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Tortilla Republic Reviews List
Tortilla Republic
Modern Mexican Cuisine. Updated Mexican classics made with fresh, flavorful and unique ingredients, with an island twist.
The Downstairs Margarita Bar serves lighter casual fare, tacos, burritos - Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner. Walk ins Only.
The upstairs Grill serves an eclectic fare of updated traditional Mexican classics with an island twist. NEW Sunday Brunch! Reservation recommended
See more Tortilla Republic details
The Downstairs Margarita Bar serves lighter casual fare, tacos, burritos - Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner. Walk ins Only.
The upstairs Grill serves an eclectic fare of updated traditional Mexican classics with an island twist. NEW Sunday Brunch! Reservation recommended
69 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Rating Breakdown 69 reviews
5 stars
(26)
4 stars
(21)
3 stars
(17)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(3)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- great for outdoor dining(47)
- fit for foodies(27)
- hot spot(25)
- vibrant bar scene(21)
- good for groups(20)
- neighborhood gem(19)
Tortilla Republic Reviews List
Review 1 for Tortilla Republic
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Worst Experience
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I would never return to this restaurant, unfriendly and scattered staff. Waited over an hour for our meals to arrive after we ordered. Had reservations and showed up an hour early and told us they couldn't get us in until our reserved time but were telling walk up that the wait was only 30 minutes."
Dined on 5/12/2013
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Review 2 for Tortilla Republic
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
best night in 2 years
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I heard about Tortilla Republic from a coworker, so I decided to surprise my wife by taking here on a night out. me and my wife headed up to Kukui ula and we found it, we got there around 8pm for our 830pm reservation food was super good with super good prices compared to north shore, but we weren't there for the food we were there to check out Club TR, I thought was gonna be bigger lol but you know what? it was the best time I had in Kauai in the last 2years im so going back and bringing all my friends to hang out .oh and one more thing they could have started the A/C in Club TR way sooner cuz it got hot very quickly. lol"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, scenic view, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 3 for Tortilla Republic
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
One of Kauai's Best Restaurants
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I've dined at Tortilla Republic many times - it's not just one of the best restaurants in the Poipu area, it's one of the best on all of Kauai. From appetizer to dessert, TR's talented chef has created a consistently wonderful menu, and the service is excellent. One of my favorite dining spots for both lunch & dinner, I always look forward to sharing Tortilla Republic with visiting family and friends."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, scenic view, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 4 for Tortilla Republic
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Favorite in Poipu
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Breakfast beneigts as good or better than New Orleans, Pedro's table side quacamole is a must have"
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, scenic view, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 5 for Tortilla Republic
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Guacamole At Table - Ole'
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The guacamole is made by a charming man right at the table. With the a wide assortment of drinks, this is a great evening stop.
We could have just eaten the guacamole and stopped there. The rest of the fare is standard mexican grub but good taste and value."
We could have just eaten the guacamole and stopped there. The rest of the fare is standard mexican grub but good taste and value."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for Tortilla Republic
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Tortilla Republic was good.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Tortilla Republic was good. I had the carne asado tacos and the meat tasted a little bland. Loved the black beans and rice. Highlight of the meal. Salsa and chips (which you had to pay for) was different. Not worth the $4.50. Jalapeño Margarita is a must!! Delish! And not too spicy.
I may be picky because I'm from Southern California where the Mexican Food is incredible. If you are looking for a trendy place, where the food is good (just not spicy or "real" Mexican), then this is your place! Enjoy!!"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, hot spot
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Review 7 for Tortilla Republic
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Bring your wallet
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The restaurant seems really lively. Lots of people and sounds. The food was good, however, bring your wallet, it was not cheap! Mexican cuisine that is way over priced. But, if you're going out for a special occasion as we were, just be prepared to put out some serious cash, and you won't be shocked when you get your check.we were a party of 5, and our total check w/out gratuity included was $260.00!!! That's w/ 1 pitcher of margaritas, and 1 beer? Oh well, guess we'll be saving those outings for very special occasions."
Dined on 04/15/2013
2012
Special Features: late-night find
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Review 8 for Tortilla Republic
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
It was delicious, and especially
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"It was delicious, and especially good for Mexican food at a resort! Loved the table side guacamole and the chicken enchilada suiza!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 9 for Tortilla Republic
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing find!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"In the midst of all the overpriced resort dining, Tortilla Republic was a great find! We even came here twice over our five night stay at the Hilton. The food was amazing and the service was fabulous as well."
Dined on 04/11/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 10 for Tortilla Republic
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food, attentive service,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great food, attentive service, and a nice open air ambience. A bit noisy for my taste but okay. Pricey but no more than everything else in Poipu. Manager/owner came to our table to check if everything was okay, which was a nice touch."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 11 for Tortilla Republic
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was great, although the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was great, although the yuppie clientele left a little to be desired. We came all the way to Kauai, only to feel like we were back in NY."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 12 for Tortilla Republic
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Best Breakfast in Poipu
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Best breakfast food on the Island now that 22North is no longer. Every item ordered was wonderful - wish we had gone earlier in the trip. Don't miss the Tomate Fresca and Chilaquiles (with chorizo) and the Huevos Divorciados. The ONLY thing that took away from this experience was a standoffish hostess on our first trip but subsequent two trips and all wait staff were excellent."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 13 for Tortilla Republic
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food and outstanding
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great food and outstanding service"
Dined on 04/04/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, special occasion
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Review 14 for Tortilla Republic
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We always enjoy this restaurant.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We always enjoy this restaurant. Our server couldn't have been more uninterested in us, however."
Dined on 04/02/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 15 for Tortilla Republic
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
We had a great waiter, but
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a great waiter, but even he was frustrated with the kitchen staff. We waited 55 minutes for our food when the restaurant was not even full. The manager finally came over when he realized that we were not happy, but never actually apologized, just said it was coming up right then and it still took another ten minutes. He did end up comping the meal, but by then it was too late. We would never go back if we were back in Maui."
Dined on 04/01/2013
2005
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Review 16 for Tortilla Republic
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Very good Mexican food in
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Very good Mexican food in Kauai. Who knew? Beautiful patio with nice views. Be sure to have the guacamole made tableside by Pedro!"
Dined on 03/26/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 17 for Tortilla Republic
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delicious and numerous gluten-free
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Delicious and numerous gluten-free options! Wish there were more of these restaurants closer to home. Looking forward to returning someday!"
Dined on 03/25/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining
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Review 18 for Tortilla Republic
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great for breakfast lunch & dinner
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The restaurant was wonderful. We ate here for dinner (upstairs) and breakfast (downstairs). The dinner was very good, with my husband getting fajitas and myself the mushroom flatbread. We were so impressed by the different flavors (for Kauai) and came here for breakfast a few days later. The breakfast options are amazing and it was our best breakfast of the vacation. The blueberry and fresh corn pancakes are something like I have never seen before (and I'm from Chicago). Tortilla Republic is great for all meals of the day."
Dined on 02/27/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, hot spot
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Review 19 for Tortilla Republic
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A fun spot for margaritas
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"A fun spot for margaritas and mexican food."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2007
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Review 20 for Tortilla Republic
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food was average. The fish
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was average. The fish tacos were nothing special. The fish looked and tasted like fish sticks. We had to water down our margaritas because they were way to strong-lame I know but I just couldn't stomach it otherwise. Service was slow but surroundings were nice. I would try again."
Dined on 03/21/2013
2013
Special Features: late-night find, romantic, scenic view
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Review 21 for Tortilla Republic
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Always enjoy coming back to
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Always enjoy coming back to the Kaua'i location. The seating protocol can be a bit draconian, but other than that we really like this restaurant. The food is great and the servers are terrific."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 22 for Tortilla Republic
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Overpriced drinks. Rude hostess
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Overpriced drinks. Rude hostess and it took forever to get a server. Won't be sending anyone to this restaurant unfortunately."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2010
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Review 23 for Tortilla Republic
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We live on Kauai and this
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We live on Kauai and this is one of our favorite restaurants. This time we especially enjoyed the Beef Short Ribs Chile Verde, the Fish Tacos, and as always the Tableside Guacamole from Pedro. The ribs were especially flavorful and tender, and the jalapeno mashed potatoes were to die for. The tacos were superb and bountiful. And nobody makes guacamole as good as Pedro. Finally, if you like Margaritas, the selection is outstanding (You can go crazy trying to select your favorite brand of tequila). Additionally, the service is hard to beat. This is definitely a mandatory destination for Mexican food."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, special occasion
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Review 24 for Tortilla Republic
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A fun evening. Tableside
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A fun evening. Tableside guacamole, great Margaritas. Food was fine, nothing special, though."
Dined on 03/11/2013
2007
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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Review 25 for Tortilla Republic
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Mexican in Hawaii not the best!
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Interesting but not worth the price and we realize coming from the west that not the best to try in Hawaii."
Dined on 03/04/2013
2010
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 26 for Tortilla Republic
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We enjoyed our breakfast at
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
"We enjoyed our breakfast at Tortilla Republic. Try the beignets they are delicious!"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 27 for Tortilla Republic
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
We had a terrible experience.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a terrible experience. We had hungry children and the order took over 45 min."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2004
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Review 28 for Tortilla Republic
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Lighting is too low making
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Lighting is too low making it difficult to see the menu and food. Chips are great. Guacamole by the dish (not made table side) was excellent. We will go back but only during daylight hours."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining
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Review 29 for Tortilla Republic
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great evening out in Kauai!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had a great evening! Service was attentive and professional; drinks were excellent (especially the cucumber mojito and jalapeno margarita), enjoyed the trio of salsas, and fish fajitas were excellent. Overall, very impressed."
Dined on 02/11/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 30 for Tortilla Republic
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Loved TR in Koloa. Everything
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Loved TR in Koloa. Everything was just excellent - chicken suiza, ahi krudo, key lime pie and oh my, the skinni marguerita is the best.
Plan to go there on a regular basis as I live here."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 31 for Tortilla Republic
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Disappointing
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Restaurant posts two different menus w/o clarifying one is for downstairs & other is for upstairs. Our open table resv automatically seated us upstairs which was fine ambience-wise but not menu-wise. When we pointed out our interest in items on the downstairs menu, we were told that wasn't an option. The guacamole made tableside was very tasty.. Otherwise, our entrees, snapper and shrimp fajitas, were bland, uninspired, and pricey. Service was ok although our waitress was rather pretenious. We regularly vacation in Kauai but won't be adding this restaurant to our list of favs."
Dined on 01/30/2013
2006
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Review 32 for Tortilla Republic
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Creative Mexican
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a nice evening despite bad experience with hostess. We were seated by kitchen with no view of breeze in a restaurant known for its outdoor dining. Asked for outdoor tale and were told it would be a 45 min wait. We then saw two separate parties of 2 seated outside within 10 min.
Waiter was personable and attentive. Food was creative and nice presentation. I enjoyed the Mahi Mahi with roasted poblanos . Nice decor"
Waiter was personable and attentive. Food was creative and nice presentation. I enjoyed the Mahi Mahi with roasted poblanos . Nice decor"
Dined on 01/21/2013
2006
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, scenic view
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Review 33 for Tortilla Republic
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had the Rib Eye Steak with
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had the Rib Eye Steak with a mushroom sauce that was absolutely fantastic. Probably the best steak we have ever had and we have had a lot of steak. Also the table side guacamole was fun and very tasty."
Dined on 01/18/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, scenic view, great for lunch
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Tortilla Republic
Based on the average of (36) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
3 out of 3 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic