I have been doing take out from La Taguara for years : these guys just never disappoint. I was surprised to realize I had never left a review . La Taguara on East Wash has been my go to lunch spot for so many years that I have tried almost every thing on the menu . However my Main two favorites for lunch are consistently either the empanadas or the pastelitos. This week I got the pastelito with beef and a side of fries . The pastelito is a cousin of the empanada : but it’s made with wheat flour instead of corn . Filling of beef ( or any others like chicken or basic cheese) are spot on. Not too heavy but just enough to give a good fill for lunch. The sauces they make here are awesome especially the green guasacaca sauce of theirs is bursting with flavor and pairs with both the pastelito and also with the empanadas. Continue doing what you are doing ! You have been a staple for the community!
Overview
If you're in the Madison area and craving authentic, flavorful Venezuelan cuisine, La Taguara on 3502 E Washington Ave is a must-visit. This charming diner offers a delightful taste of Venezuelan culture, bringing bold flavors and traditional dishes straight to your table. Whether you're a long-time fan of Latin American food or new to the scene, La Taguara has something that will transport your taste buds.
The menu is a true reflection of Venezuelan culinary traditions. From their famous arepas to savory pabellon, the dishes are rich in flavor and prepared with attention to detail. One standout is the “La Taguara Arepa,” stuffed with a mouthwatering mix of shredded beef, black beans, cheese, and avocado. It's a satisfying choice for anyone who loves a hearty, flavorful meal. The combination of textures and ingredients makes every bite a memorable experience.
But it’s not just the arepas that shine at La Taguara. Their empanadas, crispy and golden on the outside, are stuffed with a variety of fillings, such as beef, chicken, and cheese. If you're in the mood for something a bit lighter, try the Venezuelan salad, topped with fresh veggies, shredded chicken, and a tangy dressing. It’s the perfect complement to a rich meal. And for dessert, don’t miss the tres leches cake-decadent and perfectly moist, it’s the perfect way to end your meal on a sweet note.
One of the things that sets La Taguara apart from other restaurants is its dedication to authenticity. The flavors are genuine, crafted with ingredients that give you a true taste of Venezuela. The staff is also incredibly friendly, providing a warm atmosphere where you can enjoy your meal in peace. The owner, a native of Venezuela, ensures that every dish is made just like it would be back home, and the pride in their food is evident in every bite.
The location, at 3502 E Washington Ave, is easy to find and provides a cozy spot for a casual meal. The interior is simple yet welcoming, with bright colors and a laid-back vibe that makes it a great place for both a quick bite or a relaxed evening out. It’s clear that La Taguara is a place where people come to connect over great food.
If you're new to Venezuelan cuisine, La Taguara is a fantastic introduction. Their menu is diverse, offering a wide variety of options that will make everyone in your party happy. Whether you're in the mood for a filling arepa, crispy empanadas, or something lighter, there's no shortage of delicious options. And if you're a regular, you'll appreciate the consistency and quality with each visit.
The reviews speak for themselves. Locals and visitors alike rave about La Taguara’s incredible flavors, friendly service, and inviting atmosphere. Many have called it the best Venezuelan food in the area, and it's easy to see why. The combination of fresh ingredients, authentic recipes, and a welcoming environment makes La Taguara a standout dining experience.
For those who love to explore new cuisines, La Taguara is an exciting find. The restaurant offers an authentic taste of Venezuela, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy bold flavors and traditional dishes. Whether you're in the mood for something filling or light, sweet or savory, there's no shortage of delicious options to choose from.
Good to know
From the business
✓ Identifies as Latino-owned ✓ Identifies as women-ownedService options
✓ Kerbside pickup ✓ Delivery ✓ On-site services ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ SportPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Counter service ✓ Dessert ✓ SeatingAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Quiet ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ Locals ✓ Tourists ✓ Transgender safe spacePlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Cheques ✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
La Taguara in Madison, Wisconsin, is an absolute gem that truly deserves a five-star rating! I was initially hoping to try the passion fruit, but since it wasn't available, I opted for the sugarcane lemonade, and I'm so glad I did! It was incredibly refreshing and perfectly balanced, a delightful surprise. For our meal, we enjoyed the delicious empanadas—two savory chicken and one perfectly seasoned ground beef. I also ordered the Pabellón a Caballo, which was fantastic. The tender shredded beef, black beans, and plantains topped with an egg were all incredibly flavorful. My partner raved about their Cubano sandwich, which was also fantastic. Every dish was prepared with care and bursting with authentic flavor. The atmosphere was wonderful, and the service was excellent. We had a truly memorable dining experience and can't wait to go back! Highly, highly recommend La Taguara for anyone looking for authentic and delicious Latin cuisine.
This self-service Venezuelan place packs ton of flavor in their dishes. Pabellón a caballo is particularly impressive with perfectly shredded beef, plantain and sunny side up fried egg. Strongly suggest skipping kids menu if possible. Otherwise, great choice on the east side despite higher prices for a casual dining.
Delicious food that was freshly made. Everyone enjoyed their dishes and the portions justified price. Absolutely worth it and we're excited to go again. Yum
I'm no expert but seemed authentic! Delicious food. Friendly and helpful service. Food was hot and fresh to order. My lunch special was 12.99 plus tax. Arepa, empanada and salad or soup. Choice of filling. Salad had passionfruit dressing on side. Great lunch and you can even watch food being cooked!
We were on vacation in the Madison area and happened to find this restaurant. It was one of the highlights of our trip. The food was simple but had amazing flavor. It was fun to try new food. It’s by far the BEST food I’ve had at any restaurant in a long time. We shared the Pabellón and arepas with shredded chicken and avocado so we could try two different dishes. I couldn’t stop saying how good the food was! The arepas were my favorite. I eat gluten free and dairy free and the guy at the counter was super helpful giving me multiple options and suggestions. They have a dedicated gluten free fryer so I felt very safe eating here. We can’t wait until we’re back in Madison so we can eat here again!
La Taguara on East Washington is a gem. They serve absolutely delicious Venezuelan food, prepared with care and full of flavor. The staff are always so friendly and welcoming that it feels like you’re among friends the moment you walk in. As a vegetarian, I really appreciate how easy it is for me to find plenty of options—almost everything I’d like to eat, they can accommodate. The arepas are wonderful and oh-so-filling, the yucca fries and plantains are unbeatable, and their fantastic sauces tie it all together perfectly. Everything about this place is fantastic… well, except that they sell Pepsi-but that’s easy to forgive when the food and service are this good. Highly recommended! Please go. I only wish I could go more often.
Very flavorful food with a huge portion size! Enough to take some home for leftovers