I live in the neighborhood and was excited to have a sit down restaurant within walking distance! After an initial uncomfortable encounter with the hostess I decided to give La Mesa three more tries, which leads me to this unfortunate review. Every server I have had has been great, but with average food and unbearably rude hostess I won’t be subjecting myself to giving it a 5th try. Truly hope these experiences are unique to me as I’d like nothing more than to see businesses succeed in the neighborhood.

Live music is wonderful! The service was slow. The food did not have enough seasoning. Location great.

I am an Ecuadorian and I love how the chef has all the plates look aesthetically pleasing. The food was great and I appreciate the small portions. Some, Ecuadorian restaurants have a tendency of serving really large portions and you have to take it home and re-heat it up and the food doesn’t taste the same. La Mesa makes sure you don’t have to do that. Service was great and I will fosure come again.

Went for happy hour a while ago and got the tacos. Boy were they not good and the Tortillas were abysmal. The chicken wings were find but our entire party ended up getting food poisoning from the experience. I guess I wouldn't mind so much if the food was actually good.

Chicken wings were too big and very undercooked. Staff wasn’t very inviting. Idk may be bc I’m black and not their target customer. Idk not happy and not going back.

Awesome little place. We actually got waited on by the owner last night who was so kind and attentive but gave us space to enjoy ourselves too. We sat on the patio and had some awesome cider and delicious yuca fries. Neighborhood has a great vibe, as well as the restaurant itself, people walking by the patio with dogs and saying hello. Can’t wait to go back!

Sad to see some bad reviews on here, as we've had nothing but a wonderful experience. We live in the neighbor and frequent La Mesa 1-2/month and whenever we have guests visit we make sure to bring them along. Everyone has always loved the food and the staff are wonderful. For those leaving bad reviews about the hostess, not getting a table, or having to wait, this is a small establishment with only a few cooks on hand. I don't believe they ever turn people way to be rude, but simply because they are trying to ensure their staff isn't overwhelmed and that they can prepare high quality food. If you make a reservation (online or by phone) you will have no problems!

The food was amazing, with seasonal specials - watermelon gazpacho- and authentic Ecuadorian staples - ie llapongachos. Superb cocktails (I had the mescal Negroni!) and one of the loveliest, most peaceful patios in Mpls. Such a gem.

We’ve never had anything less than superb from our neighborhood gem. Favorites include the corn pizza and roasted chicken. Would love to see a mid afternoon happy hour for the patio during the summers—Bryn Mawr would be out in droves. Regardless, La Mesa will always be a five-star stop for us.

I hate doing this but nothing we had was good other than the service. The ceviche was plain, the pork tacos were over cooked and had no flavor, beans and rice.... They may have been minute-made and take out of the can. Atmosphere nice and the waitress was pleasant. Get slapped with Minneapolis extra taxes and the establishment hits you with excess tax for what? Hard pass!

On a whim, while on a bike ride, I stopped for a meal, got lucky, no reservation but got a table. a very lucky whim. Great food, atmosphere, service. Watermelon gazpacho was incredible.

LOVE this place. I eat here once a month and have NEVER had one thing I didn’t love. Appetizers, pizzas, mains, drinks and desserts - all fabulous!!!! Service and servers are amazing.

We have always had a five star experience with this neighborhood restaurant. Food is great, service is always friendly and helpful, love the music, garage doors are open to the outdoors and sidewalk tables are available, all making for a nice experience. The corn pizzas are a favorite for take-out on busy weeknights with no time to cook. And don't skip dessert, they are culinary works of art!

Great dinner. Quicker than I expected. Got the cioppino (on special) and the LaMesa burger. Both excellent. The salsas we're both delicious too. Friendly and efficient server!

Classist, they don’t take cash. hours say open till 10 but if you want take out you have to order by 8? Terrible customer service, mediocre food. This city has so many better options, don’t waste your time or money.

Cool place, but food was underwhelming. Margarita was bland and tasted watered down. Roasted pork was good, but pizza didn't deliver the flavor it advertised. Our server was great!

La Mesa has it all: great food, great drinks, and great service! The llapingachos will take you right to the Andes mountains, and the pizza crust is fantastic! Plus, the service was excellent!

The portions are kind of skimpy for how much they charge, but the service is excellent and if you order alcoholic beverages they don't pour on the stingy side.

Excellent food and ambiance. Great drinks. Really nice patio! "Elevated" Ecuadorian food with delicious Aji and Llapingachos. The pizzas and burgers looked amazing as well!

First time to La Mesa but will definitely return! The food was fabulous and it came out quickly. I had the Slow-roasted Pork. Soooo good!

The food was good but the portion sizes were pretty small so it felt very expensive. For example this mixed greens salad was $9.

I really love this place I live down the block I spent a lot of money here and I love to tip especially when you get good service and this place has amazing service is amazing food the only disappointment downfall is I went in there the other day and I was turned down because of a vaccine and that sucked/ UPDATE/ YEAY SO HAPPY it has finally lifted so I can go back to my favorite spot AND ENJOY THERE AMAZING FOOD AND DRINKS 🥰🥰

Great atmosphere and even better food. The drinks went down good and the waiter gave great suggestions. The service was great and our waiter didn't write down any part of our food order. It was impressive for a party of eight.