Thank Heavens
Finally, a good authentic Mexican restaurant in our area. I was so pleased to see it come. And now I'm even more pleased that the food is so incredibly excellent! I recommend it to anyone who really likes Mexican food. It's not your typical Chi Chi's fare, nor is it Los Amigos. They pale in comparison to la Esperanza. I plan to try everything on the menu!    [05 Nov 2002 16:57:49]

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Recommended Dishes: Enchilada w/mole sauce! Chili Relleno! Burritos!

     ­Jeanne Welsh   whyner at aol dot com

Awesome
I have lived in Mexico and ate authentic Mexican food... this is the closest I have found outside of Mexico. It surpasses Don Pablo's! Nice homey atmosphere, layed back and comfortable. Nice to BYOB too... prices are reasonable enough to treat your family and friends.    [08 Aug 2003 13:20:01]

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Recommended Dishes: Haven't tried them all yet.. all has been excelent!

     ­Carol Marzolf   

The Best Mexican Food this side of the border
When we read one of the first reviews of La Esperanza, we were hoping against hope that our prayers for a GREAT Mexican eatery had been answered. We went for dinner that very night. I always judge a Mexican restaurant by their Chile Rellenos. The way I judge a Chinese place by their Hot and Sour Soup. The Chile Rellenos was SO GOOD, that we went back the next night too! Ever since that day, which was right around Cinco De Mayo two years ago, we have found our Mexican Heaven right here in our own backyard! Although we do have to travel about 25 minutes or so to get there, we do it without a second thought. Hurry in as soon as you can for the BEST Mexican food we have had since we left the El Paso Texas, and Juarez Mexico area.    [31 Jul 2004 20:40:51]

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Recommended Dishes: Chile Rellenos, Carne Asada, Guacamole, Etc.

     ­Linda L.   JohnL04USA at aol dot com

SIMPLY GREAT!
We lived in L.A. for over 10 years and missed the Mexican restaurants of Southern California and Mexico. Now that we live in Southern Jersey we are elated at the different ethnic foods available. We have been to La Esperanza over 2 dozen times and it still is fantastic. We love the hot tortilla soup, burritos, and Fajitas De Camarones. Before we leave the restaurant we always take home an order of tortilla soup and guacamole. The flavors are magnificant. The service is quick and friendly. The decor is lovely. If you don't feel like going to the restaurant and eating simply call ahead for take-out.    [05 Mar 2005 19:07:56]

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     ­Anonymous   

Great Food
Frida Kahlo would have been at home here. The rich exterior colors of the building and the equally rich food and flavors of their menu transport one to another time and place. I must say however, since the renovation, I desperately miss the BYOB aspect of the establishment. Gone are the early days of La Esperanza, where one could drink affordably while enjoying the delicious food. I know the owners are making a very shrewd buisiness move in expanding their establishment and putting in a bar, but honestly, I simply cannot afford to enjoy alcohol with my meals there anymore. I also miss the early days where we felt our own minority status as white Irish, among the Hispanic patrons. It felt good to feel our differance. It has been a double edge sword however, that we went overboard to tell all our friends and they their's, about La Esp..
I remember the first years how slow they would be during the winter months. We so wanted them to succeed, that we personally mounted an effort to insure they survive by bringing all our friends here monthly. Now, the original hispanic level of patrons, is somewhat crowded out at times by Waspy Haddonfield and Vorheesions, which is fine, their money is green and they appreciate great food too. There is still a great mix of diversity, but I miss the early days,feeling like we had discovered a gem to share with friends that felt like it was a little more private. Still the food is terrific, and Saoul is a great host. His family always make you feel at home. I just hope they are not distracted by success, and maintains food quality from the early days.
Enjoy..    [25 Jun 2006 11:05:25]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: EVERYTHING!!!!

     ­Mark Welsh   Onnawa at AOL dot com