Las Tortugas Mexican Restaurant

There was no sign of this restaurant anywhere on the block, so I called the number. After determining that it wasn’t just a friendly call, the person on the other end said that it had closed down.
???

I stopped purely on a whim here recently for lunch. Glad I did.
Yes, the exterior and interior are underwhelming, but when you see the Mexican grandmother in the back end of the kitchen… my friend, you know you’re in for a fine meal.
A great Mexican joint to my stomach is measured by just how good the tacos are. They didn’t miss. Best kind: double wrapped open face corn tortillas, heated, filled with the meats of your choices along with raw onion, cilantro and limes to squeeze. I had the chorizo, the tongue and the beef. Wow! Great sauces that appeared home crafted, not out of the can. Meats were properly seasoned and savory. The tongue – not everyone’s kind of texture – was purely heaven.
I wouldn’t call this a date destination. It’s a joint, a dive, a place to comfort the stomach, and they will deliver. Come here if you’re hungry and in the mood for some fantastic traditional Mexican – not a bit of ugly yellow/​white melted runny cheese in sight.
With a glass of water was in and out with a very happy stomach for around $ 5. What’s not to like?
Will return.

Oh. My. Goodness.
While the appearance of this joint made me weary, I was BLOWN AWAY by the food I ordered. It was INCREDIBLE. I eat and enjoy Mexican/​Latin-​American food very much (and very often!), and this is now right at the top of my list of places to go in Kansas City. The chips were delicious and the salsa served with them was different and also delicious. We ordered the chilaquiles with bistec and eggs. Sound weird? Order it! You will not regret it! We also ordered a pambazo with carne desebrada, which was also tasty, but nothing compared to the chilaquiles. I cannot wait to get back and discover the other items on the menu. Don’t judge this book by its cover or you will pass up some AWESOME food.
BTW — the lady who rang us up mentioned that they would be moving up the street, north on 7^th.

One of several small taco-​mexican places in the area, Las Tortugas is an excellent option. Street style tacos with onions and cilantro complemented by their hot salsa are an easy choice, but their tortas are formidable as well. Most of all, the service is friendly and they are open late. If you’re hanging out at Johnny’s down the street watching the game, this is your halftime destination.