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    Mexican

    La Fortaleza Carlstadt

    335 Paterson Plank Road

    Carlstadt, NJ 07072


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    Hours

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    Gift Cards

    Food Specials
    Appetizers
    Soups & Salads
    Tacos
    Fan Favorites
    Our Famous Cemitas
    Entrees
    Seafood
    Kids
    Sides
    Desserts
    Beverages

    Featured Items

    • Quesadilla

      A warm flour quesadilla grilled golden with melted cheese—simple, comforting, and even better when you add your favorite protein for a hearty, satisfying bite
    • NACHOS

      $14.00
    • Quesa-Birria

      Our quesadilla de birria is packed with juicy, slow-braised birria and melted Oaxaca cheese, griddled until crispy and served with warm consomé for the perfect dip!
      $21.00

    Food Specials

    • 20 Tacos for $29

      Twenty tacos. Twenty reasons to be happy. Grab this can’t-say-no deal every Tuesday!
      $29.00

    Appetizers

    A taste of Mexico to begin your meal—fresh, flavorful starters made to share and full of auténtico sabor.
    • Alitas Del Rancho

      Just the way they’re made at the rancho: spicy, saucy, and full of flavor. Covered in our homemade buffalo sauce and served with celery and blue cheese Wings done right
      $15.00
    • Calamar Costeño

      Reminisce about your last visit in Mexico with fried calamari served with rich our in house mayo-chipotle sauce.
      $18.00
    • Ceviche de Camarón

      Tender shrimp marinated in bright lime juice and mixed with onions and spices for a refreshing coastal classic
      $19.00
    • Elote Preparado

      Mexican street-style corn topped with mayo, cheese, chile, and lime ¡Llévele, llévele su elotito bien preparado!
      $5.00
    • Fiesta Fortaleza

      Why choose one favorite when you can have them all? Mini chicken tacos, mini flautas, fried calamari, and chorizo nachos served with guac, pico, and sour cream. It’s the ultimate appetizer — and yes, it disappears fast...
      $25.00
    • Flautas

      Crispy, golden rolled tacos filled with tender chicken and melted cheese. Finished with sour cream, fresh lettuce, and our irresistible guacamole — crunchy, creamy, and totally satisfying!
      $14.00
    • Guacamole

      Crafted with the freshest Michoacano avocados, jalapeño, onion, and cilantro for rich, authentic flavor. Served with golden, crispy tortilla chips and salsa.
      $15.00
    • Mini Tacos

      Crispy fried mini tacos filled with juicy chicken
      $14.00
    • Queso Fundido

      A rich, bubbling skillet of melted cheese topped with jalapeños, mushrooms, and chorizo.served with wam flour tortillas and pico de Gallo
      $12.00
    • Tostadas

      Three crunchy tortillas topped with refried beans, fresh lettuce, avocado, and a drizzle of crema Mexicana. Choose your topping: Chicken Vegetarian (mushroom, onion & green pepper) Refried Beans Steak Cecina (thin, salted & dried beef) Tinga (shredded chicken simmered in a smoky chipotle-tomato sauce)
      $12.00
    • NACHOS

      $14.00

    Soups & Salads

    Whether you’re craving something cozy or something fresh, our soups and salads bring comfort and flavor to every bite.
    • Aguacate Salad

      Fresh avocado, crisp greens, and vegetables with natural lime—light, healthy, and satisfying
    • Ensalada Taco

      A refreshing salad packed into a crispy taco shell bowl, combining all the flavors you love with the perfect crunch in every bite
    • Pozole

      A hearty Mexican soup made with hominy (large white corn kernels) and tender pork, simmered in a rich, savory broth. Comes with 2 tostadas layered with crema Mexicana, refried beans, lettuce, and cheese
      OUT OF STOCK
      $19.00
    • Sopa Azteca

      Mexican Tradition Brought To Life -This Soup Is Made With Tomato, Tortilla Strips, Cheese, Chicken, Cubed Avocado & Chile Pasilla
      $17.00
    • Sopa De Mariscos

      Inspired by the flavors of the Mexican coast, this rich seafood soup blends calamari, shrimp, mussels, octopus, and clams, slowly brewed to perfection for a comforting, ocean-fresh taste!
      $25.00

    Tacos

    From street-style classics to bold favorites, our tacos are crafted with fresh tortillas, quality meats, and big sabor in every bite.
    • Tacos de Maiz

      Fresh homemade corn tortillas topped with your choice of protein. Simple, authentic, and a timeless classic
    • Tacos Albañil

      Steak, mushrooms, jalapeños & onions on warm tortillas — warning: these are crazy good and highly addictive!
      $25.00
    • Gringas

      A Mexico City classic: flour tortillas filled with al pastor pork and a touch of grilled pineapple, then lightly grilled and served taco-style with onions and cilantro
      $16.00
    • Tacos de Birria

      Crispy, cheesy tacos filled with juicy slow-braised birria and served with hot consomé for dipping One bite and you’ll understand why they’re our best seller!
      $21.00
    • Baja Fish Tacos

      Crispy beer-battered fish served with fresh slaw, pico de gallo, and creamy chipotle sauce — a taste of Baja, no flight needed
      $18.00
    • Tacos Gobernador

      Three cheesy shrimp tacos cooked with peppers and onions, griddled until perfectly melty and flavorful — a seriously delicious classic
      $20.00
    • 20 Tacos for $29

      Twenty tacos. Twenty reasons to be happy. Grab this can’t-say-no deal every Tuesday!
      $29.00

    Fan Favorites

    The dishes our guests can’t stop ordering — tried, true, and full of flavor.
    • Classic Fajitas

      Sizzling fajitas made with one protein of your choice, served with all the classic sides: rice, refried beans, crema Mexicana, pico de gallo, guacamole & flour tortillas. Want more? Our Combination and Supreme Fajitas let you choose multiple proteins!
      $21.00
    • Combination Fajitas

      Build your own duo — choose two fajita proteins and we’ll serve them sizzling with peppers and onions. Includes tortillas, rice, beans, and classic fajita sides
      $27.00
    • Quesadilla

      A warm flour quesadilla grilled golden with melted cheese—simple, comforting, and even better when you add your favorite protein for a hearty, satisfying bite
    • Chimichanga

      Your favorite meat wrapped in a 10-inch flour tortilla, fried until perfectly crispy with melted white and yellow cheese inside. Comes with rice, frijoles refritos, pico de gallo, crema Mexicana, and guacamole
      $14.00
    • Classic Burrito

      A warm 10-inch flour tortilla loaded with melted Monterey Jack and cheddar, rice, frijoles refritos, pico de gallo, crema Mexicana, and guacamole. Smothered in your choice of salsa roja, salsa verde, or salsa bandera. Make it a meal: Stuff it with your choice of protein: Chicken, Steak, Carnitas (Michoacán-style), or Shrimp for a big, satisfying burrito that hits every craving
      $12.00
    • Burritos Mixed

      Build your perfect combo: choose two fillings and we’ll roll them in a 10-inch flour tortilla with melted Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese. Topped with salsa roja, verde, or bandera, and served with rice, frijoles refritos, pico de gallo, crema Mexicana, and guacamole
      $23.00
    • Quesa-Birria

      Our quesadilla de birria is packed with juicy, slow-braised birria and melted Oaxaca cheese, griddled until crispy and served with warm consomé for the perfect dip!
      $21.00
    • El Machete Fortaleza

      Big, bold, and perfect for sharing… or not! A machete is a long, thin corn-tortilla quesadilla measuring up to 18–24 inches, filled with melted Oaxaca cheese
      $25.00
    • Quesadilla Tortilla De Maiz

      A warm, freshly made corn tortilla folded to perfection and stuffed with a generous layer of crisp lettuce, creamy Mexican crema, and rich, crumbled queso fresco. Choose from our tender, flavorful protein options.Each bite is a delightful combination of creamy, savory, and fresh, delivering an authentic Mexican flavor experience. Perfect for any time of the day—simple, satisfying, and full of taste ONLY ONE PROTEIN IS ALLOWED. NO MIXING
      $17.00

    Our Famous Cemitas

    A cemita is Puebla’s famous sandwich: sesame bread filled with your choice of protein, creamy avocado, Oaxaca cheese, chipotle, jalapeños, and papalo — the herb that gives cemitas their unmistakable sabor!
    • Cemita Al Pastor

      A delicious combination of pastor-style pork, creamy avocado, and Oaxaca cheese, served with a side of spicy green sauce and fresh limes — one bite and you’ll know why our cemitas are famous!
      $15.00
    • Cemi-Birria

      Juicy, slow-cooked birria and creamy Oaxaca cheese on traditional cemita bread, served with a warm consomé for dipping — bold, comforting, and absolutely irresistible!
      $18.00
    • Cemita Carnitas

      Slow-cooked Michoacán carnitas layered with avocado, Oaxaca cheese, cilantro, and onions, served with spicy green sauce and lime — rich, flavorful, and impossible to resist!
      $15.00
    • Cemita Cecina

      Made with cecina — thinly sliced, lightly salted beef that’s full of flavor — paired with Oaxaca cheese, jalapeño, and spread guacamole. A delicious introduction to one of Mexico’s classic meats!
      $16.00
    • Cemita Cubana

      Creamy avocado, grilled ham, breaded sirloin steak, carnitas, Oaxaca cheese, papalo, and homemade chipotle come together in this hearty cemita — a delicious fusion where Cuban flavors meet Mexican tradition!
      $16.00
    • Cemita Mexicana

      Fresh guacamole, sirloin steak, onions, jalapeños, and a handful of Oaxaca cheese — a cemita that celebrates the true flavors of Mexico!
      $16.00
    • Cemita Milanesa– The OG

      Your choice of crispy chicken or steak milanesa, layered with traditional cemita ingredients: papalo (a fragrant Mexican herb), Oaxaca cheese, creamy avocado, jalapeños, and homemade chipotle The original cemita that started it all
      $16.00

    Entrees

    The stars of the menu — big, bold, flavor-packed plates that steal the show.
    • Alambre Fortaleza

      Think of a sizzling, smoky Mexican stir-fry: tender strips of meat or shrimp, sautéed with colorful bell peppers, onions, and melted cheese, served straight from the skillet. Pair it with warm tortillas to make your own tacos, or enjoy as a hearty, flavor-packed plate
      $19.00
    • Arrachera al Anafre

      Our 12 oz. Prime skirt steak is cooked to order and served with flavorful rice, rich frijoles charros, smoky chiles toreados, and tender nopales. Finished with sides of fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, and warm handmade tortillas for an authentic Mexican experience!
      $37.00
    • Cecina Fortaleza

      Delicately thin slices of salted pork grilled for rich flavor, paired with rice, refried beans, warm corn tortillas, toasted chiles, and nopales
      $21.00
    • Chilaquiles

      Crispy corn tortillas tossed in our homemade salsa with peppers, onions, and spices, then topped with fried eggs. Served with refried beans and crema Mexicana, and garnished with cheese and avocado. Choose your salsa: Roja, Verde, or Bandera, and your protein: Chicken, Steak, or Cecina
      $14.00
    • Chiles Rellenos

      Roasted poblano pepper coated in a light, airy egg batter and topped with our tomato salsa. Served with rice, beans, and warm corn tortillas. Stuffed with your choice of Cheese, Chicken, or Steak
      $14.00
    • Chuletas en Salsa Chipotle

      Juicy pork chops cooked in a rich, spicy chipotle sauce with sautéed onions and mushrooms. Served with flavorful Mexican rice and creamy refried beans for the perfect comfort meal
      $18.00
    • Enchiladas

      Soft corn tortillas packed with savory meat, drenched in rich, flavorful salsa roja, verde, or bandera, and finished with a touch of crema Mexicana. Melted cheese, fresh lettuce, and ripe avocado take it over the top—bold, fresh, and impossible to resist
    • Enmoladas

      Experience our indulgent enmoladas: warm corn tortillas filled with meat or veggies, smothered in housemade mole with 21 traditional ingredients, then topped with creamy crema, melted cheese, and ripe avocado. Rich, smoky, and complex—every bite is pure Mexican comfort Allergy notice: contains nuts and sesame
      $19.00
    • Mar y Tierra

      A perfect surf-and-turf pairing: a 12 oz. Prime skirt steak grilled to your liking alongside shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic sauce. Served with Mexican rice and refried beans
      $45.00
    • Molcajete Fortaleza

      An Exquisite Combination Of Chile Marinated Pork, Grilled Steak & Chorizo. Served With Nopales, Oaxaca Cheese, Pork Rinds & Served With Rice, Frijoles & Tortillas.
      $65.00
    • Mole Poblano

      Experience the true taste of Mexico with our Mole Poblano: succulent chicken bathed in our housemade mole sauce, made from 21 authentic ingredients for a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory. Served with rice, frijoles charros, warm tortillas, avocado, and crema Mexicana—rich, indulgent, and unforgettable Allergy note: contains nuts & sesame.
      $22.00
    • NY Steak

      A juicy 12 oz New York strip, grilled to perfection and bursting with savory, smoky flavor. Served with golden fries and a fresh house salad for the perfect balance of indulgence and freshness
      $35.00
    • Parrillada Mixta

      A massive shareable feast featuring grilled chicken, steak, pork chops, shrimp, Mexican sausage, tender nopales, roasted jalapeños, onions, and mushrooms. Served with Mexican rice, refried beans, and warm corn tortillas. Perfect for the table
      $70.00
    • T-Bone Steak

      Enjoy a juicy, flavorful 12 oz. T-bone steak cooked to order and served with a crisp salad and golden fries—the perfect classic steak dinner
      $34.00
    • Tampiqueña

      Our 12 oz. N.Y. steak is cooked Mexican-style and paired with refried beans, rice, and savory enmoladas topped with our house mole. A bold, authentic Mexican favorite!
      $49.00

    Seafood

    Fresh, flavorful dishes inspired by the vibrant tastes of the Mexican coast.
    • Aguachiles

      A classic coastal dish made with shrimp “cooked” in lime juice, tossed with cucumber, celery, and fiery chile serranos
      $24.00
    • Camarones a la Diabla

      Juicy shrimp sautéed with butter and onions, then coated in our signature inferno salsa: fiery, bold, and full of flavor. Served with white rice and sautéed vegetables
      $23.00
    • Coctel de Camarones

      A refreshing Mexican shrimp cocktail with fresh shrimp in a chilled calypso sauce, finished with onions, cilantro, and avocado
      $24.00
    • Filete Enamorado

      An exquisite tilapia filet cooked Mexican style with French fries, calamari, shrimp, and mussels, all drenched in our signature butter cream sauce. Served with white rice and vegetables Switch the tilapia for salmon for an upgrade!
      $28.00
    • Red Snapper

      Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—our whole red snapper is fried to perfection and served with a sweet and tangy apple-mango salad, a side of fluffy white rice, and drizzled with our rich garlic sauce. A bright, flavorful seafood experience you won’t forget
      $33.00
    • Salmon al Grill

      Perfectly grilled, tender salmon with a smoky char, paired with fluffy white rice and crisp sautéed vegetables
      $29.00

    Kids

    For the pequeñitos — delicious, simple, and fun.
    • Mini Burrito

      A little burrito made just for our pollitos! Rolled up warm and tasty with simple, kid-approved flavors, perfect for small hands and happy bellies. Fun, filling, and made with cariño — because even mini burritos deserve big flavor
      $11.00
    • Chiquilladas

      Cheesy little flour quesadillas made just for the chiquillos! Warm, melty, and easy to eat, these kid-favorite bites are perfect for small hands and big smiles — simple, comforting, and made with cariño
      $14.00
    • Para los Pollitos

      Crunchy chicken fingers with golden fries, made just for our little pollitos. Fun to eat, full of smiles, and perfect for tiny hands and happy pancitas — because even the pollitos deserve something rico!
      $13.00

    Sides

    Authentic Mexican sides crafted to complement your entrée with warmth, flavor, and tradition.
    • Arroz Mexicano

      Our classic, flavorful Mexican rice, fluffy, seasoned, and the perfect companion to every entrée
      $4.00
    • Arroz Blanco

      Light, fluffy, classic
      $4.00
    • Frijoles Refritos

      Smooth, creamy refried beans with rich flavor—an essential side to any Mexican dish
      $6.00
    • Frijoles Charros

      A flavorful mix of pinto beans, bacon, and sausage slow-cooked with spices—bold, hearty, and the perfect side for any meal
      $6.00
    • French Fries

      Crispy, golden French fries served fresh and hot
      $6.00
    • Maduros

      Perfectly fried sweet plantains with a rich, caramelized flavor—soft, golden, and the perfect side to any meal
      $6.00
    • Aguacate side

      Side of fresh avocado slices
      $4.00
    • Nopales

      Discover a Mexican favorite! These tender cactus strips have a mild, refreshing flavor—light, healthy, and packed with nutrients. A must-try for first-timers
      $6.00
    • Chiles Toreados

      Smoky, spicy jalapeños grilled to perfection. Add them to your meal for an extra kick of authentic Mexican flavor
      $6.00
    • Guacamole Side

      Trust us—you’ll want extra. Our fresh, creamy guacamole is made with ripe avocados and classic Mexican flavors, the perfect add-on to any dish
      $5.00
    • Pico de Gallo Side

      Freshly chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeño for a bright, flavorful topping
      $3.00
    • Sour Cream Side

      Crema that hits just right. It’s extra because you’re gonna want extra
      $3.00
    • Bandera Side

      Our flavorful trio: fresh guacamole, zesty pico de gallo, and cool sour cream. The perfect combo to upgrade any dish
      $6.00
    • Jalapeño Side

      $2.00
    • Tortillas de Maiz

      Fresh, handmade corn tortillas served warm
      $4.00
    • Tortillas de Harina

      $3.00
    • Chips y Salsa

      Golden, crunchy tortilla chips paired with our fresh, flavorful house salsa
      $3.00
    • Queso Fresco

      $2.00
    • Queso Oaxaca

      Think mozzarella… but Mexican. Soft, stretchy, and super creamy—perfect on anything
      $4.00

    Desserts

    Sweet, classic Mexican treats to finish your meal on the perfect note.
    • Chocolate Caramel Churros

      Crispy cinnamon-sugar churros stuffed with smooth caramel and served with warm chocolate sauce for dipping
      $12.00
    • Flan

      Creamy, traditional flan made in-house and topped with a smooth caramel glaze
      $9.00
    • Fried Ice Cream

      Your new favorite dessert—creamy vanilla ice cream wrapped in a crunchy, golden coating A warm-and-cold delight you have to try!
      $9.00
    • Tres Leches Cake

      Our ultra-moist tres leches cake is soaked in three sweet milks and topped with fluffy whipped cream, rich, creamy, and absolutely irresistible
      $9.00

    Beverages

    Thirst-quenchers, flavor-sippers, and meal-makers — grab your perfect drink.
    • Apple Juice

      $3.00
    • Coca Cola

      The classic, refreshing Coke
      $3.00
    • Cranberry Juice

      $3.00
    • Diet Coke

      $3.00
    • Fanta Orange

      $3.00
    • Gingerale

      $3.00
    • Iced Tea

      $3.00
    • Orange Juice

      $3.00
    • Seltzer Water

      $2.00
    • Sprite

      $3.00
    • Unsweetened Ice Tea

      OUT OF STOCK
      $3.00
    • Agua de Horchata

      Agüita de horchata hecha en casa, cremosa y bien fresquecita, con ese saborcito dulce que se antoja siempre. Our house-made horchata, smooth, creamy, and ice-cold with a hint of cinnamon. A classic Mexican favorite.
      $7.00
    • Agua de Jamaica

      A classic Mexican hibiscus drink, brewed from dried flor de jamaica for a naturally tart, refreshing taste
      $7.00
    • Agua de Piña

      A refreshing homemade pineapple agua fresca blended for a smooth, tropical flavor Agua fresca de piña hecha en casa, dulce, tropical y super refrescante
      $7.00
    • Agua de Tamarindo

      Homemade tamarind agua fresca with the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and refreshing
      $7.00
    • Jarritos Mexican Soda

      Authentic Mexican fruit soda available in a variety of refreshing flavors
      $4.00
    • Sangría Señorial Mexican Soda

      A refreshing non-alcoholic Mexican sangría soda with deep grape and citrus notes
      $4.00
    • Boing Mango

      Rich, smooth mango nectar made with real fruit for an authentic Mexican flavor. Sweet, refreshing, and perfect with any meal
      $4.00
    • Sidral Mundet

      A classic Mexican apple soda with a smooth, crisp, lightly sweet taste Refreshing and perfect with any meal
      $4.00
    • Mexican Coca Cola

      Treat yourself to the good stuff, Mexican Coke is made with real sugar, giving it that signature smooth, clean taste. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to regular Coke
      $4.00
    • Squirt

      Upgrade your drink! Squirt’s bold grapefruit flavor is extra refreshing and pairs perfectly with Mexican food, way brighter and more flavorful than your usual sodas!
      $4.00
    • Classic Lemonade

      Sweet and extra refreshing lemonade
      $4.00
    • Mango Lemonade

      Upgrade your drink! Our mango lemonade blends tropical mango with fresh lemon for a smooth, fruity, extra-refreshing flavor you won’t get anywhere else
      $4.00
    • Passion Fruit Lemonade

      A vibrant blend of fresh lemonade and tropical passionfruit—sweet, tangy, and perfectly refreshing
      $4.00
    • Strawberry Lemonade

      Refreshing lemonade blended with sweet strawberry flavor
      $4.00
    • Coconut Lemonade

      A tropical twist on classic lemonade, smooth coconut flavor mixed with bright, tangy lemonade for a refreshing, creamy finish
      $4.00
    • Bottled Water

      $2.50
    • Seltzer Water

      $2.00
    • Coffee

      $3.00
    • Cappuccino

      Bold espresso blended with silky steamed milk and finished with a thick, creamy foam for the perfect balance of flavor
      $7.00
    • Cafe de Olla

      Traditional Mexican coffee brewed with cinnamon and piloncillo for a warm, comforting flavor
      $3.00
    • Tea

      $7.00
    • Hot Chocolate (New)

      Rich, creamy hot chocolate served warm and comforting
      $7.00
    • Shirley Temple

      A classic mix of lemon-lime soda and grenadine
      $7.00
    • Virgen Margarita

      Enjoy the margarita flavor you love—zesty lime, citrus, and a touch of sweetness—completely alcohol-free. Perfect for a refreshing anytime drink
      $7.00
    • Virgen Mojito

      All the cool, refreshing flavor of a classic mojito—mint, lime, bubbles—without the alcohol. Bright, crisp, and seriously refreshing
      $11.00
    • Virgen Piña Colada

      A creamy blend of coconut and pineapple flavor, served ice cold and alcohol-free
      $12.00

    Cecina Fortaleza

    $21.00

    Delicately thin slices of salted pork grilled for rich flavor, paired with rice, refried beans, warm corn tortillas, toasted chiles, and nopales

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    All hours
    Sunday11:00 am - 10:30 pm
    Monday11:00 am - 10:30 pm
    Tuesday11:00 am - 10:30 pm
    Wednesday11:00 am - 10:30 pm
    Thursday11:00 am - 10:30 pm
    Friday11:00 am - 12:30 am
    Saturday11:00 am - 12:30 am
    Restaurant info

    You don’t have to travel to Mexico to enjoy the traditional atmosphere and Mexican cuisine at La Fortaleza! With five locations in New Jersey, we take great pride in our authentic Mexican Gastronomy. Our dishes are prepared according to exclusive family recipes and made throughout the day with the highest quality ingredients available. From our homemade salsa and table side guacamole made with Michoacano Avocados, Onions and Cilantro, to our thick corn tortillas for our tacos, burritos and fajitas- everything is prepared fresh to ensure the ultimate flavor. These are but a few of the efforts we make every day to bring you the real flavors of Mexico! Family and friends can join us on Friday and Saturday nights for Karaoke, and Sunday nights for Mariachi, to enjoy an unforgettable moment with us. Visit our website for more information and full menus, then let us satisfy your craving for something different tonight with our daily specials at La Fortaleza!

    Location

    335 Paterson Plank Road, Carlstadt, NJ 07072

    Directions