Discovering the Authentic Flavors of Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana
Located at 6300 Poplar Ave #115 in Memphis, Tennessee, Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana stands as a testament to the beauty of traditional Mexican culinary arts. This establishment has long been recognized by locals and visitors alike as a destination for those seeking a genuine, unpretentious dining experience. Far removed from the typical fast-food interpretations of Mexican cuisine, the deli focuses on the integrity of ingredients and the time-honored techniques that define the rich gastronomic heritage of Mexico. Stepping into the space, guests are greeted by an atmosphere that prioritizes quality and community, making it a staple within the Memphis food scene.
The philosophy behind the kitchen is rooted in simplicity and respect for the craft. By sourcing fresh components and preparing dishes with meticulous attention to detail, the team ensures that every plate reflects the vibrant spirit of Mexican street food culture. Whether you are stopping by for a quick lunch or settling in for a relaxed meal, the consistency and passion poured into every recipe are evident. It is this dedication to authenticity that has allowed the restaurant to maintain its reputation over the years, serving as a bridge between traditional Mexican flavors and the diverse palate of the Memphis community.
What Makes Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana Unique
Commitment to Traditional Recipes: The menu is built upon a foundation of authentic Mexican culinary traditions. Rather than adapting dishes to suit modern trends, the kitchen remains faithful to the original preparations, ensuring that every bite offers a genuine taste of Mexico.
Focus on Fresh, Quality Ingredients: Quality is the cornerstone of the deli's operations. By selecting fresh produce and high-quality proteins, the chefs are able to elevate simple dishes into memorable culinary experiences that highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients.
A Welcoming Community Atmosphere: The environment at the Poplar Avenue location is designed to be inviting and comfortable. It serves as a gathering place where the focus remains on the enjoyment of good food in a setting that feels both personal and approachable.
Consistency and Culinary Integrity: Over the years, the establishment has cultivated a reputation for reliability. Patrons know that they can expect the same level of care and flavor profile with every visit, which is a hallmark of a kitchen that truly cares about its craft.
A Culinary Destination in Memphis
The enduring appeal of Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana lies in its ability to remain true to its roots while serving a modern audience. In an era where dining options are vast and often overwhelming, there is a distinct comfort in finding a place that values the fundamentals of cooking. The dedication to maintaining high standards of preparation and service ensures that the restaurant remains a relevant and cherished part of the local landscape. For those who appreciate the nuances of well-prepared Mexican food, the deli offers a refreshing experience that celebrates the joy of eating well.
As you explore the diverse culinary offerings in Memphis, Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana invites you to experience a menu that speaks for itself. It is more than just a place to eat; it is a reflection of a deep-seated passion for food and a commitment to providing a quality experience for every guest who walks through the door. Whether you are a long-time fan of their signature dishes or a newcomer eager to explore authentic flavors, the team looks forward to sharing their culinary vision with you at their Poplar Avenue location.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Service options
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Fast service
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Counter service
Dessert
Amenities
Restroom
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking
Usually plenty of parking
Menus
Photos
Reviews Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana
Helena Tselos
05-04-2026
The food is 💯 authentic Mexico City Mexican food. The owner Pepe is knowledgeable and friendly. He ensures everything is fresh! They have 2 locations. Both are fantastic! You can't go wrong eating here!
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Elote Corn, Street Tacos
Brett Sawyer
05-04-2026
Best guacamole in Memphis! Terrific sandwiches & accommodating owners. Very good place to eat.
Ashlee Wright
05-04-2026
One of my favorite places to eat when in Memphis! This place never disappoints!
Order type…
More
Michael Mason
05-04-2026
I chose Las Tortugas today because of a recommendation. I chose the Queso Fundido for appetizer & enjoyed the flavors very much. I ordered the Al Pastor tacos for my entree & they were very flavorful. Served with pico, green sauce,avocado, … More
El Pinocchio Reviews
05-04-2026
Overpriced Restaurant for “authentic “ food . Paid around $50 for two averaged size portion meals . Not worth it . The boss was kind pero se pasan con los precios . Se quieren ser ricos de la noche a la mañana.
Murray Donald Jr
05-04-2026
Me and my brother came here to grab lunch and we were immediately greated by the owner who told us about the menu items and a little about himself. He was very friendly along with the rest of the staff. The food was amazing I got the brisket tacos and the water melon slush drink. You get plenty of food for the price and everything was delicious. We will be going back!
Order type
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Wait time
No wait
Elizabeth
05-04-2026
Went here right before my graduation and, clumsy me, spilt a full cup of Jamaica juice everywhere. Felt terrible, but immediately the sweetest staff jumped up, even a kind woman on her break. Encouraging me it was okay, cleaning after me, bringing me wet paper towels. Their kindness shaped my mood for the day, I hope I get the chance to see these amazing women again in next times I go☺️
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Wait time
No wait
Lauren Elkins
05-04-2026
I love the sense of pride that the owner seems to have for this place. All of their accomplishments over the years cover the walls and give such a nice sense of confidence coming in to dine (for me, anyway!).
We started with some chips and guacamole. The chips are on the thicker side and taste great! Excellent with the chunky guacamole. For mains, I had carne asada tacos, he had the mole chicken tacos. All of the little sauces that they gave us to have with them were unmatched. You're not doing it right if you don't use them.
My only even remotely negative comment was that my carne asada didn't get slightly crispy like you would typically expect. It needed just a little longer in the pan. It was seasoned absolutely perfectly though and I still definitely left a satisfied customer!
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Michael Durante
05-04-2026
We had a great visit to Las Tortugas and appreciated the effort and time Pepe put into explain the menu and what his restaurant was all about.
Pepe for President!! super nice and friendly guy. The food was fresh tasting and nicely prepared. Sure a little on the pricey side, but like Pepe said "you are going to say two things..oh it cost to much and then later you will drop money off in the tip jar saying oh this was so cheap for what we got and here is a tip!"
We got the street corn and 100% recommend that.
Also got some steak tacos and shrimp tacos. Not really sure we ordered off the menu. He just said let me know what you like and I will make you something you will love.
Also get the Mango and Lemon drinks. I highly recommend those as well!
we topped it all off with the fried cheese and unfortunately we were not a fan of it. great presentation and it had some nice spices on it but not a fan of the hard crisp texture. $10 was also a bit on the high side and I would say it was more of a cheese crisp then fried soft cheese we were exception. but maybe more of an expectation then anything at all. I think they would go good on a salad all crumbled up.
Pepe- 5 stars
Food- 3 1/2 stars
Alisa Oswalt
05-04-2026
Excellent, tasty, fresh Mexican food, friendly service, and a clean, modern space. The fresh guava limonada was a treat! A bit pricey, but worth it. Make sure to look for the daily specials before you order!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Eelco van Wijk
05-04-2026
Pricey, but stellar food! Get the lobster if they have it.
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Guillermo Herrera
05-04-2026
Got some Tacos de Carne Asada & a Limonada.
Delicious tasted like back home.
Prices are a little to high for my taste. But regardless great service and smiles all around
Order type
Dine in
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Moderate noise
Wait time
No wait
James
05-04-2026
Tried multiple dishes and all were good, especially liked the flautas. More authentic than most places I’ve had in the Memphis area. A little more expensive than you would expect but don’t let that keep you away, you’re getting better Mexican food than most other local places.
John Smith
05-04-2026
They gave me food poisoning; bottom line. Twelve hours of hell. Almost called an ambulance. I’m tempted to be forgiving and say; everybody messes up occasionally but I’ve never once given myself food poisoning at home. Also, they forgot … More
Ming Lee
05-04-2026
Their Elote is very yummy. Their Alaskan crab sandwich is even greater. Not a fan of their version of tacos I like my tortillas with a little grill time but everything is very well flavored. Very clean environment and friendly staff. It's a favorite when I'm in town.
Stephen W
05-04-2026
Very good food, but not sure it’s a do over for us.
Tasty, but wow, the prices are in line with what you get. $88 for a family of … More
Alexis Brown
05-04-2026
Absolutely delicious and authentic food! The guacamole was chunky and fresh while the tacos were made to order. Will absolutely be coming back here for lunch again soon!
Amber Pomeroy
05-04-2026
Pepe took our order and explained everything so well. He was very passionate about the food. The food was wonderful. More
Derek Curtice
05-04-2026
best fish tacos in town .. best chicken or pork tamales, too—go and you’ll love the people as much as the food 🥰 … More
Itz's Mendoziny
05-04-2026
Nice place, but to overpriced for what they serve. Food was mid, we order 3 different plates nothing really stand out, had a orchata drink that tasted nasty couldn't finish it. Not worth it More
Michael Turley
05-04-2026
I’ve been eating las tortugas my entire life. The chicken timga tacos are my favorite ever. Only thing I recently am not a fan of is the music that’s been playing from the tv that has an eerie almost siren like sound. Thank you Las Tortugas you are the best ! More
Ragan Murphy
05-04-2026
Amazing! Everything I ate was delicious. The owner walked around and talked to everyone, such a great atmosphere. I ordered the spoa pollo (chicken soup) to go. Very very good. Definitely recommend. Prices are indicative for the the freshness of the food, don't let that stop you from going. More
Jon M.
05-04-2026
The BEST torta on Earth! If your hungry and not quite sure “what” you want…. Go here, get a Torta. It’ll change your life! More
Lisa Yiannakis
05-04-2026
The food was fresh and delicious. The owner and the employees are a delight. I definitely recommend this restaurant! More
gaxiola55
05-04-2026
The owner is very very kind . Aguas made by order are on point . Very very good place to eat
Food:…
More
gaxiola55
05-04-2026
The owner is very very kind . Aguas made by order are on point . Very very good place to eat
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Derek Curtice
05-04-2026
best fish tacos in town .. best chicken or pork tamales, too—go and you’ll love the people as much as the food 🥰 … More
Elizabeth
05-04-2026
Went here right before my graduation and, clumsy me, spilt a full cup of Jamaica juice everywhere. Felt terrible, but immediately the sweetest staff jumped up, even a kind woman on her break. Encouraging me it was okay, cleaning after me, bringing me wet paper towels. Their kindness shaped my mood for the day, I hope I get the chance to see these amazing women again in next times I go☺️
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Wait time
No wait
Lauren Elkins
05-04-2026
I love the sense of pride that the owner seems to have for this place. All of their accomplishments over the years cover the walls and give such a nice sense of confidence coming in to dine (for me, anyway!).
We started with some chips and guacamole. The chips are on the thicker side and taste great! Excellent with the chunky guacamole. For mains, I had carne asada tacos, he had the mole chicken tacos. All of the little sauces that they gave us to have with them were unmatched. You're not doing it right if you don't use them.
My only even remotely negative comment was that my carne asada didn't get slightly crispy like you would typically expect. It needed just a little longer in the pan. It was seasoned absolutely perfectly though and I still definitely left a satisfied customer!
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Michael Durante
05-04-2026
We had a great visit to Las Tortugas and appreciated the effort and time Pepe put into explain the menu and what his restaurant was all about.
Pepe for President!! super nice and friendly guy. The food was fresh tasting and nicely prepared. Sure a little on the pricey side, but like Pepe said "you are going to say two things..oh it cost to much and then later you will drop money off in the tip jar saying oh this was so cheap for what we got and here is a tip!"
We got the street corn and 100% recommend that.
Also got some steak tacos and shrimp tacos. Not really sure we ordered off the menu. He just said let me know what you like and I will make you something you will love.
Also get the Mango and Lemon drinks. I highly recommend those as well!
we topped it all off with the fried cheese and unfortunately we were not a fan of it. great presentation and it had some nice spices on it but not a fan of the hard crisp texture. $10 was also a bit on the high side and I would say it was more of a cheese crisp then fried soft cheese we were exception. but maybe more of an expectation then anything at all. I think they would go good on a salad all crumbled up.
Pepe- 5 stars
Food- 3 1/2 stars
Alisa Oswalt
05-04-2026
Excellent, tasty, fresh Mexican food, friendly service, and a clean, modern space. The fresh guava limonada was a treat! A bit pricey, but worth it. Make sure to look for the daily specials before you order!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Eelco van Wijk
05-04-2026
Pricey, but stellar food! Get the lobster if they have it.
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Guillermo Herrera
05-04-2026
Got some Tacos de Carne Asada & a Limonada.
Delicious tasted like back home.
Prices are a little to high for my taste. But regardless great service and smiles all around
Order type
Dine in
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Moderate noise
Wait time
No wait
James
05-04-2026
Tried multiple dishes and all were good, especially liked the flautas. More authentic than most places I’ve had in the Memphis area. A little more expensive than you would expect but don’t let that keep you away, you’re getting better Mexican food than most other local places.
Helena Tselos
05-04-2026
The food is 💯 authentic Mexico City Mexican food. The owner Pepe is knowledgeable and friendly. He ensures everything is fresh! They have 2 locations. Both are fantastic! You can't go wrong eating here!
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Elote Corn, Street Tacos
Ming Lee
05-04-2026
Their Elote is very yummy. Their Alaskan crab sandwich is even greater. Not a fan of their version of tacos I like my tortillas with a little grill time but everything is very well flavored. Very clean environment and friendly staff. It's a favorite when I'm in town.
Stephen W
05-04-2026
Very good food, but not sure it’s a do over for us.
Tasty, but wow, the prices are in line with what you get. $88 for a family of … More
Alexis Brown
05-04-2026
Absolutely delicious and authentic food! The guacamole was chunky and fresh while the tacos were made to order. Will absolutely be coming back here for lunch again soon!
Amber Pomeroy
05-04-2026
Pepe took our order and explained everything so well. He was very passionate about the food. The food was wonderful. More
Murray Donald Jr
05-04-2026
Me and my brother came here to grab lunch and we were immediately greated by the owner who told us about the menu items and a little about himself. He was very friendly along with the rest of the staff. The food was amazing I got the brisket tacos and the water melon slush drink. You get plenty of food for the price and everything was delicious. We will be going back!
Order type
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Wait time
No wait
Itz's Mendoziny
05-04-2026
Nice place, but to overpriced for what they serve. Food was mid, we order 3 different plates nothing really stand out, had a orchata drink that tasted nasty couldn't finish it. Not worth it More
Michael Turley
05-04-2026
I’ve been eating las tortugas my entire life. The chicken timga tacos are my favorite ever. Only thing I recently am not a fan of is the music that’s been playing from the tv that has an eerie almost siren like sound. Thank you Las Tortugas you are the best ! More
Ragan Murphy
05-04-2026
Amazing! Everything I ate was delicious. The owner walked around and talked to everyone, such a great atmosphere. I ordered the spoa pollo (chicken soup) to go. Very very good. Definitely recommend. Prices are indicative for the the freshness of the food, don't let that stop you from going. More
Jon M.
05-04-2026
The BEST torta on Earth! If your hungry and not quite sure “what” you want…. Go here, get a Torta. It’ll change your life! More
Lisa Yiannakis
05-04-2026
The food was fresh and delicious. The owner and the employees are a delight. I definitely recommend this restaurant! More
gaxiola55
05-04-2026
The owner is very very kind . Aguas made by order are on point . Very very good place to eat
Food:…
More
gaxiola55
05-04-2026
The owner is very very kind . Aguas made by order are on point . Very very good place to eat
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Sierra Crosby
05-04-2026
I never would have thought that the best tacos I’d ever have in my life would come from Memphis Tennessee… but they did. Pepe (the owner) was so sweet and helpful. I ordered the shrimp tacos and a side of corn. It was amazing. 10/10. Thank you Pepe ❤️
Charity Campbell
05-04-2026
Get the TESOTE! I loved getting to try this place! The food is incredible, the presentation of the food is incredible. You can tell it’s very well managed & The food is also made fresh!! && owners are such incredible people. More
Mr Zerby
05-04-2026
Amazing tasting food which is overpriced. I got a tortuga carnitas which is delicious, but came to $14 w/o a drink. I also felt cheated by the amount of chips I was given. I'll be back when I want a great tasting lunch, but this wont be an common occurance. Oh top marks on cleanliness and ambiance.
Ms. worldwide
05-04-2026
Oh my goodness,you will love this place as much as I do ,it is amazing!wonderful food,very fresh,If you have never been here you should try it!
Chandra
05-04-2026
Over priced. NOT WORTH THE COST. I stopped by to purchase some King Crab soup; however, they do not sell it due to a change at Costco (here I am paying more than $16 for the soup & $30+ for the sandwich smh!). So, I purchased a bowl of the … More
Reviews Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana