If I rated Luna only on the tacos I wouldn't be impressed. I've been spoiled by the many taquerias…read morein Florida I've been to, every single one of which had better ones in my experience. But what brings up my rating and gets me coming back (5 times and counting) is the variety, including more traditional Mexican dishes than the standard Tex-Mex, the very good drinks, the ambience, and great service.
On my first visit the first thing I noticed is the "Luna" branding. The name and logo are on everything: the plates, the waiters' aprons, moon stencils on the chair backs, and more. This doesn't detract from the overall look and feel of the place, elegant but not stuffy. One more "luna" allusion: instead of chips with salsa they serve a large round crispy flat bread, presented vertically and obviously meant to suggest a full moon. Many people would probably prefer chips but that's a Tex-Mex thing so this is actually more authentic. And you won't fill up as easily munching on broken-off pieces of the "moon bread" as you would tortilla chips.
The taco entree is 3 tacos, several varieties available, served with refried beans. I've had the chorizo and the Al Pastor. Mix and match not allowed unfortunately. They are both ok, and the tortillas are I believe made in house. The chorizo spicing was unimpressive. My chief "complaint" if that's the right word, is they are too simple: just the protein, some chopped onions, and cilantro. In my memory of great tacos I've had in the past there are a multitude of flavors and ingredients: onions prepared 2 or even 3 ways, sautéed and raw peppers, fresh avocado slices, etc. None of that here.
Specialty sauces aren't offered by default but are provided on request. Two were brought to my table, one red and one green, both very hot. In small bowls so I don't know if they are home-made or commercial. I like a lot of sauce and always run out so next time I'll ask for a "double portion" and we'll see how that goes.
The wife has had the beef fajitas. In my opinion the meat was overly marinated, with the wrong consistency and a flavor I don't expect in a fajita. And the vegetables were cooked with the meat so their flavor was muted. I'd pass on that.
The Pollo Mole Poblano (chicken mole) was decent but there wasn't enough sauce. As was the enchiladas 3 ways (one each with chicken, beef, and cheese). Most entrees are served with a side of rice and refried beans, the latter served in a small fried tortilla cup. Portion sizes are reasonable.
On the traditional Mexican side I've tried two meat-heavy entrees: Borrego Matitito's (marinated lamb shank with chili pepper sauce), and Chamorro's (a similar dish but made from pork shank, and different seasonings). I liked both but preferred the lamb, and the portion was larger too: enough for two meals.
In the appetizer section I've had Pulpo Rasurado (octopus in salsa negra with red onions, cucumber, avocado, and radishes). A beautiful presentation and perfectly prepared (octopus can be tough and this was not). Also the Oysters Rockerfeller (not Mexican, I know). This could have been great but unfortunately was under-grilled so the cheese wasn't browned and bubbling. The table-side finishing treatment by the waiter with his hand torch wasn't enough either. Maybe he got impatient or maybe the butane was running out. I'd try it again though; it might have been an anomaly. Both these appetizer portions were huge, almost enough for a meal in itself.
All the cocktails I've tried (several mescal concoctions and margaritas) have been tasty and seemed to have adequate alcohol content. Their gimmick here is all cocktails arrive bubbling and steaming like a witch's brew. I think it's from dry ice? That doesn't change the taste but may help to keep them cold and it's fun to watch. I've seen this before but usually it's reserved for one or two of the high-end specialties, not every cocktail. Nevertheless, the prices are in the normal range for cocktails these days, not excessive by that standard.
Service has always been friendly and flawless.
Desserts: We've tried two: The Pan de Elote is a cornbread cake served with ice cream and sauce, flambéed by the waiter at the table. And the churros: fried dough sticks covered with cinnamon, stuffed like cannoli, served with two sauces for dipping (chocolate and caramel), and served in a whimsical wheeled contraption resembling a food cart in miniature. The Pan de Elote is my favorite of the two but the churros were good too and the portion size was enormous!
So until I can get back to Florida for some truly great Mexican I'm grateful to have Luna as an option.