I LOOOVE coming here. And I mean it. Love coming here. Cardenas is where my parents and I come to grab things that we refuse to buy at Chinatown, and can't get at that tiny Hispanic / Asian aisle. (You KNOW what I'm talking about, don't pretend not to know!)
Organized, fresh food. Awesome restaurants. Ceviche. Elote. Candies. Coffee. Alcohol. Sweets. Place has it all, and they have good deals.
My Spanish is a bit rusty, so I always have to bring someone along--which is what I suggest if you don't know an ounce of Spanish. But I always say, if you plan to go anywhere like this, you should always try to learn a little of the language. I think it's just respectful and convenient.
The only thing I hate is every time I go here, there is always always a super long line to check out.