Arturo’s Cantina

There salsa and chips were definitely the biggest highlight of all. The food is very basic not the authentic Mexican cuisine I was expecting. It was just OK, the staff is super sweet and friendly. I went again and gave it a second shot but still they fell short with the main course. I don’t think tacos and chimichangas are so difficult to make. Sorry but I will not attempt a 3^rd try.

Arturo’s wasn’t the worst, but it was a weird experience. I was home for the holidays and living in a big city, I’ve gotten use to some really great Mexican food. Danbury, eh. It’s a small town. Don’t expect Steven Starr to open a new joint here. So my mom and I went to Arturo’s a day before Christmas to give it a shot.
It was probably around 1 and save for one person at the bar, EMPTY. There was no hostess either. Cue that awkward milling around where we decide should we stay or slip out. Who I assume was the owner eventually came out of the kitchen and sat us at the perfect table right by the front window. Because did I mention, this place was EMPTY. Floor was incredibly dirty however. Maybe my mom mentioned that too loud because one of the employees emerged with a broom a short time later.
The chips and salsa were good, but a very small amount of salsa compared to chips. My mom ordered a chimichanga and I got a mole enchilada, one chicken one beef.
Despite no one else being in the place, it still took a good 20 – 25 minutes for our food. The entrees come with a side of rice and beans, but we were informed the rice was not cooked yet. Okay, I guess. The enchilada wasn’t too bad, and I ate them both post haste. The chimichanga, also good.
Now I like good service just like any customer does, but this is when the experience got weird. The owner kept talking to us. About his family Christmas dinner, travel plans, asking advice how to cook a turkey. I’m normally all for idle conversation, but this dude kept at it. I almost expected him to pull up a chair and join us! Hospitality is nice but let your customers enjoy your food!
Mexican food in Danbury is one you can skip over, and although Arturo’s didn’t get me sick or anything and I left having enjoyed my meal, I wouldn’t go out of my way to return. And I live down the street.

the appetizer was the best part– then the meal came. It looked good but it fell short of spectacular. I wanted to love it more since it is family owned and operated but I would not go out of my way for a second go. The service and salsa was nice though!

Both great food and polite service. Prices are more than reasonable and has an enjoyable atmosphere. Wasn’t very busy on a saturday night which suits my tastes. I always prefer a less crowded restaurant as opposed to bumping elbows and yelling over people. Been twice, once with groupon, and was obviously good enough for a return.

Twice I have stopped here for lunch around 1130 only to find the place closed even though the signs say open for lunch at eleven, guess they don’t want business. It’s a shame because it’s close to my new home and I like Mexican, but I won’t waste my time anymore

Eh, had to wait about about an hour for our food and we were about the only people there. Ordered a vegetable quesadilla, really bad tasted like frozen steamed vegetables that were all soggy and watery. Could of picked one up at Taco Bell that was 1000x better. Very pricy. Had to ask twice for more water. Would not go again.

Food is traditional and always consistent. Order a combo #2 and ask for it spicy. Indoor and outdoor seating.

Not quite sure what’s been happening with Arturo’s the last few times I’ve gone. First of all, it seems like they’ve packed in more tables, so it’s a little tight. The food is pretty good, but it’s been a bit bland compared to the past. And I always thought this was their number one selling point. But probably the biggest complaint I’ve had recently is that it seems like different customers are treated in different ways. For example, recently I brought friends to Arturo’s to enjoy the guacamole. It’s wonderful and they make it tableside. It is by far my favorite thing there. And the last few times we went, we were told by the wait staff that they did not have any fresh avocados that day and could not make it. Yet, the fajitas we ordered had a very small side of guacamole that appeared very fresh. Also, each time, we noticed that the owner or the senior wait staff offered tableside guacamole to certain customers that had come in those last three times those very same times we were told something else. Also, and as mentioned by other customers here, we noticed that the owner kept eyeballing us in a way that was rather rude and uncomfortable. He was very nice to other tables, though. And every time I have come here, I have always tipped very well. So, I cannot imagine what the problem would’ve been. Hmm… Very unfortunate, because we’ve started to branch out and look at other places to go enjoy authentic Mexican in this area. And we’ve found that in a few places, such as Las Mananitas in Patterson, NY, Pueblo Viejo in Carmel, and Agave in Danbury, CT. Treat your customers right and they will keep coming back. Just a thought, Arturo’s!

Just had dinner at Arturo’s again
This has to be the best around
Everything is fresh
the staff and Arturo are great
And they have the best margaritas–
We have been here many times before and
We always feel welcome and part of the family

Went Saturday night with a couple of friends with a Groupon. I was a little leary due to mixed reviews… I was further concerned when I drove up as it does not look like much from the road. I am happy to say we thoroughly enjoyed it and will definitely go back again! Arturo was very nice as was his sister who was tending the bar, place was steadily busy for a Saturday night but we did not have any issues with the service. The appetizers were delicious, we had the jalapeño poppers and the minichangas, you could tell that they were freshly made. The 4 of us each had different meals and no one complained about their food, I had the Tricolor which was 3 different enchiladas with different sauces … the mole sauce was my favorite! Afterwards we chatted with the owners and they told us that the sauce recipes were handed down from their mother which is a real nice touch. I would definitely recommend anyone who enjoys authentic Mexican to give it a try, do not go if you are in a rush — relax and enjoy the atmosphere and authentic Mexican cuisine.

I guess they knew I found them on GroupOn because they gave me the toughest «steak» I have ever eaten. Ended up giving it to my dogs, seriously. Everything else was pretty bad, no flavor.
I would not recommend this place, even if you are using the groupon deal.

My family and I were disappointed with the ambience, cleanliness, food, drink and price. Ok, poor seating and yelling kids next to my crowded table for starts. Water glasses and silverware dirty with previous meal dried on to it. Food was rated ⁶⁄₁₀ at best by my family of six; not fresh ingredients covered or masked by mounds of melted cheese. None of the meat dishes had the fat taken off. The taste of these meals were very bland. Margaritas were made with cheap liquor or mix, tasted weird and cost me $ 8 per drink! I was really hoping this was a hit, since it’s local to me and I love Mexican food, but a BIG thumbs down. After reading the other reviews, I was sure it was going to be acceptable, but I would not recommend this Restuarant.

Great food BUT the owner (Arturo) was extremely rude and unfriendly. I was there with 3 other girls. He was unfriendly, and just plain rude to us from the beginning. He was being very nice to every other table. There was also a woman who we ended up asking to take our order and for the check and she was very sweet and helpful.

Simply put, the food was excellent and the service was poor. On a busy Friday night there was only 1 server and he could not possibly keep every table happy. We loved the table-​side guacamole and we each had a very tasty drink, but when my boyfriend’s drink was empty he ordered another but I was not quite done with mine. The waiter never cane back to the table after our food was served. I ended up having to ask the busboy for our check and certainly never got the chance to order another drink. It’s a real shame since the food was so tasty.

Love at first bite! Loved the salsa, lots of onions and very fresh. Arturo himself talked us into the Dreamer’s Portabella appetizer and though I was skeptical, it was amazing with shrimp and mushrooms in a wonderful cream sauce. I strayed from my usual carne asada mexican choice and tried the Taquitos Nortenos and was rewarded with a delicious chicken and cheese fiesta in a fried taco shell. And the strawberry margarita, well, let me just say yum. Arturo is a personable, available host and we enjoyed chatting with him during and after our meal.
I look forward to returning for a drink on their patio.

Great food! Friendly staff. The appetizer avocado with shrimp was very good! We will return again. By the way, we used Groupon and the owner didn’t give us any dirty looks as was previously stated by others.

Have had several enjoyable meals here and will keep coming back. They offer all the favorites as well as some nice specials. Cozy atmosphere and a very relaxing patio when the weather is nice. Service is usually attentive too. For the area, this is the place to go for south of the border flavors.

Really good experience here. Food was fresh and service was fantastic. It was more authentic and creative then your average tex mex place you typically find in the area. Try the baked pear dessert with pistachio ice cream!

Loved this place. The food was good, value is good, atmosphere is great and the employees were very helpful and inviting. My wife and I dropped in here for a quick bite and were very pleased. We really like Mexican food. One thing you realize after moving to CT, there are not many big chain places that you might be accustomed. We really like OTB but the nearest one is about 60 miles away. So, we have been hitting these local places — this one is the best thus far that we have encountered in the Danbury area. We will continue to try others –but, we will definitely return to this place.

GREAT SERVICE AND AMAZING FOOD!!! Beautiful small restaurant with authentic Mexican food in my opinion it’s the best in the area! I highly recommend this restaurant!!!