Cantina 109

Someone from this business manages this listing.

520 reviews

#14 of 804 Restaurants in Fort Myers$$ - $$$, Mexican, Southwestern, Vegetarian friendly

+1 239-314-8226+ Add website

Hours

Sun

11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Mon

11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Tue

11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Wed

11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Thu

11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Fri

11:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Sat

11:30 AM - 10:00 PM

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What is Travelers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Ratings and reviews

4.5

520 reviews

#14 of 804 Restaurants in Fort Myers

Travelers' Choice 2024

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Food and ambience

Mexican, Southwestern, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

“I normally get chimichangas but decided to try the wet burrito as Ross sugges...”

“The mole sauce on my enchiladas was sickeningly sweet.”

“That’s how my husband and I felt after receiving our ground beef burrito dinn...”

Special occasions, Large groups, Bar scene, Business meetings

“Had a business meeting, Alyssa our server was great, very kind and efficient.”

Location and contact

9908 Gulf Coast Main St, Fort Myers, FL 33913-9018

+1 239-314-8226

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Does this restaurant have a TV?

Yes

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About

The Cantina 109 Experience – Food here is prepared fresh daily; not frozen or processed. Each dish is prepared to order. At Cantina 109 we go to great lengths to freshest Mexican Tex-Mex and Authentic Mexican Food in Southwest Florida at the best prices! Locally owned and operated...

CUISINES

Mexican, Southwestern

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Lunch, Dinner

FEATURES

Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free off-street parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service

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4.5

520 reviews

Excellent

369

Very good

Average

Poor

Terrible

Keelin H

Estero1 contribution

AMAZING VEGETARIAN OPTIONS

Feb 2020 • none

I usually have a hard time going to Mexicans restaurants because I don't eat meat and tacos with just cheese and lettuces are not very fun... it was great to see that they had a whole section full of great vegan/vegetarian options. I got the wet fajitas and they were amazing. All of my friends enjoyed there meals as well. Our server, Emma, was great!! The manager came up to our table after our meal was over and we chatted for a little bit, very nice man. I would highly recommend coming here for lunch, dinner, or even if you wanna get a little wild on a Saturday night $10 all you can drink. Really a great place all around!!

Written February 26, 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

65PhillyGirl

Flourtown3 contributions

The best Mexican food ever !

Feb 2020 • solo

I read the reviews before deciding to give this place a try and was not disappointed. I ordered the coconut shrimp that came with a pineapple mix salad and refried beans and red rice. It was the nest meal I’ve had at any Mexican restaurant. My husband had the vegetarian fijitas that was equally as good. Our waiter, Mike, was professional and courteous and very knowledgeable about the menu. I would highly recommend this to everyone who likes Mexican. You will not be disappointed.

Written February 14, 2020

181donv

Estero19 contributions

Excellent food and service, jarring atmosphere

Jun 2021 • none

Visited for Father's Day 2021, third time we have eaten at this restaurant. We ordered enchiladas con mole and grilled grouper tacos, both of which were superb. On an earlier visit we had the table side guacamole which was excellent. Also there are multiple Mexican beers on tap and 109 varieties of tequila. Servers were young people whom I am guessing are students at FGCU which is nearby, and service was very good, attentive and professional. Unfortunately the atmosphere was not as welcoming. Quite noisy, lots of echos, hard to converse. And, there were flies. We initially requested seating outdoors on the patio but the hostess warned us off, saying the flies out there were "really bad". But the door to the patio was propped open allowing flies free access to the dining room. To be fair, this is summer in SW FL and flies are "pretty bad" most everywhere right now, as we experienced eating outdoors at another restaurant a couple days earlier. I would certainly go back because they serve the best Mexican food in the area at excellent prices, but would opt to eat out on the patio if at all possible. Recommended.

Written June 21, 2021

Carl

Fort Myers Beach5 contributions

Not sure what all the hype is about

Oct 2020 • none

The portions are small and the fajitas don't even come with rice or beans. The service was subpar. I mean the place was empty and I had to track down my server for extra waters. The price are higher than average for what you get, compared to the other Mexican Restaurants.

Written October 28, 2020

CantinaMike

Hi VanLuda, we are sorry to hear we didn't live up to expectations. Please reach out to me at Mike@Cantina109.com so that we may be able to give you the opportunity to come back and try us.

Written November 4, 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

CultureandEat

Port Charlotte7 contributions

Service Personnel abandoned

Dec 2020 • none

Service Personnel abandoned us. We sat and waited for 15 minutes before waving someone over to take our order, we had to ask for chips and salsa, drinks took 15 minutes, food took 30 minutes and was so darn greasy it was gross. Then we waited 20 more minutes to flag someone down for a check! They had NO ICED TEA...NO HORCHATA! This is not authentic Mexican food - it’s a chain pretending to be. I would never go back or recommend this place!

Written December 31, 2020

Mike Kemna

We are very sorry to hear about your experience at Cantina 109. We strive to provide a wonderful experience for everyone that visits us. Please reach out to me at Mike@cantina109.com so that I may provide an offer for you to come visit us again so that we can provide you with the 5 star experience we strive for. Cantina 109 has been locally owned, independently run restaurant in Fort Myers for 4 years and we would love the opportunity to regain your business.

Written January 1, 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

captjoe777

Lakeville43 contributions

Great friendly place!

Feb 2020 • friends

Came here after a miserable time at The Keys Piano Bar and Grill next door. Was VERY impressed with everything starting with the super friendly hostess then a fantastic waitress who was very friendly and knowledgeable about tequila and the menu. The food and margaritas were awesome..,I had the smoked pork (amazing flavor) chimichanga and was not disappointed. Everyone kept stopping by to offer more fresh chips and salsa in addition to checking on our drinks. HIGHLY recommend!

Written February 10, 2020

Al R

Punta Gorda17 contributions

first visit to the Cantina

Oct 2021 • none

We were in the area and in the mood for Mexican food so we decided to visit Cantina 109. It seemed to be rated very well. Overall the food was very good and the service was very good. I'd rate it 5 stars but my big surprise was when we asked the waitress for the second basket of chips & salsa and she said that she'd have to charge us $3.00 for it (said it was a new policy). In all the years that we've visited Mexican restaurants across the US we've Never Ever been charged for multiple baskets of chips & salsa. It's a given at every Mexican restaurant (I guess this one's an exception). We were disappointed in this and will probably not return to the Cantina.

Written October 21, 2021

Mike Kemna

Hi we are sorry that the up charge for chips and salsa was upsetting. In order to keep up with rising labor costs and food cost we have had to make adjustments to our menu. Before instituting this policy we did check and make sure we are in line with all of the restaurants in the area that serve chips and salsa. Please reach out to me at CantinaMike@gmail.com So that we may make it up to you.

Written October 28, 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

FGCU p

Estero1 contribution

Yummy dinner with friends

Feb 2020 • none

I went here with some friends after an event we had to go to... we were starving and as the host, Ashley, sat us down she got us some water. The server came up right away and brought us chips and salsa and recommended a great margarita. The good was great and the manager was very nice to ask us how our meal went. We all really enjoyed it, highly recommend!!!

Written February 26, 2020

TravelingDan82

Chicago34 contributions

Food and Service Good

Jan 2022 • none

Every season we make at least a couple of visits to Cantina 109. The food is always good and there was very little wait on a Friday night! Service was very good as well. I had the enchiladas dinner, but when I asked if I could have one beef enchilada and one chicken, I was told I could not. I could order them ala carte but then I would not get the two sides. This is very confusing to me. If I can order them ala carte, then why can't I order them as part of the dinner. Does it have to do with your point-of-sale system? Certainly, the food is made to order so I don't get this. It will not keep me from coming back but I am certainly curious as to why I can't split the enchiladas as long as they are the same price.

Written February 3, 2022

Mike Kemna

Dan thanks for the review! I am glad you enjoyed everything, but also Im sorry about the confusion regarding the enchiladas..Our goal is to get everyones food out quickly, hot, and always with the same level of quality...due to the high volume nature of our business, in order to ensure consistency, there are a few steps we have made with our kitchen. Please reach out to me at Mike@cantina109.com if you would like to learn more or have any more feedback!! Thanks!!

Written February 16, 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

kanders21

Anahola52 contributions

Great mid-afternoon lunch

Jan 2020 • none

I went with a large group of friends for a late lunch after getting in at the Fort Meyers airport. We were looking for something that had outdoor seating, fresh/quality food, and a variety of options that would suit different palates and nutritional needs (including gluten free/dairy free options). They did a great job - the food was good, the service was solid, and the environment was just right after a morning of flying.

Written February 28, 2020

Bob J

Estero235 contributions

Terrible food

Apr 2021 • family

We’ve been to this restaurant several times over the past five years, but last night’s visit was our first in over a year (Covid concerns.) In the past, food quality has been mediocre, at best. Last night, it was almost inedible. I ordered Chile Rellenos. What was served was NOT prepared on-site. It was a factory-made concoction. The egg batter coating was perfectly uniform in thickness and color (sort of a pale beige.) The hamburger filing was under seasoned, and the cheese was like rubber. It was the worst Chili Rellenos I’ve ever had. My wife and grandson both ordered Chicken Enchiladas with Verde sauce. The entrees came to the table with a scant amount of sauce, so they asked for more. The salsa and chips were a fail, too. The salsa was not freshly made and was overly sweet. It was dark in color - obviously, not fresh. Service was slow, but friendly. I will never go back to this restaurant.

Written April 1, 2021

Mike Kemna

Cantina 109 makes all of its food FRESH and in house DAILY! We create all our own sauces and our recipes are from scratch. We have a full time prep cook and our head Chef meticulously ensures quality in all our dishes. We have maintained our position of being in the top 5% of all restaurants in Fort Myers by making sure we provide both excellent food and service. If you feel you did not receive the experience we typically offer all guests, please reach out to me at CantinaMike@gmail.com so I can learn more about your visit!

Written April 4, 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

BNFoster

North Fort Myers26 contributions

We went on a Wednesday for

Apr 2021 • none

We went on a Wednesday for lunch. We arrived around noon. They open at 11:30. The atmosphere is quite nice. Very clean. The staff was very friendly and woefully understaffed. When we arrived there were two servers and one bartender. There were about 12 tables seated and two bar patrons when we arrived. While very friendly, the servers were unable to provide the high quality service that I am sure they strive for. The food and drink were both very good. Fresh ingredients that may have suffered from their inability to run food and service customers accordingly. We would definitely go back.

Written April 8, 2021

Mike Kemna

Cantina 109 sincerely appreciates your review as well as any understanding you had regarding the service. Season this year has been unpredictable! We look forward to seeing you again!!

Written April 12, 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Robert H

9 contributions

At Cantina 109 to order take out, was a fun experience

Aug 2021 • none

Recently stopped into Cantina 109 to order take out, we were seated outside as requested and promptly provide menus, freshly made complementary tortillas and excellent salsa. I ordered a Dos Eqius which was served ice cold ! The Lady ordered the large Taco Salad, oh myyyy it’s large with ground beef, served with all the trimmings. She loved it and plenty left over for another dinner. I ordered the Tacos Al Carbon, 3 generous fajita style chicken Tacos served with my requested sides of black beans and rice. The Tacos were delicious, cilantro and lime nicely finishing the flavor. And again this was a generous portion which provide ample leftovers. And Barb the server was Great ! Yes, we will be back.

Written August 1, 2021

lorimendes

Fort Myers20 contributions

Taco Tuesday

Jul 2021 • family

My husband and I often come with family and/or friends for their taco special on Tuesdays. The food never disappoints and the service is exceptional! It’s fun to have the guacamole made table side, too. The general manager, Mike, often stops by to make sure everything is A-okay. Definitely recommend Cantina 109!

Written August 17, 2021

MisterBrick

Cloquet269 contributions

Where’s the beef?!

Mar 2022 • family

Remember that Wendy’s commercial? That’s how my husband and I felt after receiving our ground beef burrito dinners tonight. So much rice and beans that I am not sure why we needed sides of rice and beans as well! I do have to say though that Mike - the manager - asked us how our dinner was and we told him. He made it right with a discount on our bill which was a huge surprise because we ate it - we were just disappointed. So the restaurant gets big props for Mike! That was a classy act. I won’t order that again… if I return at all. Kind of a lot of rules… chips are two bucks a basket after first basket… can’t have cheese and pork enchilada… has to be cheese or pork.. can’t mix and match. We are here traveling. My Mexican restaurant at home beats this one hands down!

Written March 14, 2022

Mike Kemna

Hi MisterBrick, we appreciate the feedback. We are happy to hear you appreciated the accommodations made by management regarding your meals, however we are sorry to hear you did not fully enjoy your experience. Cantina 109 prepares all of its food, in house, and fresh and we have had to keep up with the current inflation. We are continuously making adjustments to ensure customers are happy with their visits! Your feedback helps.

Written March 15, 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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