I can’t count the many times I’ve been to this lovely place. I’ve been here in its good days, and other times where it could be better. However, seeing other reviews point out “bad attitudes” from waiters, or whine about costs that ~obviously~ reflect current market prices — Imma go up to bat for them.
The food is seasoned enough to allow those who want to add more salt, pepper, or salsa; flavor is bland? Add some more, it’s called free will. Too greasy? Point me to a grill and bar kitchen that leaves no grease spots on your napkin. The quality of food is as good as it can be, depending on who’s in the kitchen. These claims of “San Diego prices” make me laugh, knowing well enough that prices are up almost everywhere. Let’s face it, it’s expensive because produce is not so cheap these days. The only way you’ll really make your wallet weep is with their cocktails, which are all delicious.
Finally, the waiters and hostesses. I don’t know if y’all know this, but they’re not robots. They too have their good and bad days, and sometimes you just gotta accept that their not-so-perfect reactions is nothing personal to your not-so-perfect behavior. In fact, in their toughest moments, the charisma they can spare makes me smile. They can only do so much with the section they’re assigned to, and they definitely don’t need a table that acts like a whole other section.
Take this place as it is, or leave it to the REAL eaters 🤪
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Pamela
Jessica was amazing her service was a 10 plus ,best margaritas i have ever had , food was amazing , will definitely make the drive to go back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jesus Valenzuela
Great quality service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Maria Barajas
Before moving from Southern Arizona, I used to make the 57-minute drive to El Centro specifically to eat here. That was back in 2023, when the food and overall experience made the trip worth it.
Recently, while in California for business, I decided to stop by again since El Centro was on my way back. The restaurant has clearly been remodeled, visually, it looks nice. The cantina-style refresh works, and while I didn’t try the cocktails, they looked appealing.
Unfortunately, the experience didn’t match the new look. I came in with my husband and was offered a table next to the restroom, despite about half of the restaurant being empty. When we asked to sit elsewhere, we were told it was the only table available. If guests are restricted to one section because of staffing, that’s a management decision, not a space issue.
The food itself was also lacking. The tacos al pastor were especially disappointing. it’s very obvious they’re made on a flat-top griddle rather than off a proper trompo, and the flavor reflects that. If as much money were invested in authentic cooking equipment as was put into aesthetics and cocktails, this place would likely attract far more repeat customers. Instead, the focus seems to be on looking good for Instagram rather than delivering standout food.
A restaurant can look great and still miss the mark and unfortunately, that’s what happened here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 1
Jose Gastelum
I hadn’t been here in more than 2 years, and it looks like since then, they have expanded. But that expansion came at a cost of lower food and service standards.
When I arrived, the hostess was on the phone taking an order, so we waited about 5 minutes before we were acknowledged. Nothing bad, just a sign of being under-staffed. She then tried to sit us in a table near the bathroom, and I told her I preferred not to sit near the bathrooms. Just a personal pet peeve. She proceeded to say “this is the only table available”. But you could see how HALF of the restaurant was empty. As I glanced to the other half, she then said “I guess I can sit you in that table over there”. Like what do you mean you only have 1 table available when the restaurant is only half full?? After we sat down, we waited for a longer time than should be acceptable to get our order taken.
After we placed our order and got our food, we didn’t see our waitress again. A guy then came by with our check and asked if I wanted a refill. By that point, my Coke glass had been empty for a while, so a refill should have been offered way before getting my check. Why would I get a refill when I’m about to walk out? Because this guy didn’t want to do his job and knew the answer would be no.
Now the food itself - the carne al pastor was the greasiest meat that I’ve had. My wife lifted the taco and grease was just drooling off the tortilla. The carne asada that I got is just meat cooked on the stove top. There’s nothing cooked on an actual grill. And the horchata was watered down. I wouldn’t be surprised if it came from a bag and wasn’t hand made. The only good thing they got going for them are the stuffed chile gueros.
Finally the price - I had sticker shock when I opened the menu. Be prepared to pay San Diego prices for El Centro quality.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Walter Davis
NFL Playoff night, good food, good service, good evening.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Francisco Bereijo
Food was mid, service... Raul really didn't wanted to serve us, just left things at the table, barely explained anything, he just wanted to get rid of us, not going again
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
Drink Clorox
Bomb I’m a local and love it here
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Joseph Lopez
Great food and service was awesome. Definitely would return and recommend you to try it out.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Julio Murrieta
Food very delicious, excellent service but the food takes a long time to be delivered.
It was worth the hour drive that we made. Thanks to the young man that gave us the tip to go there for absolutely fabulous Mexican food that we saw at the grocery outlet. Everything was perfect! We will definitely go back again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Roy Carter
I sat at the bar. Fairly busy for lunch. The food was excellent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mike Van Deusen
Best burrito I've ever had. Wild.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Andrew 808
5 stars isn't enough. This place is amazing from service to cleanliness to the food, oh man the food. A must stop
I can’t count the many times I’ve been to this lovely place. I’ve been here in its good days, and other times where it could be better. However, seeing other reviews point out “bad attitudes” from waiters, or whine about costs that ~obviously~ reflect current market prices — Imma go up to bat for them.
The food is seasoned enough to allow those who want to add more salt, pepper, or salsa; flavor is bland? Add some more, it’s called free will. Too greasy? Point me to a grill and bar kitchen that leaves no grease spots on your napkin. The quality of food is as good as it can be, depending on who’s in the kitchen. These claims of “San Diego prices” make me laugh, knowing well enough that prices are up almost everywhere. Let’s face it, it’s expensive because produce is not so cheap these days. The only way you’ll really make your wallet weep is with their cocktails, which are all delicious.
Finally, the waiters and hostesses. I don’t know if y’all know this, but they’re not robots. They too have their good and bad days, and sometimes you just gotta accept that their not-so-perfect reactions is nothing personal to your not-so-perfect behavior. In fact, in their toughest moments, the charisma they can spare makes me smile. They can only do so much with the section they’re assigned to, and they definitely don’t need a table that acts like a whole other section.
Take this place as it is, or leave it to the REAL eaters 🤪
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jessica was amazing her service was a 10 plus ,best margaritas i have ever had , food was amazing , will definitely make the drive to go back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great quality service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Before moving from Southern Arizona, I used to make the 57-minute drive to El Centro specifically to eat here. That was back in 2023, when the food and overall experience made the trip worth it.
Recently, while in California for business, I decided to stop by again since El Centro was on my way back. The restaurant has clearly been remodeled, visually, it looks nice. The cantina-style refresh works, and while I didn’t try the cocktails, they looked appealing.
Unfortunately, the experience didn’t match the new look. I came in with my husband and was offered a table next to the restroom, despite about half of the restaurant being empty. When we asked to sit elsewhere, we were told it was the only table available. If guests are restricted to one section because of staffing, that’s a management decision, not a space issue.
The food itself was also lacking. The tacos al pastor were especially disappointing. it’s very obvious they’re made on a flat-top griddle rather than off a proper trompo, and the flavor reflects that. If as much money were invested in authentic cooking equipment as was put into aesthetics and cocktails, this place would likely attract far more repeat customers. Instead, the focus seems to be on looking good for Instagram rather than delivering standout food.
A restaurant can look great and still miss the mark and unfortunately, that’s what happened here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 1
I hadn’t been here in more than 2 years, and it looks like since then, they have expanded. But that expansion came at a cost of lower food and service standards.
When I arrived, the hostess was on the phone taking an order, so we waited about 5 minutes before we were acknowledged. Nothing bad, just a sign of being under-staffed. She then tried to sit us in a table near the bathroom, and I told her I preferred not to sit near the bathrooms. Just a personal pet peeve. She proceeded to say “this is the only table available”. But you could see how HALF of the restaurant was empty. As I glanced to the other half, she then said “I guess I can sit you in that table over there”. Like what do you mean you only have 1 table available when the restaurant is only half full?? After we sat down, we waited for a longer time than should be acceptable to get our order taken.
After we placed our order and got our food, we didn’t see our waitress again. A guy then came by with our check and asked if I wanted a refill. By that point, my Coke glass had been empty for a while, so a refill should have been offered way before getting my check. Why would I get a refill when I’m about to walk out? Because this guy didn’t want to do his job and knew the answer would be no.
Now the food itself - the carne al pastor was the greasiest meat that I’ve had. My wife lifted the taco and grease was just drooling off the tortilla. The carne asada that I got is just meat cooked on the stove top. There’s nothing cooked on an actual grill. And the horchata was watered down. I wouldn’t be surprised if it came from a bag and wasn’t hand made. The only good thing they got going for them are the stuffed chile gueros.
Finally the price - I had sticker shock when I opened the menu. Be prepared to pay San Diego prices for El Centro quality.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
NFL Playoff night, good food, good service, good evening.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food was mid, service... Raul really didn't wanted to serve us, just left things at the table, barely explained anything, he just wanted to get rid of us, not going again
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
Bomb I’m a local and love it here
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food and service was awesome. Definitely would return and recommend you to try it out.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food very delicious, excellent service but the food takes a long time to be delivered.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
Bad food& Bad Service.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
It was worth the hour drive that we made. Thanks to the young man that gave us the tip to go there for absolutely fabulous Mexican food that we saw at the grocery outlet. Everything was perfect! We will definitely go back again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I sat at the bar. Fairly busy for lunch. The food was excellent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best burrito I've ever had. Wild.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
5 stars isn't enough. This place is amazing from service to cleanliness to the food, oh man the food. A must stop
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loading...