I'm torn on reviewing Pacifico. I used to do happy hour here with my classmates at least once or twice a week. The servers and bartenders were always friendly and accommodating and didn't really care where we sat or whether we had a huge group of people, as we tipped well and had generally left before the dinner crowd began to appear. For $5, their mojitos and margaritas were (and are) a great deal. Recently, however, they've put in more tables around the bar and have become increasingly strict about happy hour prices only applying to drinks bought at the bar and tables being reserved for customers ordering food. Normally, I would say this is their prerogative, but this occurs when the restaurant is empty, or nearly so. We were clearly not impeding anyone from obtaining a table, so the change was mystifying. Needless to say, their attitude about everything was a huge turn-off and we've gradually phased them out for happy hour in favor of other, friendlier places, but I still wish they would reconsider their policies. read more

So disappointed. The food was only so so. Not much flavor. My husband ordered a meat lovers type platter and nothing (except the Chorizo) was exceptional or even averagely good. My steak was acceptable but not flavorful. Even the mushroom sauce was bland (although not bad). We also ordered caesar salads to start and they were boring at best. The dressing was hardly flavored. They also served the salad on a HUGE plate for the amount of lettuce so it just looked pathetic laying there. It was enough to eat but looked ridiculous. The food was acceptable but not good. As for service/kitchen staff etc...The kitchen was seemingly disorganized. Food came out very delayed. Took a bit too long to get the bread they give at the beginning of the meal, WAY too long for the salads to come and unbelievably too long to get our main course. There were also people coming near tables with dishes but not knowing which table to take it to. This happened many times as we sat there for the very long meal we had. We won't be going back and would never recommend to anyone. read more

Decent food, if not anything extraordinary. They really do shine at the Bar with their drinks! Worth a trip for dinner, but don't expect to be blow away by the flavor. read more

I love Pacifico's menu but their happy hour rules are frustrating, I was at a table next to the bar and didn't qualify for discounted drinks and apps because I was sitting instead of standing. And I'm sure if I had left the table to get a drink and sat back down the waitress would not have been pleased. read more

We went there with some friends and the food was absolutely amazing. Go ahead and order something even if you are not 100% sure if you'll like the combination --- you will be pleasantly surprised. Well, at least we all were. The only reason there are no 5 stars is that the atmosphere is a little sterile. read more

Really great place for tapas. The duck quesadilla has a great smokey BBQ sauce and the yellow fin tacos are super good with the spicy aoli. The guacamole was under salted by a long shot, but the avocados were perfectly ripe and the lime was awesome. The only weird thing is that they play club music...... Not sure of that is just late at night, but it didn't really fit the ambience. read more

The paella is signature! The duck quesadilla melts in your mouth! They nail it every time we go! read more

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This place is pretty good for their food flavor and their bar in my opinion. We went during Restaurant Week at lunch time. I got the caramelized salmon over spinach with ginger chardonay sauce. The flavor was very good and the sauce was excellent to my taste. The desert was a sorbet which was also pretty decent. The only criticism I have about this place is the portion sizes. They really don't give you much for how much the food costs. Maybe that's common in more expensive restaurants but if you go here, don't expect to be full by the time you're done eating. The bar however is very nice. It may not look out of the ordinary but they serve a variety of drinks. I loved their Mojito's as they have a ton of different flavored ones. My personal favorite is the coconut mojito. Definitely worth going there on a happy hour. read more

Previously I had only been to Pacifico for really good drinks, but I'm really happy that I went for dinner! Please note that I am an extremely picky eater who has been to almost every downtown restaurant in New Haven, usually with my equally picky boyfriend in tow. A guy brought my friend and I really tasty bread with a chimichurra (sp?) sauce for free as we sipped a mango mojito and margarita. I like things that are free. Our waitress was really nice and friendly and gave me a really good recommendation on what entree to order - I'm glad I took her advice! Our meals came very quickly, and the plating was flawless. I had the sea scallops and shrimp with lobster ravioli - absolutely delicious! It came in this interesting-looking basket of sorts made out of fried potato that I promptly ate and enjoyed. My friend had plantain-encrusted mahi mahi that was really, really good, and I don't even like plantains. The sauces for both dishes were flavorful and scrumptious, and I have no complaints, which is unusual for me. For dessert, we split a key lime tart with coconut sorbet. Again, amazing! The plate looked very pretty and vibrant, and everything was excellent. We cleaned our plates with every course. I look forward to going back to Pacifico and am a bit disappointed that I never thought to go there before now. Upon reading the other reviews, I suspect some people are unaware of how much other good restaurants in New Haven cost - paying over twenty bucks for an entree is not unusual (have you been to Bespoke? Zinc? Roomba? damn, even Bar!), and it IS unusual to get something that you absolutely love. Also, why the hell would you order a duck quesadilla or guacamole? Not what I want, but hey, whatevs. Get the seafood entrees and you will not be disappointed! read more

Went there last night to take advantage of the nice weather. We were informed that we must order food to be able to sit outside. Once seated, service was very very poor. Food took a long time to come. Will not be going back. read more

This is our second time eating at Pacifico. Our first experience was sort of a celebration which quickly turned into an overly pretentious experience created by a waiter that questioned my knowledge of ingredients. Good way to start buddy, then it quickly moved into his overly snooty attitude towards my girlfriend and correcting her when she ordered "sparkling water". Very high class personality from a New Haven local. The food arrived and 5 or 6 drinks later I could care less about him. I had a steak dish that was dressed with some sort of salsa. I liked the idea but the execution and flavors were missing a little. The second time was two nights ago. This time we had a much more comfortable laid back wait staff. We started with Guacamole that was fresh and made at our table, just like home, then I had the empanadas which resembled a frozen dinner warmed up. Again the idea for good food is there but the execution misses. My main course was a fish dish that was very fresh and of good quality. However the seasoning was very bland and boring. I like the creative spirit of the menu, a well taught kitchen staff is needed in order to hit the flavors. Keep trying!! For now I will stay downstairs with the bar tenders for great drinks and good company! read more

A few years ago I would have definitely given this place a higher rating but this Saturday I was there late night and their kitchen area was closed. I was bummed at first but then I saw mice running all over the place. I was honestly shocked, they have a very visible kitchen set up and it just turned my stomach to see little mice running about as people still sat around and drank. I hope this isn't a prolonging issue because I really do enjoy the food here, I just don't want any possible mice traces in my meal. read more

We expected some tasty and clever food, but we got fairly dull stuff. The ingredient combination might have seemed more clever if the quality was better, but frankly I would rather eat my own food (for a lot less) than wait for this banal meal. I would suggest heading elsewhere to find better food for less money. read more

We were able to get one drink while sitting at an empty bar for one hour. Attempts were made to get bartender's attention (waving arms) who was stocking the bar at the time but refused to even acknowledge the only 2 people sitting at their bar. Actually, we weren't the only people at the bar.... 3 waiters were sitting at the bar getting drinks filled by the bartender and being served food. Then looking even closer noticed that the bartender was also eating. All staff refused to make eye contact. When we were finally approached by a staff member he said he just arrived to his shift and this is when they always eat....??? No apologies for poor service were given and we were made to look like we were in the wrong by staff that was inattentive and rude. We were finally brought our check by who we think was the manager- he did not give any explanation or apologies. What could have been a great place to stop and get a drink has become a poor experience and a story I will tell when people ask for New Haven recommendations. Also side note, the food here is not great (coming from multiple sources) - we only came for drinks in general but they can't even get that right! Do not go here! read more

A group of friends and I went for lunch. The restaurant was quite empty, but it took nearly 45 minutes for our mains to arrive. Our burgers were not cooked as requested, and extremely flavorless. Our bacon burgers each also came with literally only one tiny piece of bacon. It was pitiful. Our menu also included sorbet, and the "bowls" (glorified shot glasses) were so small, I've had bigger samples at ice cream parlors. 1 star. Would avoid at all cost. read more

What's an antonym for accommodating? Pacifico. This place wouldn't alter anything on the menu and wouldn't split the check into our two parties. The chef obviously has a superiority complex, because what right-minded person wouldn't alter a meal, especially for allergies? And then when we spoke to the manager, he put it on us - "you should have spoken with me, it's impossible to alter meals." It is not my responsibility to prep you to do your job before I arrive (PS I did when I made the reservation). After stating our concerns to the manager, he finally backed down and gave us a gift card (which I find pointless because I don't want to return). How is Wendy's more accommodating than this $$$ restaurant? If I'm spending $30 on a terrible risotto, I expect some ability to adjust. Moral of the story: the customer is always wrong at Pacifico. read more

This was my second time visiting Pacífico. My first visit was great! Food was delicious and the service was awesome. I cannot say the same for this time. Service was okay but the manager/owner was very rude from the moment I walked in. I requested a table outside and was immediately told there were none available even though I passed a couple empty ones as I was walking in. What made this visit even worse was after I ordered my entree and discovered there was an ingredient in it that I'm allergic to (that was not listed in menu), the owner/manager began to argue with me about how I didn't read what I had ordered. I had to then read the menu back to him just to get something else. Horrible customer service! read more

I wish I stayed longer but I couldn't make it past my appetizer. The female bartender is pretty inattentive. Even though "Jen" didn't introduce herself or offer bread before my app we still received it. My boyfriend had to ask for bread from a waiter because the bartender told him that they did not offer bread, but over heard her offering it to an older looking couple. The oysters I ordered were great, but I'm not staying for Jen to give me low grade service. Waiting for my bill now........ what a joke. read more

Let me start by saying that I prefer the bar & the cocktails than the food.I have been coming here for years. I like the atmosphere & its a good spot to meet friends- start off the evening etc. Neil @ the bar is a gem- talented, happy & very good at what he does & we the patrons benefit! The cuisine is another story. The food described on the menu always sounds better than it actually is. Sometimes, the food served (that I order) doesn't even seem to mirror the menu -"where are my fried plantains? oh- they are mixed into the rice" Hmmmm. Anyway, the food tastes good but not amazing- ever. Some of the things I have had: ceviche, fried calamari w jalapenos(just 3 sliced jalapenos?!), sea bass, snapper, yucca fries, rice & black beans w chicken. I've just had way better "Peruvian" food (see my other reviews). The portions are disappointing considering the $$. I think it was better years ago when it opened. The service is usually pretty good. The atmosphere up stairs is better for dinner as the acoustics need adjusting. Street parking- good luck on the wkends! read more

Coulda skipped this one! The service was awful. There was ONE chicken dish on the menu, and the ran out. We asked for bread, and got tortilla chips with no explanation. When we asked, the waitress said "we don't have any more". None of us really enjoyed our food, and the drinks were just OK. I had such high hopes.........#fail read more

Really excellent food, we got a few appetizers (all fresh and fantastic) and our entrees were unique and delicious. Beautiful atmosphere, and free parking right across the street in the garage if you ask your waiter for a pass. The food was prepared fresh and quickly, my only concern was the service was kind inattentive, though they were incredibly polite and helpful. read more

Waited for almost an hour for just an appetizer. Don't go to this place, I'm pretty disappointed read more

Service is slow to absent. Friday night busy but not packed waited 10-15 minutes for waiter to come over and great and ask if I needed anything. Ordered drink and olives drink took 10 minutes olives took 20 minutes.....smh OLIVES. Another 15 minutes for waiter too order food, three of us I got my food 20 minutes before the rest of my party. One of the girls in my party Ordered another drink 15 minutes ago and has not come so far, my glass has been empty for a half hour never asked if I wanted another drink. Asked for check still waiting This is the by far my worst experience at any restaurant. And I have no words for the waiter who was of no help, she almost didn't exist read more

This is a great restaurant if your looking for great service and amazing food! Enrique was our waiter and he was very knowledgable about the food and drinks. Never had a better mojito in my life since this place! The coconut mojito and pineapple mojito are to die for:) I will be coming back again soon for more! read more

Pacífico - The BEST coconut mojito I've ever had! I will be coming back for more! Thank you for a great experience!:) - Latin American Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

The prix fix menu has several great options at a price that is a steal. The bread dip was delicious, the wrap was OK, but it was a great deal! (The 3-course prix fix was cheaper than a meal). read more

Great service. Great mojitos. Had 3 course lunch menu $16,95. read more

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I came here in Fall of '12, and had a solid 3 star experience. However, a more recent visit was rather disappointing. Both times, we ordered only tapas. It seemed to me that the tapas menu is shorter now than it was only 4-5 months ago, but I'm not sure. Nothing we ordered this time was really any good - the lobster quesadilla was mushy and bland. This fish taco with fried cod was lousy and fell to pieces within minutes of being served. The special - which was described as a steak-based mixture wrapped in yucca flour, was okay at best, but had barely any steak in it. The fried oysters were probably my favorite item, but they were overly sweet due to the sauce applied. Last time we had enjoyed the duck quesadilla, and I regretted not having ordered it this time. I also remember having liked the other taco choice, which has raw tuna in it. So what we ordered may have played a role in my dissatisfaction with the recent visit. Still, in the competitive restaurant market of New Haven, Pacifico needs to up its game. read more

I haven't been to Pacifico in awhile but I prefer heading here for an appetizer and a drink and then head somewhere else for dinner. Why - I nothing on the dinner menu ever just hits the spot with my taste buds. Apps: ceviche, duck quesdilla are always great choices. Drinks: you have to order a mojitos. The real sugar cane is the key that makes this drink over the top great. read more

Perhaps I'm confused about Pacifico's purpose in the world, but if you are, too, then you aren't alone. It seems like Pacifico has two distinct personalities that don't necessarily mix-and-match at all. The affordable happy hour: This Pacifico is the fun Pacifico. It's $5 margaritas and mojitos with a nice bar menu for some snackitude. It's what you've always wanted! Who doesn't love margaritas for $5? I certainly do since I always plan to have one drink then go home and work, but I always end up having two and then look... You're night's shot. You might as well stay at that point and continue chatting with your friend all evening! This is a great spot from 4-6pm. The not-so-affordable dinner: Look, I'm all for nice dinners, but it's somewhat confusing when you're at Pacifico. Their menu gives you the impression of that it's somewhat affordable with their plates menu and tapas, but when you actually get the entree it's this tiny little item. The plates portion sizes remind me of the scene from Zoolander where he's like, "What is this? A Center for ants? ... It has to be at least three times bigger than this!" Like, you can get one crab cake for $12, but I hope that you're not that hungry. That or I hope that you have an ant-size stomach. I will say that their tapas are pretty good, but it's not particularly affordable. I'm not even sure how you're going to share that one crab cake amongst multiple people... Then you have their entrees, which are the main menu, that end up ranging from mid-$20 to the low-middle $30. It's basically impossible to get a sizable meal here for $15-20 at menu-set price (and that's before taxes and tip). Their food (from the small bites I've had) is great, but I would caution anyone who wants to come here for dinner about their portion to price ratio. It's a bit confusing because the happy hour is great and affordable, but the dinner is more on the theme and tune of the once or twice a year nice, treat yo'self evening. Just be aware of that before you go! On the good side, the place has a nice ambiance and lovely, warm hardwood, but I'm not sure it's worth the price! There are many places in New Haven and the surrounding areas to have a special dinner. read more

I had the red sangria and it was quite tasty ($8/glass and $28/pitcher)...the cocktails are all $10 plus which seems a bit steep for the area, but if the sangria is any indication, they may be worthwhile. The bartender handed us food menus without realizing the kitchen was closed. She said we could order guacamole but hey ended up sending it to another table so we just cancelled our order and left. Nice vibe overall and great sangria (which is a must for a tapas restaurant) so I would definitely give it a second chance. read more

This place used to be great years ago. I went there tonight and ordered a caipirinha. I love caipirinhas and know how they taste. I watched the bartender because it was taking over 30 minutes for my drink. They ran out of sour mix and I watched the manager tell the bartender to put ginger ale in my caipirinha. Finally got my drink and it was ginger ale with limes. I called them out on it and they made me another. Thanks for the $10 ginger ale. No apologies either. This place has turned into a rat hole read more

I went again Saturday night with a few friends.... Drinks- My friends really enjoyed the strawberry mojitos. The apps were great-ceviche, guacamole, shrimp. As for the entrees, everyone was pleased with their food. I felt the chicken and shrimp were overcooked just a bit. As for the service-it was fantastic. Our water glasses were always full and the server was very helpful with recommendations. read more

Pacifico is one of my favorite restaurants to go to, especially for happy hour. Their happy hour food is sooo good, especially the cauliflower and fish tacos. It's a nice place to come with friends or a significant other. You have to get their Arepas if you're going for dinner. A little pricey but worth it. Their bartenders are always kind, fun and attentive. Great vibe here. read more

Went to Pacifico for girls night out and had an overall very pleasant experience. The waiter was very friendly and knowledgeable if a bit too chatty for me. Two of us showed up at the reservation time, the 3rd was about 20 min late but they seated us upstairs when we arrived anyway. The environment and decor is very bright and convivial. My red sangria was fabulous, and my friend enjoyed her classic mojito. The waiter insisted the mojito is the best in the area, he said people come for miles around for it. Our appetizers were the Gambas al ajillo (outstanding) and lobster quesadilla (good). I had the tilapia entree and it was excellent, one friend had the special - salmon with carmelized onion - she really enjoyed it. I guess it's a good sign that I don't even know what my other friend ordered - I was too absorbed in my own dish!! She is a regular there and seemed very happy with her entree. I just remember it had some sort of potato garnish which was toasted and looked like bacon. We ordered espresso and chocolate cake to share for dessert. I wasn't wild about the chocolate cake, I found it on the dry side, but the accompanying sorbet was delicious - my friend said it was cabernet flavor, kind of tasted like raspberry to me. Overall I like this place and would definitely go back when I'm in town. This is a great place to go with a group. read more

First of all, I have never eaten a full meal here. However, this is my favorite place to go for drinks and desserts. The drinks are really good (try the Mango Mojito!) and the bartender is cool (he'll make you some yummy concoctions, tell him what you like and what you are in the mood for). Bar area is great for casual conversations, first dates, etc. They have really pretty tile work and plush chairs to sit on. Desserts are very nicely presented (and yummy). Expect to pay a lot for drinks and desserts. read more

Restaurant Week. App- Duck quesadilla. Delicious. Solid size too considering it was part of the restaurant week menu. Entree- bacon wrapped pork with sweet potato mash in some kind of balsamic reduction. So tasty. The sauce was really, really good. The bacon definitely could have used way more of a crisp to it in order to separate it from the tenderloin (it's pork wrapped in pork so I needed more of a separation in the tastes), which was a little disappointing, but because the dish tasted so good it mitigated it. Desert- Tried the tres leches pound cake and the chocolate cake. The tres leches was incredible. It almost seemed like they somehow turned a corn muffin into a tres leches cake. It had that "corn muffing crisp" to it on the outside (is that a thing? I'm saying yes) and was perfectly moist on the inside. The chocolate cake was good too, but that tres leches cake stole the show. Overall- solid place, and I hope the non-restaurant week prices would make it worth returning ($107 with tax and tip for 2 people during restaurant week with 2 total drinks is steep). read more

The rating is on their service. Very very slow while seated outside with one waiter. Food came out before the drinks! Bar service was worse. Good music on Friday night and really good empanadas and yucca fries. Unfortunately, I won't be spending my money at a place that doesn't value customer service. read more

I love it here. Every dish has been phenomenal. I've never had a problem with the service. The new hostess is so friendly and helpful! One of my favorite restaurants in new haven. read more

Had a great night at Pacífico! The wait staff was phenomenal, excellent recommendations and they knew the menu very well. Rafat and Emilio were very genuine and helpful. Will definitely be back! Thank you again! read more

Ambiance: painted in bold colors, cheery atmosphere with latin music as background. It is not too noisy, so you do not need to raise your voice. The ecuadorian ceviche and grilled chorizo skewer were good. The main dish (grilled tilapia) was again, good, with enough herbs to make every tasty but not memorable. To be fair, I have only eaten there once and other dishes may be better Service was good, as expected. Not excellent though. I can't comment on beverages since we did not have any alcohol (it was lunch time) read more