Fish tacos rarely live up to the hype, but the ones at La Margarita in Indianapolis manage to get something right that many places miss. They arrive hot, crisp, and intact, with a crunch that lasts well past the first bite.
The fish is fried just enough to create a golden shell, giving way to flaky white fish that stays tender inside. Fresh cabbage slaw, a creamy sauce, and a hit of lime add contrast without stealing the spotlight.
Even the warm tortillas hold their shape, which is not as common as it should be. What quietly sets these tacos apart is the seasoning.
There is just enough spice to keep things interesting, without overwhelming the fish or the toppings. La Margarita is located at 501 Virginia Avenue in Indianapolis and serves these tacos Tuesday through Sunday, closing on Mondays.
Prices stay reasonable, and two or three tacos usually do the job.
Fresh Fish Tacos That Set the Standard
Fish tacos at La Margarita arrive at your table with a satisfying crunch that announces their freshness before you even take a bite. The fish is perfectly fried, with a golden exterior that gives way to tender, flaky white fish inside.
Unlike many restaurants that serve limp, greasy versions, these tacos maintain their texture from first bite to last.
The toppings make all the difference here. Crisp cabbage slaw adds a refreshing crunch, while a creamy sauce balances the acidity of fresh lime.
Each component works together without overpowering the delicate fish flavor. The tortillas, whether you choose corn or flour, come warm and pliable, holding everything together without falling apart halfway through your meal.
What really distinguishes these fish tacos is the attention to seasoning. The batter carries just enough spice to be interesting without overwhelming your palate.
Many customers mention the balanced heat level, which adds excitement without sending you reaching desperately for water. This careful calibration shows the kitchen knows exactly what they are doing.
Located at 501 Virginia Avenue in Indianapolis, La Margarita serves these outstanding fish tacos Tuesday through Sunday. The restaurant closes on Mondays, so plan accordingly.
Prices remain reasonable, especially considering the quality and portion sizes. Most diners find two or three tacos plenty filling for a satisfying meal.
Regular customers often pair their fish tacos with one of the restaurant’s signature margaritas or choose from the impressive selection of Mexican beers.
House-Made Guacamole That Wins Converts
Multiple reviewers call La Margarita’s guacamole the best they have tasted in Indianapolis, and that reputation is well earned. This is not the bland, pre-made stuff you find at chain restaurants.
Each batch gets prepared fresh with ripe avocados, perfectly balanced seasonings, and just the right amount of lime juice to brighten the rich, creamy texture.
The guacamole arrives with a generous portion of hot, fresh tortilla chips that are clearly made in-house or sourced from a quality supplier. These chips come to your table still warm, with just enough salt to complement the guacamole without competing with it.
The contrast between the warm, crispy chips and cool, smooth guacamole creates a textural experience that keeps you reaching for more.
What makes this guacamole stand out is the chunky texture that preserves pieces of avocado rather than blending everything into a smooth paste. You can taste the individual ingredients, from the fresh cilantro to the diced tomatoes and onions.
Some versions include a hint of jalapeño that adds subtle heat without overwhelming the delicate avocado flavor.
Couples and groups often start their meal by sharing the guacamole, which comes in a portion size generous enough for two to four people depending on your appetite.
Impressive Vegan and Vegetarian Options
Finding truly satisfying vegan options at Mexican restaurants can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, but La Margarita breaks that mold completely. The restaurant offers multiple plant-based proteins including seitan prepared in different styles, giving vegetarians and vegans real choices beyond just beans and rice.
The habanero seitan has developed a cult following among regulars who rave about its spicy kick and meaty texture.
The vegan burrito comes packed with flavorful ingredients that make you forget you are eating a meat-free meal. Customers report being genuinely impressed by how filling and satisfying these options are.
The kitchen clearly understands that vegan food should not be an afterthought but rather a carefully crafted part of the menu that stands on its own merits.
One particularly popular choice is the seitan chorizo nachos, which arrive loaded with toppings and big enough to share among multiple people. The nachos come piled high with melted vegan cheese, beans, vegetables, and that signature seitan chorizo that delivers authentic Mexican flavors without any animal products.
Several reviews specifically mention these nachos as a standout dish worth ordering.
The staff shows genuine willingness to accommodate special dietary requests, modifying dishes to meet various restrictions. This flexibility makes La Margarita a go-to spot for mixed groups where some people eat meat and others follow plant-based diets.
Everyone can find something delicious without feeling limited or forced to compromise.
Perfectly Located Next to Tappers Arcade Bar
La Margarita’s move from Fountain Square to 501 Virginia Avenue in Fletcher Place brought an unexpected bonus for customers: immediate proximity to Tappers Arcade Bar. These two businesses sit literally next door to each other, creating the perfect combination for a complete night out.
You can enjoy dinner at La Margarita and then walk just a few steps to play classic arcade games at Tappers without moving your car or calling another rideshare.
This location makes practical sense for anyone planning an evening in the Fletcher Place neighborhood. The area has developed into one of Indianapolis’s most vibrant districts, with multiple restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues within easy walking distance.
After your meal, you might explore the surrounding streets or simply settle in next door for pinball and vintage video games.
Tappers operates on a one-drink minimum that covers unlimited gameplay, making it an affordable and fun way to extend your evening. The combination of tacos, margaritas, and arcade games appeals to a wide range of ages and interests.
Date nights, friend gatherings, and casual outings all work equally well with this setup.
The Fletcher Place location also puts you close to other Indianapolis attractions. White River State Park sits about a mile west at 801 West Washington Street, offering walking trails and green space.
The Indiana State Museum at 650 West Washington Street provides cultural enrichment if you are making a full day of your visit to this part of the city.
Generous Portions at Reasonable Prices
Value matters, especially when dining out regularly, and La Margarita delivers portions that leave customers satisfied without breaking the bank. The nachos have become legendary for their size, with multiple reviews mentioning that one order easily feeds two to four people.
These are not sad little appetizer portions but rather massive plates piled high with toppings that require strategic planning to finish.
The entrees follow the same generous philosophy. Burritos arrive substantial and filling, stuffed with quality ingredients rather than cheap fillers like excessive rice.
The Cabos burrito gets particular praise for its California-style approach, loaded with meat, vegetables, cheese, and other ingredients in proportions that make each bite interesting. Adding guacamole, as many regulars suggest, takes it to another level.
Taco orders typically come in sets of two or three, with each taco properly sized rather than the tiny street taco portions that leave you hungry. The pricing remains competitive with other Indianapolis Mexican restaurants while the quality exceeds most competitors.
Customers consistently mention feeling they received good value for their money, which builds the kind of loyalty that keeps people returning week after week.
The fajitas deserve special mention for arriving sizzling hot with generous amounts of meat and vegetables. One reviewer called them the best steak fajitas they had ever eaten, which represents high praise in a city with plenty of Mexican restaurant options.
The accompanying tortillas, rice, and beans round out a meal that easily satisfies even hearty appetites.
This combination of quality and value explains why some couples visit La Margarita weekly, sometimes even more frequently.
Fresh Ingredients and Consistent Quality
Consistency separates good restaurants from great ones, and La Margarita has earned its reputation by delivering the same high quality visit after visit. Regular customers report that the food tastes fresh and well-prepared whether they visit on a Tuesday afternoon or a busy Saturday night.
This reliability builds trust and explains why some people consider it their favorite restaurant in Indianapolis.
The ingredients taste genuinely fresh rather than pre-packaged or sitting too long in a cooler. Vegetables arrive crisp, proteins are properly seasoned and cooked, and salsas show the brightness that comes from fresh preparation.
The chips come to your table hot, suggesting they were either just fried or carefully kept warm, never stale or limp.
Several reviews specifically mention how La Margarita has ruined other Mexican restaurants for them because the comparison highlights the difference fresh ingredients make. Once you experience properly prepared Mexican food with quality components, it becomes difficult to settle for less.
The kitchen clearly maintains standards that prioritize ingredient quality over cutting costs.
The salsa selection demonstrates this commitment to freshness. La Margarita offers three different salsas with varying heat levels, each showing distinct flavors rather than tasting like they came from the same base recipe.
The red salsa has earned particular praise for its spicy kick, with some noting it seems even better at the new location than the old one.
This dedication to quality extends through the entire menu, from appetizers to entrees to drinks. The restaurant has maintained its standards through a location change, which often causes restaurants to stumble.
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