Review Michael's Cantina - Omaha

I stopped by after work to try out the fried tacos at Michael's Cantina. The interior was warm and inviting with neon lights glowing everywhere. They have a lot antique signs and nostalgic items many of which relate to Omaha history. The hostess and waitress we're both friendly and attentive. The tacos were very tasty with just the right amount of seasoning for a bit of a flavor kick. I also some dashes of Chipotle Tabasco hot sauce. The taco shells were crispy and tasty. For comparison, I would say the fried stuffed tacos at Maria's in Ralston rate an 8.5 where Michael's tacos are a 7.0 Please check out my photos. I've included a few wide screen panorama photos as well.

We had a really nice late lunch. Took my In-laws out for grandparents day. Everyone enjoyed there food & the staff was incredible. We hate to see Michael's go but Michael deserves a break & to enjoy retirement. Thank you for many years of great food & company. We'll try to come in one more time before you close the doors for good. 😔

We come here every week. We like the food and the Margaritas are outstanding. Warm and friendly atmosphere abounds from the hostess to the waitress to the servers. The Bartender/Manager is the best in Omaha. We bring friends here on a regular basis. It's a can't miss place.

Service great. Margaritas amazing! Food was good, not very spicy some things could use more flavor, still good. Nice decor and atmosphere. Lots of seating, bonus for me was changing station in restroom. Will go back for sure.

I love this place to eat. It's my favorite in the old market. There's always friendly service and a great atmosphere. I like the fish tacos, they're delicious very yummy. The old market needs more food places like this or its going to lose its rank in class for the area.

A reasonable place for Mexican food! I am impressed with their warm and prompt service. The food served was mouth drooling! Their Mexican rice are fluffy and tender. There fajitas are also rich in quality. I recommend this place to all Mexican food lovers.

I ordered the two tacos with rice and beans off the lunch menu. Complimentary chips and salsa. The waitress was fast and got the hint I was just in during a lunch break so she gave me the check without my needing to ask. Total was 7.68 plus whatever you decide to tip. The food was nothing to write home about but I would go back for the affordability and service.

The service was excellent! My food was flavorful and delicious! We had cheesy bean dip with fresh made flour tortillas for an appetizer. I could eat it every day for the rest of my life.

Great atmosphere. Refried beans are some of the best around. Food was served hot and timely. Four star out of five only because they could use a better selection of beer on tap for a restaurant downtown.

Best service by one great lady: Susie. Ask. For. Her. I always see her during lunchtime and she always graces her customers with a smile and upbeat personality. I can't say enough about this lady so praise her for me when you see her! And food is great. Good sized potions. Last time I visited, I ran into the owner outside and shared words. If you see him, he's a great guy as well! Thanks you guys at Michael's!

I love the fried flour chicken tacos! First time I had one was when they were located at 20th & L. That was 30+ yrs ago and they are still the best today. The location in the old market is a beautiful atmosphere. The staff were very friendly.

The best Mexican food I have ever had and I don't really like Mexican food. I was wanting more! the staff was friendly and prompt. Food was fresh. The bathroom could use a little more tlc but not horrible. Highly recommended!

6 of us went to Michael's for their last day on the 27th. It was bitter sweet to hang out there for last time. (we've been going there since it 1st opened). The appetizers were were great * I'm Really going to miss the bean dip* & the MargaritaS were wonderful (the best in town). We're going to miss Michael's And Jill the wonderful bartender who's waited on us all these years.

The service was fantastic! Always on top of drinks and food was nicely presented. The food itself was alright. I had the steak tacos and the steak was a little tough. Other than that a great place to visit.

Food was average, not excellent. I had a chicken salad and the lettuce was bagged (yuck!). The shredded chicken was questionable. I would give this place a second chance. It's right next to the parking garage (a plus). <br/><br/>The men's restaurant was clean.

Food Blah, and I went home wearing salsa!!. Ok, so a friend of mine and I met for dinner there. It was my first time there. I can't even remember what I had, so it definitely didn't make much of an impression! What I can remember is this... A waitress (not ours) was cleaning a booth behind where I was sitting. I heard some clatter, and then I felt something went on my shoulder and arm. I assumed it was water, and I looked down to wipe it off and it was salsa. It was everywhere. It was on the booth seat, on my purse, several spots on my clothes, and best yet, in my hair. The girl was embarrassed and didn't do much in the way of apologizing, just ran and got some paper towels. Our waitress then came over and started wiping me down... weird! Shortly after, we got our bill (no reduced price, or offer to do anything for the mess), paid and left. I didn't act upset through any of the ordeal, in fact, I was trying to laugh it off. We are all human after all, and make mistakes. What really upset me, besides the quality of the food, was that they didn't offer an apology, or a discount off of the bill. Oh well, live and learn... not to go back!

Not good. Do not try.. I ordered an enchilada and even the sauce couldn't save it. This is the second worst mexican food I've had in Omaha. The worst was that food truck that parks on 10th near Barry O's (come on, food trucks are the new hot thing!), third worst was California Tacos and More. Honestly, I think I might take my chances with Californai Tacos and see if they've got something hopeful on their menu.<br/><br/>If you are looking for some not very good mexican food, just keep walking up to Roja's. At least you can sit out on the patio.

Chicken wings. I know they are known for Mexican food but i used to live in the Old Market and they had the best wings! NOW THEY ARE SOGGY AND SQUISHY so gross! I even asked them for extra extra extra crispy

Beer. Best thing about this place was the beer enough said!

Family dinner. This was my first time going to this place but we had bad experience with this place first we wait for more then 45 minutes for the order to come then the food didn't have no flavor at all. The services was bad. The place was okay, I never going there again bad bad bad service good bye. Oh one more thing this restaurant can't be call Mexican.<br/><br/><br/>-----30 Aug, 2014-----<br/><br/>Family dinner. This was my first time going to this place but we had bad experience with this place first we wait for more then 45 minutes for the order to come then the food didn't have no flavor at all. The services was bad. The place was okay, I never going there again bad bad bad service good bay. Oh one more thing this restaurant can't call Mexican.

Went for lunch with my family, being from out of town on vacation we thought we would give it a try. The place was pretty dead which should have gave it away. The food was OK and the pricing was fair. But the highlight came when our waitress dumped hot sauce on me when clearing the table. She said oh I am sorry, and brought me a cloth to dab up her doing. The sad thing was it was on very light colored shorts that were now damaged for good (no luck getting the stains out). Never once did she offer to even pay for my meal for trashing my shorts. If I am ever in the area again I will avoid this place like the plague!! If you go watch whats on your table or wear all black!!

Mixed review. The service was fair. The food was good. The margarita was excellent. My husband ordered the shrimp taco special and I had one beef and one chicken taco. They were excellent except for the soft shell corn tortilla. It tasted like it was dried out, not even warmed up. When the waitress asked how was the food, we told her about the taco and she replied, 'well it's the corn one, I always get the flour one'. Okay, why didn't she tell us about it when we ordered? I use corn tortillas at home and they taste a whole lot better than these. It tasted like it had been frozen and left out to thaw.. dried out and wouldn't even hold together. Too bad, because the rest of the food was really good.

Jury still out. I have been going to the Michael's Restaurant since they were located at 20th & Missouri Avenue... They have changed considerably over the years, both locations & menus.<br/><br/>There wasn't a time when they were on 20th Street that my whole family didn't order the beef enchiladas AND ALWAYS Michael's FAMOUS Bean dip. When we left the area, I still went there on my visits home and continued to get the very same thing and it never disappointed. Many, many carry-out trips of just a couple of large orders of Bean dip and chips to take home. YUM!<br/><br/>Then, when that location was gone, I was forced to go the old Market location. I think the first time I finally went, they had changed the recipe of the enchilada. I was shocked at first, but I decided that it was still good and I have continued to order it.<br/><br/>About a year ago, my husband and I went there to get our regular "Bean Dip" fix, and when it arrived at the table, THEY HAD CHANGED THE RECIPE!!!! The menu still called it their FAMOUS Bean Dip and the description said it had "whipped beans", but IT DID NOT!!! They now leave the beans whole. My husband complained to the wait staff who said they hadn't been working there long and it was the same as when they started. My husband now refuses to go back unless they change the bean dip back to the way it is supposed to be. When you go to a specific restaurant for a specific item, you expect it to always be the same!!!

Don't Bother!. Bad help, bad food, too pricey!

Sois was the worst experience of my life. The food was horrible and the waitress was a horrible person. When we spoke to the manager he told us it was our fault for not reading the menu carefully. My Son made it outside and threw up on their stairs.

Management presence needed. We should have known when we arrived and were able to get a table when every other establishment in the old market was full with a 30 min wait.<br/>Instead of our server Amber being grateful for a table she started off telling us after 5 minutes I will be with you in a few. She took our drink order and took more then 7 minutes to get one water after the drinks were served (the rest of the table never did get waters).<br/>The food was surprisingly good but did not make up for the bad service. The entire staff suffered from a complete lack of supervision, they were gathered in the back making fun of customers with disabilities. When the "check" came it was hand written slips of paper which gave the impression of being shady especially with 25% tip already added in. We will never be back to this location no matter how crowded the rest of the old market is.

Awful! The cheese dip is like Velveeta out of a jar, water salsa, chicken chimichanga had no flavor except sweetness. GROSS! Waitress was also less than desirable, no personality couldn't answer any questions. To top it all off our bill was wrong. Would NOT ever go back!

This restaurant, in my book, just received the award for the worst customer service I've ever had. I wont sit here and write every single problem i had there. I'll just say this, AVOID THIS PLACE!

Horrible!!. My wife and I went here last night, she had a chimichanga and I had a beef burrito and a chicken enchilada. My wife said her chimichanga was bland and soggy. My beef burrito was bland and the chunks of beef were so big you could barely cut or chew them. It was my chicken enchilada that prompted this review, if I knew what wet dog food wrapped in a thick soggy corn tortilla tasted like I bet this would taste close to that. I ate a bite and immediately brushed my teeth when I got home to get the taste out of my mouth. Disgusting!!

They don't care. Not-so-great food plus terrible service plus expensive checks? I feel like that explains it quite well. Many people have mentioned the poor quality of the food. I'd like to mention the poor quality service provided by our server. Here are just a few instances:<br/><br/>- ordered something that required me specifying which meat, how it is to be cooked, and a few other choices. I said the name of the dish and she almost walked away. <br/><br/>- she walked around on her cell phone, spent time with the other servers, and let my steak go from medium rare to well under the lights. <br/><br/>The service here just communicates a lack of care. Not caring about the job. Not caring about the order. Ruining a $14 steak under the lights. <br/><br/>I don't care to return.<br/><br/>P.S. Which self-respecting American Mexican restaurant does not serve complimentary (or at least included) chips and salsa?? RED FLAG right there that this is a cheap establishment.

Food use to be awesome. They lost an awesome Kitchen Manager 1 year ago!!! Now food is not made from scratch ssad so sad!!!!

Its better than. Well i went to rojas last week and i didnt like it at all it was terrible! yea and this place was worse food is like taco bell 3 years ago was way better before i went off to collage!!

Just Okay. This place used to be better, but the last time I went, I was let down. The food was fine, but I used to go all the time because it was great. Can't complain about the portion sizes, though.

LAST TIME I EVER GOING. I was at the bar and me and my friends always go there to eat on the weekends because we hit the bars and t-henrys and the food was just plain awful this was the 3 time in a row and we were just asking around and it all makes sense and after reading all this reviews I found out why --Yea-- THIS GUY INVESTIGATED AND FOUND OUT THE ANSWER-- OK THE OLD CHEF or what ever they call themselves (sorry) Dont work their no more! guess he had been here for ever and that why all this food sucks, well they better do something cause after reading all this reviews losing all this business cant be good

Mediocre. The half-plate of nachos at lunch is an ok value. Almost everything else on the menu is overpriced and not that great. It is ok for lunch when you have a large group and have no where else to go. Service is decent.

We loved it!. Started with a bean dip and chips it was delicious and the chips were the best we have ever had at a Mexican restaurant! Margaritas were a little strong for me but my husband loved that he could actually taste the tequila in his. He really enjoyed it. I think I will try a flavored one next time. We both had tacos and they were deep fried flour shells. Very good! We will definitely be back soon! Waitress was awesome!

Don't waste your time or money. Food was awful. Service slow. How do they stay in business?!? Their "Steak in Chipotle Sauce" was more like a shoe sole in ketchup. Appetizer are overpriced and chips are stale.

Me and my significant other went to Michaels tonight and it was honestly the worst food I have ever paid money for. The cheese enchilada was lumps of cheap, tasteless shredded cheese and drowning in watered down nacho cheese sauce which they called "queso". The rice tastes bland and old like it had been recycled a few times. The guacamole was clearly old and out of a tube. The bean dip was just beans with some sprinkled cheap cheese on top for $5.99. If your eating for tasteless calories then this is the place, but if your eating for good food AVOID THIS RESTAURANT!!

What a big dissapointment. My wife and I have been going to Michael's for ~15 years. They had the BEST BEANS! Tonight we went and had a big (unfortunate) surprise.<br/><br/>For me, a Mexican restaurant is all about the re-fried beans. Since I went there a few months ago and now, they have completely altered their re-fried beans. They are now chunky (instead of smooth) and taste of can. No matter how much sauce I put on them, I couldn't eat them<br/><br/>That's enough for me to never come back, but to make matters worse, their tacos are completely BLAND now. I might as well go to El Bees (which I HATE).<br/><br/>It's such a huge disappointment. I may go back in a few years to see if they go back to their old ways, but until then, I'll go elsewhere.<br/><br/>RIP the old Michael's recipes. You are truly missed.

Working in the service industry (bar manager) myself, I love trying new places. My girlfriend was in the mood for Mexican so we decided to try here. Walked in and were greeted instantly, a very nice gentleman. When we were sat, it was pretty slow, roughly 3 other tables with customers. I ordered a pacifico, (nice that it was on tap), but had to ask twice for a lime. Neither of us were starving so decided to try a couple tacos each. We both ordered one al pastor and steak taco. I have nothing but patience when ordering food, again, I completely understand how restaurants work, but this was unacceptable. It took at least 30 min for our food to come, the al pastor was delicious, although a little on the cooler side, but the steak needs some work, cold and tough. I am always willing to give a spot a second chance, and no exception here, but it may be some time.

Unoriginal. I love visiting the Old Market and trying anything new so it wasn't long before Michael's was next. I went with a girlfriend on a weeknight and we were seated right away. They have your basic run of the mill mass produced menu you can find at quite a few places in town. I am a huge fish taco fan but a piece of breaded "fish product" fried up from a bag in the freezer wasn't what I had in mind. The menu is unoriginal and the food isn't authentic, down to the cheese from a can. Staff is friendly enough but you can find these same items much cheaper outside of the Old Market. Plus side, can see part of the Old Market thru the huge windows and the decor is pleasant.

Ay Caramba. Wow. My husband and I tried Michael’s together tonight. I, for the first time 10 years ago and he 8 years ago when he first moved to Omaha. Both of us had a disappointing experience years ago so we figured why not try it out together a about decade later. Nothing has changed. The food mediocre. The service mediocre. Our waitress was at the bar on her cell phone texting with her back to us most of the night. I ordered the chicken wings and my husband the enchilada meal. 12 “wings” consisted of 2 drumettes, 6 wings and LITERALLY 4 pieces of I had no idea. They had no resemblance of ANY chicken what so ever. The meat on the drumettes was dry and tasted old. I sent them back. This clearly was Taco Bell quality with Downtown prices. If you’re seriously in the mood for Mexican go to La Mesa in Bellevue. It’s worth the trip. Or just head to Taco Bell. Better meal, better service, better food. What disappointed me the most however was how the staff was willing to let us walk out without as much as a good-bye, have a good night, or even offering a discounted price for a return......VERY poor service. They truly do not care.

Excellent. It's great Americanized Mexican food! Their guacamole is awesome and I love their homemade flour chips!

Don't waste your money. Food came out in about 2 minutes, it had been sitting under a heat lamp you could tell. Roja or Julio's is ten times better. I'm surprised this place is still open!!

Yulk. The food was ok not the best,service was good. The sause taco sause or whatever you call it red water sause had no tase and the peppers had no tase at all either. If this is mexican I don't no what to say. Heck Taco bell sause is better then that and then they have the nerves to charge for pico and you don't even get chips to start you off. I think I will stil with taco john for fake mexican food. Oh yea and the nacho that were suppose to have meet not very hard to find

Not good!!! I think there was cheese whiz on my chicken Cancun yuck!! Drink & service were good but meal did not even measure up to Tex-Mex will not return. Use to go to michaels in south O this is not the same.

Won't Be Back. I received a coupon for Michael's in the mail so thought I'd give it another try. The coupon was for buy one lunch special get one free - requires the purchase of 2 drinks. No other restrictions were printed. When we got there we were told that the lunch specials were only available M-F so the coupon wasn't valid at Saturday lunch. We were off to a bad start. <br/>The menu says the guacamole is made fresh every day. I don't believe it - it tasted like premade in a bag. The fish tacos consisted of stale corn shells and what appeared to be a piece of frozen fried fish. The food was just bad all around. <br/>My advice - walk west about a block and eat at Roja where the food is fresh and they don't lure you in with coupons they won't allow you to use.

Just Ok..... It was just ok. Okay for an appetizer but nothing else. Drinks were watered down. Margaritas tasted like there was only sweet and sour mix. We were not impressed with the lunch we ordered. Also service was very slow and it was not even busy. We won't be going back anytime soon.

Not that good.... I lived across the street from this place for a little over a year. The food is really not that good. It's really a TexMexy, american lazy man's mexican resaurant. That being said, I went there all of the time. Probably out of sheer laziness. I could walk out my door, and right across the street.<br/><br/>Refried beans from a can, hamburger with no seasoning packed into greasy tortilla's. Great hangover food...

Is there a "meh" rating?. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it...Overall, it was "...meh"

A competent local Mexican place.. Although I wasn't impressed with the blended guacamole, this is a very decent Mexican food place in Omaha. Over the past 11 years or so, I have visited Omaha usually once a year for nearby events and always end up in the Old Market. I have eaten at Michael's a few times, and it's a fun place with good food at a decent price. Nothing particularly stands out that I have tried, but nothing was bad either. It's a colorful fun place, and has been around long enough to be a local favorite in a touristy section of town. Service was good. Parking can be a huge problem anywhere in Old Market on weekends, though, so you might find better food with less hassle elsewhere.