We had a wonderful experience at Karina's! The service was outstanding from the moment we walked in. Everyone was friendly and attentive, our food came out incredibly fast, and everything was fresh and delicious. What really stood out was that the manager took the time to come by our table to check on us and make sure everything was perfect. That level of customer service really makes a difference and shows they truly care about their guests. Great food, excellent service, and a welcoming atmosphere. We'll definitely be back and highly recommend Karina's to anyone looking for a great meal. read more

Jazmine and Dragos were incredible!!! Friendly and great service!!! Margaritas flight was tasty!

Dined here with my parents for their yummy happy hour. Martha is super amazing! She was super attentive, quick, and kind. Would definitely return for the tasty food and great service. :) read more

The food is good. The Staff somewhat attentive. The truth is, their restrooms need attention bc ever time ive gone into them, the urinals are that of an abandoned restaurant! read more

I was excited to try this place, but sadly they failed me. I literally almost met my death and I paid good money for it . There was an oyster shell about 1/2"x 3/4 " in my food that I almost swallowed. And I don't speak Spanish. I couldn't even explain to the waiter what I wanted to order when I was trying to order or that. My food has a shell in it. I tried to start over and eat my food but I just couldn't. No change of the bill , This place is beautiful to look at, but they don't seem to have much substance inside all that beauty read more

Karina's Mexican Seafood - Campechana - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

Stopped in tonight to catch the UFC fight. Our waitress Martha was spot on with the recommendations. I had the Margarita flights & Chile Mango Marg, 10/10!!! Overall, love the vibe, bars with 3 TVs & surround sound; location is a plus. Def coming back to catch some games & try the food next! read more

Karina's Mexican Seafood - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

Ambiance amazing, food I'll see I ordered Ceviche which ima pray over & pray it's okay! Service HORRIBLE!!!!! So I arrive a little before 10pm , go sit at bar. The waiters are staring the waitresses are staring, and then a waitress finally walks over and asked me what I like anything and provide me a menu. I told her what I wanted, which was a House margarita with Taheen. She got that for me and disappeared when she got my drink, I ordered ceviche after that is when it went downhill ceviche is already made. I'm sure or don't take long. It took like 20 minutes for that to come out and between that time, nobody asked me if I wanted another drink. If I wanted some water, they just kept looking at me and walking past me and serving everyone around me. Mind you I never saw my waitress again! This my second time coming here my first time the same thing happened, but I said to myself, maybe it was just an off night. Let me try it again. I go to Katrina's try again literally the same thing happened. I think they do not like my kind here. I explained that to the manager ALEX AS I walked out and paid my tab. I just pray the ceviche is OK cause I got it to go cause I didn't eat all day but horrible service every time I'm never going back horrible service and again I try not to play the race card, but they are totally racist up in this restaurant. I mean they literally looked AT me in my eye for a whole 30-40 minutes and no one asked me if I needed anything. I had to walk up to the front desk just to check out with my tab. That's how much they kept just staring at me and not helping me if you sit at the bar that means you want to drink!! no one asked me if I needed anything. They just kept looking at me. I don't know what's going on with this place but I'll never go back in there again and I'm a pray over this ceviche I bought it looks good but I'm gonna pray over it!! Horrible customer service!!! I'll never go back!!! total fail!!!!!! read more

Karina's Mexican Seafood - Sitting waiting after finishing my drink like 30 mins just sitting, at this point purposely to see how long - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

Dahnnaye and jasmine gave us amazing service. They were so friendly and kind. Very attentive servers/bartenders.

Great service and delicious food. We had a server named Marta who gave us excellent service and was very attentive to our needs. Lots of space to sit. read more

Jazmin, great service, great hospitality, very attentive to all of our requests and great food. Highly recommend! read more

Karina's Mexican Seafood - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

Great service! Martha from Eastlake location was a very attentive server! Location was clean and service was quick.

I've been coming to Karina's for a very long time, started with the one on broadway in Chula Vista, then that closed so I made the national city one my go to.....then that closed. So I don't go as often as I used to as the location on Birch is quite a drive. But Friday the 20th my wife and I decided to make the drive because we had a rare day off together and I was craving. We were seated quickly and the staff was friendly. GG was our server and I asked her about the shrimp burrito in ranchero sauce because I didn't see it on the menu to which I was given the very sad news that they no longer served it. I'm a creature of habit, and I've been coming to this chain since my early 20s and I always get that burrito with rice and beans. Was very disappointed to find it's no longer a menu item, it was literally what made me make the drive from lakeside. Once getting that news I had to actually look at the menu and find something else. I ordered tha carne asada plate and my wife had the Green enchiladas. I also ordered the ceviche tostada. I was a little worried the carne asada might be thin and dry but it was actually a nice thickness and super tender. I had a bite of the enchiladas too, also really good. Another new thing I noticed is that now chips and salsa are not complimentary, sad. But unfortunately not something new to the restaurant scene as of late. read more

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My coworkers and I always go on tuesday mornings for lunch and it never fails, service is always great, management is doing a great job !

Had a really great dining experience! Both the manager (Yahaira) and our server (Natti) did an amazing job checking up on us and making sure we had a smooth dining experience. Great recommendations were given to us such as the calamari rings, and the Karina's ceviche! Will definitely be back! read more

Three star For food. Zero star for service Baaaaaaad baaaaaad i'm no more coming back read more

We came into Karina's on a Saturday evening expecting a nice dinner, but unfortunately the experience was extremely disappointing. Based on the service alone, I would rate it a 0. From the moment we sat down, everyone constantly looked confused and disorganized. We repeatedly had to flag someone down just to place our order, ask for chips and salsa, and request every refill. I had to ask three separate times just to get water for the table. To make matters worse, our mains were brought out immediately after the appetizers. When we pointed out that we had just received the apps, the manager had the plates taken back. There was no apology or acknowledgment of the mistake. The food was brought back out about 15-20 minutes later dry and overcooked, likely from sitting under a heater. The ceviche was easily the best thing we had. Even the tableside guacamole lacked seasoning. The fajita entrée only came with two flour tortillas and no toppings, which felt pretty underwhelming. Overall, a very disappointing experience. read more

Karina's Mexican Seafood - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

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I've been to Karinas at this exact location a total of 3 times. I do not live locally but I make it point to stop by my favorite restaurant, Karinas. The staff, the vibes, AND the drinks are what keeps me a returning customer. I also like how one of the managers (Alex) is very hands on with helping out his employees. Especially how he goes around greeting guests and asking if there is anything they need. My other favorite employee is a bartender named Danae. I enjoy our conversations and loved her attentiveness BUT I really love the way she makes her drinks. Overall, great place, great staff and amazing drinks. read more

Happy hour here is amazing. Food and service is great!!!! Jazmin took care of us really well. Aks for her next time; she's fast and makes good recommendations. read more

I just went for my friend's birthday and everything was great. Our server was super nice and very attentive. Food was totally delicious. We had a variety of appetizers and all of them were soooo good. Loved the spicy shrimps and the ceviche. Guac was also on point . The moktails were yummy too. I also asked for a tour since I was looking for a place to host a party and they were great giving me all of the info needed. read more

Karina's Mexican Seafood - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

Let's get right into it. The atmosphere here is lively with music playing and high energy. On a Friday evening the place was packed. Very decorated venue. There's a lot of things going on. Our server was awesome. She was very knowledgeable and friendly. She took care of our rather large group with a smile and prompt service. My kids really enjoyed the table side guacamole service. And they are generous with the portions. Everything we ordered seemed to be cooked perfectly with a fancy plating flair. My bacon wrapped shrimp tacos were delicious. A smoky flavor with tender shrimp. They were a 10 of 10! Paired with the guacamole and chips.... Overall, a great experience and dinner. We had a good time, and like I said earlier the service was excellent. My only gripe was the price. A little expensive but I get it. read more

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We had a poor experience at Karina's on Father's Day. After being seated, we waited more than 10 minutes with no server greeting, no water, and no acknowledgment. Meanwhile, two other families who arrived after us were promptly served water and tableside guacamole. As a non-Mexican family, we couldn't help but feel we were receiving inferior treatment. This was particularly disappointing on a family celebration. I hope management addresses these service inconsistencies. read more

Love Dj nights on Friday - good vibes and can't go wrong with Karina's ceviche it's a staple. Pretty and updated restaurant . The service it's a hit or miss though. read more

Karina's Mexican Seafood - Tamarindo martini is good - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

As usual, food is very good. Also want to give a shoutout to Vanessa for her good customer service and sweet disposition.

Per the other reviews, can confirm, horrible service. We came in after a movie to get food. Got seated, and then was ignored for 30 minutes. The waiters came and checked in and served all the tables around us, but no one would come to our table. That's 3 servers, and a photographer, all ignored us. A racist establishment if you are a person of color. We got up and left. Never even got to order. read more

Honestly I'm very upset with this restaurant. The service for ordering a michelada during lunch time and not packed, took them 20 minutes to bring it. Not only that, I ordered a Karina's ceviche tostada that is priced at $10.00 and I had to keep getting up to check on my order because the server wouldn't come to give me an ETA. It took them another 20 minutes for a tostada to be ready and to top it off, it was the smallest portion of ceviche they have ever given me. They are shady with their portion. This is why I don't come to Karina's anymore. I'm not going to lie, the taste is good but everything is overpriced and services are not great. So, 2 out of stars from me. Very disappointing. read more

Karina's Mexican Seafood - Michelada - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

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My first time visiting Karina's and I was so happy with everything!! It is a bit on the pricier side but everything was worth it because of the quality and proportions! When I arrived we were sat down right away. Our server Gladys was quick to give us our menus and check up on us. For appetizers, there was chips and salsa given complimentary. For our food we ordered: Surf and Turf Quesadilla, Aguachile de Camaron Verde, Carne Asada plate and horchata. Alll the items were delicious. My favorite was the Carne Asada plate because they give you so much meat! I was so full, I could not finish all the items I got. I will definitely be coming back to try other food items. read more

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Had an amazing experience dining here. The restaurant is beautiful and very aesthetically pleasing. We sat inside but it was quite warm and the AC was not on so they were okay that we moved out to the patio instead. They were very accommodating and staff is all very friendly. It doesn't matter where you sit in that restaurant every area is stunning. We sat in the patio under a big beautiful tree and enjoyed our delicious dinner. There was music playing and a nice breeze. The food was so good! Everything we ordered was perfect. Can't wait to be back read more

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Asked to sit at the bar but they were charging $10 a person because of some fight on TV so opted for a table. Was seated and waited fifteen minutes but server never came so we left. read more

Great service, esthetically a great looking restaurant food was just okay. Nice guacamole service. read more

Karina's Mexican Seafood - Filete en Salsa - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

We were shocked when the entrees were brought to our table one minute after the appetizers. We asked that the entrees be returned back to the kitchen since we had just started with the appetizers. The entrees were brought back later with the meat half burned on one side since it was obviously left in the oven for around 15 minutes. Another shock was when reviewing the ticket back at home, it was noticed that they had charged $4.00 for the additonal chips & salsa which was requested as there were 6 people on the table. read more

Pros: - good food, great quality - Mario (bus boy) was more of a waiter than our own. He did everything for us. Cons: - had to ask hostess to send server after being seated for 15 mins - had to ask other waitresses to get our drink orders - food came for everyone except 1 person and that person was waiting for another 10 mins for the plate to come out - music was insanely loud read more

While visiting home from Los Angeles for Thanksgiving, I stopped in for lunch with my parents. We ordered the guacamole, fish ceviche, chicken fajitas, chicken enchiladas,and the spicy water margaritas. Everything was delicious (guacamole and enchiladas were amazing), the service was excellent, and the décor was already full of Christmas spirit. I'll definitely be back! read more

Karina's Mexican Seafood - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

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the inside looks nice but unfortunately the drinks are poorly made & the ambiance is not very appealing either. I'm very surprised the drinks were made half poured! There was only one other table so the place wasn't busy at all, no excuses. just poor service and drinks. we left after the first drink. read more

Karina's Mexican Seafood - half poured drinks. poorly made. - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

Service is horrible but the food is amazing. Tried to get seated for the World Cup, the hostess took one look at me and my sisters and said "No" she didn't let us sign up for a waitlist despite the game starting in 2 hours. We went around the back, plenty of open tables and bar seating. I had my boyfriend call and they told him that there wasn't a waitlist because there was plenty of seating available. Every time I come to the Otay location there is some sort of issue with the hostess, the waitress, and the service. If you can, go to the Gaslamp or Bonita Road locations. read more

I would NOT recommend this place. The service was extremely disappointing. Our server was passive, rude, and inattentive throughout the meal. Appetizers arrived halfway through my main course, which made the timing feel careless and poorly managed. We also waited over 30 minutes for extra tortillas and tostadas, with no acknowledgment or follow-up. I ultimately had to leave my seat just to get anyone's attention. The overall lack of attentiveness, organization and basic customer care made this a very frustrating dining experience. I ordered the carne asada plate, and the portion was noticeably disproportionate, with only a very small piece of meat. You're better off preparing a plate at home. On the bright side, the Christmas bows they have up are cute decorations. read more

Karina's Mexican Seafood - Christmas bow - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

My review is for the service. I went here because a friend told me the food is good. Well, I'm writing this as I'm still waiting on my food. I ordered rib eye tacos and have been waiting almost an hour. I finally went to the front and asked they went to check and brought the wrong order. It's not even busy. I finally got my food and will say the tacos are good. The rice is cold and beans are okay. I know I should've left. The music is good. read more

Karina's Mexican Seafood - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

Obsessed!!!! Absolutely love this restaurant. Not only do they have an extensive & delicious Mexican seafood menu but this restaurant is so incredibly stunning. I have personally hosted a bridal shower, baby shower and birthday party at this location. Everybody loved the service they received and was extremely happy I had chosen this location to celebrate our special occasions. Always recommend the ceviche Karina's. read more

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Ambiance: 10/10 Service: 5/10 Food: 6/10 There's nothing special about this restaurant besides the look. It's beautiful! But that's as far as it goes. It was my first time here, and I probably won't be back. Our waitress didn't seem like she loved her job at all. Maybe the girl was having a bad day/shift. The food was expensive and not the best. Lacked flavor and authenticity. read more

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I ordered Aguacates Rellenos (Stufled Avocados) this was amazing! Service was amazing as well, everyone was very friendly. read more

Karina's Mexican Seafood - Aguacates Rellenos (Stufled Avocados) - Mexican Near Me - Chula Vista, California

Against my better judgement aka past experiences I came to give this place another chance- all it did was remind me why I keep my money and time away from this place. Food was ok - my margarita was a joke and basically just soda water- the service was horrendous- stay away and drive to the west side of Chula Vista for mariscos or go to east county - just stay away from here read more