Hots Cantina

My family and I have been going here ever since it opened and have never been disapointed. Well, until they stopped bringing the chips for free..but we still love it. You get great QUALITY and totally different tasting food. It's exactly what they call LATIN FUSION. Boring is the last way to describe this restaurant. I guarantee you, you will find something good to eat here for everyone. They have everything: a whole page of exotic tacos, which are a bit pricey, but defintiely worth it, taste good and a bit larger than your typical taco, burgers, pastas, salads, sandwiches..everything. I definitely recommend their nachos (with steak if you eat red meat). The size has decreased a little, but it's still a pretty good size. Appetizers that are delicious: taquitos (which a lot of times I just have for my entree), mussles and crispy wings. From the taco list my favorites are the crispy and mojo shrimp, original steak, philly steak, grilled fish, tempura shrimp and the jimmy chimi chicken. The Hot's famous burger is definitely my favorie burger, with chilli lime fries or sweet potato fries-both so delicious! The meat is very tender and great quality. Every one who I have introduced this place to, even the picky eaters, have always found something to eat and loved it! We always go back for more. They also haev buckets of beer with a wide variety for a good price (I think $12 for 4 beers). They have 3-4 flat screen T.V.s for the sports lovers. Can't get enough. Family friendly and kick back. Recommend it to everyone! more

It's a bit of a surprise to find this little great restaurant in this strip mall. They have great burritos,... more

Normally I don't like to eat things bigger than a big rig tire, but in the case of Hot's Cantina's glorious nachos ... I'll happily make an exception. Pile them on oh lord-of-the-nachos, because I brought two of my buddies and we shall not be intimidated. Seriously, for like $15 you can't get a better deal-per-square-inch. It's not just the massive proportion that makes this mound-of-greatness incredible, the taste is out of this world. Homemade, thick, seriously-crunchy chips get layers-upon-layers of bean dip, cheese, guacamole, chicken, steak, cilantro, a sour cream drizzle, and. ... the Good Grub's personal favorite .... halved cherry tomatoes doing the backstroke through the deep end of the flavor pool. I think this is the point where, for legal reasons, I have to point out that the Nachos are just a starter... because when you start to dive into the massive list of unique, flavor-packed tacos, there's officially no turning back. They've got all the traditional taco varieties, but then they've got loads of great original creations and exotic varieties. Just skimming down the list, you can't help but be drawn into the ""slammin' alabamin',"" the spicy tuna taco, the steak and potato, and the Hawaiian. Or maybe you'll get real nuts and tackle the alligator or shark concoctions. My favorite has to be ""Your Mom's favorite""... how did Hot's know Mama Grub likes Kobe ground beef? Just make sure you can handle some spice, because they have plenty of no-hot-sauce-required-are-you-freaking-kidding-me-these-are-spicy tacos. But to be honest, this is the kind of place where you can point to the taco menu blindfolded and you won't be disappointed. Because when the Grub is good, you can't go wrong... and Hot's Cantina has some serious Good Grub. See more at www.thegoodgrub.weebly. com Pros: Grubalicious Cons: Nada more

this place was recomended about a year ago . i wasnt skeptical just waiting for the right moment. today was it . ther are 4 hi def tvs that adorn the place. the 16 oz bud light aluminum bottles were very cold. the place is clean. now my mom makes mex food from scratch and i was blown away at the taste and more importantly- FRESHNESS- WAITRESS ATTENTIVE AS WELL- ladies and gents im going back they are also having the nfl on sundays . as for price ahem you get what you pay for. i had roasted pork taco that was yummy. next -albacore tacos sashimi style yummier- then i was treated to chorizo taco that was robust and spicy. oh yes cant wait to eat again....so its too bad a few people (bloggers).had ""problems"" but this place has a good product Pros: clean organized and tasty Cons: you can always find parking- worth a small walk- big deal more

damn their crispy shrimp tacos were the best tacos there. the marinated steak was great. the fish tacos are good. For $11.00 u get 4 beers in a bucket of ice domestic, imported, or mixed. its a clean place.parking can be a drag sometimes. its a bit pricy but worth it. they are not stingy with the food. each taco is thick!!!!!!!!! more

For food and fun this place is fantastic. I loved the food and even ate some of my friends food cause it looked fabulous and tasted divine! I wish I had more time to eat her everyday. I would dine there morning, noon and night. I am going there for lunch this week and I recommend it to anyone for any occasion including lunch for a quick delicious unconventional meal. The burger my friend ate was called the best burger ever or something like that and it friggin was the best ever. I had taco's which were incredible and like no other taco I have had. The mac n cheese is devilishly delicious. Pros: location, atmosphere, service, parking, selection, kid friendly, variety, quick service Cons: when you leave more

Hot?s has evolved & changed quite a bit in the last two+ years I?ve been going there. The few ?1 star? and negative reviews on here must be from nasty people. Not to say that there are not cons or areas for improvement. As one other person said, ?it?s not Taco Bell? and it?s not even really mexican food. The prices are a bit high, but the food quality is great and more than makes up for it. Dang near everything is a la carte, so you'll have to spend a bit more to get one of their well flavored sides. I recommend the asparagus, which come with a great balsamic citrus glaze. Consistency in flavor is a problem in my opinion, but maybe that?s because we?re all used to restaurants that heat stuff that come out of a can. Everything at Hot?s is made fresh daily or as it?s ordered, which I?m sure is the cause of the variances. The nacho platter ROCKS!, but be warned that it?s NOT a one-person meal. With chips, salsa and a few beers the nachos are for three! ANY steak meal is awesome, but don?t ruin it by ordering it well! The owner(?) Sean recommended their cheeseburger and I was thinking ?why a burger?? Well let me say that I ordered it medium rare and it was phenomenal! All the meat they use is top quality. Some of the waitresses are NOT the most attentive, but most of them know all of the food well and will usually recommend the Pork torta (which I don?t) But hey, what are the chances of getting good food, attentive service and good looks all in one place anymore? Pros: Medium Rare FLAT IRON, Nachos, ""Not on the menu"" specials. Some of the waitresses Cons: Waitresses are sometimes inattentive (empty glasses). Huge, but PACKED parking lot. more

I read all the past reviews and won't disparage anyone, however there seem to be inaccurate assessments of this place. First, it's NOT a mexican place. And Not a VeraCruz etc. It's carribean/latin fushion and quite unique. The tacos are pricier than those of the chain stores but they're high quality, large and filling. All fresh products with uniques spices and seasonings. Never have I had a bad meal there. It may have had a different flavor than what I expected, but nonetheless was exceptional. The chef seems to offer differing varieties on his specials which I love to try as they are different, inventive and remarkable. I would submit the whining from other comments were from competitors or those who walked in expecting lower prices. But those who come in looking for something amazing will find it here. Sure there are young girls here, but they are attentive and hustle. Anyone can have a bad day and I don't dismiss that, but I've had great service to go with a great experience everytime there. If you're looking for bland everyday style mexican food...you'll not find it here. But if your taste buds are excited to find new and fresh and exotic, along with some traditional, then you'll find it here. I cannot recommend more highly a place to eat other than this. Couple that with a substantial wine list and I'll take HOTS over traditional very good establishments time and time again...even Flemings, Roy's or Ruth's Chris. The Kobe beef taco's are to die for, and the ribs, when they're on the specials are a can't miss. Also the Mussels are about the best I've had. A real winner also is the Carne Asada plate...a HUGE portion with rice and spices make this a winner. Also may I recommend the flat iron steak. You won't find this quality at these prices anywhere. My friends and I eat there multiple times per week. We choose Hots! Because it's good. The parking is a problem, but free. Pros: Variety, portions, quality and uniqueness. Plus big screens. Cons: Parking, albeit it is free! more

The food differs each time I go there. One day it will be overcooked and have no flavor,the next day it will be great! The portions are small for tacos but other items are way too large. Pros: I guess the TV's Cons: EVERYTHING ELSE more

If you're looking for authentic Mexican food this is not the place for you...If you're looking for something better and more creative Hots will pique your interest. In the 3+ years they have been there they have gone through severall changes and grown a bit. Now better than ever!! Pros: Amazing, Different, Creative takes on food we are use to. Cons: Parking because of the Gym next door. more

The food differs each time I go there. One day it will be overcooked and have no flavor,the next day it will be great! Pros: tacos Cons: too expensive for small portions more

What a great review from steph. I've never even eaten at this place, but I can't wait to enjoy a delicious taco served by a breast popping waitress. A nice pair of breasts can make any meal gourmet!!!!! Pros: Breasts Cons: ? more

The food was raw!!! The staff was on a 3rd grade level and couldn't remember a thing we had ordered... not to mention we had to look at our server's breasts popping out in our faces!!!! NOT A GREAT FAMILY RESTAURANT, more like a dirty strip bar Pros: the salsa Cons: everything else more

Awesome food, great prices, amazing tortas..only thing, why is it in a strip mall? I recommend this place to anyone ! chips and salsa there also a major bonus A+ Pros: tortas, anything with steak, salads, generous portions Cons: its in a strip mall more

I love HOTS! I moved across the country and crave it. My friends and I have been going there for a while and are never disappointed at the service or the food. Everything is so great and we love to eat there! The chips and salsa are phenomenal and it has great atmosphere! I highly recommend it! more

I tried this place right when it opened as ""Hots Tacos"" It had good tacos at the time, maybe 3-5 times. Then after this the food constantly varied. One day the meat is burnt, the next its cooked good but not seasoned. They serve this spicy corn as a side. Similar to corn with alot of black pepper. If you are looking for mexican this is not the place (just to let you know) it is tacos with a twist, (kinda). Also it is a hangout for underaged kids from CSUN to drink beer, fri,sat nights.. WAY TO EXPENSIVE FOR TACOS! Pros: Location, TV'S Cons: food, kids hangout somtime, expensive for tacos more

the food is ok, the place is ok and the people the service is great. i live around the corner, so it's not like I drove a long distance to eat at this place but it's not a place I would go to unless I was just in a hurry or something. more

It seems funny that all these people on here give hot's cantina these amazing reviews as the ""best tacos in the world"". I ate here tonight and the food was...good. It didn't amaze me the least bit, and frankly i've had a lot better. i got the grilled fish taco (too salty, too much cilantro), the steak taco (somewhat dry) and the fried chicken taco (cabo i think it was called?) which was the best of the three with a tasty orange sauce. The waitresses are cute and the service was acceptable, but I'd probably like to try other options for mexican food in la before going out of my way to hit up hot's again. Pros: wide variety of tacos, plasma tv's Cons: salty fish more

I DINE AT HOTS ABOUT 2 TIMES A WEEK. EVERYTHING IS DELICIOUS, PORTIONS ARE HUGE, MENU ALWAYS EXPANDING, TONS OF IMPORTED BEERS, HIP COZY DECOR, GREAT SERVICE....ON AND ON AND ON. MY PERSONAL FAVES ARE CRISPY SHRIMP TACO, STEAK TAQUITOS, CAMPECHANA AND STEAK TACO. 3 NEW PLASMAS. THIS IS ROCKIN PLACE, YOU CAN GO WITH THE GIRLS OR GUYS FOR SOME TACOS AND BEER OR THE FAMILY AND KIDS FOR SOME TASTY MEXICAN FOOD. THE CHIPS ARE GREAT, THE HOT SALSA IS SO TASTY. I DONT THINK I WILL EVER STOP COMING HERE. I WISH I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT OF OPENING THIS PLACE FIRST! MY ONLY GRIP IS THE MARGARITAS, THEY ARE OKAY BUT LACKING SOMETHING. OH AND THE OWNER USE TO BE FRIENDLY AND MAKE PEOPLE FEEL AT HOME, BUT STILL A REAL WINNER AND NEVER A WAIT ON THE WEEKEND Pros: FOOD, PRICES, SERVICE Cons: PARKING more

Awesome Tacos...don't waste your time on fancy entrées..a combination of starters, a variety of tacos and a smooth drink will do the trick! this is not a fancy outing, but you wont regret taking your date! Pros: inexpensive, abundant parking Cons: slow service more