We had dinner here last night with our kids and some friends (party of 8), and it was our first…read moretime visiting. Even though the restaurant is small and busy, we were seated right away, which was a great start.
Our waiter Washington, was fantastic, friendly, attentive, and made our whole experience even better. The atmosphere was perfect too. They had music playing at just the right volume and a big TV showing the live Dodger game, which the kids loved.
We started with chips and salsa. The salsa had the perfect level of spice for everyone at the table. The kids ordered horchatas and were excited about the unlimited refills (something you don't always see at other restaurants!). The drinks for the adults were just as impressive. My wife's watermelon margarita on the rocks was perfectly made. It was not overly sweet or syrupy like at some places. Our friends had the "El Jefe" margaritas, and they definitely didn't skimp on the tequila!
For dinner, everything was a hit. The kids loved their meals. Albóndigas soup, shrimp tacos, and street tacos--all served with rice and beans. The adult dishes were just as good. The carne asada arrachera was cooked perfectly, the chile verde was full of flavor, and my chicken mole was delicious with a great balance of spicy and sweet without being overwhelming. The portions were very generous, and everything came with rice, beans, and both corn and flour tortillas.
The only small thing I would've preferred differently was the chicken in my mole. I personally would've liked a leg and thigh instead of sliced chicken breast but the dish was still very good overall.
What really stood out was the hospitality. At the end of the meal, Washington offered us "holy water"-house tequila shots on the house--and it wasn't cheap tequila either! Then after the bill came, he surprised us again with another round of "holy water". That level of generosity and care really impressed us. We also learned that the restaurant has been there 20+ years and is family-run by him and his siblings, which made the experience feel even more personal. You can tell they have a loyal customer base--one couple even said, "See you tomorrow Washington!"
The only feedback we'd offer (coming from a customer service background) is that we noticed a few guests waiting at the entrance without being greeted, and one couple actually left the restaurant. A simple "Welcome, we'll be right with you" would go a long way. That said, it didn't take away from our experience.
Overall, amazing food, great service, generous portions, and a welcoming family atmosphere. We will definitely be back to try more of their menu!