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Jalisco's Cantina – Authentic Mexican Flavors & Warm Hospitality in Milwaukee

Jalisco's Cantina in Milwaukee offers an authentic Mexican dining experience that shines with bold flavors and generous portions. Known for favorites like Quesabirria, enchiladas, shrimp ceviche, and steak sopes, the menu balances tradition with variety. The vibrant atmosphere is enhanced by attentive staff and specialty drinks, including standout margaritas served in frozen glasses. From family-friendly dishes like kids quesadillas to unique options like rajas y queso tamales, every bite reflects quality and care. While some note slightly higher prices, the warm service and flavorful food make Jalisco's Cantina a treasured spot for locals craving genuine Mexican cuisine.

Jalisco's Cantina at a glance

  • Address 2018 S 1st St, Milwaukee, WI 53207, United States
  • Phone +1 414-226-5300
  • Restaurant type Mexican restaurant .
  • Popular for Lunch , Dinner , Solo dining .

Photos & Gallery

Jalisco's Cantina: Reviews & Ratings

Billy Carver
5

Let me describe this place in one word: wow! I almost don’t want to write a review because it means it’ll be busier next time. Took my wife and daughter here after a Christmas Tree shopping and let me tell you, this place is tremendous. My daughter had the kids quesadillas - she damn near licked the plate clean. My wife had the enchiladas, and for someone who enjoys her trips to Mexico, she was in heaven. I had the Quesabirria. The consume was flavorful with a bit of spice (how I like it). We also tried the rajas y queso tamale and the chimichanga à la carte. We were pleasantly impressed by all selections. What a great menu with a lot of choices. Seriously, this place is worth a visit if you haven’t been here. And our server, Gabby, made us feel like family. Thanks again!

Adrienne Torres
5

Super open and lots of space. very clean environment very clean bathrooms. Very nice staff, attentive, friendly. Drinks are great & food is flavorful. Big portions enough to share between two. I like how they have frozen glasses for their Tap beers. They have a variety of specialty drinks and they also have happy hour drink specials. My husband enjoys their shrimp ceviche and my favorite are the steak sopes.

sandra
4

I wasn't to hungry so got a basic appetizer of taquitos, nothing special. The were good. My friends all said their food was really good. I didn't care for the chips and salsa much, to me the chips didn't taste fresh, almost tasted like they could have been reheated up tortilla chips, and the salsa was mostly just chopped up tomatoes. The prices are a little high. Service and atmosphere were great.

B F
5

11/10 every time we come here. Always great service. The owner is a super nice down to earth guy. Food is always good. Best margaritas I’ve had, oh and the salsa What more could you want. We love coming here. So happy we found this place!

Marina Borges
5

I had the chicken torta dinner and it was delicious! My husband had the tacos and he loved them! The Happy Hour Margarita hit the spot! Its worth checking it out yourself! We WILL be back for sure! Hidden Gem across Bridgewater!

Shelby Ross
5

Heard good things about this place, so we decided to hit up Jalisco’s Cantina for a Friday date night. The restaurant wasn’t busy, immediate seating and fast service. The vibes/ambiance were great as well! An extensive menu, I ended up settling on the Cantina Burrito (pictured) with steak, which definitely exceeded my expectations in terns of flavor and how well the steak was prepared, flavorful and not chewy at all. A really great dish to order for my first time there. Also, side note, the salsa they bring with the chips before the meal was very tasty, and spicier than most which we liked! Highly recommend checking this place out if you are near the Bayview area. Next time we will have to order one of the amazing drinks on the menu!

andrea gibbs
5

Im just now writing a review after months of coming here. This place has become our new favorite Mexican restaurant, and we haven’t changed our mex spot in years. The quality is always the same; the most flavorful, fresh, and specifically tender and juicy chicken tacos. The green sauce is off the charts best sauce I’ve ever had. The margaritas are homemade and not overly sweet, soo good! The atmosphere is what ups the game here, it’s always lively, the staff is so welcoming, and the service is very attentive. Love the music and tvs. It’s the best.

Kathy Bradshaw
5

Jalisco's Cantina is by far the best Mexican Restaurant in Milwaukee. The food is divine. I have visit the Restaurant frequently since discovering it and I cannot say enough how great their food is. I never can decide what tasty entre to eat as they are all excellent so I get the combo meal. If you like authentic Mexican food that is reasonably priced you owe it to yourself to stop in.

Location

  • Jalisco's Cantina
    Jalisco's Cantina
    2018 S 1st St, Milwaukee, WI 53207, United States Hotline: +1 414-226-5300

Jalisco's Cantina, nestled at 2018 S 1st St in Milwaukee, brings an authentic slice of Mexico to the heart of the city. This Mexican restaurant combines a vibrant atmosphere with a menu full of bold flavors and generous portions, making it a standout destination for both casual diners and food enthusiasts alike.

What truly sets Jalisco's Cantina apart is its commitment to delivering traditional Mexican dishes with a modern touch. The Quesabirria, served with a rich, flavorful consommé spiced just right, is a must-try for anyone seeking a taste adventure. The enchiladas impress with their authentic preparation, resonating deeply with those who cherish genuine Mexican cuisine. For lighter, yet equally delightful bites, the rajas y queso tamale and chimichanga offer satisfying textures and savory fillings that invite repeat visits.

Beyond the food, the dining experience at Jalisco's Cantina shines through thoughtful service and a welcoming staff. Guests commonly note the friendly hospitality, with servers like Gabby elevating the experience to feel like a gathering among family. The spacious, clean environment complements the culinary journey, making it a comfortable place to relax and savor every bite.

Drink selections here deserve a special mention. From craft tap beers served in frozen glasses to inventive specialty cocktails, the bar program enhances the meal with perfect pairings. Happy hour patrons especially appreciate the quality and value, with margaritas that have earned top praise from loyal visitors.

Though some may find the prices slightly on the higher side, the consensus leans heavily towards the value offered by generous portions and high-quality ingredients. Whether indulging in shrimp ceviche, steak sopes, or classic taquitos, guests consistently report satisfaction with the flavors and presentation.

In all, Jalisco's Cantina stands as a hidden gem in Milwaukee’s dining scene—one that marries tradition with a contemporary dining experience, leaving every visitor eager to return and explore the robust menu further. It’s a place where Mexican culinary heritage is celebrated with each dish, and every visit feels like a flavorful homecoming.

Business Information

  • Accessibility
    • Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Outdoor seating
    • Delivery
    • Takeaway
    • Dine-in
  • Payments
    • Credit cards
    • Debit cards
    • NFC mobile payments