times I ordered the beef fajitas, which are probably the best I've had. Lots of very tender and nicely seasoned beef. Great tortillas, good margaritas. This particular visit we were "outside", which was a bit cool, but service was fast and we didn't have to wait for a table on a Friday night.

We ended up picking this place on a Friday night because it was near our hotel. We drove in from Arizona that day to attend my son’s father’s funeral on Saturday. It also happened to be my son’s b-day that same day. It was late around 9:30pm or later. The food was delicious and the restaurant is decorated nicely. We missed the Mariachis due to the time. Our server was so kind. I wish I would have remembered her name. When she asked if were in town do anything special, we explained the circumstances. She was very attentive and never made us feel rushed or anything. It was nice evening and her kindness made a difference in our day.