Azteca Mexican Restaurants

06/25/2008 Posted by EatNopales

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.,

Pros: Authentic Mexican Sazon, Friendly Family Ownership

12/06/2007 Posted by mairas562

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.

Pros: It is a small home style Restaurant with great food

03/27/2007 Posted by katdragan

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.

10/05/2006 Posted by bluewavemama

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.

Pros: food, service

Cons: few tables, fewer parking spaces

09/08/2006 Posted by makarone_83

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.

Pros: Everything

Cons: Seating is limited

03/24/2006 Posted by danantin

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++

Pros: Great food, Authentic Mexi

Cons: A little small

09/28/2003 Posted by theuntouchable

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.

Pros: easy to find, prices not too bad

Cons: feel like a number, not enough space i