When you’re craving genuine Mexican cuisine in Orlando, look no further than Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food, a vibrant dining destination located in the heart of Universal CityWalk. More than just a restaurant, Antojitos offers an immersive experience into the rich culinary traditions of Mexico, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking truly authentic Mexican food in Orlando.
What Makes Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food a Must-Visit in Orlando?
Antojitos stands out as a beacon of authentic Mexican flavors within the bustling entertainment complex of CityWalk. Unlike typical Tex-Mex establishments, Antojitos prides itself on delivering a genuine taste of Mexico. The tapas-style dishes are prepared fresh daily, using traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients. From the moment you step inside, you’ll be transported to a festive Mexican marketplace, complete with bold colors and lively music, setting the stage for a memorable dining experience.
One of the highlights, and a testament to their commitment to authenticity, is the tableside guacamole. Prepared right before your eyes, you can customize it to your exact preferences, ensuring a fresh and flavorful start to your meal. This interactive experience is not just entertaining but also guarantees the quality and freshness that defines authentic Mexican food.
Location and Ambiance: Immerse Yourself in Mexican Culture at CityWalk Orlando
Finding Antojitos is easy, as it’s prominently situated within Universal CityWalk Orlando. The restaurant’s design itself is a celebration of Mexican culture. The exterior is eye-catching and inviting, drawing you into an equally energetic interior. Inside, you’ll find a visual feast of vibrant colors, bird-cage booths adding a unique touch, and playful neon caricatures of lucha libre wrestlers, creating a festive and spirited atmosphere. This theming contributes significantly to the overall experience, making Antojitos not just a meal, but a mini-vacation to Mexico without leaving Orlando.
Exploring the Menu: A Journey Through Authentic Mexican Delights
The menu at Antojitos is a carefully curated selection of dishes that showcase the diversity and richness of Mexican cuisine. Divided into appetizers, soups, salads, enchiladas, fajitas, tacos, and house specialties, there’s something for every palate. Let’s delve into some key highlights:
Starters: Begin with Authentic “Antojitos”
The appetizer section, fittingly named “Antojitos” (meaning “little cravings” in Spanish), features a range of tempting starters perfect for sharing.
- Table-side Guacamole: As mentioned, a must-try. Fresh avocados, tomatoes, garlic, red onion, green olives, and cilantro are combined to your liking.
- Empanadas: Masa turnovers filled with roasted corn, chorizo, cotija, and menonita cheese, offering a savory and cheesy bite.
- Taquitos Jaliscos: Crispy corn tortillas filled with chicken tinga and menonita cheese, served with flavorful salsas for an extra kick.
- Esquites: A popular Mexican street food, featuring roasted corn, jalapeño mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and ancho spice – a creamy and slightly spicy delight.
Main Courses: From Enchiladas to Tacos, Authentic Mexican Staples
The main courses offer a variety of classic Mexican dishes, prepared with authentic flavors:
- Enchiladas: Choose from Verdes (chicken tinga with salsa verde), Vegetarianas (roasted vegetables with vegan cheese and ranchera sauce), Ranchera (achiote pork with ranchera sauce), or Mole (beef machaca with house-made mole poblano). Each option is served with refried beans, cilantro rice, and corn tortillas.
- Fajitas: Sizzling fajitas are available with Pollo (adobo chicken), Carne (tequila-marinated steak), Vegetal (roasted vegetables), or Combo (chicken and steak). Served with all the traditional accompaniments like flour tortillas, guacamole, sour cream, and cheese.
- Tacos: Street-style tacos are a highlight, with options like Pollo (chicken tinga), Wild Mushroom, Al Pastor (roasted pork with pineapple salsa), Campechano (carne asada, chorizo, and chicharron), Beef Birria (braised beef with dipping sauce), and Camaron (fried shrimp).
- House Specials: Explore unique dishes like Guisado (sautéed shrimp, chorizo, and steak in ranchera sauce), Chimichanga (chicken tinga chimichanga), Chili Relleno (poblano pepper stuffed with chicken and cheese), and Pescado a la Yucatán (mahi simmered in a flavorful tomato and olive sauce).
Tequila and Drinks: An Expansive Selection
Antojitos boasts an impressive beverage program, especially its tequila selection. A dedicated “tequilaologist” trained the bar staff, ensuring expert knowledge and recommendations.
- Specialty Margaritas: From the classic Antorita to the adventurous Pineapple Fire and Ice, there’s a margarita for every taste.
- Handcrafted Drinks: Explore unique cocktails like The Repo Man, Classic Mojito, Tequila & Tonic, and Paloma Antica.
- Tequila Flights: For tequila enthusiasts, flights like “The Spirits of Mexico Flight” and “The Don Julio Vertical Flight” offer a tasting journey through different tequilas.
- Extensive Tequila List: The menu features a comprehensive tequila list, categorized by Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo, allowing you to choose your perfect pour.
- Mezcal Selection: Discover the smoky flavors of mezcal with options like Del Maguey Vida and Ilegal Silver.
Hours, Reservations, and Insider Tips for Your Antojitos Visit
Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food is open for dinner service:
- Sunday – Thursday: 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Friday – Saturday: 4:00 pm – 12:00 am
Reservations are accepted, which is recommended, especially during peak season and weekends at CityWalk.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the extensive tequila menu and ask the knowledgeable staff for recommendations. Also, enjoy the live entertainment, which adds to the vibrant atmosphere. Occasionally, they even have free face painting, making it fun for families.
Guest Experience: Expect Authentic Flavors and a Lively Atmosphere
Dining at Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food is an experience that engages all your senses. The lively atmosphere, filled with music and vibrant decor, sets the stage for a fun and energetic meal. The focus on authentic recipes and fresh ingredients ensures that each dish delivers genuine Mexican flavors. Whether you’re sharing appetizers, enjoying tacos, or sipping on a handcrafted margarita, Antojitos provides a taste of Mexico in the heart of Orlando CityWalk.
Conclusion: Your Destination for Authentic Mexican Food in Orlando
For anyone searching for Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food Orlando, Antojitos in Universal CityWalk is the definitive destination. From the tableside guacamole to the extensive tequila selection and the vibrant atmosphere, Antojitos offers a truly immersive and delicious Mexican dining experience. Make sure to include Antojitos in your Orlando itinerary for a taste of genuine Mexican cuisine that you won’t soon forget.
