We were delighted with our meal here. We thought that this was more of a sit-down dining experience, not being familiar with the chain, so we were at first  apprehensive. But we were really pleased -- the food was great and health conscious. And the people were very nice. We would return.
Review Source:Hate to do this as I used to love this place, but have to be honest.
I got the worst case of food poisoning that I have ever had from this place. Â Do not order any types of dressing. Â This place used to pump out some quality food, and I'm sure it still does. Â The only problem with "Fast" food, is that it can turn. Â If it's not properly managed, you will be eating it, as I did. Â The owners are great people and I hope they do well. Â Just pitch the stuff before it gets served to the customers.
I had seen the sign a few times driving past. "Tijuana Flats"? Kind of sounds like a restaurant name. It wasn't until after the name finally got stuck in my head, I did some research and discovered that it was indeed a vendor of edibles of the Mexican variety. The next step? Actually figuring out how to get to it.
It's at the wrong end of a strip mall that faces the wrong direction. If you look carefully, you can see it as you drive down US41. You have to turn onto an access road and then double-back, all while trying not to hit live rabbits that scamper about. (I'm serious about this)
It wants to have the vibe of a college town eatery. Its interior appeals to the skate-or-die crowd or perhaps those already on some hallucinogenic bender. It has the side-effect that, (at night anyway) you can't really see what you are eating. That may be intentional.
The people that work here are mostly friendly. They greet you when you arrive and are patient to explain how the menu works. The appeal of the place is the hot sauce bar. Imagine a bar with about 15 or 20 different sauces. They range in heat depending on how far left or right you go. I've made the mistake of pressing down on a lever and getting habanero all over my hand. I felt that for a week. All of the sauces are the pickled-bottled variety. Sadly, they do not have fresh salsas here.
The last time I came here, I walked up near the counter. There was no one in front of me. I saw the guys milling about. I saw them see me. They did not acknowledge me or say hello. After standing around for awhile, I turned around and got back in my car. That was months ago and I haven't been back. I've thought about it, but I just can't bring myself to it as I drive by. Why is that?
You may have noticed that I haven't talked about the food. There isn't that much to say. Without the hot sauce, the stuff is just really bland.
On the plus side, with the hot sauces, you can get either a wicked endorphin rush, or clear out your sinuses. It's your choice.
Awesome little place for a taco, burrito, or enchilada that never disappoints!
The staff here is awesome! They are always very friendly (in a personal way, asking how you are while maintaining a professional attitude!) They are efficient, and in only 2 instances I have ever gotten the order wrong fixed the issue and we were given a free appetizer! They know how to treat their customers right!
Food is great. I've personally sampled lots of things here burritos and tacos are great, so are the chimis and flautas, quesadillas (could be a little more full of ingredients), but generally the portions are big and the taste is great!
They have great happy hour pricing as well! A great spot for college kids (though it's a really family friendly restaurant) Lots of families with kids every time we come in.
Great outdoor patio to dine as well, which is great for when it get's less hot outside!
Way better than Moes or other mexican chains!
I'd eat here way more often if I was not worried about gaining too many burrito pounds ;)!
This place is tucked away in a strip mall all by itself near the end of the Coconut Point developement. Â The entrance is across Tamiami Trail from the Pelican Colony.
The food was good and came out quickly. Â All of the employees we encountered were happy to be there. Â The pricing is rather cheap for the area and the two tacos, chips, and a drink deal for $4.99 is a great value. Â Just get a side of their addictive queso and you are set!
This place is perfect for a cheap, quick lunch or dinner when that hankerin' for Mexican food comes along.
I find it weird that this place is kind of hiding nearly all by itself in a strip mall... but Tijuana Flats is my favorite.
The staff is always efficient, my order is always right (even when I order To Go!). I always order the Taco deal: 2 tacos, chips and a drink for just $4.99. You can upgrade for a little extra for steak, and I always add a side of queso for the chips. A very budget friendly lunch!
Once you find your way here, you will return. Great prices & the everyday 2 Taco deal special. The beer prices are great too!!!! A relaxing place to go and if you like hot sauces..............you gotta try them ALL. Love it! If you find your way over by Coconut Pointe Mall, go just a little further south, and you will see it from 41!!! Try it.......you'll love it!
Review Source:I can't possibly give less than five stars to a place where I ate lunch four times in one week.
I don't know what it is about Tijuana Flats. Â I live in southern California, and it's easy to find similar food there, yet whenever we plan a trip to visit family in this area, I spend weeks looking forward to my Tijuana Flats fix. Â
Is it the perfect sweet tea? Â Is it the addictive queso? Â Is it the wimpy yet incredible "smack my sweet..." (hey, this is a family-friendly review) sauce that I put on everything, even the chips? Â Is it the awesome waitress who lovingly swaddled my bottle of sauce in layers of paper and plastic to give it the best chance of surviving the journey in my checked bag? Â (It did, and now has a place of honor in my fridge.) Â Is it the staff who constantly refill your drinks with a smile?
Maybe it's the fact that Tijuana Flats, by catering to both carnivorous and meatless cravings, is a ray of sunshine to poor starving vegetarians like myself. Â Maybe it's the spinach and artichoke quesadilla--I never would have thought of that myself! Â Maybe it's the "power lite" options that let me eat here four times in a week and not gain 20 pounds. Â Maybe it's the variety--during that week, I never ate the same entree twice. Â Maybe it's the super reasonable prices.
Whatever the reason, I love this place, and it's earned the honor of being my 50th Yelp review. Â Tijuana Flats, please, please, come to California.