The Cuckoo's Nest restaurant, in Old Saybrook, offers a menu which includes very delicious Mexican and Cajun cuisine. We have eaten at the Cuckoo's Nest for over 20 years, and their food is consistently fresh, flavorful, and well-received; seasoned with a zest unique to the Cuckoo's Nest, and found no where else. The restaurant is highly recommended to those who appreciate excellent Mexican or Cajun food; and enjoy dining in a spirited, laid-back, and very friendly atmosphere. read more

My friend and I stopped here last night on the way home. Our waiter, Greg, was really great. Drinks was awesome. Some of the best Mexican food I've ever eaten. We both found the manager to be a little unfriendly upon arrival. She spent the evening patrolling the restaurant and barking orders at the waitstaff in front of customers. There's a difference between constructive criticism and a condescending tone. This was extremely disrespectful and you could tell by the expressions of the waitstaff that many of them did not think highly of her. There are more effective and engaging ways to ensure that the members of the waitstaff complete their tasks. She just has to learn and apply them. If we were to return, I would request to sit in a different location where I would not have to listen to her voice. read more

Cuckoos nest has pretty good besides the buffalo wings which aren't spicy at all to be honest bbc sauce is more spicier. On the other hand it took over a hour for food. Overall the food is pretty good but the time wait is a very long time. read more

Support local restaurants, except for this place. What you pay for is ridiculously over priced, undersized food. For example, tamales...$7 for a single tamale with minimal flavor that isn't even the same length and width as a credit card. But wait, covered in some type of ranchero sauce. The beef burrito that you can get with a tamale and rice/beans for $18, no joke, is just a burrito filled with bland ground meat, again covered in their signature sauce. Under Mexican dinner plates it doesn't mention any sauce and I certainly didn't ask for it. Size of the burrito you ask? Approx. 4.5"x2" when rolled. Worse is what appears to be cheap minute rice with no additional flavor. Want some sangria? Sure, you get what seems to be Carlo Rossi in a pitcher, served with a glass of ice with an orange wedge, cherry, lemon wedge, and lime wedge. It's sad when the favorite part of the meal is the chips and salsa. Avoid it, or you'll be killed by bland Mexican food priced way too high. tl;dr...bland, overpriced, extremely small portions, but hey if that's for you and you love ranchero sauce on everything, go for it. read more

Our friend Del Peres was playing there Thursday night. Visited with out of town company. Excellent Mexican, 6 out of 6 excellent meals. Great time was had by all! If Del is playing its always a five! read more

Cuckoo's Nest - Mexican Near Me - Old Saybrook, Connecticut

Went there for my birthday, and was really disappointed. I ordered the coconut shrimp for the appetizer, the enchilada platter for the entre' , and the fried ice cream for dessert. I've had real Mexican food, and this was a sorry attempt. The coconut shrimp was tasty, but greasy. the fried ice cream was ok, but the maple syrup they put on it tasted like it had been burned. But the enchiladas were the big disappointment. They were very dry, and had little flavor. The beans were ok, but all I can say about the rice is tasted funny. So, obviously, we won't be going there again. read more

Terrible hostess experience - immediately greeted with extremely rude service by an older woman. We were so taken aback we opted to not even seat and be served further. People might come to try the food, but customers return for great service which this place clearly lacks. read more

I want to go to Taco Bell they have more flavor is too expensive obviously they really don't know what you're doing pretty please nice for pictures full like I said Taco Bell has a better read more

Food was ok, loved the atmosphere We sat at the bar which was crowded at first but definitely thinned out after 7:30. Bartender was serving small bar and 4 or 5 tables in bar so we expected service might be slow but ok by us as we were out without kids. Took about 25 minutes to place food order which is long but still understandable. But had to order drinks three times before we received them. Not sure what the issue was but bartender acted like he had never heard our order before. We will def give a second try but will try sitting in the dining room. read more

Yes, its a Mexican restaurant but they also have a whole "Cajun" section on the menu, so decided to try the Pasta Jambalaya. So I assumed it would be jambalaya with pasta instead of rice, including all the cajun flavors. Wrong! This was basically shrimp, chicken, peppers and onions dredged in a marinara sauce, nothing Cajun about. It didn't taste bad but it had no business being called jambalaya. The service and the margarita's were very good. Lesson learned, don't order cajun food at a Mexican restaurant. I pity the people who ordered the special Irish dishes on the menu for St. Paddie's day. read more

Not authentic Mexican food. The beans were from a can. The service was not friendly and the piano music was very annoying. Mexican restaurants play Spanish music like Rancheras NOT piano. read more

I'll agree with the other writer who said "AWFUL." I can't remember much about the meal because I've tried to just erase it from my memory. Everything was essentially bland and flavorless, prices seemed high once we saw the quality of the food, and nothing really tasted like anything "Mexican" I've ever had. There's a lot of good places in the area, just steer clear of this one. In other news the decor is kinda nice and the building is cool and they have neat hand dryers in the bathrooms if I remember correctly. Not cool enough to merit a 2nd star. read more

Waited an overly long time to be seated. Then forced to wait even longer for drinks and service. Salsa tasted like it was out of a plastic jug. Ordered tacos and they made me want to gag. There was actually TOO much ground beef in my tacos, and it was dry and flavorless. Couldn't force myself to eat the last one. Will never return... read more

Pungent smell of urine as soon as I walked in. Waitress sat me at a table being used by a bus boy who was folding silverware. The new waitress was very pleasant and nice. Chips were thin and of very poor quality. Salsa was a thin tomato slurry with jalapeno seeds mixed in. Ordered a beef and a chicken enchilada and it was microwaved. The shredded cheese gave it away as it was hot as hell but not really melted but congealed and the re-fried beans were prepared the same. All that was missing was the cellophane cover. #microwavefood read more

For the past 10 years we would not go there after the experience we has there. When we heard it was under new management we decided to give it another try. I am glad we did. Great food,very good presentation and the service was second to none. We have since been back 3 times and have not been disappointed. Next time our family comes back to Connecticut we plan on treating them to a dinner there. Am so glad we gave them another shot. PS the home made Salsa was so good we bought a pint to bring home. read more

Years ago I really liked the cuckoo's nest. I stopped in several days ago for two tacos and they were dreadful. I won't go back again

My boyfriend recommended we come here for lunch. It was my first time. Absolutely disgusting. Food was cold when it came out and they were not busy at all. Enchilada tasted worse than a Lean Cuisine meal. The waiter was nice, however I will never come back. read more

After driving past a couple of times I thought it might be worth trying. It wasn't. The interior is filled with antiques which make you wonder why they serve Mexican food instead of Southern. Then our dishes arrived, one worse than the other. They not only looked un-appetizing, they were unedible. Steer clear. Head for Ortega's in Groton instead. read more

If I could give them a half star I would. they were the most disgusting and awful mexican restaurant that I have been too .they had the nerve to bring us out nasty old dried up Spanish rice just AWFUL and not to mention our waitress was not nice or helpful at all .avoid this restaurant at all cost don't go there even if you have to I'd rather starve!!! read more

Cuckoo's Nest - Disgusting - Mexican Near Me - Old Saybrook, Connecticut

This place is always coming up as the state's best Mexican food in Connecticut Magazine, so I had to give it a try. Honestly, I just don't get it. I wouldn't even call most of the things on the menu authentic Mexican or Creole. You can get Italian Sausage there. Illogical. The food was not good. My fish tacos were underseasoned at best, and my husband's risotto (ordered off the specials menu) was downright unpleasant. The atmosphere was good overall, but we were seated in this odd little alcove where we faced another couple. It was a little awkward. read more

Stale chips, weak cheap margheritas - food was iffy. Coming from NYC where we have real Mexican food, this was as far from that as I've ever had. If you like the idea of BBQ tacos soaked in BBQ sauce you will perhaps like it here. All I'm gunna say is you'd be cuckoo to eat dinner here. If you must go stick to happy hour and the bar menu. read more

Cuckoo's Nest - Mexican Near Me - Old Saybrook, Connecticut

This place has great Mexican food, well Americanized Mexican food. Stop here to enjoy great chips and salsa, fresh guacamole, fajitas, tacos, nachos, and salads. They do salads really well here. I think the best one is their ensalada faijita. A green leaf lettuce salad topped with seasoned, grilled vegetables and meat. The shrimp is the best option. The salad cones with a side of gaucamole and sour cream. I prefer sliced avocado more than than gauc in a salad- I think the texture is combination is just weird. So I asked to substitute the guacamole for sliced avocado. The waitress explained that the guac comes on the side, I explained that it was not about that at all but I wanted sliced avocado. She said they could do it for an extra charge. I wanted to argue this but I did not have the energy. In the end I got both and it worked out because I had sliced avocado for my salad and amazing, fresh guac for the complimentary chips. Service can be spotty. During out most recent visit there were problems in the kitchen, which sucked, but our waitress informed us of the problems early on. I appreciated her communicating this to us because it was helpful and something out of her control. read more

Our server Katie was phenomenal and our food was amazing. She made the experience special. Great house margaritas. Heating up the left overs as I write this out. read more

This was my second time coming here and while my first visit was decent our latest was a disappointment. We were placed in an alcove with barely enough room for the two tables. The food was mediocre and the price outrageous for what you get I doubt i will ever come back for a third time read more

Excellent service. Pleasant host staff. Great server and outstanding owner accommodated beyond expectations.

One star goes to our awesome waitress... Not being from the area due to military training, four of us were brought together. We found this place from our friend's onboard GPS and after being umimpressed by this place in New London, we came here. We were NOT impressed. We had a hispanic guy with us and three people with very strong hispanic influences, myself being from SoCal and Vallejo, CA, where burrito trucks are on every block. First, my friends ordered some margaritas on the rocks. The were watered down, tasteless, lacked alcohol. The margaritas at Chevy's are way better. My hispanic friend waved the hostess/manager whatever to take it back and we got this response: "Sooooooooooo... we've been here 33 years and YOU'RE saying this is BAD?!?!?!" Then our food came. It was... mediocre at best. No grease coming out... Sort of tasteless. Our waitress was awesome even after the repeated requests for drinks/food/condiments/whatever and was great when it came to dividing up the bill. When it came time to leave, one of the guys was at the door when the hostess was all "HEY! DON'T KNOCK ME OVER" I don't know whether all of the East Coast was like this... but I will NEVER come back here. read more

Bad bad bad so bad! I went out to dinner with my 3 kids- 80.00 and it was so bad. Street tacos - you get 3. The chicken was dry and crispy. The pork tasted like it came from a can. I didn't even taste the steak since the other two were bad and cold. The chips and salsa were fine. Kids didn't like their meals either. Ordered the lava cake for dessert. It was dry and also bad. Store bought absolutely. read more

Had heard about the Nest from many friends, half who gave good reviews and the other half who didn't. We sat on the patio and ordered margaritas and chips/guacamole. The margaritas were very good. The guacamole however was spiced with black pepper! No other flavor other than the avocados. The salsa provided was thin (as other reviewers have said). The bonus was the piano and bass duo playing Vince Guaraldi type music (although why don't Mexican restaurants play Mexican music to enhance the atmosphere?). After reading reviews about the fish tacos, will go back to try them as good ones are hard to find in the area. read more

If you're into stale tortilla chips, nachos that are one layer and covered in American cheese, taco trio that is near flavorless, or tortilla soup that tastes (& looks like) a toilet bowl during a battle with the stomach bug - then this is the place for you! The place is expensive and the servers seem a bit sad. read more

They have a very nice Sunday brunch buffet from 11-2. We have been back 3-4 times for Sunday brunch now. It's reasonably priced, $15.95. Their is a made-to-order omelette station, several warming trays with delicious items such as vegetarian enchiladas, Cajun beef, chicken fajitas, taco bar, unique French toast (they must use coconut milk or something), lots of fresh fruit (pineapple, watermelon, grapes, strawberries, melons), and then a dessert bar! I have not once selected something and wished I had not. They have lovely outdoor seating. Staff is attentive and friendly. read more

Upon arriving we had great service and the food was delicious. The appetizers and entrees were very fresh, bountiful, and cooked perfectly. Not only did we have Mexican food but also fresh fish and great salads. One of the better, consistent restaurants along the Shoreline at very reasonable prices. A local favorite! read more

I love the unique and rustic atmosphere in here, but the food is just "all right" for me. Some dishes are definitely better than others; I've found that their specials can be quite good (albeit pricier than the others). However, last time I was in I had the sizzling fajitas and while it was certainly edible and fresh, it lacked seasoning and overall flavor. I've found several of their dishes to be quite bland and one-note. However, this is a fun place for friends, with a good vibe. I would just stick to drinks and appetizers. read more

They claim best in town but it was pretty much a joke. Serious identity crisis here. Mexican restaurant with more Cajun food on the menu then Mexican. Oh and the German food options too. Wife ordered chicken fajitas and there was maybe ¼ cup of oil on the plate with the fajitas. Maybe 1/2 of a chicken breast worth of meat and a ton of veggies. I got the grilled fish tacos. They would have been so much better with a white fish instead of the tuna on it. Well not sure if it was tuna but that's what it tasted like. Also would have probably been better with half as much fish. There was more fish in my two tacos then all the chicken in my wife's fajitas and the kids chicken quesadillas. read more

Been living here in Old Saybrook for past 2 yrs - prior to that I use to frequent while on the shoreline - To Ishtar I met with friends & received the best service by Jordan - Jordan was attentive to everyone's needs in the bar area . Food & beverages were amazing . Jordan suggested the cinnamon apple caramel margarita .... so delicious ! Left full & content with Jordan's service read more

Best Mexican place on the shoreline. Great atmosphere, food, and people surrounding it all. Love the restaurant and their live music!

I have been going here for years. Food was great but service was terrible. They did not seem to care we were not happy. Just wanted us to get out of restaurant. read more

This place is always high on our list of places we must visit whilst out at the beach place for one reason: the blackened white fish. The chips and salsa are a great start as the salsa is actually spicy. Cuckoo's doesn't serve up any of that watery stuff that makes me question why people are even calling themselves a "Mexican" restaurant. From there your food isn't super authentic but that isn't required to be super delicious. Ever been to Chipotle? Point proven. To maximize deliciousness potential, order the blackened whitefish. Any fish at all is actually a good bet. Tonight our table had one order of the blackened white fish (pretty self explanatory), sesame encrusted seared tuna (wasabi sauce was amazing), and the fish tacos with mahi mahi (surprisingly large amount of fish). We all went home with full bellies and smiles. Other important items: Expect about $15/pp for entrees I've never had anything but good service For any old school Westbrook people- the A/C is still functioning and a fantastic addition to this place I will continue to return annually Blackened whitefish read more

Everything here as far as food is concerned comes off of a commercial truck. Nothing is fresh and nothing is really Mexican. This is a food factory for the masses with a good times appeal on an otherwise desert of chain restaurants. It serves a purpose. If you want sustenance and not cuisine, you will be happy. read more

This place is awesome. Food is fucking great, service is great, live music is great, scenery is great, all of it. My favorite thing to get are the street tacos oh my god and their rice is something else bro. All tastes very fresh and light. I always love it when I come here. Chips and salsa is on point too. read more

This place has been around forever, and there is a good reason, it's solidly good! The SALSA is the best I've ever had, and I lived in the southwest US for 12 years..! The entrees are good, but the stars of the menu are the appetizers which are amazing, especially the Connecticut Nachos. It's a solid performer, slightly departed from their Cajun-Mexican fusion roots, but still very good. read more

Cuckoo's Nest - Mexican Near Me - Old Saybrook, Connecticut