Tlaxcalli - Honolulu Restaurant Image
#588 of 1,740 Restaurants in Honolulu Mexican

Tlaxcalli

4.0(12 community reviews)
Moderate ($$)

About

Discover Tlaxcalli, offering the best Mexican experience in Kalihi / Nu'uanu. Enjoy Moderate ($$) meals, explore their menu, and read reviews from the community on TasteHi.

Honolulu's Hidden Portal to Central Mexico

Stepping into Tlaxcalli feels like discovering a quiet, sun-drenched kitchen in the heart of Tlaxcala. Tucked away within the vibrant culinary landscape of Honolulu, this spot ditches the typical tourist-heavy motifs for a raw, uncompromising dedication to pre-Hispanic culinary traditions. The air inside is thick with the scent of corn masa hitting the griddle and the deep, roasted aroma of dried chiles rehydrating in secret, house-made salsas.

The Art of the Hand-Pressed Tortilla

The centerpiece of the menu is undoubtedly their handmade blue corn tortillas. Each one is pressed to order, bearing the slightly charred, uneven edges that signify they haven't seen the inside of a factory. You will find them served with traditional fillings like longaniza and tender barbacoa that falls apart at the touch of a fork. The depth of flavor in their mole is unmistakable—a complex, slow-simmered dark sauce that commands your full attention.

A Humble Neighborhood Gem

This is a place for those who prioritize flavor over flash. The seating is modest and the space can get quite busy during the lunch rush, creating a lively, clattering background noise of clinking silverware and spirited conversation that spills out toward the street. It is the ideal stop for locals craving a genuine taste of Mexico while living on the islands. Keep in mind that the parking situation in this part of town requires a bit of patience, but the first bite of a fresh, piping-hot sopes makes the short walk from your vehicle completely worth the effort. Tlaxcalli proves that authentic food doesn't need to be loud; it just needs to be honest.

Photos

Tlaxcalli - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Tlaxcalli - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Tlaxcalli - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Tlaxcalli - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Tlaxcalli - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Tlaxcalli - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Tlaxcalli - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Tlaxcalli - Honolulu Restaurant Image

Location

1128 Smith St Makai Side, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96817-5094

Directions

Reviews

Showing 7 of 12 community reviews
M

MGGoogle Maps

Recently

Im so sad to be priced out of our favorite restaurant. My family has been coming here for the last 5 years. We were looking forward to going tonight, but the kids meals are now $14. They were 7.50 when we first started coming. I understand inflation, but the double price is unfortunately out of our range of comfortability. Maybe we can come back for a special occasion, but I am sad this won't be a regular spot anymore.

K

Ki BoltGoogle Maps

Recently

lobster quesadialla, Portion good taste was horrible. Rice was good. $30 Birria tacos, again the portion is great. Tacos no crunch and bland. Consume complete grease. Took home to chill to see how much of it is grease. (Pic). $24 Chips and salsa, ok.

M

Michelle KGoogle Maps

Recently

I’ve only been here once but it was the most authentic Mexican I’ve had on the island ! And the atmosphere just makes the experience even better. Oh and the lilikoi margs let’s not forget those tasty treats! Decent sized portions made enough for leftovers, yum.

J

Joseph AlthouseGoogle Maps

Recently

Waitstaff were courteous and friendly. They tried very hard to please the customers. We started with the chips and salsa. They’re not complementary like most Mexican restaurants. I had the Mexico Burrito. My wife had the Two Enchiladas. Portions were huge. My burrito was almost enough for 3 meals. My wife shared the enchiladas with her mom. Guacamole was delicious.

Y

Yung PGoogle Maps

Recently

Mexico restaurant is located off School st and offers variety of Mexican cuisine. Drove by this place many times but came to check it out for the first time. Slightly bummed to find out Chips and salsa was not free. But chips were not greasy or salty and salsa was delicious. Prices are on the higher end for Mexican restaurants. However the portion size is very generous. You will most likely go home with leftovers. You could even order a combo and split it with two people. Service was a little slow and we had to wait a while to get refills, or any help but food was amazing. Meat was seasoned well. We ordered pretty much all the different meats and they did not disappoint. Next time we are in town and are craving Mexican, we found our spot. Interior is decorated with any and all kinds of animals and mexican decor. Parking is limited to about 10-15 spots.

F

Farm LLGoogle Maps

Recently

I had the mushroom skillet. I don't know if it has olive oil and garlic in it, but if it doesn't, I wish it did. I'm sure it would taste better that way. But it was delicious. There was plenty of parking. There were plenty of table seats. I recommend the counter seats for single male customers. The counter seats at this restaurant have a cool cowboy vibe. The restroom was cute.

T

Tiare MGoogle Maps

Recently

I always loved coming here- but this time, the service wasn't on my side. I don't believe they filled up my water since we got there. We did get 2 horchatas, so that must be a reason, but for the waiter to not check in every so often, especially with kids - SAD! We still tipped well, which i honestly wouldn't have tipped what we really did. Especially since I had cleaned our table too, didn't take dishes til we literally finished desserts. The waiter did give extra plates, though, so that was awesome! 👌🏽 thank you!

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Frequently Asked Questions about Tlaxcalli

Common questions from diners about Tlaxcalli in Honolulu.

Tlaxcalli is an authentic Mexican restaurant specializing in coastal and regional dishes.

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