R&B Brunch was LIT ! Such a fun vibe from start to finish! The music was on point all day, nothing but hits. Good food, good drinks, and even better energy. Definitely the perfect mix of brunch + party. Can't wait for the next one! read more

Mandala Cantina - Latin American Near Me - Downey, California

My friend and I were really excited about going to brunch to this place based on the videos and pictures on IG. Let me tell you this place is really nice inside and out and the music is the best part. However the service is the worst!!! First they tried to sit us in the back room, where it was dead. I quickly asked why we were getting seated there and the host try to say that they were saving the front area for big parties only. So my response was, NO I made reservations specifically for the front area so I expect for you to accommodate us. So of course they find a table and sit us. Well after that things went downhill. We got a nice table, however waited about 20 minutes for anyone to acknowledge us and take our drink order. Of course our drinks took another 20 minutes to arrive. Following another 30minutes to place our food order. We waited a good 35 minutes for food to arrive. Only to have one plate arrive, the other they either forgot or was still cooking. That took another 15 minutes. At this point we lost our appetite and were very disappointed with the service. All we wanted was to get the check, but the waitress disappeared. Not sure why they would only have two waitresses for the entire dining area on a Sunday during brunch. What really put us over the top was when my friend was denied a water refill by one of the bus boys. She had to say something a second time for him to refill her water. It's unfortunate that this place has poor customer service, because it has so much potential. read more

Everything was amazing. Denise was very attentive. She was beautiful very sweet and kind and very patient. I love the service here. The vibe was amazing that DJ was great. Can't wait to come back!! -Darling read more

Located in downtown Downey, right next to Besos night club. My friends and I wanted to try this place after seeing so many good reviews, but it was a miss for us. For a Friday, it was not packed at all, maybe because it was new? Appetizers and drinks were good. We got calamari, ceviche, and beef tongue yakitori. Beef tongue yakitori were the best. Ceviche was not what we expected, it was more of creamy sauce and not lemon juice and the overall taste was weird. We were not a fan. Drinks were delicious with interesting concept, this restaurant is known for tequila so we got drinks with tequila. Main entrees we got pork belly, carne asada, and seafood rice. Pork belly was deep fried pork belly and was pretty greasy with the mayo sauce on top. I suggested changing it to roasted pork belly with some elements to cut down the fat. Overall we left a bit disappointed and felt like the prices didn't reflect the quality. If you are looking for small plates and drinks, i would suggest Mandala, but not for entree :) read more

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First off, the ambiance was really nice. The projector/ screen gives it a cool, open feel. They were playing vintage salsa music non -stop. I was seated in a comfortable half-booth, which I loved but I did notice many of the other seats are tall chairs, and those can get uncomfortable after a while. Parking wasn't the easiest, especially with nearby clubs bringing in extra traffic, so I'd recommend planning a little extra time for that. The food was good, and the overall atmosphere made for a fun night out. My only real complaint was that our party of 6 was told they could only split the bill into two checks. I've been to other places that are able to accommodate more flexibility, so that felt a little inconvenient. read more

Weekend brunch was so fun. We didn't know there was a whole "club" in back and had the best time after enjoying our brunch. Their food was very good and surprised us all. Worth noting the service we received was outstanding-our waiter and the waitstaff were very attentive. We had a really good time! read more

My new favorite spot! Bartenders Eazy and Alexis were awesome--they made some of the best drinks in town, all served with a smile. The food was just as impressive; the fish tacos and asada tacos were delicious, and the enchiladas hit the spot. Our server Zoe was amazing--super friendly and attentive, checking on us often to make sure everything was perfect. Great vibes, excellent service, and delicious food. I'll definitely be coming back soon. Love a place that delivers both quality and hospitality! read more

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1.5 Stars - Sunday R&B Brunch (February 1, 2026) Mandala Cantina in Downey looks like it should be a vibe. The building is attractive inside and out, and the throwback R&B music was solid. The acoustics are actually very good--the sound fills the entire room evenly, which is not easy to pull off. That part alone earns the ambiance a solid 4 stars. Unfortunately, everything else went downhill from there. We were seated at a table that was barely larger than a personal TV tray. There was hardly enough space for a simple mimosa mixer bottle and a couple of flutes. The chairs were metal and extremely uncomfortable. To make matters worse, our table was positioned near the restrooms--which should never be a thing, period. When the food arrived, it became a full-on game of Tetris. There was no room for plates, drinks, or anything else, and despite the staff clearly seeing the situation, no help was offered. No attempt to rearrange, no extra table, no assistance at all--just blind service. Now to the main reason for the 1.5-star rating: the food. We ordered the chilaquiles and the chicken and waffles. The chilaquiles were very basic--edible, but lacking flavor, creativity, and presentation. They could absolutely use more seasoning and attention. The so-called chicken and waffles were flat-out trash. It consisted of three small pieces of battered chicken that felt like something you'd get at a fairground. The "waffle" wasn't even a traditional waffle--it was more like a sugary bread-like slab. It came with a scoop of whipped cream, a few blueberries, and one sad sliver of strawberry. Completely underwhelming and not worth the price. At the end of the day, the only things this restaurant has going for it are: * The location * The nice building * The full, room-filling music acoustics This place is clearly relying on the music to do all the work. Unfortunately, horrible food, uncomfortable and poorly thought-out seating, and inattentive service are not going to keep people coming back--or spreading good word of mouth. For comparison, TOAST Kitchen & Bar (also in Downey) actually delivers on food quality. Their downside is that the music doesn't carry throughout the space since it's mostly confined to a smaller patio area. Mandala Cantina has the opposite problem: great sound, but everything else falls short. Music alone can't save a brunch. read more

Thank you Team Mandala Cantina for making this Birthday Celebration for my sister a Memorable and Fun Event Ruth you were excellent much love read more

Mandala Cantina - Happy Birthday KB I love you - Latin American Near Me - Downey, California

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Brunch was good. The Carne asada was cooked well. The waitstaff was very attentive. Music and overall vibe was great.

Super amazing place !!! Super fun vibes they were very attentive and helpful with all our needs drinks were amazing ! Bésame and the espresso martinis are it here !!! read more

Mandala Cantina - Latin American Near Me - Downey, California

Melanie was great! Definitely coming again! Recommend. The food was amazing. Love the dj read more

Mandala Cantina - Latin American Near Me - Downey, California

Food was so bomb and service was amazing!! The lighting and vibes were Bestie and I had fun!

Had a blast, the staff was incredible, the atmosphere was great and the music gave it some vibes, from Cumbias to Rock en Español. Had an amazing time and highly recommend it. The food was really good and the price was consistent to a restaurant pricing. Will definitely have to come back. read more

I got tipsy and had a blast. Attentive customer service. Never had my table empty. I lived the trio salsa option, especially with the chipotle and authentic peanuts sauce. Great DJ and overall vibe. read more

Alex the bartender was amazing!! so attentive and the drinks were delicious highlighy recommend read more

Ehhhh....R&B was not played the whole time lol & around 5:30 they told everyone to go upstairs (the event is over at 7) to "clean up"? But you can't really hear the music from upstairs....then it's over at 7 lol currently 6:05 & still upstairs....Try and reserve a section which will only last until they tell you to go upstairs. I probably won't be back...my Henny sidecar was 23$ inside of the party room bar but 19$ when I ordered from the brunch side bar ‍. read more

Mandala Cantina - Latin American Near Me - Downey, California

ZERO stars because the server GRACIELA asked if we were spanish n told us we had to be hispanic to let in. when she CLEARLY SPOKE IN ENGLISH read more

Yesterday was my first time attending Lotería night, and we had a blast. The food and drinks were great, and I really loved that it's all-ages. I was able to bring my 13-year-old to help celebrate my husband's birthday, and we all had a great time. The only issue we had was with service details. We ordered a molcajete meant for sharing, but we weren't given extra plates, utensils, or napkins and had to keep asking. Our server was kind but clearly busy with multiple tables, so we asked other staff as well some forgot, and others brought just one item at a time. At one point, I honestly gave up. Thankfully, one staff member (I didn't catch his name) noticed my child struggling to cut the meat with a fork and brought us a knife without us asking, which I really appreciated. That small gesture made a big difference. Overall, great experience with just a few service hiccups. read more

Ebil is always the best security. Mandala is great the line is big but if u make a reso you should be fine.

Not what I had imagined came for the loteria. Was i o ly give the loteria card was with beans but how do they expect us to play with out the smaller loteria cards to call out,REALLY, thats mot fun at all its soo loud and unorganized. Apparently if you make yelp reservations and buy your ticket through yelp you get priority to be allowed to go inside. Not what IG or Tiktok makes it seem read more

Mandala Cantina - Latin American Near Me - Downey, California

Poor service, we were there for a birthday and we had a reservation, however we were not seated for over an hour and 2 people had to stand the entire time because they gave us a table that didn't have enough room for all of us. I asked to speak to a manager to ask for some kind of discount and all he offered were free well shots. lol Honestly ridiculous, and I will not return. The food was underwhelming to say the least. Don't go here, it's not worth it. read more

Food was horrible, camarones mojo de ajo completely dry no flavor with scoop of rice, rest of the party also agreed their plates were no good as well. Drinks were good and hookah was good. read more

Mandala Cantina - Camarones mojo de ajo - Latin American Near Me - Downey, California

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Adjacent to Mandala Restaurant, you'll find the best lounge club in Downey: Beso Los Angeles read more

Mandala Cantina - A flight of mandala tequila shots and a bar in the background - Latin American Near Me - Downey, California

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The food wasn't good. Service was okay. The only thing this place has going for it is the ambiance

Great food! I love the ceviche and their empanadas!!!!!!!!! Their drinks are amazing!!!! read more

This person name Tina contacted me and told me to email the person in charge I assume and they never got back to me. This is all a front to them so they can see to want to "help" but they dont. Clearly they dont care to make this right. I really dont recommend anyone going here. Very bad service. Go somewhere else. Best recommended place near by is called DIOSA. Good vibe, good food great service. read more

This place was incredible!!! The food was delicious, the DJ was LIVE and on point and the service was amazing!!! R&B Sunday brunch was wonderful, I will definitely be back!!! Thank you sooo much for an awesome experience, I highly recommend this place! read more

Mandala Cantina - Latin American Near Me - Downey, California

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Made a reservation for 6 but plans changed and we had some cancelations last minute so we thought let's just go the two of us and turn it into a little day date. We'll we arrived and it looked so nice and the music was jumping, alittle loud but about to be a vibe upon walking up, so we were excited. We got there and there was a guy in a suit outside but not in front of the building, he was on his phone so we passed by and heading in, but he abruptly stopped us and said, "no purses", huh? Uumm? Then he said well I just need to look in your purse, then he told me no outside beverages to my water I was drinking so I had to toss it. We went inside and it was super loud, the host also distracted by her phone didn't see us until I said hi and said I had a reservation, I let her know we dropped to two people. She said 4? I said no 2, she said oh, you have to have a minimum of 4 people. Whattt? Why? I'm gonna spend money in there why do I need 4. So we left annoyed, hungry and disappointed. We ended up at Toast down the street for their RnB brunch and got right in. read more

ZERO STARS! Graciela told us we were not able to go in because my friend & I do NOT speak Spanish. She had us stand there while letting other people that came in AFTER us, go in. This place showed racial discrimination also my friend is Hispanic. I clearly said "so we can't go in because we don't speak Spanish?" And she shrugged her shoulders and said "no" again while letting people in. read more

Terrible service went today for the games and got turned away because I didn't speak Spanish ?!!! Really WTF type of establishment is this? The host name was Graciela. Terrible service and she told me from her mouth that we can't get a table because we don't speak Spanish!!! Not a joke at all read more

Food, service, ambiance & music 10/10 ! my server was Ashley & she was excellent! recommend to come and have a good time read more

A very nice restaurant in the heart of Downtown Downey. Really liked the decor here. We were able to reserve a table by the bar. The drinks we had were great! And the arepas were also delicious. I couldn't give it a 5 star rating because the service was very slow. We had to waive people down to get service. Some people were not able to take orders, so they would tell someone else and we'd have to wait more. I would recommend this location not rely on their bartenders to be waiters also. It doesn't make any sense to have to take orders and make drinks. read more

Mandala Cantina - Arepas. Pretty good! - Latin American Near Me - Downey, California

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Very confused about this place. The menu on their website says brunch is on saturdays and sundays from 10-3. The hours say that its Saturday hours are only 6pm-1am. I showed up last at 6:15 and the lights were off and doors closed. There was a woman inside who wouldn't acknowledge me at all. What are the hours of this restaurant???? Reply to owner: on Yelp- the website on which I am typing right now- the hours say Saturdays 6pm- 1am. read more

Denise was my waitress and she was amazing! My first time here was amazing thanks to Denise

The ambience was great, music was a vibe and waiter was sweet. We had the items below and all was good! PALOMA NEGRA JAMAICA Df CARNE ASADA QUESO FUNDIDO EMPANADAS DEL MANDALA DULCE DE LECHE FLAN We will definitely come back. Only complaint is the chairs at the tables were very small and we were sliding off. Luckily the waiter was nice enough to switch our seats with some more comfortable ones from another table. read more

Server was great .. like a best friend attitude loved the service which is what I look at most when coming or referring my friends or family

I had a blast at Loteria night Good energy, good Dj and great drinks ! The black paloma was fire read more

WOW, WOW, WOW! Our first experience but won't be our last. I received an email from Mandala that they were extending their dineLA menu/offer through the final weekend, so we decided to give it a try. Décor and ambiance are casual to upscale cool. Parking is on street, however there's a small lot across the street at the US Bank building, that we used in the evening, after the bank closed. SERVICE: Mauricio waited on us, and the service couldn't have been better. The entire wait staff worked as a team and made us feel like we were the only ones there. The kitchen staff even checked on us to see how we were enjoying the food. Meal courses were timed out perfectly. FOOD: We started with a shared dish of their Esquite (Mexican Street Corn) with corn milk, basil, and a Cascabel salsa ($14), creamy and delicious. The dineLA menu offered four courses with a selection of two items for each course, so we tried and shared all eight items. The food was absolutely amazing, fantastic flavors and beautiful presentations. The dineLA portions were so large, they could have easily been shared by two average appetite eaters. In addition, my mother-in-law ordered two of the Anticuchos (Yakitori) skewers, a Beef Tongue ($12) with sesame sauce, and a Chicken Adobo ($12). Again, the flavors were sensational. TIP: Ask one of the staff about their speakeasy, Kuduowl, located upstairs with access from the restaurant through a secret doorway...very fun. We were so impressed with Mandala Bar that we can't wait for our next adventure. I highly recommend. read more

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Great service, great place, and great food. 10/10 would recommend. Came here for Valentine's Day with my husband and we LOVED it.