Catalina Mexican Restaurant

Pros- -Awesome Frijoles Charros and Salsa when you sit down. -Large portions. Either depends on you. Loud tejano music on non stop Cons- Higado de res was super dry....like shoe leather....could not eat it...took it home for the dogs...

Catalina Mexican Cantina is outstanding. I ordered the lemon pepper hot wings, and they were generous in size and flavor. The fries were some of the best in town—crispy, well seasoned, and addictive. The margarita was unforgettable, both in taste and in strength. I have honestly never had one more delicious. This place delivers on every front. Five stars without question.

The food was so delicious and flavorful. The service was wonderful, and the atmosphere was amazing. It just happened to be karaoke night, and it was a lot of fun.

You can't get any more authentic than this. You walk into a Mexican store with a butcher shop. The portions are generous and delicious. The picture is a chicken fajitas and mixed fajitas.

The food here is excellent. The atmosphere is very authentic and we try to eat here often. If you want great Mexican food, this is the place to come to. You will be very happy you did. The store is good too and the have a nice fresh meat counter.

The wife and I had lunch here. She had the original burrito and I had a chicken taco salad. Let me tell you it was a lot of food. You get your money’s worth. The burrito was good and the taco salad was very tasty. Friendly staff

Very authentic and very reasonable price.. They have grocery store connected with the restaurant. They didn't have ice tea when we ordered but then when we got out of the restaurant realized they had large selection of beverages from their grocery store. Most of the waiters couldn't speak English and most people that ate there are natives Mexicans that's when you know that they are that good.

I loved my experience! It's in the back of the grocery store. Mariachi music blasts from an old juke box. The food is good and is very reasonably priced. This is a top recommendation to anyone. Can't wait to go back.

Absolutely loved this hidden gem! Was looking for a place to eat near the airport before my flight and stumbled upon this after browsing reviews on Yelp. It's located in the back of a little grocery store which was a fun surprise. We walked in and were seated right away. We got a menu and huge waters and they brought out a complimentary basket of chips, salsas, and some hot bean soup which was delicious. After looking at photos, I decided on the chicken chimichanga which came out with 2 chimichangas that were absolutely stuffed to the gills. It was served with fresh sliced avocado, pico, sour cream, and shredduce. My mom got the fajitas de res which came out pipping hot and served with a huge platter on the side of the same sides I mentioned above as well as rice and refried beans. The beans were absolutely delicious. The portions were huge and the service was friendly. All in it cost about $27 for lunch which felt like a very good value. The only downside is you need to bring cash to tip bc you can't leave a tip on the credit card.

Ordered takeout enchilada meal. Absolutely didn't disappoint. The portion for the price was unbeatable for typical Atlanta food and the quality was on point. I'll be returning for sure! I had to order through Yelp's grub hub because when I called I wasn't fully understood by the woman who said poquito ingles. Español isn't a strength of mine. If you're looking for ambiance this ain't it but delicious food, yes.

I was craving for some Mexican hot soup and food. Just having training near the airport and went online to find this Mexican restaurant. Together with my lady Thai classmates, we came to this quite remote place. There were a few cars parked outside. The outside gave me a real Mexican look. Once I opened the door, it's a clean and mini market with mostly Mexican produce. Then a family style restaurant . There were a few tables of customer at around 5 pm. Then we noticed there were in and out many to-go order and big party trays. Waitress doesn't speak much English but the menu has English. I first ordered a big Horchata drink so my friend can try. Then we ordered a chicken burrito and a bowl of menudo. They were good. I knew we couldn't finish. We could bring the rest back to hotel. I also saw other customers order bucket of rib. Look real good. I will definitely come back again. There were many varieties of desserts as well.

Simply put.. quick service, generous portions and fairly priced. It doesn't look like much from the outside but don't let that deter you. You sit down, they bring you chips, salsa and a bowl of soup. I don't know what the soup is called but it was good! My dumbass thought it was some type of dip until I saw the Mexican guys next to me eating it. That's another good sign when a Mexican restaurant is packed with Mexicans. IYKYK! I ordered three asada tacos ($2.50/each) and they were bigger than your normal street tacos. Each taco was equivalent to two street tacos packed with meat, cilantro and onions. If you're looking for something quick and delicious, stop in! You can be in and out in less than 30mins.

Amazing restaurant with real authentic Mexican food and great service. The owners seem like they really love what they do and are very passionate about their restaurant. Very great and lively environment.

My family wanted Mexican food that was not a chain restaurant. We ordered Uber Eats so i have never actually been to their location. We ordered fajitas and tacos. The restaurant serves very large portions at least with the Fajitas. The shrimp were large and tasty but just a bit over cooked. This meal took a lot of prep work. They also gave us extra chopped onions, jalepenos and sauces. Everything was wrapped securely and packaged nicely. Whenevr the pandemic loosens i will definitely visit the restaurant in person.

No te dan chips los tienes que comprar para comerte un queso fundido Mala atención ,

Carnitas tacos. Periodt. Well, not really, because this restaurant's more authentic dishes also slap...but for a stay-in-my-taco lane person like me, the Carnitas tacos are better than anything I've had in the metro. Hands down. First of all, the carnitas are slightly fatty. It's that slow cooked, seasoned, grandma cooked all day type of pork. Paired with cilantro, onions, lime, and a dash of Valentina on a tortilla- it's a great taco. I wished mine down with a Margarita, which was pretty tasty too. If you're in Hapeville, give Catalina's a try.

This is authentic Mexican, but there isnt just one way to make everything. They use queso fresco in the chili rellenos. I prefer regular white cheese myself. The queso fresco does pack in well and fills the whole chili. Make sure you like queso fresco before ordering a chili relleno.

Wish I had known about this place when I lived in Atlanta. Delicious and authentic. The restaurant is in the back of a bodega. I enjoyed a generous fajita burrito. Compared to any other place I've been, the burrito was meat and veggies. Not full of beans and rice filler. Definitely got my money's worth. Great find.

This is my neighborhood go-to spot for good Mexican food! Big portions and great service. You can catch live music too.

Let me start off by saying -- I've been here over 15times ( back in 2010-2012?) . Food was great and service was good with the "old crew". It's been probably 5 years since I've returned and hell. .It will be my last! They remodeled the place and I guess it looks better than before, updated a few things.. everything was fine until my boyfriend and I wanted to place an order. **This RESTAURANT is literally down the street from ATL airport. That means they will constantly have Americans and other race come into the restaurant.** As I was trying to place an order with the server (she didn't understand English). she snatched the menu, gave me the ugliest look and said " no English", She didn't ask someone else to help us nor even tried to understand what we wanted. ( we were ordering "nachos" btw ) She Just had the ugliest attitude she walked away. It was the rudest thing..You can't be upset that we can't speak Spanish... and you can't be upset that you don't want to understand/learn English. Half their customers works at the airport and guess what honey?.. you can't be ugly every single day when someone speaks English to you . Either she had a bad day or that's just how she is. And if so, she shouldn't be a server. We ended up giving the lady who helped us a BIGOO tip just because she was KIND & helpful! Food was 6/10.

do not eat here. the employees will bust your windows out while you eat and take everything you own. they have someone that will go while you are inside. do not give this business your money. there are piles of glass in the parking lot everywhere

Absolutely delicious and authentic. Try the molcajete and their micheladas are massive! There's a mariachi band on the weekends too :)

Food is amazing! Even though it may be a language barrier if you don't speak English, it still works out. You end up with some amazing food and service it's pretty quick.

They gave 1 salsa for six tacos!! OVER IT! I'm always missing. Items from my order. I'm sick of this place

The food was good; but considering it's a Mexican restaurant-communication was an issue(they forgot my re-fried beans). But I plan on visiting again soon. 4& 1/4...

Great Food and Great Price! I highly recommend this establishment and can't wait to go back!

Food was ok. It wasn't anything special given what we ordered wasn't anything too complex, we had tacos, steak, and a torta but there was a lot of grease and blandness in such simple foods. We definitely had a hard time getting anyone's attention to order food and get our drinks although there were two people at the register in clear view.

Food was good, they need some A/C. Ambiance was good it was packed. I know the have live Mariachi music wish is little to loud because the Restaurant its not that big, but I definitely will go back again

A friend from work brought me here and now it's become one of my favorite places to eat when im on this side of town. The tacos are always on point with a giant selection of styles to choose from along with an extensive menu of authentic goodies. Great music on the jukebox and friendly servers round out this amazing place, highly recommend it!

Food was delicious if your dining in you sit at a table and you pay at the register that is on the front of the store.

This is an experience coming here. Come once and breathe it in. A Mexican restaurant hidden behind a Mexican grocery. Portions are huge, food is decent, and ton of local Hispanics; all good signs that this restaurant will not disappoint. Fair warning - English levels may not be great. I came in on a Sunday and they even had live music!

Fantastic marinated pork Gordita! Love the fact this old reliable place is still open for airport employee!

While on a never ending pursuit for Atlanta's best Mexican food, I stumbled across this GEM. Just north east of the airport, tucked inside an inconspicuous Mexican Grocery, I enjoyed one of the best Mexican meals since visiting Mexico. The service was solid, the menu is in Spanish (with English subtitles), Cerveza flowed freely, the prices were low, and we got to listen to live music, altogether we didn't understand much of it. I ordered a chicken torta, which was the size of my head. Note: I have a big ass head. Along with a beef tongue taco. Both were out of this world good. To add to the authenticity, we were the only Gringos for what felt like miles. I loved it. So, if you're ever near Hapeville, or willing to make a drive to for what I'd now consider a death row meal- check this place out.

Ok so let me start with the drinksThey are strong just how I like them. They Have a very great reasonable price and the size of the drinks are huge. The food is enough for two people. I really like this place. Sunday was karaoke night. The waitress is very nice. It's in a convenient store I want to say but I will go back her for the drinks and food and great customer service thanks Catalina for the great experience,entertainment,food and drinks

If you walk into a restaurant and see people that are of that culture indulging in the atmosphere, then that place is authentic. I call in my orders and maybe have to wait for about five minutes after arriving, but I will continue to pass three or four Mexican joints for this spot.

Catalina is a restaurant and small convenience store. It's a nice, clean, low key location on Old Dixie Highway right by the railroad tracks and right before the construction. It's the only place I can come and get good tacos & in a combo for a good price. The tacos come with your choice of hard or soft shell, steak or chicken, and with seasoned fries or Refried beans & rice. They normally come with fries, but I was asked ONCE if I wanted fries or rice & beans, but never any of the other times I visited. I don't usually come in and stay, but they do have a full functioning bar and what also seemed like live music &/or karaoke on some nights.

So this is definitely a hole in the wall. But I mean, that's technically where you find the best Mexican. I like to judge my Mexican food off how many Mexicans eat there. When Mexicans roll deep for it, then you know it's good. The tacos are cheap and come with plenty of meat. Carne Asada was great. Chimichangas are huge and good. They have molcajetes here, which if you've been to an Asian spot and had a hot pot, these are the same. It comes out super hot and sizzling. Lots of meat(chicken beef and shrimp) sauce, cheese and a side of rice and beans. The horchata here ( a rice drink that's looks like water and milk mixed together but tastes like the leftovers of milk and cinnamon from Cinnamon Toast Crunch is so good!) What's good to note is that this place is basically in the middle of where, and when you pull up, it's a grocery store. You just walk through to the back. And for those who are nervous about the language barrier, the servers speak English, and the menu is in Spanish and English. Parking can be interesting, but spots surround the building and to the side is a gravel parking lot.

Pretty stoked to find this lil grocer and taqueria right next to my office! In an industrial park void of any real dining options, Catalina is a welcome oasis of deliciousness. It's also super quick, so you know this place gets packed for lunch time! After driving by for a few weeks, the day finally came where I forgot my lunch. I got there around 1:00 or so and the place was still packed. everyone in there had the afterglow of a delicious lunch. I wanted tamales, but they were out. Ok then, tacos, (twist my arm). I got a chorizo, al pastor & asada. Pretty solid overview of all things taco if you ask me. While waiting they brought out three different kinds of salsas & chips. Well 2 salsa, and this bean, onion and hot dog thing. No not refried beans, just pinto beans in a sauce. Never seen that before but it was pretty damn tasty. Tacos came out and they were enormous and also pretty damn tasty. Not sure if this was because of the end of lunch rush, but they were seriously packed full of meat. I will def be back to see what's up and try the other. The entrees looked pretty good too, so looking forward to checking out some other options here.

This food is so good and authentic! If you're doing take out they package the toppings for your tacos really well and provide plenty of it.

Hole in the wall! Amazing meats and Mexican food aromas when you enter. This is a very low key space. No frills and one can attest that this place is genuinely good when you have families and friends gathering here for a meal or a drink. One can find mostly Hispanics here. So if you speak no Spanish, it can be a problem depending who is serving you. Their menu is elaborate and offers pretty much all kind of meat! Must try if you are in the area.

Good food, good prices, but CRAZY LOUD on Saturdays when they crank up the amp with someone singing. Hurts the ears.

Catalina is an Authentic (far as I know) latin themed grocery store that, while very small (because the actual La Catalina restaurant is in the rear), has a nice selection for quick shopping. They're open super early, which is great, and often they'll have a cup of fruit on sale for cheap as a snack. They have a selection of meats, vegetables and fruits as well as Mexican coke in a bottle with sugar and not corn syrup...that's worth the admission right there. It's pretty accessible in the morning but beware, by lunch time the parking lot can get really full because of the restaurant in the back.

I ordered the chimichangas and beef soup. Everything was delicious, even the rice! They give you a lot of food also, I ordered the small soup and it looked like a large. I was probably the only non-Mexican there, so you know it's good if they were deep in there. I'm not sure about the customer service, I didn't get a greeting or even a smile, maybe because of the language barrier... I don't know I'll have to go again to judge that, my server did speak English and he seemed nice at least. The food is worth it though, I will definitely go back.

Taste just like home( Cali) very authentic Mexican food .. all the sauces was soo good with slots of favor .. CUSTOMERS SERVICES SUCK!!!!!! I want my food like how I ordered it don't do extra stuff

This place had such amazing reviews and I was expecting some really delicious authentic Mexican food. Unfortunately it really wasn't very good. The chips were stale. The cheese was cold. It was very dirty which I'll overlook if the food is good but it wasn't. Won't be returning

UoPretty good. I'm not from the Atlanta area but went off the rest of reviews. I'm staying at a hotel near by. Others are right, don't judge the book by the cover. Not in the best area, and disguised as a a kwiki mart. I got the beef tongue taco and breaded steak. Very yummy. The rice and beans were great! And the salsa, guac, and soup they give when u sit was surprisingly good and spicy :) If in the area, would stop for lunch.

This was the worst customer service experience I've ever had. First, the waitresses didn't speak English. They couldn't understand what we were saying & we couldn't understand what they were saying. They messed up our drink order. We told them we wanted a margarita on the rocks and they brought out a frozen margarita. When we told them we wanted a margarita on the rocks they said they didn't have it. They took 25 minutes to make our margarita. After bringing our margarita they never came back to the table to take our order. We waited for 30 minutes for someone to come take our food order. When the food came our food was gross. I will never come here again. One star is too good for this place.

I think the Catalina is listed twice... Just to make sure, here is another review. Where can you leave stuffed for $3.00???? The Catalina (aka Mercado), thats where. You need some banda music? They have that. You need Mexican Soap operas? Yep, they have that too. Authentic Mexican food at a great price. Not only that, but they GIVE you hot dog soup with every meal. Thats right INCLUDED! Eat here.

A friend of mine has food poisoning right now from eating at catalinas. Not the first ti.e but I've also found mold in there food and bugs! Another friend of mine found rat poop on her food after telling them they said it wasn't rat poop so they were told if it's not rat poop then eat it and the owner just laughed! I stop going there because not oy the food is bad most of the time but also because the short cashier lady over charges you. BECAREFUL AND ALWAYS CHECK YOUR RECIEPT AND FOOD!

We were there for Mexican food. While this is my favorite cuisine, I found that restaurant very pleasant. Mexican food at reasonable price. I tried fajitas there and it was good. All n all taste was good. I had some problem with load music there. Staff was pretty good and service was nice.

Great food family friend restaurant (expect kids) on the weekend, mostly airport people during week day. Generous portion authentic recipe.

The food is great but the wait time is insane. Firstly it took a while for someone to actually come and get our orders. It took an hour for us to get the food. The wait time never did get any better throughout the time we were there. We had to ask a few times to see when our food would come out. After a long hour wait it finally came. There is this guy that comes in to sing which isn't my favorite thing since it gets sooo LOUD that it really isn't enjoyable. If you can deal with the long wait time and the man with the un-enjoyable loud music then go for it.

Just dropped my mother at the airport, great place to stop at! Walked in friendly people, first time here.

This is a wonderful place to eat great authentic Spanish Food. I love it. They give you plenty of meat on the traditonal steak taco, and its only 1.25 a taco. Whats not to love? The only thing is that the ladies working there need to understand about how to greet customers, when a customer comes in, someone working there needs to wave and smile to acknowledge them. That's my only advice to the manager of this wonderful establishment!. The updates are wonderful there and the food is off the chain. GO!!

This is my favorite lunch spot anywhere near the airport. It's just a hole in the wall kind of place, located in a run down looking area in the back of a grocery store, but this is mexican food the way it's supposed to be. If you want real Mexican food, not the "Applebeestized" stuff you get in most places, come here, and leave a happier person.

Great authentic mexican taqueria. They have it all! The street tacos here are delicious and well priced (most are around $1.50). I also have tried the enchiladas, and the portion size is huge.

Walking through the door of this place feels like you just stepped into Mexico. There's an unique grocery store in the front selling some traditional/authentic Hispanic stuff and the restaurant is in the back. It's a very casual place, no need to get all dressed up. I love that there were so many Hispanic people there, shows that the food is legit. I ordered a fish dish and it was very good, the portion was huge, and the flavor was amazing.. the only thing it was missing was a tad bit more salt (coming from someone who thinks everything is to salty) but it wasn't an issue, I still ate all my food . The lady who took my order was very nice and helpful, I can speak/understand Spanish but I can only make out a few words when it comes to reading it so she came around the corner to help me read the menu and answered all my questions before I made a selection. I would definitely come back to this place again and again, nothing but good vibes here... just don't let the outside fool you, this place is truly a hidden gem.

We have several spots on the south side we have been going to for years to get good Mexican food...we will miss them. The food here is amazing. We are going to be back very soon.