I have been going to La Esperanza about 10-25 times a year for the past 4 years. This place is amazing! The food you get is quite plentiful, and the price is very reasonable considering the food is 100% authentic, delicious, and fresh Mexican-styled food. Their flan is great too since it's fresh homemade flan (NOT instant)! My only complaint is the side of rice is boxed, BUT the rice is a good brand so I can't really complain. In the end this place is way more authentic than most Mexican restaurants in NJ.



Some things to note:

1) Their coffee is legit Mexican blend coffee. In other words, that stuff is strong.



2) Their food is homemade except the rice, although their beans they serve (black or red) make it seem like the rice is homemade.



3) Drinks are reasonable and there's always a special of some kind. But like all alcoholic beverages, don't be surprised if your bill is heavy after ordering a ton of drinks. Common sense is a great thing, right?



4) Their sides are nice, but with how big the meals are coupled with the fact you get free nachos and homemade salsa. . . Well, you don't need sides. I always over-stuff myself because the food is too good to try and save for later.



5) This restaurant is family owned. In other words, if it's a packed house don't be surprised if you have to wait 5 minutes or 10 minutes to get sodas. There are only two main waitresses (who are always nice and sweet). They help cook and clean in between serving their 20ish tables. Lunch hours on the other hand will be relatively quick. If you want quick drinks and appetizers go right to the bar; not a table.



6) Overall, expect to spend 14-20 dollars per person. Which is fairly reasonable since this is a restaurant after all, not a fast food joint. I can't count the many times I heard "Oh a Mexican place? So it's like Taco Bell?" when I tried to describe this place. In short, no, it's NOTHING like Taco Bell. Don't expect to pay 5 dollars and be done for a full meal.



7) They have a lunch and dinner menu. Lunch is smaller and cheaper, but in all honesty, a lunch portion is enough to fill even the hungriest of people. I can pack away food nonstop and I always leave over-stuffed from this place.