save Azteca Mexican Restaurants

3617 Waialae Ave, Honolulu, HI | Map it  

96816 21.282400 -157.798700

(808) 735-2492

  • Hours

    Monday To Thursday From 11:00 AM To 09:30 PM Friday To Saturday From 11:00 AM To 10:00 PM
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EatNopales

Member since Jun, 2008 View Profile
1Review
0Photos
Joined 4 years ago
5.0
June 25, 2008

If you crave Mexican flavors then support these guys so that they stay in business. As others have mentioned, this is a small family owned neighborhood joint... and the family is incredibly nice and welcoming. The menu is more Cal-Mex than Authentic Mexican (meaning they serve California style Burritos, Chimichangas, "Tostada Salads" etc., stuff that is virtually unknown in Mexico)... but their sazon (seasoning, ingredients & technique) is authentic. Even better they often have Off-Menu, truly authentic dishes (which they basically prepare for their own meals).

The family is from the town of Chilapa, which is in the mountains above Acapulco (about 150 miles away)... and as such their native gastronomy shares many ingredient similarities with Hawaii. If you provide them with a couple days notice they will be happy to prepare their regional specialties such as:

> Shrimp & Fish Ceviche

> Shrimp sauteed in Chipotle Sauce

> Deep Fried Whole Fish with Hot Sauce & Limes

> Grilled Quail

> Pozole (Green or White Broth)

> Mole (Red, Sesame Seed, Guaje Seed or Bean Based)

> Barbacoa (Slow cooked Lamb or Goat)

> Mixiotes (Pouches made from Agave "skin" stuffed with Meats, Vegetables & Sauce... then steamed in its juices)

> Stuffed Loin Steaks

> Desserts made from Pineapple, Guava, Banana, Quince, Pomegranate, Pumpkin Seeds & Amaranth Grain

etc., etc.,

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mairas562

Member since Dec, 2007 View Profile
1Review
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Joined 5 years ago
5.0
December 06, 2007

Best Mexican Food in the Island. The place may be small and may look like it's not the fanciest place, but if you want to feel like you are in Mexico or just to remember how it was growing up in Mexico or a Spanish family; you should definitely go to this Restaurant.

The food is always great, not only do people love it, but true Hispanic Mexicans agree that the food is Authentic.

I have searched for a good Mexican Restaurant and I found a GREAT one here when I found Azteca.

I give all my support to this Restaurant and hope them well for the future.

I recommend it to all who love to eat great Hispanic food and that want to expand their taste buds.

The meat is so tender, and the rice and beans are made just right and the shrimp has never been cooked better that the one I had here. Every meat and dish they prepare is done with love, and that is way the food is amazing.

You will not regret going to this Restaurant.

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katdragan

Member since Mar, 2007 View Profile
2Reviews
0Photos
Joined 5 years ago
4.0
March 27, 2007

Love Azteca. It can get busy, but it is worth the wait. The food is excellent, no generic Mexican cuisine here. It is my favorite Mexican restaurant on Oahu and definitely on my list of favs in general. The service is friendly, the decor is cute, and the margaritas are fantastic.

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Contributor

Member since Aug, 2003 View Profile
1k+Reviews
0Photos
Joined 9 years ago
February 09, 2007

Editorial Review by Christy Buena. Small local chain offers a colorful atmosphere for guests dining on authentic Mexican dishes at reasonable prices.

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bluewavemama

Member since Oct, 2006 View Profile
2Reviews
0Photos
Joined 6 years ago
5.0
October 05, 2006

Authentic Mexican hole-in-the-wall. This is by far the best Mexican food on the island of Oahu! Having lived in SoCal many years I was very pleased to find this small but friendly local establishment. Sometimes you have to wait for a table (outside on a bench) but its well worth the wait. Excellent salsa, free chips, great margaritas, and killer green sauce add up to the real deal. Don't be fooled by the outward appearance or mistakenly go to Jose's around the corner - you'll surely be disappointed if you pass up this hole-in-the-wall.

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makarone_83

Member since Sep, 2006 View Profile
2Reviews
0Photos
Joined 6 years ago
5.0
September 08, 2006

Best mexican food in hawaii. Living in hawaii most of my life as well as traveling all over the world azteca is the best mexican food ever! Personally I like small mom and pop places it makes me feel @ home. This place is so good that when i was a teenager i even ditched my prom to go and eat there. My only complaint is that there isnt more locations.

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danantin

Member since Mar, 2006 View Profile
1Review
0Photos
Joined 6 years ago
5.0
March 24, 2006

Great food,Great Service. Anyone who knows mexican food will love this place, although it's a small restaurant the food makes up for it. Azteca is one of the top mexican restaurants on the Island, a must to visit. A++

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theuntouchable

Member since Jul, 2002 View Profile
21Reviews
0Photos
Joined 10 years ago
3.0
September 28, 2003

Azteca's motto: "eat and get out!". This is a tiny, cramped space. Warning--if you go on a weekend evening, be prepared to have the workers hovering over you waiting for the first sign you are finished, since they care more for cramming people in and maximizing profit instead of allowing customers to finish their meals. I felt more like like herded cattle and less like a respected guest, almost as though I wore out my welcome after about 30 minutes. Get a bigger restaurant space, guys! The food, which is okay, but it can't make up for the frenzied pace and the overcrowding.

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