10/10 would recommend The prime rib. Perfectly seasoned and juicy meat. with 2 eggs on top it's the perfect amount of protein to add to the day read more

great margaritas and great service. Definitely try and sit outside and try the tequila lime shrimp tacos!

No matter how many timers we have been to this place, it is never a disappointment. Seated right away and drinks in a flash. The specials sounded awesome tonight but they weren't for me this evening. Had the Jerk Chicken and it was great. Angel went with the soft tacos and said they were delicious. Had a special treat tonight. A baby bird fell from its nest and the staff made sure it was put back safely in the nest. Bravo...... read more

Will not be returning or recommending. Service was poor food was substandard. Ordered the beef chimichanga grande. Beef had the consistency and flavor as if it came out of a can. Rice was bland. Server never returned to see if we wanted more chips and salsa while we waited, to refill drinks, or follow up on our meal and if we needed anything after the food arrived. The hostess did more for our table then the server did. read more

The pre-thanksgiving turkey specials are incredible ! A MUST try. The service and atmosphere also a great experience !

Though I'm a New Yorker, I've been a fan of Cuckoo's Nest since I met my husband (a local) 15 years ago. The decor is amuzingly eclectic and the food is great. I often order the Monterey Salad just because of the creamy garlic dressing. Their nachos are awesome - just remember to ask for the flour chips. And, for dessert, be sure to order the fried ice cream. It's the best! read more

We traveled an hour and a half to try this restaurant because of friends recommendations. What a long ride home and I became sick to my stomach about 15 minutes from me house. Service and atmosphere were ok, but the food was really awful. The nachos had melted American cheese on them...come on...this is not the movie theatre!!!! Tasteless, cheap ingredients. And my husband was sick to his stomache in the middle of the night, which is an unusual occurrence for him. How regrettable to spend money on a meal like that! read more

Visited the Cuckoo's Nest with another family over the holidays, and were seated at noon. I understand the restaurant has changed hands from its former owners, with whom the Nest had its glory years. The rice was dry and reheated from a previous service. The meats used in the burrito, taco, and enchiladas were all dried out and reheated from another service. The ground beef was not palatable. The kids meals tasted like it had been sitting under a heat lamp for a while. The lettuce and tomatoes in the tacos were wilted and not fresh, either from being microwaved or just past it's time. ...but the bathrooms were clean. read more

This is a great Mexican restaurant with really great chips and salsa and real margaritas, not those super sweet, store-bought mix kinds. I love the enchiladas here and the quesadillas are always a hit. On our recent visit we had excellent service, our server was very attentive without being overbearing. This has been a family favorite for Mexican food for many years! I would recommend getting there earlier because the restaurant can get busy, especially on a Friday or Saturday night. read more

I am only giving them 1 star for the margaritas but if I could give zero for the food I would. This place has the most disgusting food I have ever eaten in my life. If you see this... please do not even consider going here it's so disgusting. First off, I got a dinner combo with a taco and enchilada... they both came with AMERICAN CHEESE ON TOP. Why American???? So gross. The taco tasted like plastic and the enchilada tasted like legit crap. Please do not go here it is not worth your money. Absolutely disgusting. read more

To respond to management responses to my review that I was biased and perhaps a disgruntled employee, the server told us that there was a new chef. I am a summer resident and the food is drastically different than last year. Take accountability, you did not address the food quality nor the very specific things I mentioned about the food. Don't want stir fry carrots and zucchini in my fajitas. read more

Food is good, bad experience with takeout. Won't be giving them a second try. We ordered roughly $100 in takeout, as we did not have time to dine in. Asked them to include the chips they give for free during dining, and the woman stated they charge for them. So, I cancelled my order and took business elsewhere. The profit margin is higher on take out, wouldn't they want to encourage more of it? read more

It's a staple of the area. The chips and salsa are great and the food is also good. If you are margarita drinker, be sure to ask your waiter/waitress to make sure to not use the pre-made mix. The house margarita is much better without it. It's definitely a place to check out. read more

Not worth it all all. Really bad service in the dinning room and at the bar. The first time we went about a month ago was at the dinner hour about 7:00 on a Tuesday. There were only about 4 tables full and we waited 10 min to be seated and 15 more minutes to get our drink order. When my Taco dinner and my wife's Burrito dinner came I couldn't believe a place that says it is authentic Mexican would serve Tacos and Burritos with hamburger meat that is seasoned worse than Taco-Bell!!! Not sure the last time i ever had "true Mexican" beef that wasn't shredded. The beans tasted more like Boston Baked beans than refried beans. We gave it another try a few weeks ago....bad idea! We sat at the tiny bar and the service was just as bad! This time I had Fish Tacos that were just dripping grease and cold! Don't even remember what my wife had! And it is way over priced for what you get! read more

Went once over the summer. Great environment. Great sangria! Best I've ever had. Mexican food is great too! Will definitely be back!

Food took forever to arrive and when it did it was cold. Main dish had no flavor and the cheese was cold. The rice was just plain white rice with flavorless beans. We were served chips with no salsa and second beer was only 3/4 full. Service was lacking. Third time trying this place but will not go back again. read more

Came in for lunch with wife and twins. Food was atrociously poor. Totally unattentive service by teen who did not know the first thing about Mexican food. Entree loaded with salt and NO taste. I cannot understand who might think this place is worth a dime. Nice decor the only thing right. To make matters worse the number of errors in Spanish is incredible! Please employ some one who has at least passed Spanish 1! A true insult to Mexican culture, disgusting! read more

While I was visiting a friend in Connecticut, she suggested we go to Cuckoos nest for some womanly bonding, and of course, dessert. Their fried ice cream with maple syrup and walnuts is one of the most amazing things I've ever had in my life. The warm shell on the outside with the cold ice cream, maple syrup, and crunchy walnuts inside, create this ooey, gooey, messy goodness that's making my mouth water as we speak! It makes me so sad that I live far away because I get cravings for their fried ice cream all the time! But then again, maybe that's a good thing cause I'd eat it every day! read more

I've been going to the Cuckoo's Nest on and off for over 30 years. The last time I was there was probably 10 years ago and I thought that the quality of the food was slipping a little but nothing drastic.....I wrote it off to the years, both mine and theirs. However, last week, when my wife and visited, we were very disappointed. We started off with the soup special - Lobster bisque (4.95 & 7.95). I'm being a little picky but when you're serving lobster bisque, I think it should be noted when you deviate from what's considered the norm. This particular bisque was definitely done in a Cajun style with a flavor that reminded me more of a gumbo than a bisque. Fine for me, I loved the variation, not so much for my wife who wasn't expecting the spice........just saying, if you're going to spice it up at least call it "Cajun style lobster bisque" Next up, we tried the black bean cakes (6.95) which were described as "served with avocado slices and sour cream" The plate came with 3 smallish sized patties which were quite good but the two minuscule slices of avocado were below expectations as was the lettuce and tomato garnish. C'mon guys, it's black bean, how about a little pico de gallo or cilantro on the side? It would have been nice if they could have spared a half an avocado if they're going to include it in the dishes description. Still, mostly minor complaints until the main course arrived. We both ordered the special combo. (16.50) Chicken taco, beef taco, cheese enchilada w/rice, beans and guacamole. Usually a safe bet at most Mexican restaurants and usually representative of the food in general. That's where it fell apart. The tacos were hard shell and looked like they could have just been unwrapped from a Taco Bell bag. The stuffings were stingy, the chicken chunky and my wife swears that the chicken was dark meat ......I couldn't tell but I thought the flavor was odd. The enchiladas were OK but small as well and really, how can you goof up a cheese enchilada. The rice was dried out and the beans overcooked. This review may sound a little harsh but we're talking Mexican food here. Mostly cheap ingredients so where's the harm in serving decent portions or using quality ingredients? Without alcohol or tip, our bill came to 63.65. Our drinks (soda and Iced tea $2 each) were charged for refills at a buck each in an ice laden glass. Really? The two of us could have eaten 4 gut busting fast food Mexican meals each for the same price and gotten our drinks refilled for free. The ambiance was great, the service, very attentive but these folks need to step up on the food end Big time. Unless we can catch a $10 all you can eat brunch, we will not be returning to the Cuckoo's Nest again. Next time we're craving Mexican, we're headed to Branford. read more

It's a good place to eat with family, I've been going there with my family for years and we love it!

The food was excellent. Best Mexican food. The place us very creative. The staff is very welcoming

They have the best empanadas I've had in awhile! The prickly pear margarita was smooth perfection. Our waitress was incredibly attentive for such a busy Friday night that I will definitely ask for her again. What I thought was going to be just a another generic Mexican restaurant experience turned into a perfect night! read more

Food is so-so and margaritas are just not right. The market is open for a real Mexican restaurant.

We love this place. I just watched a total b[!#h interrupt the bartender and start TV o give him grief and he maintained his cool and was incredibly polite to her. She didn't deserve it. She looks like the type who loves t.f o post negativity. She lies. read more

Best Sunday Funday bar ever! Russell is hilarious, very attentive and makes delicious drinks!

Just went for Sunday brunch, which sounded like a great idea. Don't worry, you can choose to order off the menu instead, if you don't like anything in the brunch buffet. Adults are $15.95, kids are $9.50, little kids are free. Was pretty happy with the burritos and tacos and desserts and fresh guacamole, although thought they were too bland and too salty. Immediately after eating, we had headaches and insanely dry mouths and throats, so we deducted that they're using either Adobo, MSG, or both. Such a shame. Although I could use a basket of spice and hot sauce to go with my food there, I can't negotiate on food that makes me feel funny. I guess I'll have to stick with Su Casa in Branford (also bland Mexican) or Valencia Luncheria in Norwalk (spicy Venezuelan) if I want to scratch my South American taste itch. read more

I'm kind of shocked at some of the horrible reviews. Certainly everyone has their own experiences, I totally understand and can only speak to mine. I've been coming here for 15 years, my husband and I love their food. I will definitely agree and say it isn't exactly "authentic" though. We love their chips and salsa, super fresh and delicious. My husband is a huge fan of their cajun ribeye and prime rib and I love, love, love their tamales. Covered in cheese (but not swimming), onions, green onions and a mild sauce. I just can't get enough of them. In fact, I want them right now. Their salad is really good too, it's all about the dressing. The herbs and spice and creamy garlic dressings are sooooo yummy. I've had both their margaritas and sangria and enjoy them both. Overall we really love coming here for a quick bite! read more

Great food and service. Our server, Hannah, was very knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. Our party had a bunch of questions, and some restrictions because of allergies. She expertly helped us through it all. My empanadas and plantains were perfectly prepared. read more

we had lunch here today. service was kind of slow. the waitress didn't ask us if we wanted refills on our drinks. my dad and I had water. my mom had a sprite. the place is not handicapped accessable, so we had trouble getting in. my mom uses a walker. the food was basic all beans and rice. Not great at forty bucks for three, Taco Hell makes this place look real bad. Skip this place. read more

Update. Still don't go! Got a reply from the Business Manager... No Name. Total waste of time. The food is bland, I don't care what excuses they make. The food is over-priced! Don't tell me about price points! Your service wasn't good! Food plates should never come out smoking hot and put in front of children! Here's a restaurant insider secret, those plates sat under heats lamps... way too long! Food cools and gets mushy, plates become scorching hot! Oh Yeah, food on those plates isn't good. Taco fell apart. I asked for hot sauce on it... not Chipotle! Things we ordered were temporarily forgotten! I told the server the taco wasn't good! No visit from the manager! I really didn't care but I wasn't happy it was still on the check! I informed the server and it was removed, but again, no manager! Don't send me an email trying to explain away a bad restaurant! CT You have better options! I'm never going back. I hope the restaurant gets better, but I doubt it. read more

I've been coming to cuckoos nest for years and have always found the food, service, and atmosphere wonderful. Anything I try off the menu has been delicious and I've never once had my ordered messed up or have had to wait long. All the staff I've had interactions with have been polite, and Ashlyn and Hannah in particular are wonderful at their job. I'm surprised to see the negative reviews here because they do not at all reflect the experiences I've had at this restaurant over the past 15 years. read more

We have been to Cuckoo's Nest four times now, over a three year period, and each time has been excellent. The staff are friendly and attentive and the food is delicious. Now I know most Mexican restaurants give you free chips and salsa, but the staff here always ask if you want more, which is a nice touch. Fajitas are top notch and in the summer they include nice fresh veggies such as carrots and squash. My tablemates asked for extra flour tortillas and sour cream and guacamole for their fajitas and out they came at no extra charge. They also offer unique specials - shrimp arepas were delectable and came with fried/caramelized plantain. Price is right for the service and excellent meal you get. They also offer a Sunday morning breakfast buffet that is tempting, but we haven't tried it yet. Cuckoo's Nest is always a go to place and after three years we've never been disappointed - can't say that for many restaurants! read more

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

We have been here over 10 times for dinner and brunch a handful of times over the years, today we went there for a friends birthday for brunch and it was the worst brunch experience. There were 12 of us. We sat for about 20 minutes before a waitress came over, we had 3 tables and she put 1 basket of chips on one table, when we finally were able to order our drinks it took another 20 minutes for her to bring them over. Now the service being super slow wasn't really the major problem today. Although there seemed to be tons of wait staff running around looking busy. It was the conditions of the buffet itself. The food here is usually not bad, there's definitely better Mexican food around the area but if you come for dinner it's not terrible but definitely not amazing. So today the buffet line was incredibly, let's see, the best word to use may be "unkept" like there was no one taking care of the buffet at all, despite the large number of staff walking around no one was paying any attention to the food. Like every single tray was crusted over and totally empty, now I know how a buffet works so we stood around a little bit waiting for the next trays Nope, nothing. Then someone mentioned to the cook standing at the egg/omelet station so he ran back and grabbed some of the fixings for the tacos because they were ALL empty. Everyone was standing there with crusty meat in a stale taco shell with no fixings. Also there were barely any serving utensils to pick food up, the utensils that were there had been used in every other pan and were covered all the way to the handle with food so when you grabbed a utensil your hand was covered in guacamole. We were there for almost 2 hours I went up 3 times and only 1 of the trays was ever filled with fresh food, that was the Burritos and the fixings. They never filled the pasta or the steak or the rice and it wasn't nearly over. Since everything was on the old and cold side in the pans my friends decided to get an omelet made, it would be fresh and hot. Then the cook decided to use his dirty bare hands to grab every item to be added into the omelet and then with those same dirty hands he was just carrying trays with breaks up all the bacon to go in it. Eww! That kind of grossed us all out! No gloves, no tongs and the egg pan was not wiped clean from the previous omelet so he made our dirty hands omelet in a dirty pan with residue from some else's eggs in it. Yikes! Dessert.... came back after barely eating thinking oh, I can eat some fruit and maybe the Oreo pie I saw earlier, but there sat a completely empty fruit tray and no more pie. My friend opted for key lime pie which he believed had gone bad and I just left my empty plate there with the empty buffet. We will definitely not be returning, if so it will not ever be for the brunch. There's too many other choices for brunch, skip this place for sure. read more

Absolutely the worst "Mexican" food I've ever Had! No flavor at all! Guacamole was terrible! The "queso" was not Queso! The rice was mushy and the beans were so dry! Will never ever go back! Taco bell would have been a better choice! read more

This is my first time visiting, and I only went because my girlfriend raved about the margaritas. We were craving Mexican and stopped for lunch, and she was right - the margaritas were the best part. I still can't believe I just paid $50 for our meal... the cheese dip is nothing more than melted velveeta with a couple jalapeño slices, the guacamole tastes like avocados and lime juice only, and the "house made" herb dressing was bland at best. read more

The WORST restaurant I have EVER been to. I kept trying - three strikes and they were OUT! Cold food that looked reheated from the day before - I don't think I would give it to my dog! The service was terrible and came with plenty of attitude. On one visit we were seated by a back door behind which an extremely loud ice machine cranked throughout our meal - despite a nearly empty restaurant. The waitress took 20 minutes to take a drink order, far longer for food, messed up all the orders and was rude throughout. When I left a small tip she chased me down in the parking lot. I will never understand how this place gets any good reviews. read more

This restaurant has gone downhill. Although it was never great, the appetizers and drinks were decent for a social meal. Not any longer- the food is overpriced, poorly prepared (beef quesidilla), not fresh, and the place is dirty (who wants to sit near the bucket they use to clean tables?)! The seating is poorly arranged (you can hear the conversations of those seated next to you and the waitresses speed by you close enough to touch you). The drinks are run of the mill everyday mixes. I've always enjoyed their catfish fingers best - the only reason its not 1 star- this remains my pick even if the portion size has been cut down in size. read more

In one word... TERRIBLE! The food was bland and the service was slow and unhelpful. The only good thing was there was no wait to get seated and after eating there I now see why read more

The food was uninspired and was more marinara than chili sauces. I wouldn't be so upset if they didnt charge a premium price for ragu. The salsa they put out was runny but had a good flavor. The kitchen is open until 11 which is the only reason why I ate there, and I think I would have been much better stopping at a gas station. read more

I have been here several tines over the past year, eat in, take out, every time it is fresh, authentic and awesome. New owners appear to have improved quality and service, if you like Mexican don't miss this place. read more