I have been coming here since La Costita reopened and I absolutely LOVE IT. The food is amazing!! (my favorites are the chicken tortilla soup, the nachos, and the fish tacos.) They use all fresh ingredients and make their chips and salsa fresh everyday!!!
La Costita does have limited parking, but there is parking across the street by the US Bank, which is GREAT considering how many other restraunts you have to walk a mile (downtown!) to get to.
The menu may also SEEM to be normal and basic, but that is because many patrons expect that on a Mexican menu, but if you look closer, you will find authentic Mexican food straight from Mexico, dishes that the owners mother brought to America with her. I suggest you take a leap, and try a dish that you never have and stop always getting a chicken burrito or ground beef taco. Be daring at this establishment, I promise it will be worth it!!!
The service is also warm and friendly. Many regulars frequent here and get to know eachother (much like Cheers) :) and the waitstaff.
The atmosphere is very beach-oriented and not your typical "Mexican Restaurant" decor. The bar is gorgeous and if you are over 21 is the ideal place to sit. There are 2 huge plasma tv's and 2 smaller ones behind the bar that are always playing sports, and the bartop is a large piece of glass that glows from lights below it. The wall behind the liquor also glows.
Seating is usually easy to come by and is great, especially in warm weather when they open up the patio! Smoking is only allowed outside, which is perfect because no one has to breathe in anyone elses smoke.
All in all, La Costita is one of my favorite Mexican Restaurants ever. I can't go to any other, they just don't compare.
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