La Cantina Mexicana

- 709 Van Houten Ave, Clifton, NJ 07013

A Local's Guide to La Cantina Mexicana in Clifton, NJ

Are you searching for an authentic, lively Mexican restaurant right here in New Jersey? Look no further than La Cantina Mexicana in Clifton, a local hotspot that promises more than just a meal—it offers a vibrant dining and entertainment experience. Known for its dedication to fresh flavors and a welcoming atmosphere, this establishment is a must-visit for anyone in the North Jersey area craving delicious Mexican cuisine, creative cocktails, and a genuinely good time. La Cantina Mexicana proudly identifies as both a Latino-owned and women-owned business, bringing a personal touch and strong community focus to the Clifton dining scene.

More than just a restaurant, La Cantina Mexicana functions as a full-service bar and a live music venue, making it a perfect destination for various occasions. Whether you're planning a casual lunch, a lively dinner with friends, or a late-night outing, this location is designed to cater to a diverse crowd, including college students, families, groups, and the LGBTQ+ community. The atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, offering a comfortable yet exciting setting for all its patrons. The combination of great food, a full bar, and entertainment ensures that your visit will be both satisfying and memorable.

Location and Accessibility in Clifton, NJ

La Cantina Mexicana is conveniently situated at 709 Van Houten Ave, Clifton, NJ 07013, USA. Its location in Clifton makes it easily accessible for residents and visitors throughout the northern New Jersey region, including those from nearby cities like Passaic, Paterson, and Montclair.

For those driving, accessibility is a priority. The restaurant offers free parking in its lot as well as free street parking, eliminating the common hassle of finding a spot in a busy area. Furthermore, the establishment is committed to accommodating all guests, featuring comprehensive wheelchair accessibility. This includes a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating, ensuring a comfortable and easy experience for everyone.

The local vibe and ease of access contribute significantly to the appeal of La Cantina Mexicana, positioning it as a go-to spot for an authentic taste of Mexico without leaving the Garden State.

Services Offered

La Cantina Mexicana provides a wide array of services designed for maximum customer convenience and satisfaction, whether you prefer to dine in or enjoy their offerings at home or at an event.

• Dining Options: The restaurant offers full Table service for both Lunch and Dinner. You can choose to enjoy your meal inside with a lively atmosphere or take advantage of the Outdoor seating on pleasant New Jersey days.
• Takeout and Delivery: For those on the go, Takeout and multiple delivery options are available, including standard Delivery and No-contact delivery, ensuring you can enjoy their food wherever you are. They also offer Curbside pickup for quick and easy order retrieval.
• Group Events and Planning: Planning a larger gathering? La Cantina Mexicana offers Catering services to bring the vibrant flavors of Mexico to your next party or corporate event. They also Accepts reservations, a useful feature for groups or busy weekend dinners.
• Bar and Beverages: The establishment operates as a full Bar onsite, offering a comprehensive selection of Alcohol, including Beer, Cocktails, Hard liquor, and Wine.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The restaurant is known to be Good for kids and even offers a dedicated Kids' menu and High chairs for the little ones.
• Payment Flexibility: For your convenience, the restaurant accepts various payment methods, including all major Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Features and Highlights

La Cantina Mexicana distinguishes itself with a variety of features that make it a compelling choice for Mexican cuisine and a night out in North Jersey.

• Exceptional Bar Program: A major draw is the exceptional drink selection, highlighted by a Great beer selection and a focus on Great cocktails. They also feature daily Happy hour drinks and Happy hour food specials, perfect for unwinding after work.
• Authentic Entertainment: The venue hosts Live music, creating an energetic and fun ambiance for diners. The atmosphere is often described as a great spot to enjoy both a meal and a show.
• Menu Versatility: The menu caters to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. It features classic Comfort food, quick and satisfying options for a Quick bite, smaller, sharable plates, Small plates, and a selection of Vegetarian options. For the late-night crowd, they also offer Late-night food.
• Diverse Menu Offerings: Beyond the full Mexican menu—which includes staples like a variety of Nachos (Chicken, Steak, Shrimp, Mixtos, Supremos), Quesadillas (Veggie, Chicken, Shrimp, Steak), and different styles of Queso Fundido—they also offer rich Soups & Salads like Cazuela DE Mariscos and Tortilla Soup. The diverse appetizer list ranges from classics like GUACAMOLE and Elotes to specialty items like Viva mexico (a sampler platter) and Tostones Playa del Carmen.
• Focus on Service: Patrons frequently note the Fast service as a highlight, making it a reliable spot for both lunch and dinner.
• Sports-Friendly Environment: The restaurant is a welcoming place for fans, as it often features Sports on its TVs, making it a fun place to catch a game with friends.

Contact Information

Here is the essential contact information for La Cantina Mexicana in Clifton, NJ:

Address: 709 Van Houten Ave, Clifton, NJ 07013, USA

Phone: (973) 567-5111 or +1 973-567-5111

What is Worth Choosing La Cantina Mexicana?

For New Jersey locals seeking a full and engaging dining experience, La Cantina Mexicana stands out for several compelling reasons. It successfully blends the elements of a traditional Mexican eatery with the excitement of a local bar and a live music venue. It’s a perfect spot if you're looking for a casual meal, but also provides the energy for a fun night out.

One of the key draws is the comprehensive menu, which offers something for every craving and time of day—from popular appetizers like the sampler platter Viva Mexico or the creamy Queso Fundido Con Chorizo to main dishes that ensure you get a full meal. The fact that they serve lunch, dinner, and late-night food, all while catering to solo diners, families, and groups, speaks to their versatility and commitment to the local community.

Beyond the food, the bar is a significant highlight. Their focus on a high-quality selection of margaritas, beers, and cocktails, paired with dedicated Happy hour deals, makes it a top contender for the best after-work spot in the area. When you factor in the regular Live music and a crowd that is distinctly welcoming and diverse—including being an LGBTQ+ friendly establishment—you get a dining and social experience that is genuinely hard to match.

In essence, you choose La Cantina Mexicana in Clifton for more than just the food; you choose it for the welcoming atmosphere, the accessible location with ample parking, the robust full-bar service, and the vibrant entertainment that turns a simple dinner into a true local celebration of Mexican culture and cuisine. It represents a fantastic, well-rounded option for anyone in New Jersey looking for an authentic and fun Mexican spot.

While a few reviewers noted areas for improvement, particularly regarding seasoning and minor service details, the overall range of features and services—from easy accessibility and flexible payment to extensive menu and event options—strongly position La Cantina Mexicana as a valuable and highly convenient asset to the Clifton, NJ, community.

La Cantina Mexicana

709 Van Houten Ave, Clifton, NJ 07013, USA