As promised, I went to dinner again a couple of weeks ago. I took this long to write the review because I wanted to really work on my evaluation. This time, I called ahead to make a reservation rather than use the app because I wanted to see what would happen using more traditional methods, especially given that the number of people manning the front podium averages three and there should be at least SOME response to a phone call. I had to call multiple times before anyone picked up because the line was busy for a very long time (an extra extension might cure this). So, here's the breakdown: Service: It's still a work in progress. There were a lot of servers and/or bussers around, but you had to seriously flag them down because there seemed to be a lot of co-workers in conversation with each other. The table wasn't offered refills on an iced-tea until dinner was over and the little water carafe wasn't refilled either, even though it was obvious that we were water drinkers. We couldn't flag anyone down about the fact that the strong air current from the open front door was making the room very cold, so I think we ate with a coat on the entire time. The empty beer bottle wasn't cleared away, either. Empty bottles are not for bragging and should be removed just as cocktail glasses are when finished. Flavor and plating: The chips and salsa do not come automatically to your table. They were offered,, and we accepted. When the chips arrived, their number was small and they were quite oily. The salsa that came with it was also a small, two-tablespoon portion, but it did have good flavor. The tacos (al pastor and campechano) had good flavor and were well- marinated. They are street-taco sized and come four to a plate. The beans and rice (about 1/4 cup of each) come in a small crock separately from the large oval plate for your tacos. It actually paradoxically makes your food look less abundant. Putting them together on the same plate would be better and save space at the table. We were just two diners at a freestanding table and I cannot imagine four people with all their plates feeling comfortable eating there with dishes everywhere. The tacos with the rice and beans all on a single dish would have seemed more visually satisfying and taken up less space at the table. The churros for dessert come in a cute little cast iron container with two dipping sauces (chocolate and caramel). They were served hot and well-sugared and had a good amount of cinnamon. They did seem more crunchy all the way through like a cookie as opposed to having any pillowy softness on the inside, as I'm used to. Ambiance: The decorations and lighting are designed to give a heavier bar-than-grill sort of vibe, but there were children present---from a baby to tweens and teens. It is a family neighborhood,, after all. The noise level is verging on intolerable. It's a restaurant, not a nightclub, and the noise is not conducive to comfortable dining. It had an average of 80 decibels of sound (as measured by a sound meter app, picture included in the review)) due to the very loud music and the screaming conversations of patrons trying to communicate over the noise. I left with an earache and headache from it. Luckily they went away on the drive home. Would we return? The jury is still out. It's not a bad restaurant in terms of flavor. The food is okay, although some items were either awkwardly-plated, oily, or poorly portioned, If they can clean up service a bit, and decide whether they are a restaurant or a nightclub, maybe we might come back. read more

Wife was looking forward to dining here when she heard what would be opening in the space and the reviews from other locations. We had a reservation for a party of 6 and had to wait about 10 minutes while one of the hostesses prepped a table. This gave time to look around the restaurant and the first thing I notice are the two tables that have not been cleared. It doesn't seem that there are enough, or any, bussers. Then there's the music - it's loud for a restaurant. Not sure of the vibe that they're trying to project (maybe they want to turn tables by having people eat faster to get out sooner?), but it doesn't work (more on this later). When the hostess says our table is ready, she proceeds to lead us to a high top. Seriously, we have 2 senior citizens in our party and a child who's head is barely at the height of the table. My wife has to point this out and ask for a booth or suggests that 2 empty four tops be pushed together. The hostess says she'll get us a table and we wait another 10 minutes or so. When it's ready, we are seated at 2 tables - one square and one round - that aren't pushed together. For the rest of the dinner, I can't talk to the other people at the table because 1) I'm like 8 feet away and 2) we can't hear one another over the music. So we're seated, but then it's another wait for a someone to come over and bring water, or chips and salsa, or just acknowledger that we're in the restaurant. The wait became too much for my wife and she does what she never does - she went up to the hostess station to ask for a server (where she overhears the hostesses mention that there is no one assigned to that table/section of the restaurant). I'm ready to leave at that point, but she wants to ride it out. Our server finally arrives and takes our drink and appetizer order. Chips and salsa finally arrive and, I kid you not, it's the smallest bowl of chips I've ever seen in a Mexican restaurant. And the bowl of salsa is even smaller. All of the other reviews of the chips are spot-on. Nothing to write home about. We order our entrees and, wait for it... rice and beans are extras that you have to pay for... in a Mexican restaurant! At least the food came out in a reasonable amount of time and it was warm. But, it came in waves, so we have one part of the table(s) sitting and waiting until 4 different runners eventually bring out everyone's entrees. My father-in-law was disappointed with the portion size of his; my son's steak that was ordered medium came out well-done (as in, it was gray). Our waitress didn't come to see if everything was okay (maybe the conversation she was having with other waitresses at the bar was more important). At that point, we all just wanted to get the hell out of there. We ate, tried to get our server's attention for the bill, was given the wrong bill, paid, and left. Safe to say... we will not be returning. read more

Today, we visited La Popular, a Mexican restaurant we had enjoyed in the past. Our first experience there was delightful; the food was excellent, and the service was both professional and kind. Based on this, we decided to return. However, our subsequent visits have been less positive. During our second visit, the atmosphere had noticeably changed. The hostess and manager at the front desk appeared very serious and almost indifferent to our presence. After eventually getting their attention, we were seated at the bar, where we waited a considerable time before anyone offered us menus or drinks. The bartender's demeanor was curt and unfriendly. Despite this, we decided to give La Popular another chance, as we genuinely wanted to support Hispanic-owned businesses. We arrived on a Saturday at 11 AM, right as they opened. This time, the hostess at the front desk greeted us with a smile, but the manager's attitude suggested we were fortunate to be there, which left us feeling uncomfortable once again. The new bartender exhibited the same unfriendly and curt attitude as before. The food was satisfactory; the tacos were tasty, but the drinks felt overpriced for their quality. Comparatively, we've had better experiences at Madres in Valencia, which is where we plan to dine in the future. It's disappointing, as we had high hopes for La Popular, but we cannot recommend a place where both the staff and management seem to lack professionalism and friendliness. Perhaps management could remind everyone to be more welcoming and show more appreciation to their customers. In a market with so many dining options, people will eventually tire of rudeness. We wish them the best, but we will not be returning or recommending this establishment. read more

La Popular in Porter Ranch is a hip and stylish restaurant with a lively, modern vibe - definitely the kind of place that's perfect for drinks, date nights, or catching up with friends. The decor is sleek with dim lighting, upbeat music, and a bit of a club-like atmosphere. We visited for dinner as a family (my dad and my 5-year-old daughter joined), and although we didn't feel out of place and they do offer a kids' menu, the ambiance felt more like a trendy lounge than a family restaurant. I imagine it would feel a bit more kid-friendly during lunch, when the lighting and energy are more relaxed. The drinks were fantastic - creative and well-balanced - and the food was also good. I ordered the Forbidden Paradise Mule which was beautiful and delicious. We also ordered the Salsa Tray that came with a variety of different salsas (which were a lot better than the complimentary salsa. The complimentary salsa that came with the chips didn't have much flavor and tasted a bit like store-bought. We also got the guacamole which was good. For my meal, I ordered the Quesabirria and subbed the rice and beans for a salad. I'm so glad I did since the Quesabirria was on the greasy side (but I guess that's how Quesabirrias are supposed to be). It was good, although I thought the consommé could've had more flavor. We also ordered the Steak Fajitas which were said to be good and my daughter got the Cheese Quesadilla plate which came with an Agua fresca and rice and beans. It was definitely a big portion. The service was excellent - friendly, attentive, and fast. Overall, La Popular is a great spot for a fun night out, just maybe better suited for adults than for little ones during dinner hours. read more

**Review for La Popular, Porter Ranch, CA** I recently had the pleasure of dining at La Popular in Porter Ranch, CA, and I must say, it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. This hidden gem has quickly become my favorite spot for authentic Mexican cuisine. First and foremost, the agua frescas at La Popular are out of this world. They offer a variety of flavors, each more refreshing than the last. Whether you choose the refreshing mango/pineapple or the vibrant cactus pear/pomegranate , you won't be disappointed. These drinks are the perfect way to start your meal. The enchiladas are another highlight. La Popular offers a range of fillings, and each one is cooked to perfection. The rich, flavorful sauces and perfectly melted cheese create a harmonious blend that leaves you craving more. The portion sizes are generous, ensuring you leave satisfied. To top it all off, the flan at La Popular is simply divine. It's creamy, smooth, and has just the right amount of sweetness. This dessert is the perfect way to end a fantastic meal. A special shoutout to our waitress, Ariel, who made our dining experience even more enjoyable. Ariel was attentive, friendly, and provided excellent recommendations. Her warm personality and outstanding service truly set La Popular apart. If you're in Porter Ranch and looking for an incredible Mexican restaurant, look no further than La Popular. With the best agua frescas, enchiladas, and flan in town, and fantastic service from staff like Ariel, it's a dining experience you won't want to miss. read more