Reviewing the La Cantina Menu with Prices ahead of time helps you decide between the combo plates and single items. It also saves you from the awkward moment of fumbling for your wallet when the bill arrives. You want good Mexican food without any surprises, and knowing the cost before you sit down is the smartest way to enjoy your meal.
Most people walk into a cantina hungry and just point at the first thing they see. That usually leads to overspending or ordering something you did not really want. A quick look at the menu structure lets you plan your order, your sides, and your drink budget. Let’s break down what you can expect to pay and how to get the best value for your cash.
La Cantina Menu With Prices
This guide covers the core sections of the standard menu, from appetizers to desserts. Prices can shift a little depending on your location or the time of day, but these figures reflect the typical current rates. Use this as your reference point before you head out the door.
Appetizers And Starter Prices
Starting with a shared plate is always a good move, but you need to know what those chips and dips actually cost. The starter section is usually the most profitable for the restaurant, so be careful here. You can easily spend more on starters than on your main dish if you are not paying attention.
- Queso Fundido (melted cheese with chorizo) – $8.99
- Guacamole Fresco (made tableside) – $9.49
- Nachos Supremos (with beans, beef, and jalapeños) – $11.99
- Mexican Street Corn (elote) – $6.49
- Chips and Salsa (bottomless) – $3.99
- Chicken Taquitos (three pieces) – $9.29
The bottomless chips and salsa is a decent deal if you are sharing. But if you are dining alone, that $3.99 adds up fast. Consider skipping the extra appetizer if you know you want a combo plate later.
Combo Plates And Dinners
This is the heart of the menu. Combo plates usually give you more food for a slightly lower price than ordering a la carte. The key is to look at what comes with the plate. Some combos include rice and beans, while others charge extra for those sides.
Two-Item Combos
You get to pick two items like tacos, enchiladas, or burritos. These come with rice and beans on the side. This is the standard lunch portion for most people.
- Two Tacos (beef or chicken) – $10.99
- Two Enchiladas (cheese or beef) – $11.49
- Chile Relleno and Taco – $12.29
- Tamale and Enchilada – $11.99
Three-Item Combos
If you are really hungry, the three-item combo is the way to go. You get a larger portion and often a small salad on the side. The price jump from two to three items is usually around two or three dollars.
- Three Tacos (hard or soft) – $13.49
- Enchilada, Taco, and Burrito – $14.99
- Chile Relleno, Taco, and Tamale – $15.29
- Three Enchiladas (your choice of sauce) – $13.99
Look closely at the combo descriptions. Sometimes the “special” combos include premium items like carnitas or shrimp, which will raise the price by a few dollars. The standard combos are usually the best value if you stick to beef or chicken.
Single Item Prices
If you do not want a full combo, you can order individual items. This is often cheaper if you are not that hungry, but you might miss out on the rice and beans. Here is what you can expect to pay for single plates.
- Single Taco (street style) – $3.99
- Single Enchilada – $4.49
- Bean Burrito – $8.49
- Carne Asada Burrito – $12.99
- Chicken Quesadilla – $10.49
- Tamale (pork or chicken) – $4.99
Ordering two single tacos at $3.99 each is actually cheaper than the two-taco combo at $10.99. But you lose the rice and beans. Do the math in your head before you order. Sometimes the combo is a better deal, sometimes it is not.
Specialty Plates And Seafood
The specialty section is where prices start to climb. These are the signature dishes that take longer to prepare. You are paying for the protein and the presentation here. If you are on a budget, this is the section to avoid.
- Carne Asada Plate (grilled steak with onions) – $16.99
- Pollo en Mole (chicken in mole sauce) – $15.49
- Chile Verde (pork in green sauce) – $14.99
- Camarones a la Diabla (spicy shrimp) – $18.99
- Grilled Fish Tacos (three pieces) – $15.29
- Steak Picado (strips of beef with vegetables) – $17.49
These plates usually come with rice, beans, and tortillas. The seafood options are almost always market price, so ask your server before ordering. The menu board might say $18.99, but the actual cost could be higher depending on the catch.
Side Dishes And Extras
Do not forget about the sides. They seem small, but they can add three or four dollars to your total. If you are sharing a plate, you might need an extra side of tortillas or a small salad.
- Side of Rice – $2.49
- Side of Beans – $2.49
- Flour or Corn Tortillas (3) – $1.99
- Side of Guacamole – $2.99
- Sour Cream – $0.99
- Extra Cheese – $1.49
These prices seem small, but they add up quickly. If you order two sides and a drink, you just added six dollars to your meal. Keep that in mind when you are calculating the final cost.
Drinks And Beverage Prices
Drinks can be the biggest hidden cost on any menu. Soft drinks are usually overpriced, and alcoholic beverages are where the real money goes. Decide on your drink budget before you look at the drink menu.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
- Soft Drinks (refillable) – $3.49
- Horchata – $4.29
- Jamaica (hibiscus tea) – $4.29
- Mexican Coke (bottle) – $3.99
- Fresh Limeade – $4.99
The refillable soft drinks are the best value if you are thirsty. The Mexican bottled sodas are smaller and cost more, but they have that real cane sugar taste. The aguas frescas are good but they are not refillable.
Alcoholic Drinks
- House Margarita (rocks or frozen) – $8.99
- Top Shelf Margarita – $12.99
- Draft Beer (domestic) – $5.49
- Imported Beer (Corona, Modelo) – $6.99
- Michelada – $7.99
- Shot of Tequila (well) – $6.99
Happy hour is usually the best time to try the margaritas. Many locations offer two-for-one deals on house margaritas between 3 PM and 6 PM on weekdays. That can cut your drink cost in half if you time your visit right.
Kids Menu And Lunch Specials
If you are bringing the family, check the kids menu. Portions are smaller, but the prices are much lower. You can also look for lunch specials if you are dining before 3 PM. These are often the cheapest way to eat at a cantina.
- Kids Taco Plate – $5.99
- Kids Quesadilla – $5.49
- Kids Chicken Nuggets (with fries) – $5.99
- Lunch Combo (one item) – $7.99
- Lunch Burrito (with rice) – $8.49
The lunch specials are a steal compared to the dinner prices. You can often get a full meal for under nine dollars. Just remember that lunch specials usually disappear at 3 PM, so get there early if you want the discount.
Dessert Prices
You might be full, but sometimes you want something sweet. The dessert menu is usually small, and the prices are moderate. Share a dessert if you are already full from the combo plate.
- Sopapillas (with honey) – $4.99
- Churros (with chocolate sauce) – $5.49
- Flan (caramel custard) – $5.29
- Fried Ice Cream – $5.99
These are standard prices for a sit-down Mexican restaurant. The fried ice cream is usually the most popular, but it is also the heaviest. If you are really full, just get the flan, it is lighter.
Tips For Saving Money On Your Visit
You do not have to spend a fortune to eat well. A few simple strategies can keep your bill reasonable. Here are some practical steps to follow when you order.
- Check the lunch menu first, it is almost always cheaper.
- Skip the appetizer if you plan on getting a combo plate.
- Drink water instead of soda or alcohol.
- Ask if the chips and salsa are free or paid.
- Look for daily specials on the board near the register.
- Share a three-item combo with a friend if you are both moderately hungry.
These tips can save you anywhere from five to fifteen dollars on a single visit. The biggest savings come from skipping the alcohol and the appetizers. You will still get plenty of food.
How To Calculate Your Final Bill
Before you walk in, you should have a rough number in your head. Start with your main dish price, then add tax (usually around 8-10%). Then add a tip of 15-20% if you are dining in. That gives you your real total.
For example, if you order a two-taco combo at $10.99, your final bill will be closer to $14.00 after tax and tip. If you add a drink and an appetizer, you are looking at $20.00 or more. Keep that in mind when you are deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about the menu and pricing. These answers should help you avoid any confusion when you visit.
Does The La Cantina Menu Have A Lunch Discount?
Yes, most locations offer a lunch menu from opening until 3 PM on weekdays. The lunch combos are usually two to three dollars cheaper than the dinner versions. You can get a single item with rice and beans for around $7.99.
Are The Chips And Salsa Free?
No, at most locations the chips and salsa are not free. They cost around $3.99 and are bottomless. Some locations might give you a small basket for free, but refills will cost you. Ask your server before you assume.
Can I Order Just A Single Taco?
Yes, you can order individual tacos for around $3.99 each. This is a good option if you want to try a few different meats without committing to a full combo. You can mix and match as long as you order at least two.
Do The Combo Prices Include Rice And Beans?
Yes, the two-item and three-item combos include rice and beans on the side. The single items do not include sides. If you order a single burrito, you will have to pay extra for rice and beans if you want them.
Are There Vegetarian Options On The Menu?
Yes, you can find bean burritos, cheese enchiladas, and veggie quesadillas. The prices are similar to the meat options. You can also ask for grilled vegetables instead of meat on any taco or burrito for no extra charge.
Final Thoughts On Pricing
The La Cantina menu with prices is pretty straightforward once you know what to look for. The combo plates offer the best value for your money, especially during lunch hours. Single items are cheaper but you lose the sides. The specialty plates are the most expensive, so save those for a special occasion.
Do not forget to factor in the cost of drinks and appetizers. Those are the items that will silently raise your bill. If you stick to water and skip the starters, you can easily have a filling meal for under fifteen dollars.
Next time you visit, you will know exactly what to expect. You can order with confidence, knowing that you are getting a fair price for your food. That is the best way to enjoy your meal without any stress about the check.
Remember to check the daily specials board when you walk in. Sometimes there are unadvertised deals that are even cheaper than the regular menu items. It only takes a second to look, and it could save you a few bucks.
So go ahead and plan your order before you arrive. You will be glad you did when you see the final bill. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your dining experience enjoyable and affordable.