A friend who's familiar with Princeton brought a group of us here for dinner on Saturday night. They have a special liquor license that allows them to sell full bottles of wine but not glasses of it and no beer. They do allow you to bring your own beverages. The space, ambiance and staff were all pleasant but the food left a lot to be desired. Strangely, it didn't taste like Mexican food. I suspect that the owners and or/chef are not Hispanic and have intentions of serving "healthy" Mexican food. I don't live in the area but if I ever come back, I will certainly eat elsewhere for dinner.
Finally had a chance to dine here again after moving around for a while and an extended stay out of state. This was a regular spot to dine when I lived in town and in the area. Same as I remember it. The food is always consistent and good. Note to other Princeton restaurants: consistency is key. Lots of places come and go in this town, they start out one way and then go downhill very fast, while blaming the customer. Absentee owners and poor management are to blame for that lack of consistency and long term vision. They all go for the same gimmicks instead of staying consistent and being an active part of the community like this place has been for many years.I went through the many recent reviews for this restaurant before writing my own. I noticed a pattern of a few people complaining about the "service". If you have had any interaction and experience with the hospitality and dining industries in the Princeton area, you will find that the locals have a certain "reputation". I have had nothing but good experiences at Tortuga's over many years of dining here on and off. Jennifer and her staff are always warm and welcoming, even when absurdly busy at times. Whether I have dined here as a couple, with extended family or alone like tonight, it has always been the same experience and accommodating. If you act like a human being, are friendly and understanding of a busy staff during peak times, aren't uptight and tip well, expect to be treated the same way This is something this area needs to learn and I see things haven't changed much over the years. I had hope for humanity during the pandemic but I feel people have gotten worse in many ways.I haven't dined here in quite a while for the reasons I mentioned earlier (being away) and was welcomed back warmly. That stands out to me as it was not expected.I also see several reviews questioning the "authenticity" of the cuisine here. Some hilariously recommend that people go instead to certain "chain" "Mexican" restaurants in the area. Really? These are the same people who will bring a six pack of Corona or some grocery store margarita mix into a BYOB place like this and think they themselves are being "authentic" and expect special treatment on top of it. Get over yourselves and maybe untuck that polo shirt from those ridiculous khakis. Those are the typical Princeton area reviews that give the area a certain notoriety that isn't flattering. Kudos to the staff for having to deal with it.This is a unique place that's been here for years. Maybe it's not 100% authentic. But if you are down to earth, want to get away from the tourist traps of the Nassau St/Witherspoon areas downtown and want something a bit different, eat here.
Unfortunately the chips they gave at the beginning was the best part. I got the Supremas Vegetarian which came with a small side of beans and rice. The rice was good but the rest was ehhh. I also tried the Sante Fe Burrito which was also mediocre. Staff was friendly and restaurant was cute.
Fantastic place. Though not authentic Mexican, but I loved the food. We ordered enchiladas, cat fish and burrito. Heavenly food!
Great cozy BYOB place! Food and staff were amazing. Chicken noodle soup was the absolute best! A must try!
Food was good. Would probably give it a 2nd try to see if the service and experience was better than this time. Slow. Inattentive. Language barrier. All made it difficult to enjoy the experience.
Had high hopes for the California Burrito but sad to say it didn't live up to the expectation. The presentation is very poor and the chicken is extremely dry. Chips and salsa are great but one can't expect to get full off of that. Threw both burritos out after tasting the first one. #waste
Good Mexican food ! Somewhat small portions but super tasty. Has really good guac. You can’t go wrong the steak enchilada
Amazing fresh food, really delicious. Great staff.
Is this the only Mexican restaurant in town that was actually opened by a Mexican family? Great food, great staff, great ambience = great memories made.