Wahaka

It's time I update this review. After having a pretty terrible experience the first time I tried to eat here, I swore it off. Well that lasted a whole 24 hours before I went back and gave them another try, I am more than happy I did.

Since my original issues stemmed from the online ordering system, I opted to go inside and order this time. They have the option to order using a kiosk or by speaking to one of their team members, I chose to use the kiosk, but it was nice to see the option. Ordering was quick and easy with a user-friendly menu, though it seems there were some things listed on the paper menu that were not on the kiosk, or on the online ordering system.

Shortly after placing my order, I realized I had forgotten to order chips, so I spoke to a team member to get them added on to my order. While we struggled a bit to figure out how to add them (it ultimately came down to placing a separate order), both the employee and manager who came over to assist were very friendly the entire time.

I stepped aside to wait for my order(s) and had a chance to admire just how amazing it looks inside! They really did a fantastic job of transforming the place. While it is a bit tight in there, they did a great job at maximizing the space, and the music is fun and fits the vibe of the place well (I did not find it too loud or distracting by any means). My food came up in about five minutes and I headed home to give it a try.

Everything we got was fantastic! We ordered chicken tacos, carne asada tacos, chips with queso and elote street corn. The tacos are, as I mentioned earlier, the closest you will get to authentic Mexican street tacos in NE Ohio. I'm not sure if the tortillas are made in house or not, but they really make the taco. The meat is seasoned well and there are plenty of toppings and lime wedges. The chips were warm and well seasoned. The queso was just okay. The street corn is well done and even had a nice presentation, especially considering this is a counter service restaurant. I've actually been back another time since and in addition to what I had already tried above I tried the guac and churro. Honestly, before this second trip I was going to give a 4, but the guac, and especially the churro, pushed it up to a 5 for me.

Overall, Wahaka is a fantastic addition to Howland among the slew of similar Mexican restaurants in the area. If you're looking for authentic street tacos/Mexican food, this is the place to come. If you're looking for oversized flour tortillas or hard tacos, you may want to try Taco Bell or something. I look forward to exploring the rest of their menu in the near future, and can't wait to sit out on the patio once the weather breaks!

Food was great. Service wasn’t too long. Variety in the area is great and this is a welcomed change. Not much room for dining in. Quick service ordering stations or standard cashier ordering available.

Had to check the place. The owners resume is kind of impressive and all the comments I heard made me curious. I am not Mexican food expert, but by the options we have in the area, was way different fro. My expectations. Not too spiced or hot, actually kind of mild flavor. My order was a bowl with carnitas, very tasty and good portion size. For the 3rd day after they opened, 15 minutes waiting time is not bad at all. The staff is very nice, they know what they are working with. Will be back for sure.

Food has a lot of potential but we both personally thought all of it was bland. We got a chicken quesadilla and they forgot the chicken, 3 tacos, all had potential but we’re bland and a burrito which was also bland but had potential. We were told it would be an hour for pickup which was fine. I got there in about 35-40 min. And my order was already ready and everything was ice cold. Quesadilla cheese was already hardened back up along with all the tocos and burrito being cold.

In line when they opened on opening day. The staff was full of energy and pleasant and the food was delicious! What more can you ask for? A free t-shirt? I got that too. 😆 We had carne asada street tacos, oaxacan cobb salad, and the mexican street corn. Fresh lime included on the side of everything! They understood the assignment. 🔥💯