Miguels Jr

Late review but I felt like I should leave this here just in case people are wondering cause if…read morethey closed down cause of the food quality. -- Came back to Playa Mesa for my friend's birthday. The chips and salsa were really good. The aguachile had a nice spicy flavor that made it stand out. The queso fundido was SO good super cheesy, and paired with the handmade tortillas it was one of my favorites. We also ordered the calamari and I was surprised by how good it was. Everyone ordered different rounds of cocktails throughout the night and honestly, not one missed. Service was a little slow, but it was a busy Friday night, so that's somewhat expected. I've been here before and the grilled octopus tacos and carne asada burrito were just as good as I remembered them. They also made the birthday celebration really cute. They sang happy birthday, brought out a small ice cream, and gave my friend a big mariachi hat. Good food, great drinks, and still consistent as I remembered it. So long Playa Mesa. 9.5/10

Playa Mesa has a great atmosphere with beautiful aesthetics. In the evening, the open windows…read morecreate a nice breeze, though they do let a few flies in. The hostess was friendly, and our server was funny and kind. He was a little less attentive as it got busier, but the staff worked well as a team, so we never had to wait for refills or anything we needed. Parking in the back can be a little tight. The birria tacos were packed with flavor, and I loved the inside-out cheese crust. My husband's fajitas were flavorful, although the chicken was a little overdone. The guacamole was excellent, especially with the pepita seeds adding great texture. Overall, we enjoyed the flavorful food, service, and atmosphere. We'd definitely come back!

East Side Sunset

The eastside cocktail - all the drinks here are delish!

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Lovely interior...

Mercado Gonzalez

4.3(1.1k reviews)

1.4 mi

If you haven't been here, you are missing out on life! Who would have thought going to a market…read morewould be an incredibly fun experience? Everything is clean, beautifully organized, colorful, and incredibly fun. It's almost like Disneyland of Mexican markets! We loved sampling the tacos and exploring all the different food stalls. We picked up a whole roasted chicken with warm tortillas, salsa, and beans, which made the perfect family meal. Easy, delicious, and no one had to cook. That alone deserves applause. The entire market feels like a fiesta. There is vibrant fresh produce, option of authentic food in different stalls, and churros served hot from the fryer. We also grabbed some carne asada to grill at home to keep the party going! And then there is pretty impressive collection of tequila for the tequila lovers! Mercado González is more than a market. It is a full experience for the whole family, and we will absolutely be back. Come hungry and give yourself plenty of time to explore. Salud!

I'll be taking a very extended break from You Mercado after today, because today was my breaking…read morepoint. I've been shopping at this location for about a year and have been a customer of Northgate Markets for several years. Unfortunately, my experiences at this location have become increasingly disappointing. I've encountered raw chicken left on the shelf two or more days past its expiration date, fresh fruit and salsa still being sold after their use-by dates, and produce that was visibly rotten and infested with bugs. These aren't minor issues when it comes to a grocery store--they're basic food-safety and quality concerns. And then there's the customer service. Today, there wasn't a friendly employee in sight, and the customers weren't much better. I'd especially like to thank the grumpy woman on the scooter who apparently tried to run me down three separate times. I assume you were having a bad day, but judging by the atmosphere in this store, it seems like everyone is having a bad day, every day. No one smiles. No one acknowledges customers. No one seems remotely interested in providing even basic courtesy. I understand that people have bad days--I really do--but when the entire experience consistently feels cold, hostile, and unwelcoming, it becomes a pattern rather than an isolated bad day. The cashier couldn't be bothered to say hello back or even make the slightest attempt at being friendly, and the young man bagging my groceries was just as dismissive. I've spent years shopping with Northgate Markets, which makes this especially disappointing. Customers shouldn't walk into a store and feel like they're an inconvenience for simply being there. Today was the final straw for me. There are plenty of other places willing to take my money while treating me--and other customers--with basic courtesy and respect.

Great packaged foods, snacks and Mexican candy.

Time to eat churros

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Menu As of 6/8/25

Avilas El Ranchito

4.6(2.1k reviews)

1.2 mi

Very good service from Salvador and Yolanda felt very welcomed for our very first time here!!!read more

Great first time experience at Avilas - Costa Mesa. From the moment I pulled in to the driveway,…read moreSalvador was waving hello. At first I thought he confused me with someone else, but nope, he was just being nice and welcoming. The experience: I came with my mom on a Sunday and it was pretty busy; however, the wait time wasn't bad. We were seated fairly promptly and began with chips and salsa. We shared: Camarones à la diabla, menudo, and chingolingas. The camarones were 10/10! I've tried this dish at numerous restaurants and this is by far the second best tasting camarones à la diabla I've ever had. First place is a restaurant in NorCal from years back. The red salsa is delicious! The shrimps are a nice size and they have the shell on so it retains all the flavor. Even the beans and rice were delicious. The menudo was delicious as well! I'll definitely be back for this too. It's only served on weekends, and we were lucky they still had some available. The chingolingas are almost like flautas de pollo, it came with guac and sour cream. They were delicious too, however, I'll probably order this as an appetizer or to share with others. Rocky was our server and he was amazing! Super friendly and attentive. We talked about the food, other locations, and even their anniversary event coming up on October. From the moment I drove in until we left, it was a great experience. Not only was the food delicious but the service was superb. All the workers seemed happy and it looks like a nice environment to work at, I think this adds to the experience for people who come eat here. It's nice to see everyone working together, smiles, and being to attentive. I almost hesitated coming here because I thought it was going to be Acapulco style "Mexican food" but I was wrong. Definitely real Mexican food.

Chicken Cuernavaca

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Fresh tortillas!!!!

Palenque Kitchen

Food was delicious great service Out server Dana was very…read morenice had a great personality Very good ambiance

Best food. Best service- everyone is happy to work here. This place is underrated!!! I can't get…read moreover the quality of the food and cocktails. Try the guavamente! If she's available, Dana is the best! LOVE YOU PALENQUE

Dining Room

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Caló Kitchen + Tequila

4.6(1.5k reviews)

4.2 mi

•$$$

Had dinner last night with my son and his friends. It was a great night and everything was…read moreperfect. Thank you JP, and Jennifer for making it such a wonderful night.

sheesh i chugged that blackberry margarita it was delicious (but not that strong)…read more the tacos were phenomenal. ribeye tacos were tender and juicy and i love building my own taco. halibut tacos were also crazy good, seasoned to perfection staff was so incredibly nice, loved the ambiance of the place

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Descanso

4.1(1.8k reviews)

2.5 mi

We went in with a group of five (20 minutes late) to eat at the plancha service of course because…read moreof our lateness we missed the 15 minute grace period. Max the server managed to get the manager Daisy and move things around to sit us and have the experience (celebrating a birthday). 2) clearly from the start customer service was AMAZING. The two men that attended us, did an amazing job on performing an enjoyable dinner. 3) THE FOOD, I was incredibly surprised on how good the food was. I enjoyed their tacos dorados and the Chiles rellenos. I loved the clean look and presentation of each plate and most importantly how good the food was. Most of all thank you to management for putting the effort on making the plancha service happen for our group. I will be coming back again. God bless

What a fun brunch experience at the Plancha table at Descanso Restaurant!…read more Karen was incredibly knowledgeable about the origins, ingredients, and preparation of every dish, which made the meal feel so immersive and special! Every single thing we ate was absolutely delicious! I will absolutely come back!

Dining Room

Carne Asada Skillet

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Short Rib Estofado

El Toro Bravo Tortilleria

4.2(1.2k reviews)

0.7 mi

Ah nostalgia. One of my favorite hangover cures, an ETB Carnitas burrito. Careful: they are…read moremassive; and delicious. Basic tortileria, you stand in line and wait to order. Line moves very quick and that's also when you have your opportunity to grab some chips or tortillas to go. Portions here are huge and everything is authentic.

Check your order and check your bag …read more.. 1st bad experience here, kind of floored we even got this treatment but ... Simple order especial #9 add some rice and beans. It seems the 1st guy hears us and put it together. Made it to the cashier and she pieced it all out not giving us the #9. Didnt notice until we drove back home in HB. No Asada, but she charged us for it? When we got back, she insisted we did not order the #9?? Ok, you still didnt give us the pound of asada she charged us for? Then she wants to see the bag? Hello, you left it on your counter, and my bag is back in HB. So after she haggled my wife and got 4 staff involved we got our missing meat and started back home. Thinking on the way home she didn't do the special #9, so I wonder if she gave us tortillas? NOPE... (called home to verify) 3rd trip back to get the tortillas and we payed for EVERYTHING separate and didn't get the deal we drove to CM for. Over charged and three trips just to get lunch for my family. That's a lot of gas driving past many places just to everything wrong and overcharge us for it and give my wife attitude for YOUR mistake. My 1st time checking out I even asked her about our soda that comes with the especial, she denied my soda and still didn't look that we should have got the deal for the special? Way to make the customer feel scammed. New place at Harbor and Wilson has amazing deals but we have been coming here for 35 years, I guess they don't care about that as much as we did.

Spicy Salsa

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Signage Outside

Acapulco Restaurant & Cantina

4.4(2.2k reviews)

3.0 mi

LOVE this place for GREAT, FRESH, Coastal, Mexican food!…read moreThis location in Costa Mesa in particular, has been updated (new paint, new chairs, new lighting, etc.) and they have updated their menu with even MORE, Seafood items! They make GREAT Guacamole, customized at table side to your specs and their FRESH Chips, Tortillas and Salsa's are homemade in the restaurant. Husband LOVES their Pomegranate Margherita's and I can't get enough of their Enchilada's (Cheese, Chicken) and their Crunchy Taco's (Shredded Beef is my Fave!). Add in that their FRESH, Side Salads are AMAZING along with their new menu items - including Seafood combo's and there is no where else to go in OC for better Mexican food! Our INCREDIBLE Server, Hector (He IS the Acapulco restaurant - always upbeat and advising us about their new menu items!) and their FANTASTIC Chef Hector and all of the other Servers and Cooks there, make this a casual, yet special date-night restaurant! P.S. We've also tried their EXCEPTIONAL, Sunday Buffet and literally had to almost be wheeled out of there, there were SO MANY DIFFERENT, AUTHENTIC foods to choose from and sample! VERY nice to find this level of a PERFECT MEXICAN restaurant - with HIGH QUALITY FOOD INGREDIENTS, nearby! Can't wait to go back!

This was my first time at Acapulco as I had a fajita craving that needed to be satisfied. And it…read morewas! My server was very friendly and brought me chips and salsa about 5 minutes after I sat down. The salsa was really good by the way. I was able to place my order right away as I already knew I wanted the steak and chicken fajitas. The steak had a yummy char on it, and the chicken was moist. They provided a good amount of "fixings." I'm partial to fajitas in Texas. but besides that, I really enjoyed this spot and can't wait to come back to try more of their menu!

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Make your own omelette. Veggies and chorizo.

Palmilla Cocina y Tequila

4.4(1.1k reviews)

1.5 mi

•$$$

Five stars! I had an incredible experience today. From start to finish, the service was top…read morenotch. The staff was attentive, welcoming, and made sure we had everything we needed throughout the day. The drinks were amazing. We ordered a watermelon margarita and a pineapple margarita, and both were perfectly balanced,fresh and delicious. As for the food, every single dish hit the mark. The tacos de pescado were fresh and flavorful, and the chimichurri filet was cooked to perfection and packed with incredible flavor. I will be back and highly recommend checking them out.

Dare I say I prefer this place over Javier's??…read more Okay okay I came here on a whim with a girlfriend and Palmilla fully exceeded our expectations. We did not have a reservation but we were able to sit at the bar, and eventually we moved to the center communal table. Honestly, I would prefer to sit there than at a private table! You are so in the mix of the whole restaurant, great place to be social. To drink I had a skinny margarita with raspberries added and my friend had the orangutan (espresso martini). My drink was SO good and SO cute. I am being serious when I say after I ordered it, the entire communal table got it too. I love that instead of chips and salsa they bring you fresh, hot tortillas with salsas and HONEY BUTTER?? to dip them in. This was so yummy and definitely unique to Palmilla. We ordered the guacamole, combo plate with a cheese enchiladas and crispy beef taco, and the filet mignon tacos. The only thing I might skip is the guac but thats just knit picking because everything else was so good. The ambiance of this place is beautiful. Think boujee beach bar in Tulum with a natural pallet and foliage. Every member of staff we met was also a 10/10! I'll be back!

Bar and dining room

Ceviche Tres Maneras

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Inside decor

La Vida Cantina

3.6(1.9k reviews)

0.5 mi

As I'm writing this review, I'm deeply saddened that it appears La Vida Cantina is coming to an…read moreapparent closing! I've developed so many fond memories here with awesome Taco Tuesday and DJ dance nights with friends that it's a bit emotional. Literally designed to feel like you've been transported to Cabo, Mexico or somewhere exquisitely beautiful along the Latin American Coastline and beach, La Vida Cantina in my view was such a wonderful spot to get some yummy Mexican bites and drinks and just have an amazing time with the people you love being with! I really loved the ambiance, from the artsy cabanas to the fire pits and the cool dance floor inside with the colorful strobe lights. Everything about it was glamorous! I particularly loved their crunchy tacos and their special mango habanero salsa was to die for! And the servers here were almost always awesome! Situated at the popular Triangle Square, La Vida Cantina was hands down one of my favorite Tuesday Taco spots in Orange County and again, I'm truly saddened to see it go. I wish a sad farewell!

Worse service ever…read more Overprized for the quality of service they offer. Our drinks were horrible and bartender kept just talking with the server... Don't recommend this place at all.

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45 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Ashlei B.

13 years ago

I am genuinely shocked at the low rating of this restaurant! I consider myself to be quite the expert when it comes to mexican food, our love affair runs deep and if I was stuck eating bean burritos for the rest of my life I would be A-ok! That being said, I accidentally stumbled across this place as I was rushing to stuff my face with what I thought was still Taco Bell. I was seriously irritated when I hit 17th and discovered TB no longer existed but chose to give it a shot anyways because at this point my stomach had now eaten itself completely. A drive through, freshly made mexican spot that does not include free bubbleguts after every meal?! Oh My G I'm hooked! I ordered a shredded chicken original with sour cream, no rice. I will say the customer service is soo friendly that it almost throws you off at first and it is consistant, I have never encountered one employee with even the slightest bit of attitude. Back to the food, their chicken is juicy shredded and you don't have to worry about choking on weird chunks of bone or grissle(sp?), beans are creamy not watered down and their green salsa is a little on the watery side but soo seriously good that I could drink it! The only other thing I've tried is the pork quesadilla and that was super yum too. I've read some of the reviews stating the food is "bland" but to me it tastes healthy and home made. The prices are really reasonable, $5 burritos that are pretty big and fill you up. In all honestly I drive from Mission Viejo a couple times a week just to come here, yes I am that obsessed and yes I know I have a problem but.. Its that yumm:) read more

Matt J.

8 years ago

I go for the Bean, Rice, and Cheese burrito - a simple favorite. Their red sauce is probably my favorite from any Mexican fast-food chain. The dining room at this location (17th Street in CM) is fast-casual style, family-friendly, and pleasant. There is also a very large outdoor seating area -- great for enjoying perfect weather due to its close proximity to the ocean. The dining room, salsa bar, and soda stations are clean. Servers are courteous. One gripe is the inconsistent size of the burritos Sometimes they are large, and sometimes they are way smaller. I never know what I am going to get. When they are large, it justifies the near $4 price. When they're small, I feel cheated. Also, it seems they raise their prices 3 times a year, which feels like a lot for Mexican fast food that is already on the pricey side. You'll need a key to get into the bathroom, but this is a fairly common policy for the area. The food keeps me coming back with my family. I think one thing that makes Miguels Jr. stand out is their beans. In my opinion, they are like what you would find in a nicer Mexican restaurant (possibly made with lard). It raises the quality all of their menu items with beans. The pork verde plate is excellent. The kids meals are filling and come with a drink. read more

Martha A.

8 months ago

I recently visited Miguel's Jr., and overall, it was a pretty good experience. I started out in the drive-thru but ended up going inside to eat since it was nice and clean inside, which I appreciated. Service was quick, which is always convenient. In terms of the food, I had a combo with a crunchy taco, a carne asada taco, plus rice and beans. The rice and beans had that nice homemade touch, and the pozole did too. One note on the pozole: while it was delicious, I'd personally prefer a little less meat and more hominy to balance it out. The carne asada was definitely tender and juicy, which was a highlight. The only small downsides were the slightly stale crunchy taco shell and a tortilla that tore a bit on the carne asada taco--probably because they were moving quickly. Overall, the flavor was genuinely great and the place was clean and comfortable. For about $20 for the whole meal, I'd say it's a really good deal. Just a little more attention to those small details, and I'd easily bump them up to a five-star go-to spot. read more

Mike A.

5 years ago

Horrible location, horrible employees who don't know what they're doing, and the women here are rude and all have attitude. Every time I order chicken tacos they put beef in it. They don't know the difference or they are purposely doing this, either way corporate will investigate. I'll be committed in making sure the employees are held responsible and I get a full refund from them or my bank. Avoid this location at all costs. By far the worst Miguel Jr location there is in the area. None of the employees are competent here, it baffles me. This isn't the first time this happened to me either , but definitely the last time I do business with these clowns. read more

Portia S.

11 years ago

There was nothing authentic about it. I went there because I heard good things about it, but I regretted as soon as I saw my food. I ordered a shredded chicken taco salad. It looked like they just threw the guacamole and sour cream on it. There was more lettuce than anything else and the worst part was the shredded lettuce was still frozen. There where only 5 chips in it and they where all soggy from the melting lettuce. Never going there again. read more

G J.

7 years ago

We are in here eating 2-3 times a month and do some take-out also. Food is good especially their taco salad with Chicken! I also recommend their Horchata Iced Coffee drink. The people working the take out window and cash register could afford to smile a little bit more, they don't always come off as super-friendly. Everyone likes a warm greeting. That's the ONLY reason I give them 4/5 stars. read more

Nick D.

12 years ago

Im sorry but this is not mexican food its a glorified taco bell at the most,the beans taste so awful like cardboard the enchiladas have a very blah red sauce,i feel bad writing such a bad review but i hope they do something to turn there food around.This is my first time coming here a friend who lives in corona told me about it i wish it stayed in corona . read more

Erik C.

14 years ago

My favorite go to spot! I grew up on these burritos out in Grand Terrace and was extremely happy to see they have made their way out to Costa Mesa! Great prices, best BRCs around. I have a standing order there, but every time I try something new, I like it too! Will continue to come here for years and years! read more

Jillian S.

12 years ago

I work pretty close so when I need food for lunch and I don't have a lot of time, I come here! Drive thru mexican food that is a little more real than del taco. Minus one star because i wish they had a little more to choose from. Love them! read more

Kathy D.

5 years ago

Great family-owned business. Friendly and happy employees greet you with a smile, reasonable prices. Love the chicken taco salad! We are regulars, drive the extra mile for hot tasty Mexican food, a step up from fast food.yum! read more

Jennifer S.

12 years ago

Not a huge menu but that's good for Me. Everything is so good.... I would have given it 5 stars but their hot sauce could be better its good but I've tasted better still this place is almost a 5... it's really yummy. read more

Ray B.

10 years ago

Breakfast burrito is not tasty. The potatoes tasted like they came out of the can. The eggs were good and fresh. I would add sautéed onions to this burrito but also do something about the potatoes. read more

Isaac G.

120

9 years ago

Some friends took me here once. I Had some tacos and they were delicious. Everything on the menue looked pretty good and the cost was pretty decent. I'll definitely try this place again. read more

Michael G.

9 years ago

My wife family is vegan and we were hoping to get some food here but literally nothing for us to eat. We'll just go to the multiple other options in the area have items to offer. read more

Pat R.

12 years ago

Had a great drive through dinner tonight. The food was hot and fresh and the orange Julius was refreshing in this hot day. The carne Asada had too many onions but still good. read more

Mark B.

1340

6 years ago

I absolutely love this place... not just because the foods amazing and for a great price but the customer service is stellar. Thanks Bryan you guys are amazing!!! read more

Tyler S.

7 years ago

Great Mexican food love to get the steak burrito with the Spanish rice / beans. Their quac is solid and their chips are nice and hot. I'll be back again read more

Malia B.

13 years ago

Greatest bean burritos ever! Ive always been a fan since i lived in corona where they started it all. Always order the bean burrito! greatest fan! read more

Kevin C.

4 years ago

Great food. Also heard that you get a free meal and drink when you leave a great review! Is that true? Email a coupon to kevo4blessings@gmail.com read more

London L.

2 years ago

Incredibly friendly service. Omar went above and beyond, great jokes and helped with everything my friend and I needed. We will be regulars now! read more

Miguels Jr - mexican - Updated September 2026

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I don't dine at Wahoo's Fish Taco much if at all. Saw them at Atrium Food Court in Fashion Island,…read moreNewport Beach. They were present. I was present. It was my chance to try them. Good menu options. Prices were average for seafood. Ordered Entree #2 with 1988 Taco, Fish Filet Taco, and Crispy Fish Taco plus rice & black beans. No drink. Black beans was super tasty... it was well seasoned and light... best I've ever eaten! Rice was just okay... nothing special. As for the tacos, they were decent size. Cabbages were fresh. Seasoning could be better. If I had to pick one best taco, it would be the Crispy Slaw Taco with mild chicken. Young man who took my order was pleasant. Wait time was average less than 15 minutes. Good dining space. I would be back for the black beans if not for the tacos.

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The girl who was working here on 9/5 at around 2 pm is very rude and needs to learn some manners…read moreand customer service. Just because someone asks for a refund because something they ordered wasn't given to them doesn't mean you have to be ugly. She didn't even give me my refund back. They stole my money.

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(228 reviews)

- The Pollo Torta isn't that good. Maybe I'll stick to the usual scrumptious Cubana…read more + The usual delectable Cancun Juice sauce bar. + Much more seating than their SA location. + Ample parking. + Nice, efficient, helpful service. . They also ask to see your ID here upon order pickup. + Hablo español

Hit this spot for lunch yesterday and its a great spot close to my office. Its been on my radar a…read morewhile and one of my sons favorite spots. Massive parking lot with plenty of space, the place had a nice lay out with tables big and small all around. Menu is bigger than I thought, my son always gets tortas here, I went with the taquito's combo and a watermelon agua. 100% hit the spot. Cool little salsa bar but my taquito combo was loaded and had everything I needed. Excellent agua too. Place was pretty buzy with lots of take-out orders and almost full inside. I still found seating fast and my food was out quick too. Im looking forward to coming back and trying more options and one of the many great looking tortas my son suggested.

Charlie's Chili

(620 reviews)

Plenty of seating, not overstaffed. Be ready to be on beach time, relax. If you're in a hurry, this…read moreis not the spot for you. If it's morning, stop by Seaside Donuts or Newport Coffee for a cup a Joe to go, you can caffeinate while waiting for a table. If it's mid-day or evening, have one person stand in line while everyone else takes a stroll on the pier. All staff is VERY friendly and accommodating once you've been seated. Just be patient. Everything I've had has been good. Agree with their sign, quite possibly the world's best chili cheese omelette, great steak and eggs. The BEST homemade clam chowder in Southern California. Fries are great, when they are fresh. Recommend the fish n chips. Remember price wise, this is not a small diner in the Inland Empire or Los Angeles. You are seated on prime real estate, in the most expensive city in the state. You're paying rent for a short period of time. Go in with the right attitude and realistic expectations and you won't be disappointed. If a beer on the boardwalk is a must, adult beverages are available. On Sundays, the Newport Pier farmers market is adjacent, so you may have to plan ahead for parking.

Charlie's Chili somehow figured out how to turn "plenty of open tables" into a waiting-room…read moreexperience. There were barely any people there, maybe two parties waiting, and enough empty tables to host a small family reunion. Yet somehow everyone just stood around waiting to be seated like we were trying to get into a nightclub with a celebrity guest list. Meanwhile, the staff seemed completely unbothered by the revolutionary concept of actually acknowledging customers. Then came the food. Or, more accurately, the archaeological expedition required to eventually discover my food. It took an eternity. I'm pretty sure I aged several years between ordering and eating. At one point I considered updating my emergency contacts. The beach view? Beautiful. The weather? Fantastic. Unfortunately, Mother Nature apparently doesn't work for Charlie's Chili, because she was the only one providing five-star service that day. What really killed the experience was the complete lack of urgency. Nobody seemed particularly concerned that people were waiting to sit, waiting to order, or waiting for food. Open tables everywhere, customers standing around, and a staff operating at the speed of a Windows update stuck at 97%. I'm leaving politics out of the rating because I can't know anyone's beliefs from how they look. The service managed to earn this review entirely on its own. If you come here, bring sunscreen, enjoy the ocean view, and possibly pack provisions for the wait. At least the Pacific Ocean knows how to keep things moving.

Birrieria Guadalajara

4.4

(193 reviews)