Palenque Kitchen

4.1 (773 reviews)

PriceyCocktail Bars, Breakfast & Brunch, Mexican

Open • 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

Updated 2 weeks ago

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Palenque Kitchen - tacos and margaritas sampler - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Palenque Kitchen - Dining Room - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Palenque Kitchen - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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PALENQUE KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

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Heather W.

Stopped in here for date night and some futbol watching. Sat at the bar which has all the vibes, decor is absolutely beautiful and great people watching on a Saturday night. Has a weird entrance though, it's not the main doors it's like the side door and you gotta shimmy past a large table to get in. But beyond that, they have a great cocktail list, I recommend the watermelon cucumber one with the tajin rim, then we ordered the cdm ribeye tacos... they were to die for! And my husband had the shrimp and steak fajitas which was a ton of food, we end up taking half of his home. Servers were very nice and on top of it. Some tables ordered a patron sampler bottle thing, they had the flashing lights to go with it. Gave off club vibes. All young couples here and single ladies getting ready for the night out. Great spot, would recommend!

Ligia M.

We came here to celebrate a friend's birthday on a Saturday morning. They open at 11 and a few hours later, the place was still very empty (about 3-4 parties present out of the whole restaurant). I was surprised, since the ambiance is stylish and chic and the drinks are amazing!! Parking in front is a plus, also! Food wise, unfortunately, my breakfast burrito was bland, and so were the rice and beans from my friend's tacos. Another friend who is not into spicy food said her tacos were very spicy (so be careful when you order). My burrito came with green salsa on the side and it still was missing some flavor. Next time I come I will order my friend's chilaquiles, which was very tasty and flavorful!! Drinks are made in house and are perfect. Our waiter was really nice and the food didn't take long to arrive. Great place to come for a date or a large celebration! Yes, they have brunch!

Klarissa P.

Found this place through instagram. Went there for lunch with a friend on a Saturday and it wasn't too crazy or loud. We got the margarita sampler and carne asada from the dinner menu. 10/10 would recommend! It was all so delicious. Service was fast and we got some great recommendations.

HB Yogi L.

Our visit was in March of 2026. The food was great the place was mostly empty yet were questioned for quite a while by the hostess about having a reservation. Ended up eating at the bar which was nice. For how slow it was we were surprised that the service was a still a bit slow. My husband ordered a Paloma and was charged $20! Receipt attached. While food was good I don't think we will be back. Too many other choices with better service and pricing.

Patience M.

Had our company dinner here and it went very well. I had the Pollo dish and it was so heavenly, super well seasoned and balanced. My husband had the steak and it was great as well and came out perfect temperature. Not pictured was the ceviche which was super bright and enjoyable. Service as great and our waiter was super patient with us being a large party. Will definitely be back soon!

Michelle L.

Ambiance feels more like a vibey-bar restauraunt than a restauraunt restauraunt. They play loud music which can make it hard to converse. Overall the food was just ok, but the drinks were solid! Great service though.

Lobster Enchiladas Puerto Nuevo and Caesar Salad

Jessica V.

Solid spot for date night! We went at 5:30 on a Sunday and it was absolutely dead. I bet it's more poppin for brunch and also later on weekend evenings? Chips and salsa were good, drinks were so tasty, and the enchiladas and Caesar salad were perfect. I do feel it was a bit pricey especially the drinks, but I'd recommend it for a fun night out if you want club-y vibes.

Nishitha S.

Food service and ambiance are all top notch! Music was vibey. I wish I lived closer so I could come here more often. Steak was melt in your mouth and buttery. Not too many great vegetarian options (see other pic) but great for everyone else! Cocktails were also delicious.

Miriam L.

Brought my mom here for an early Mother's Day celebration. The food was amazing and the service was great.

Sebastian P.

I visited here on a rainy night and it was an intimate and visually appealing restaurant. Even though there were barely any people inside (though my guess is because it was a Tuesday night and it was raining), the music and visuals made me feel excited to eat here. My enchiladas with the shrimp was cooked to perfection and the beans and rice were also good but nothing outstanding. They serve chips and salsa and honestly those were some of the best I've had at a Mexican restaurant. I think my friend got some Al Pastor dish and he really liked it too. I think it is on the pricier side for what is served but the service was friendly; I would definitely come back here.

Don't ask for salsa this is all you get a tiny bit and you will be charged for

Al V.

Food was AWFUL!! We started with the Cesar salad came with dark blue tortilla chips. The salad was the only meal we enjoyed. We ordered shrimp Diablo which comes with beans and rice. APPARENTLY tortillas are separate. We also ordered the chile relleno no rice no veggies no sides at all. Let me tell you about the beans, they were disgusting,. First of all they don't look like beans at all, the texture is like fluffy mash potatoes so gross. Tortillas are separate Oh! and they are paper store bought tortillas. What ever they do to the beans is not only gross but disgusting and a disgrace to beans. For being à la cart it's so not worth it at all. This place is by far crazy overpriced and way overrated. Another thing if you request salsa yes you will be charged for it, and the amount that they bring is insulting. Service was mediocre they never came around to refill our waters, I'm sure we probably would have been charged extra for that too. Ambiance is very loud and dark so if you happen to have hair in your food or bugs you wouldn't be able to see. All in all I give this place a 2 out if 10 I WOULD NEVER GO BACK NOR WOULD I EVER RECOMMEND THIS PLACE. Not worth it at all.

Tara Y.

Palenque is such a beautiful spot. The ambiance is stunning and you can tell they put a lot of thought into the design. As soon as we sat down they greeted us with water and chips and salsa. The chips are homemade and really good. I ordered the cheese enchiladas and overall everything tasted great. My only small caveat was that I wish the dish came out hotter temperature wise. One other minor thing was when we were waiting for the check the music got very loud and I couldn't hear the person sitting right next to me. I am not sure if it was accidentally turned up. That said, overall it was a good experience and I would definitely come back.

Paloma O.

I came in on a Saturday morning, it was pretty slow but as the place started getting busier the bartender was still the only "server" on. He was super attentive and really really nice, no complaints about him, it just seemed like a lot of work for one person, although he handled it pretty well! I got the Brioche French Toast and added bacon, it was so good! I asked for coffee, got cream and sugar, it was a pretty decent cup of coffee ! The place is very lively looking, every room had a different vibe, nonetheless pretty! Will definitely be back for Lunch and maybe Dinner another time!

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Samantha D.

1 year ago

Tulum vibes forsure. All the drinks were so bomb, enchiladas were super good. Our server Laz was super helpful and attentive. Definitely would come back. (: read more

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Natasha P.

Thank you for the excellent review, Samantha! We work hard to meet…

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Aarica B.

433

3 years ago

Service 10/10 Food 11/10 Vibes 10/10 Best carnitas I've had in OC!! Had my mom in from Georgia and Ivan and Alex made the night so special. Do yourself a favor and hit this place up. read more

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Natasha P.

Thank you for the excellent review, Aarica! We work hard to meet…

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Loana H.

3 years ago

OMG!!! What a great spot!!! Hands down the best Margarita in Orange County " spicy pepino"My girlfriend and I had The Pozole and it was excellent! read more

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Daisy S.

3 years ago

Came here tor brunch with a group of girl friends. The food was good the drinks were good but the service was terrible! We waited two hrs for our food. On top of that they forgot to bring a plate out. So my friend didn't get her food and ended sharing food with another friend. They ended up being her food out but for what? We weren't going home after brunch anyway. On top of that they over charged us. The restaurant is cute. Again food and drinks were good but service is terrible. Two hrs to bring our food out. 2! read more

Palenque Kitchen - Espresso Martini - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Julianna M.

2 years ago

Amazing food, drinks, and service! Highly recommend for a girls brunch or date night :)

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Natasha P.

Hi, Julianna! Thank you for the wonderful review! We're thrilled you…

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Christine V.

3 years ago

The food was amazing - which is why we came here. We were there with a party of 6 so we tried a lot. Meatballs (app), queso, octopus, and carne asada plate (skirt steak) were our favorites. Just like others said, service was spotty. It just feels that the servers need some more training about the menu and food. It was also weird that the servers/bartenders were spread so thin, but there were 3 or 4 men in suits (assume they were management) checking in on tables. We would go back but for an early dinner. Again we came to try the food, and it delivered. read more

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Jennifer H.

2 years ago

Amazing service from Laz ! Would definitely come again. Got the enchiladas de pollo and would recommend. Atmosphere and vibe in the restaurant is very nice. read more

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Natasha P.

Hi, Jennifer! Thank you for your kind words! We're so glad you…

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Gabby H.

2 years ago

Ambience is really classy and nice, the food is good, I got enchiladas de pollo and it came within less than 20 minutes and Laz was an amazing server, came back multiple times and asked if we needed anything, super kind and chill, definitely will come back read more

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Natasha P.

Hi, Gabby! Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're…

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Lizbeth G.

2 years ago

First time here and I had such a great experience! Laz was so helpful. Will definitely come here more often!!

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Natasha P.

Hi there, Lizbeth! We're so glad to hear that you had an excellent…

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Sierra C.

115

2 years ago

My 5 girlfriends and I had lost our reservation at another place and so we were scrambling to find another place to eat and we saw a TikTok about this place and thought it looked cool and We're so happy we came because as soon as we came in the vibes were great and we were greeted by the GM Daniel he was awesome! This place was exactly what we were looking for! Great food, great drinks and great service! read more

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Natasha P.

Hi Sierra, thank you so much for the fantastic review! We’re thrilled…

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Gloria D.

2 years ago

General manager Daniel was very attentive and had great energy. Delicious drinks and great service, definitely recommend. read more

Palenque Kitchen - Sandía pepino - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Natasha P.

Thank you for your wonderful review, Gloria! We're delighted to hear…

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Nexus C.

2 years ago

Service is a 10/10 and so were the drinks! Came for my birthday for some drinks and good vibes! Daniel made sure we were taken care of and gave us exceptional service! read more

Palenque Kitchen - Paloma - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Natasha P.

Hi, Nexus! Thank you for celebrating your birthday with us! We're…

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David C.

2 years ago

1st time here, Alec at the bar was awesome! A+! Shrimp, tacos, ceviche, was #bomb.com

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Natasha P.

Hi David! We're happy to hear that you enjoyed your experience with…

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Monika S.

2 years ago

We came here for a friends birthday brunch. The service and food were on point. The DJ played great music. Their drinks were amazing and not too sweet. Perfectly balanced. Daniel was a great host! We'll definitely be back! read more

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Natasha P.

Hi, Monika! Thank you for the wonderful review! We're so glad you…

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Erica R.

2 years ago

Nice place for date night dinner. Food was good. It was not busy when we went so we were seated quickly.

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Natasha P.

Hi, Erica! Thank you for your review! We're delighted to hear that…

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Rachel S.

1 year ago

laz was so helpful and explained the food and drinks to us well! we loved his recommendations and had a great time here. definitely will return :) read more

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Natasha P.

Thank you, Rachel S., for your fantastic review! We're delighted to…

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Christina R.

2 years ago

We celebrated my brother's birthday here. The ambiance was warm, cozy, and romantic. The music was an amazing mix of 80's Rock en Español, with modern twists. The drinks were good, the food was delish, and our server, Ivan, was on point. We'll be back!!! read more

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Natasha P.

Hi, Christina. We're thrilled to hear that you chose to celebrate…

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Charlene M.

2 years ago

First time here and loved it! Laz was our server, he was so attentive and respectful! Food was super yummy and the music is super fun!

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Natasha P.

Charlene, thank you for the kind words about Laz! We'll be sure to…

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Valeria D.

2 years ago

Laz made our first visit amazing, was very friendly and had awesome customer service for us!!

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Natasha P.

Thank you for the excellent review, Valeria! We work hard to meet…

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Ashley D.

2 years ago

Food and drinks were amazing! Nice costumer service made sure we were happy with food etc!

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Natasha P.

Ashley, thank you so much for taking the time to share your…

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Stacy O.

Elite 24

147

136

3 years ago

Went here first time on Taco Tuesday for my birthday with friends and family. The quesabirria is so damn good though I was excited to return asap. Menu and Happy Hour specials are difficult to follow. The queso recipe should be redone. Queso is one of those items if done right will keep customers coming back over and over. This one is just meh and stretchy. Next time we came for HH on a Monday. Place was empty and Service was very good. Many menu items are not available because it's not taco Tuesday. We did get birria entree and server was kind enough to suggest getting tortillas with seared cheese on them. It was very good again. I wish the specials were clear and that the tacos were available every day. read more

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Natasha P.

Stacy, thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience…

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Bianca S.

2 years ago

The vibe, the music the food is so fire!! If you like the rnb brunch vibes this is the place to be. read more

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Natasha P.

Hi, Bianca! Thank you for the awesome review! We're so glad you…

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Adriana P.

2 years ago

The staff at palenque were so welcoming and nice. Such amazing customer service! The drinks and food were delicious. The ambiance was cute and fun. Definitely would come back for Sunday brunch. read more

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Natasha P.

Hi, Adriana! Thank you for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled to…

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K S.

2 years ago

The food and ambiance were amazing! I went for brunch and loved the vibes, I recommend getting the enchiladas and mango margarita. Service was great and the wait wasn't long at all. I would definitely recommend Palenque! read more

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Natasha P.

Hi there! Thank you for the great review! We’re so happy you enjoyed…

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Tanya L.

259

107

3 years ago

Carne asada dish and my Tamarindo nigroni with chips housemade. New FAVORITE drink, a must try. Sexy lounge vibe...would recommend for date night 100% read more

Palenque Kitchen - Churro dessert with pecan & whip cream/pecan filling. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Palenque Kitchen - Tamarindo negroni MY Favorite new drink! Bold statement ya'all... guacamole & cucumbers. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Palenque Kitchen - Carne asada dish and my Tamarindo nigroni with chips housemade. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Fabiola G.

2 years ago

food was good and the music was good as well dj played a variety of music and our server was great. it was our first time here and our server Laz made us feel very welcomed and provided a great service. read more

Palenque Kitchen - chill guy fr - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Natasha P.

Hi, Fabiola! Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re so glad you…

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Julia R.

2 years ago

Amazing host made us feel so welcomed !!! Amazing food and drinks! Laz the waitor is the best really nice guy

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Natasha P.

Hi, Julia! Thank you for the kind review! We’re thrilled to hear you…

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Moni G.

2 years ago

This restaurant is beautiful inside, although parking was a challenge. Service was friendly and efficient. Food was good , everyone in our party liked their dish. Drinks were awesome! read more

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Natasha P.

Hi Moni, thank you so much for the wonderful feedback. We're happy to…

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Sabrina Q.

3 years ago

Delicious food, great service and ambiance. Our server Yarely was sweet and friendly!

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Natasha P.

Sabrina, thank you for the kind words about Yarely! We'll be sure to…

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Sylvia N.

260

2 years ago

Drinks were strong, however it took a while for them to come out after our food. Atmosphere was nice, I'd say it's very underrated for the area it's in. They were very accommodating for my gluten sensitivity! read more

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Natasha P.

Hi Sylvia, thanks for your detailed review! We're so happy to hear…

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Irma N.

159

3 years ago

I totally like the vibe here for Riverside. I will say it's a little overpriced for what you get, but there are some fun cocktails on the menu. The Birria tacos are really good. The patatas bravas are great too. Not excited about the one bathroom stall for both men and women. Service has always been good. read more

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Natasha P.

Hi Irma, thanks for your review! We're so happy to hear you enjoyed…

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Cyd S.

3 years ago

Visited this hidden gem last night and can I just say, WOW! The food here was absolutely amazing. Creative, authentic and delicious...every single dish, including the chips, salsa and guacamole with just the right amount of spice for me. The Aguachile was so fresh and I loved the whole butterflied shrimp. Since it was Taco Tuesday, we had a round of tacos to start - all so yummy! Our server was so helpful and attentive and the ambience was very cool. I will be back again, for sure! read more

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Natasha P.

Hey there, Cyd! Thank you so much for the wonderful feedback. We're…

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Foody C.

3 years ago

Aletiha was a great server! The food was delicious! Birria barbacoa was bomb! Crispy beef tacos was nice and crispy! Fish taco, the skin wasn't soggy. Beautiful place! read more

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Natasha P.

Thank you for the excellent review! We work hard to meet expectations…

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Chris L.

2 years ago

First time here for dinner. Interior was nicely done, cute bar and seating was spaced out. Only one patron at the bar when we arrived (5:30) by the time we left there were 14 patrons. Ordered the salmon Al pastor and split lobster quesadillas with my friend. Unfortunately, I never saw lobster in my portion of the quesadilla but on over abundance of peppers and green chilies. I did not eat the salmon skin which appeared to have all the seasoning, carrots were fine, broccoli was overcooked and soggy. My friend enjoyed her meal (Birria barbacoa) and had a ton of leftovers. Wait staff was nice, but service kept us waiting too long. read more

Palenque Kitchen - Salmon Al pastor - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Natasha P.

Thank you for taking the time to write this honest feedback, Chris.…

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Kelli U.

2 years ago

Went for a birthday party - first time visiting on a Saturday night and the vibe was decent. Drinks and food were mid and they batch their margarita mix or something because it lacks of taste. At least the chips and salsa were good. Food and drinks are wildly expensive for the offerings. $42 for carne asada? No thanks. They can't split a bill in a larger party even though they weren't busy.. I asked to separate my bill and close out at the same time as placing my order and was unable to be accommodated. I should have just ordered everything from the bar. Won't be back.. much better value for a much better experience down the street at Palmilla. read more

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Natasha P.

Kelli, we apologize that your time with us left more to be desired.…

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Jen O.

2 years ago

Great service! Amazing cocktails! On a Friday night the staff took time to explain the menu and make us laugh!

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Natasha P.

Hey Jen, thank you for the kind words! We're so glad you enjoyed the…

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Christina B.

368

2 years ago

Daniel, Garret & Ali were all so hospitable. Great service and so friendly!! Thank you for making our time enjoyable!

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Natasha P.

Hi, Christina! Thank you for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear…

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Eliott F.

2 years ago

Came to celebrate my bestfriends birthday & Mario was an amzaing server! Super attentive and gave amazing suggestions all night!

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Natasha P.

Eliott, thank you for your thoughtful feedback about Mario! We’ll…

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Hailey P.

2 years ago

Had a birthday party for one of my friends here, Mario was accommodating and super sweet! He even gave us free bday shots for the table. Thank you again!! :)) read more

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Natasha P.

Hailey, thank you for your kind words about Mario! We’ll be sure to…

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Maria De Lourdes A.

2 years ago

Overpriced, very slow service, food was subpar for the price, and whole restaurant was empty when we went?? vibes were very strange

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Natasha P.

Thank you for bringing this to our attention - Your feedback is…

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Page 13 of 20

1749 Newport Blvd
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Directions
(949) 629-4107
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
http://www.palenquekitchen.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Palenque Kitchen open?

Palenque Kitchen opens at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Palenque Kitchen opens at 12:00 PM on Saturday.Palenque Kitchen opens at 11:00 AM on Sunday.

What time does Palenque Kitchen close?

Palenque Kitchen is closed on Monday and Tuesday.Palenque Kitchen closes at 10:00 PM on Wednesday and Thursday.Palenque Kitchen closes at 12:00 AM (Next day) on Friday and Saturday.Palenque Kitchen closes at 9:00 PM on Sunday.

Mon-Tue ClosedWed-Thu 5:00 PM - 10:00 PMFri 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM (Next day)Sat 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM (Next day)Sun 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Palenque Kitchen take credit cards?

Yes, Palenque Kitchen takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Palenque Kitchen have catering options?

Yes, Palenque Kitchen does have catering options.

Does Palenque Kitchen have a drive thru?

No, Palenque Kitchen does not have a drive thru.

Does Palenque Kitchen have a happy hour?

Yes, Palenque Kitchen has a happy hour.

Does Palenque Kitchen serve alcohol?

Yes, Palenque Kitchen serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does Palenque Kitchen allow dogs?

Yes, Palenque Kitchen allows dogs.

Does Palenque Kitchen have TVs?

Yes, Palenque Kitchen has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Palenque Kitchen have bike parking?

Yes, Palenque Kitchen has bike parking.

Does Palenque Kitchen have outdoor seating?

Yes, Palenque Kitchen has outdoor seating options.

Does Palenque Kitchen have parking?

Yes, Palenque Kitchen has parking options. Garage Parking, Private Lot Parking, Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Palenque Kitchen wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Palenque Kitchen is wheelchair accessible.

Does Palenque Kitchen allow outdoor smoking?

Yes, Palenque Kitchen allows outdoor smoking.

Does Palenque Kitchen have free WiFi?

Yes, Palenque Kitchen has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Palenque Kitchen, now open in Costa Mesa. Modern Mexican cuisine with full bar specializing on Mezcal, Tequila and all Agaves Spirits, visit us for dinner and weekend brunch, plan your special occasion and private event, enjoy our ambience and atmosphere in unique setting and avant garde restaurant design

History

Established in 2022.

Palenque Kitchen celebrates the flavors of regional Mexico right here in Southern California! Now in Orange County and Riverside. Serving dinner and weekend brunch, Palenque presents a selection of tequila and mezcal and specialty hand crafted cocktails, full bar. Our kitchen delivers traditional Mexican dishes in a modern, inspired setting. Originally part of our sister club Mezcal when it opened in 2014, Palenque emerged in 2019 to fully realize the vision of Operator & President Miguel Baeza—who has more than 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry. Palenque puts his spin on Carne Asada, Carnitas, Chile Verde, Ceviche, Fish Tacos and more, utilizing the best local produce and quality meats to offer a sophisticated take on Mexican cuisine for every food lover. Join us soon for incredible craft cocktails and delicious dishes—perfect for date night, group dining, and full or partial restaurant buy-outs!

Meet the Business Owner: Miguel B.

Came and enjoy the true flavors of Mexico and our handcrafted margaritas, salud!

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Health Score

Palenque Kitchen Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Palenque Kitchen

Nat, I have been trying to get a reservation for 20 people this Friday. I've been calling and I've left a VM. I haven't had any response. A gentleman answered on one occasion and said I need to email but I called back no answer. Help?

Apologies for the inconvenience! Please try emailing us at info@palenquekitchen.com and someone from our team will reach back out to you as soon as we can. Thank you!

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Do they have bottomless mimosas for brunch?

Hi Haikela! The bottomless mimosa promo is available during brunch hours on Saturday and Sunday, available with the purchase of an entree, with a maximum time of 1.5 hrs. Thank you

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Do you offer brunch on Saturday as well?

Hi Gina! Yes, our Brunch hours are 11 AM - 2:30 PM on Saturdays and Sundays

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Is there a dance floor?

I've been there several times and never saw one, but why not just get up and boogie?

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Are minors allowed during dinner times?

Yes

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Does the restaurant turn into a club afterwards?

Yes

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Can you bring your dog in the outdoor seating?

Yes

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Any gluten-free options?

No answers yet. Be the first to answer.

Is there weekend brunch?

Yes we do have it

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Are kids allowed during the day?

Yes of course

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Pioneer

A speakeasy at night, hidden within a diner during the day. So far, I've been to this speakeasy 3…read moretimes (different years). The vibes are still intimate and drinks are still strong which is AWESOME. I noticed they expanded the space a bit toward the back recently to offer a little more seating. I usually recommend a max party of 4 but cool to see they could now accommodate a group of 9 in the back room without issue. They take reservations in advance and walk-ins may go on a wait list. It's great so that each patron/party has a comfortable, undisturbed experience. It's not a crowded, loud, or messy type of bar. Love that they initially provide us with water before we order. Old Fashioned was fragrant and smooth. Orange peel scent was pleasantly present throughout the drink - they used a spray instead of zest - impressive! My partner prefers his whiskey with stronger flavor than the default Makers Mark though he might ask for a different whiskey next time. *RATED 8/10 Fuzzy Navel was sweet and flavorful just as I like it. Major points for the foam being vegan-friendly as is. The foam texture is fun and very peach forward. Would order again. *RATED 10/10 Cheong Soda (price unlisted on the menu) was a nice finishing, non-alcoholic drink to sober us up. The Cheong (Korean fruit preserve) is apparently different sometimes - this time, it was blueberry. First time taking my boyfriend here and he LOVED the experience. We'll be back!

A true hidden gem. The cocktails here are unlike anything you'll find at a typical bar--creative,…read morewell-crafted, and full of surprises. Every drink feels thoughtfully designed, with unique flavors and beautiful presentation. The atmosphere is intimate and relaxed, making it a great place to slow down and enjoy the experience. The staff are passionate about what they do and happy to guide you through their creations.

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Ruin Bar

Fun little quirky bar with a lot of eclectic decor where you can enjoy some really novel drinks…read more Went here on a Saturday night and although there is a long line to get drinkservice was still very good despite the amount of people that were there. I ordered the halo halo and was not disappointed by the garnishes and was impressed by the amount of work involved in making that one drink.

A very special bar, from the drinks to the decor. I really like that they are open during the day…read moreand also late at night, with mixed indoor and outdoor seating (though the outdoor seating is a bit worn). Vibes are always good. If you have some time while browsing The Lab during the day, I recommend stopping by for a drink! It's also nice to include in your barhopping itinerary in the evening since there are a number of breweries around too. I've had mixed experiences with the bartenders. Luckily, the gentleman manning the bar during my most recent visit was very friendly. Drinks are always great. I've tried a variety of drinks from the menu here, but my favorites are: -Love in Drunk, a lovely cocktail with cucumber and grapefruit flavors that create a fresh watermelon taste when mixed together -Bee's Knees, short but strong and sweet -London Mule, very herbal thanks to the gin and very refreshing

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Old fashion. House bourbon. Better than anywhere else.

Coconut pineapple peach shots. Phenomenal.

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Outside patio

Habana

Lovely atmosphere, great food and amazing drinks. Our server Tenka was very helpful and very…read morefriendly.

Jereny was amazing serving us this weekend, and the manager Tawny took hospitality to the next…read morelevel with her attentiveness and enthusiasm. The ambiance was like stepping out of OC and into a setting out of a fantasy- intimate, rustic, and romantic. The food was delicious and the cocktails were refreshing. Will be coming back for more memories with the girlfriends!

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Outdoor patio

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Habana costa mesa patio

Cowboys and Poodles

Get ready to be transported into an old-timey disco cowboy & poodle wonderland. Just walk in, no…read moreneed for a reservation. The speakeasy was super cute and has fun spaces for you to enjoy your drink like a confession booth or a carriage! There were so many things to see in there and each little nook and cranny had its own personality and character. Drinks were great too! Everything that we had were full of flavor and strength. My favorite drink was the hibiscus vodka cocktail. Bar tenders were awesome and personable too. They also had intriguing mocktails too, friendly for those who don't drink. Will need to come back here whenever I'm in the area!

They say "big things come in small packages" and this speakeasy no exception…read more.. SUCH A VIBE WITH A WESTERN TWIST the cocktails will have you feeling buzzed in no time , plus the bartender are always on their A game. Simply love it here *sip*

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Topside Roof Deck

4.0

(299 reviews)

1.6 mi

Super cute and is definitely a 'Newport vibe'. Service was great- thanks Kacy! You honestly go for…read morethe vibes, atmosphere and beachy aesthetics. The drink menu is honestly overpriced, but again, you go for the vibes. Worth it to go and watch the sunset!

Nice rooftop bar at the Lido House…read more I did not spend a lot of time here because I got here late, but plenty of seating and they had some nice fire pit seating. Drinks were spot on too.

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James fries

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Cute rooftop deck on top of a hotel

Kitsch Bar

Great ambience and drinks were great Prices are typical like…read moreany other bar~ Clean place too~ Came on a regular Monday night, had indie Spanish music going. Great spot to go if your looking for quiet night -hang out Also~ Shout out to Juan who gave great service and was very patient towards us

We love Kitsch Bar and have always had a good time here, which is why this was so disappointing…read more The bartender, Sofia, completely ruined the vibe for us. She was rude and came off really disrespectful, and at one point said things that felt degrading. It made my boyfriend so uncomfortable that he actually left and went outside just to get away from it. Instead of calming things down, she got more aggressive and tried to intimidate me and my friend into leaving. She straight up told us to go and wouldn't even let me finish my martini. I had a long week and just wanted to relax, and that moment felt so unnecessary and frustrating. We still love Kitsch Bar, but that experience with Sofia was not okay and definitely left a bad impression. Hopefully it's not something others have to deal with.

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As the night went on Kitsch Bar proves to be the hot spot I've heard about and I agree!

View from my comfy booth listening to beats I can't stop moving to in my seat at Kitsch Bar.

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Looking at the dance floor and Bar before the night begins as we got here early. Beats are already kickin'.

Playa Mesa

We were late to our reservation because traffic was horrendous getting out of our daughter's…read moregraduation ceremony on the other side of town. They were extremely understanding and accommodating. The service was amazing and the food was great. They even brought my daughter a treat for recognition! I would love to go back if we are in the area again... (my kid is moving to LA!)

I came here because of the great reviews, and I couldn't agree more with all of them! The service…read morewas great, as soon as we walked in the gentleman at the front were so welcoming, and our server was just as great! He was very attentive and funny. My mom did say she wished she had more carne asada because it was so good. My Birria plate was so juicy, along with my michelada that was made just as I like it! I would definitely come back. This would be a good place to come for a birthday, as it is a beautiful restaurant.

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Margarita flights!

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Weekend Brunch served Sat - Sun, 9am-2pm.

Speakeasy Sunday Bristol

5.0

(8 reviews)

3.6 mi

I came here with my girlfriend and few weeks ago and we loved our experience here! The vibe was…read morepretty mellow, with jazz playing softly in the background of the dimly lit bar. The service was incredibly quick and the bartender was happy to recommend drinks. The drinks were incredible. We had come from dinner at Nobu before and the drinks here blew Nobu's out of the water! We loved the music theme of the drinks!

Service and complimentary popcorn was great! Our mixologist was very accommodating. Can feel the…read morepassion behind the making of his drinks. Definitely recommend!

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Stowaway

Always a Great spot. Food, Drinks and Service never…read moredisappoints. Ambiance is what you would expect and more from a Tiki Bar.

One of the best tiki bars around!! Great food, drinks, and service!! The theming is incredible,…read morereally feels elevated from most other tiki bars. They are very accommodating for large parties.

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Mesa

Going here for dinner or hanging out longer for the dj and live music - is nothing short of…read moreamazing. I had the calamari and a few drinks and the food plus the staffs energy was great.

It's nice to see the reviews finally reflecting the true quality of this shit hole. I hadn't been…read morehere in years and stupidly decided to give it another shot -- now I remember exactly why I stopped coming here in the first place. Same goes for their shitty sister location(s) Habana, which is just another thumbs-down disappointment of an establishment. Poor leadership. Trash food. Useless staff. Nothing has improved -- if anything, it's worse. Y'all should probably just close your doors. Keep it up though, you're well on your way to dropping below three stars. Absolute trash. Lol. ----In response to the "Biz Owner." I highlighted specific details. A reported review can always be reposted if taken down. Nice to see you pretending to care about operations. Maybe you should focus your attention better on improving your SOPs madam.

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Lychee Martini

Craft Cocktails at Mesa

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MESA DJ

Habana

Lovely atmosphere, great food and amazing drinks. Our server Tenka was very helpful and very…read morefriendly.

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Outdoor patio

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Habana costa mesa patio

Playa Mesa

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Weekend Brunch served Sat - Sun, 9am-2pm.

Seasons 52

Had lunch with friends to celebrate a birthday. Our waiter Michael was excellent! He was very…read moreattentive, informative, and warm! The food was great! Appetizers, entrees, and desserts were all delicious! No food left behind! Michael brought complimentary champagne and desserts to the table to toast the birthday girl! We had a lovely meal and we never felt rushed. We will definitely be back!

Good food, great service, beautiful restaurant!…read more Stopped by for dinner with the wife to spend a gift card she got and were very satisfied. I'll start off by saying thank you Grayson! He was such a great server, on top of refills, clearing the table, getting orders in, checking on food that hadn't come out yet, and awesome conversation. He made the evening perfect. The dining area is on the dark side, quite intimate honestly, and very upscale feeling. There's a large bar area too if you're just looking for a couple drinks. We started with a plate of artichoke hearts, radishes, celery, preserved lemon hummus, and olives. It was very good and a nice start to the meal. Also ordered the caramelized brussels sprouts which were good. The best starter however were the lump crab and shrimp stuffed mushrooms with creamed spinach and panko bread crumbs. My picture does not do them justice, they were perfect! Very tasty, a slight crunch, and quite hot right out of the oven. I got the cedar plank salmon with French green beans and asparagus. My wife got the 6oz filet mignon with the same veggies. The salmon was cooked perfectly, still juicy inside, very hot, and just the right amount of flakey. The filet was also cooked perfectly, seasoned well, and tender. All our veggies were tasty and fresh. They have a ton of cocktails, wine, and beer to choose from. The drinks we got were made well and delicious. I will absolutely go back often especially to try their other seasonal menus.

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Caramelized Grilled Sea Scallops served with broccolini and mascarpone risotto.

Cedar Plank-roasted Salmon with seasonal vegetables, marble potatoes and dill-mustard sauce

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Seasons 52 has a wide selection of varietals on our wine menu

Highball

4.9

(43 reviews)

3.6 mi

Super cool that such bars are finally opening up here. Bringing a bit of Japanese bar culture to…read moreIrvine/OC. Free parking in the lot. No reservations, you walk in, put yourself in the wait list n wait. This is the only thing I disagree with. Because for people who are on time and want to get to places, it is such an absolute waste of time to loiter in the lot waiting. The menu is long and diverse. I recommend almost all of their specialty drinks we tried, esp the clarified yogurt one. Like the name suggests, they have a dedicated highball section, which is a great opening if you're here for the long game. I'm hoping they refresh their menu seasonally because I'd like to visit often and it'll keep things interesting

Highball reached out about my last review hoping to make good but my friends and I chose to pay our…read moreown way for a completely authentic second look and the service was significantly better. We were warmly greeted, given snacks, and offered a welcome drink because the bar was running a bit slow. The moody atmosphere is great, making for a much-improved experience for our group of three. We each had two drinks, along 2 of us opting to try their tea options, but the cocktail menu still feels like a collection of good attempts that miss the mark: * **Sweet Potato:** Very dense and heavy; it leaned much more into intense sesame than sweet potato, making even half a drink tough to finish. * **The Daifuku:** An interesting concept, but the foam needs work to either lighten the texture or make the flavor more pronounced. * **The Melon Bar:** Tasted good, but the prosciutto garnish needs to be reimagined as it isn't very attractive.

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49 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

April C.

4 months ago

Would give this a zero if I could. Our server was Bella and let me just say service lacked. My family and I have all worked in the restaurant industry for many years and we get it that sometimes things are out of our control. But this visit was just far beyond that. We began with a drink order and my father in law asked for a michelada with an IPA. Sure probably not the traditional beer for a michelada but she proceeded to say it was not good and would not recommend. Not sure why you would say that to a guest or maybe just word it differently ??? Just because you didn't like it doesn't mean he won't. I don't know. We also had to request chips and salsa. It says complimentary but server won't bring them out unless you ask. We ordered the Patron tree along with other cocktails. It felt like we were just drinking juice with syrup. You can barely taste the alcohol. The tower they bring to the table with the margaritas sat at the table almost the whole night. We took the margaritas off the tower hoping she would take the tower back and give us more room at the table. That didn't happen so we set it on the booth and she still didn't take it. It wasn't picked up until some gentlemen who brought me my enchiladas took it. Thank you sir! The appetizers were ok. The aguachiles lacked flavor. For our entrees, my steak came out medium when I ordered medium rare and the sides were cold. I sent it back and ordered the chicken enchiladas instead. Those were alright. Not sure what happened but everyone received their dinner except for my sister in law. I was halfway done when her fajitas were being brought to the table. Server came by like once or twice to check on us and then just didn't bother coming back. We had requested to see the wine list and she told us it was very limited almost as if we shouldn't even bother. Not sure if she was trying to "be nice" by letting us know the selection isn't that great or if she was just trying to push us in the direction of ordering cocktails instead. Again, wording could have been different. We decided to pass on any more drinks. When entrees came out, it felt like an auction. It was so unorganized, our server couldn't even tell you what we got. We had to ask for water refills from a different server because ours was MIA. She never picked up our empty bar glasses. Table maintenance was awful. We had to constantly be moving things around the table to make room. She did stop by to clear some empty plates and after that she was gone. We just sat there waiting for her to come back. Other people finished clearing our plates. Thank you to those bussers. We finally got tired of waiting so we asked if someone could send our server over. She finally comes and asks if she can get us anything else. We wanted dessert but after waiting forever we decided to pass. She didn't even bother to ask us if we wanted dessert so good thing we didn't order any. She asked if we still wanted the birthday dessert, we said yes. Though we were ready to leave, it felt unfair to our birthday girl so we wanted to end her night on a positive note. Should have just passed because the energy was not there. Both our server and the two other people looked so over it. I did mention we wanted the check when she asked if we wanted something else. That check never came we had to flag someone down AGAIN to go find her. She brings the check and it still had the steak I sent back. After another 15 minutes of waiting on her, she finally comes to the table. I start pointing to the steak on the receipt and I barely even said a word and she goes oh yea I'll take that off and walks off. Doesn't even let me finish my sentence. Maybe it was an honest mistake and she forgot or maybe management hadn't done it yet. Again, I get it those things happen. However she didn't need to be rude about it. Good thing I checked. She comes back with the new receipt. I noticed 20 % gratuity was added automatically to our party. That was never mentioned by the server. Of course the website does say there's automatic gratuity for parties over 10. We were 7 people. Explain that. Also the gratuity amount didn't change after she took off the steak from the menu. Not sure how $90 is 20% of 400 and 500???? We asked to speak to a manager, a manager never came. I believe our server should have sent a manager to our table as soon as we had a dish sent back. Basic principle, if something goes wrong with a table and you say sorry, grab a manager. Or is that just not a thing anymore ? I did notice she had a large party going on next to us so we tried to cut her some slack at first, but things never got better they just kept getting worse. She did ask how everything was and in short words we said we won't be coming back. Horrible experience. Horrible customer service. read more

Ana M.

2 months ago

We had high hopes for our Mother's Day brunch at Palenque Kitchen, but unfortunately it turned into one of the worst dining experiences we've had in a long time. Our reservation was for 1:15 PM and we were seated quickly around 1:10 PM. Service started off slow, which we completely understood considering it was Mother's Day and the restaurant was packed. It took a while for the server to even get drink orders, and my mom's Patron margarita tree took about 20 minutes. When we asked about it, we were told they were waiting for other guests to finish using the tree so they could wash and reuse the glassware. Again, we tried to be understanding. About 20 more minutes passed before we were asked if we were ready to order. At that point, we honestly blamed ourselves for not flagging someone down sooner. Then the real issue began: we waited... and waited... and waited. We were checked on maybe 3 times total over the next couple of hours. Nobody ever asked if we wanted another round of drinks. We had to flag the server down just to order another beer, and even then he didn't ask if anyone else needed anything. Around 70 minutes into our wait, guacamole was brought out and we were told our food was "almost ready." About 30 minutes later, we were told it was "being plated." Our food finally arrived around 3:45 PM -- over TWO HOURS after ordering. Meanwhile, tables around us were seated, ordered, ate, paid, and left while we were still sitting there waiting. By the time our food finally came out, the restaurant was practically empty aside from a few tables. At one point, while walking back from the bathroom, the bartender told us to "have a great day," and I responded, "We haven't even been served yet." Then came the food issues: - My chilaquiles were missing the steak - My husband's steak was ordered medium rare and came out completely well done - The beans were cold - The lobster quesadilla barely had any lobster in it The server apologized and initially offered us one free dessert. Then it became three desserts. Eventually we told them dessert wasn't going to fix wasting hours of our Mother's Day on bad food and poor service, so we asked for a manager. The manager came over and honestly seemed completely unbothered. His first solution? Four desserts. When we explained that wasn't acceptable, he said he'd go "formulate" something and come back. He eventually offered to take $100 off the bill and remove the automatic gratuity. To make matters worse, reservations required a $30 deposit PER PERSON for our party of 9. Even after the discount, we still ended up paying around $40 on top of the deposit for terrible food and terrible service. I understand holidays are busy. We were patient for HOURS and gave the staff plenty of grace. But this went far beyond "busy holiday delays." Completely unacceptable experience from start to finish. Never again. read more

Alejandra P.

2 years ago

I made a reservation for three people for a late dinner at this restaurant on New Year's Eve, and it turned out to be a huge mistake. The positive reviews on Yelp were misleading--I discovered upon arrival that they offer guests Mexican candy shots in exchange for good reviews. I overheard the bartender and server discussing this, which immediately set off red flags. Our reservation was for 9 PM, but upon arriving, we waited outside for about 15 minutes because they couldn't get organized. When we were finally taken to our table, it had only two seats, despite our reservation being for three people. We informed the server, and instead of resolving the issue quickly, we had to wait another 30 minutes at the bar. As a very pregnant guest who was already starving, this was incredibly frustrating. We chose this place to celebrate my fiancé's birthday and New Year's Eve, but the experience was nothing short of disastrous. The general manager was no help whatsoever, running around in chaos and offering complimentary shots as compensation. This gesture did nothing to address the situation and only added to the frustration within our group, souring our entire evening. We were finally seated around 10 PM in a terrible spot, right in front of a large party of about 20 people who were standing and dancing with no regard for others. While there was a designated dance area near the DJ, guests were inconsiderately encroaching on dining spaces, making it impossible for us to enjoy our meal. This wasn't just bad etiquette--it completely ruined the dining atmosphere for everyone around. Adding to the disappointment, the advertised music was nothing like what we expected. The flyer promised reggaeton and hip-hop all night, but instead, it was exclusively Middle Eastern music. While I have no issue with Middle Eastern music, it was completely out of place for a restaurant claiming to serve authentic Mexican cuisine. When we asked about it, the DJ flatly refused to change the playlist. As for the food, the four-course fixed menu was a disaster. The only saving grace was the guacamole, which was decent. Everything else was subpar--the red rice was stale, and the enchiladas were so overcooked they were almost inedible. On top of that, accommodating food allergies was nearly impossible without involving a manager. This experience was so bad that it became unforgettable for all the wrong reasons. This restaurant is a prime example of false advertising, and their Yelp reviews are clearly bought. If you're looking for authentic Mexican food or a pleasant dining experience, stay far away from this place. read more

Paul K.

3 years ago

I recently had the pleasure of dining at this incredible restaurant, and I can't stop raving about it! From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warm hospitality and a charming ambiance that set the perfect tone for the evening. Let's talk about the food - it was a true culinary journey. I started with the octopus dish, and I must say it was a revelation. Tender, perfectly grilled octopus with a delightful smoky flavor, paired with a zesty salsa that added a burst of freshness. It was an absolute highlight. But that's not all; the steak dish I ordered was equally impressive. The steak was cooked to perfection, juicy and flavorful, and served with a mouthwatering salsa that had just the right amount of kick. Each bite was a delightful symphony of flavors. Speaking of salsa, this place takes it to another level. I had the pleasure of trying three different salsas with my meal, and each one was a unique and delicious experience. From the tangy tomatillo salsa to the fiery habanero, they added layers of flavor to every dish. And let's not forget the drinks - their cocktail menu is a work of art. I enjoyed a refreshing margarita that perfectly complemented my meal. What truly sets this restaurant apart, though, is the exceptional service. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and passionate about the food they serve. They made the dining experience all the more enjoyable. In summary, this restaurant is a hidden gem that deserves every bit of its 5-star rating. The octopus and steak dishes are a must-try, and the variety of salsas and cocktails will tantalize your taste buds. Combine that with a charming ambiance and top-notch service, and you have a dining experience that's nothing short of exceptional. I can't wait to return! read more

George G.

340

3 years ago

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Palenque Kitchen, and it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment I walked in, I was captivated by the vibrant atmosphere and the promise of regional Mexican flavors right here in Southern California. The Tampiqueña steak and Camarones en Ajillo I ordered were nothing short of divine. The steak was perfectly cooked, tender, and bursting with flavor, while the Camarones en Ajillo had that delightful garlic kick that made my taste buds dance. What made this visit truly exceptional was our server, Alethia. She was attentive, knowledgeable, and made excellent recommendations. Her passion for the cuisine and warm hospitality added to the overall enjoyment of the evening. Palenque boasts an extensive selection of tequila and mezcal, which is a testament to their commitment to authentic Mexican spirits. The creative cocktails were a delightful accompaniment to our meal. The restaurant's modern and inspired setting perfectly complements the traditional Mexican dishes. Executive Chef Rolando Rubalcava's culinary expertise shines through in every bite, and the use of local produce and quality meats elevates the dining experience. Whether it's a romantic date night, a gathering with friends, or even a special event, Palenque Kitchen has you covered. It's a culinary oasis that I can't recommend enough. I can't wait to return for another round of delicious dishes and craft cocktails. Palenque Kitchen, you've won my heart and taste buds! Feel free to adjust and personalize the review as needed, and if you have any more details or specific experiences you'd like to include, just let me know read more

J. B.

3 years ago

I had an amazing Sunday brunch experience at Palenque Restaurant! From the moment we walked in, we were impressed by the modern and clean ambiance of the place. Our server, Alethia, was incredibly friendly and professional, making us feel welcome from the get-go. I ordered the French toast, a side of papa's con chorizo, and the enfrijoladas, while my wife went for the chilaquiles with salsa Verde and my daughter got cheese quesadillas. Everything was absolutely delicious! The French toast was fluffy and perfectly cooked, while the papa's con chorizo was a great side dish with just the right amount of spice. The enfrijoladas were also outstanding, with a rich and flavorful bean sauce that perfectly complemented the filling. My wife loved her chilaquiles, which had just the right amount of heat and a tangy kick from the salsa Verde. Meanwhile, my daughter was very happy with her cheese quesadillas, which were generously filled and perfectly crispy. Overall, we were extremely impressed with our experience at Palenque Restaurant. The food was outstanding, the service was exceptional, and the atmosphere was lovely. We would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for an authentic and delicious Mexican brunch! read more

George C.

10 months ago

Let start with nice place by horrible service. We have known Miguel the owner for quite some time and we were excited to spend a great night with family. We arrived at 7:30pm for our reservation and by the time we got our drinks time was now 8:30. After we all order our food the last person in our party received their food by 9:30 pm. We believe this is extremely unacceptable. Knowing the restaurant business my self, this has to fall on the kitchens expediter. Tables around us with 10+ guest received their food before us. We had our birthday girl that received her food last and was a simple dish. Management needs to really work on the dynamics of restaurants staff. Pushing drinks is understandable but does not make sense while we are waiting for food 2 hours. The server was great but the kitchen is a mess. Please fix these issues and maybe we might come back and try again. Thanks Miguel for the invite and we hope this experience we have helps you change your team. read more

Vince C.

1 year ago

A Disappointing Second Act. After a stellar first visit, I had high hopes returning. The atmosphere still had its charm, and I was looking forward to a repeat of the attentive service and delicious food that impressed me the first time. Unfortunately, my second visit fell flat. From the start, service was noticeably sluggish. It took nearly 20 minutes just to get water and place our drink order, and the server seemed overwhelmed and distracted throughout the evening. Our meals arrived lukewarm after a long wait, and while the food was passable, it lacked the flavor and care that made our first visit so memorable. I left feeling more disappointed than satisfied. It's frustrating to see such inconsistency--what once felt like a hidden gem now feels like a gamble. I hope this was just an off night, but it's hard to justify a third try after this experience. read more

Tiffany O.

1 year ago

From the moment we stepped into the restaurant, we were greeted with warmth and enthusiasm. Laz, our server for the day, was an absolute standout. His knowledge of the menu was impressive, offering thoughtful recommendations that perfectly matched our tastes. Laz's expertise enhanced our dining experience. The ambiance of the restaurant was equally remarkable. The lively atmosphere was complemented by a talented DJ whose curated playlist added an energetic yet sophisticated vibe to the day. The music selection was spot-on, creating an environment that was both engaging and enjoyable. In summary, this restaurant offers more than just a meal--it provides an experience. With outstanding service from Laz, a vibrant atmosphere, and excellent music, it's a destination worth visiting. Highly recommended! read more

Rose L.

2 years ago

I had a fantastic experience at Palenque in Costa Mesa. The service was top-notch, with attentive staff who made us feel welcome from the moment we walked in. The food was absolutely delicious; every dish we tried was cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor. What really stood out was the exceptional customer service. The staff went above and beyond to ensure we had everything we needed and made great recommendations that enhanced our dining experience. Overall, I highly recommend Palenque for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience with outstanding service, delicious food and beautiful ambiance. Can't wait to visit again! Thank to you Daniel (General Manager) and our lovely waitress Aletia. Great place. read more

Adrianna M.

2 years ago

We came here last night for the lounge and it was a great time. Everyone was in costumes, the music was fun to dance to, the drinks were great and our service was top notch and memorable. Bella was our bottle service waitress and she was extremely attentive and sweet which made up for the other waitresses who walked on by as we tried to get their attention. She took care of us the entire night and always checked up to see if we needed anything else. A place like this needs more people like her. Also maybe some late night appetizers would be a great addition because with all the drinking we became hungry and we didn't expect the kitchen to be closed. Overall, it was a great experience and me and my friends will be back! read more

Diana G.

825

112

2 years ago

I recently dined at Palanca restaurant in Costa Mesa, and it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. The atmosphere was vibrant and inviting, with a perfect blend of modern elegance and cozy comfort. The food was absolutely divine - the potatoes tacos were crispy and perfectly seasoned, and the tres leches cake was pure decadence. Daniel , the general manager, made our evening truly memorable with her warm hospitality and impeccable service. His friendly demeanor and genuine enthusiasm for her work added to the overall enjoyment of our meal. The combination of delicious food, outstanding service, and a lively ambiance makes Palanca a must-visit. We can't wait to return! read more

Peter S.

2 years ago

I really wanted to like this place. But was disappointed. -I love Mexican food. From authentic to "westernized" to everything in between. I've tried it all. This place lacks flavor and decent food. Everything was very underwhelming and not with the price. -the place is beautiful. That's what captured me to go in for dinner. It's aesthetically beautiful. But that's where it ends -service is lacking as well. Food took over 60 minutes to come out. Server really didn't care. It wasn't busy at all. Our server had 1 other table. The whole place overall wasn't busy at all. Place has potential but won't be coming back anytime soon. read more

Amanda C.

1 year ago

I had an exceptional dining experience at Palenque! The service was top-notch, with friendly and attentive staff who made sure our needs were met throughout the meal. What truly impressed me, however, was the General Manager's involvement. It's clear they take pride in their establishment and are dedicated to ensuring every guest has a fantastic experience. The drinks were also a highlight - creative, refreshing, and expertly crafted! Overall, I highly recommend Palenque for its outstanding service, welcoming atmosphere, and delicious offerings. Can't wait to come back! read more

Evelyn B.

2 years ago

I had an incredible dining experience at Palenque! From the moment we walked in, the ambiance was warm and inviting, and the food was simply fantastic--everything was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. But what truly made our visit exceptional was our waiter, Mario. He was attentive, friendly, and went above and beyond to ensure we had a perfect evening. Highly recommend this spot to anyone looking for delicious food and top-notch service. We'll definitely be back! read more

Tiffany B.

194

2 years ago

I had such a great time at Palenque! The food was so fresh and packed with amazing flavors--I could tell they put a lot of love into it. But what really made the experience awesome was Mario, our server. He was super friendly, had great suggestions, and felt more like a friend than just a server. Mario made sure we had everything we needed and added such a warm vibe to our night. If you go, definitely ask for him! Palenque is a gem, and Mario made it unforgettable. read more

Noely O.

1 year ago

Had a great experience at this restaurant! The drinks were absolutely amazing, and the ambiance was spot on--perfect for a relaxed evening out. The food was decent, I'd give it a solid 8/10, but what really stood out was the phenomenal service. Our server, Laz, was incredibly attentive and made sure we were well taken care of throughout the night. Would definitely come back, especially for the drinks and the overall vibe! read more

Nelson M.

2 years ago

Fantastic Experience at Palenque! I had an amazing dining experience at Palenque! The food was absolutely delicious, and the service was top-notch. A special shoutout to Victor, our server, who provided excellent customer service. He was attentive, friendly, and made sure we had everything we needed. I highly recommend Palenque to anyone looking for a great meal and superb service. 100% recommend! read more

Mo J.

2 years ago

Had an amazing experience here! The server, Laz, was awesome, super attentive and friendly. The food? 10/10, no question. We ordered the tacos de papa, callos dorados, and salmon al pastor, and every single plate was absolute fire. The flavors were on point, and the presentation was just as impressive. Can't wait to come back and try more of the menu. Highly recommend this spot! read more

Carlos M.

1 year ago

Mixed Feelings "The service here is absolutely phenomenal! Our server Julian is friendly, fast, and super attentive. 5/5 for the front-of-house team. However, the food was a letdown. We found our dishes Enchiladas de pollo and aguachiles to be below our expectations and lacking in flavor. I'd come back for the great service, but I hope the food quality can match it in the future." read more

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