My wife and I were excited to try this spot. Ended up being disappointed beyond measure. We were prepared for the price tag, but expected the food and service to match. This was not the case. Ordered the tomahawk, but wasn't prepared to wait over an hour to get it. The place wasn't even that busy. My wife ordered a beverage and never got it. When she finally brought it to waiter's attention there was no apology. As for the $130 tomahawk, it came out well done when I ordered it pink throughout, but I wasn't about to wait another hour if I sent it back. I hope for their sake that it was just a bad service and meal experience for us, but for bill amount we expected way better.
lsl3
Great menu/food, comfortable/cozy atmosphere, conscientious service On our reservation we'd noted anniversary & they sent us two flutes of complimentary champagne in celebration—unexpected& thoughtful!
JuliaP
I generally save 5 stars for truly exceptional restaurants. This was delicious CaliMex food for a night out with family, friends. Tasty guacamole, an unusually flavorful chicken al pastor taco. Interesting variety of fine tequilas. Sit outside if weather allows and enjoy the surroundings of Estancia La Jolla.
This is our 3rd time dining here. The first 2 times were much better. Since they have renovated, they no longer have music at the restaurant. It is now in the new bar. Restaurant is very quiet and quite boring. It used to be more lively. The food was very mediocre and service was not as good as before. This was a hidden gem before but it has lost its personality. Not sure if I will be back.
BLAIRM
The ambiance, food and service were all outstanding! The only suggestion I would offer to the retaurant is, when we first sat down the waiter asked us if we would like chips, salsa and guacamole for the table? No mention of a charge. When we received our bill, it was an extra $33. Even though the guacamole was the BEST we have ever tasted, it would have been nice to know about the charge up front. ?
Scott S.
Great spot. Well priced. Good service. Great ambiance. Good stuff. Highly recommend. Birria was amazing
Henrik C.
Been here a few times. They have in and outdoor seating. Outdoors is good as long as you have space heaters. The food is Mexican in style. Very tasty and they know how to handle big parties. Good staff
They are charging a 5 percent fee on the bill to cover increase in wages. I prefer restaurants just put their increase into the prices on the menu. Sneaking a charge onto the bill is shady. If you think you need more money raise your prices and be transparent. I felt the food and ambiance wasn't worth the price by the way. Not bad bit could be so much better.
TrishE
First, the place is beautiful. We were seated by a very friendly person and were greeted by our server quickly. We got our drinks and food quickly. The kids got the chicken quesadilla, which was gigantic! The three adults got Birra Tacos, which were lacking flavor, the Honey Lacquered Salmon, which was pretty good, and the Hanger Steak, which was cooked perfectly and very favorable. The disappointing thing was the service. After our food was delivered we were ghosted by our waiter. We actually had to flag him down for a second glass of wine and for the check. We actually wondered if he had forgotten us.
JenniferB
The ambiance and the staff was great but the food was so terrible I was surprised. Queso fundido comes with chicharrones, which no one wants. I asked for flour tortillas. They said, no problem, but by the time they came, the cheese had congealed. Frankly, I can't remember what else I had, but I know I didn't eat it and I didn't take it to go. The drinks were not great either. I'm just tired of these overpriced restaurants and I know they're struggling, but they need to make the food better.
Nothing less than great food and service!!!! Such amazing, tasty, well balanced foods. The new york steak was TOP NOTCH, perfectly medium rare with a beautiful char!My wife's chicken Mole was soooo flavorful, and the spice was soooo well balanced. The risotto popped so perfectly and combined with the mole salsa, oh man I want some more right now! We felt so special because the Chef came out to greet and wish us a happy anniversary. Thank You Chef and that You Justin for making our Anniversary so Special
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chips and Guacamole, Chicken Mole
Adam F
We live locally and have been coming here for years. Maybe there has been a change in management but don't think we'll be coming back. Servers were nice but food didn't have the value. $14 for chips and really not good salsa. $15 for a small cup of tortilla soup. Rest of the food was decent enough but not great. On top, $10 now for parking. Can't justify returning with better options not much further away. Bummer, as it was a great place.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 3
Dmitrii Pilipenko
Nice steak. But line so big and restroom can be
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Birria Tacos, Salmon Entree
Jessica Long
Went there while staying at Estabcia.Service was good but a little slow.The food was fine but not worth the price.The garden salad was good but the avocado wasn’t ripe.The veggie taco was more like a quesadilla.The ahi tuna wasn’t well seasoned and was kind of ruined because of the liquid smoke flavor.The guacamole was pretty good and had lots of chips.The guisado was just a bowl of sautéed veggies. Not really a stewed dish.The classic margarita was a little watered down but I liked the derby drink. It was tasty.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Guacamole and Chips
DonnaD
We were indoors as it was cold outside. Previously, they kept the door open and it was cold indoors. Last night we sat by the fire and it was way and cozy. We weren't in a hurry and the waiter was good and gave us time.
My wife and I were excited to try this spot. Ended up being disappointed beyond measure. We were prepared for the price tag, but expected the food and service to match. This was not the case. Ordered the tomahawk, but wasn't prepared to wait over an hour to get it. The place wasn't even that busy. My wife ordered a beverage and never got it. When she finally brought it to waiter's attention there was no apology. As for the $130 tomahawk, it came out well done when I ordered it pink throughout, but I wasn't about to wait another hour if I sent it back. I hope for their sake that it was just a bad service and meal experience for us, but for bill amount we expected way better.
Great menu/food, comfortable/cozy atmosphere, conscientious service On our reservation we'd noted anniversary & they sent us two flutes of complimentary champagne in celebration—unexpected& thoughtful!
I generally save 5 stars for truly exceptional restaurants. This was delicious CaliMex food for a night out with family, friends. Tasty guacamole, an unusually flavorful chicken al pastor taco. Interesting variety of fine tequilas. Sit outside if weather allows and enjoy the surroundings of Estancia La Jolla.
This is our 3rd time dining here. The first 2 times were much better. Since they have renovated, they no longer have music at the restaurant. It is now in the new bar. Restaurant is very quiet and quite boring. It used to be more lively. The food was very mediocre and service was not as good as before. This was a hidden gem before but it has lost its personality. Not sure if I will be back.
The ambiance, food and service were all outstanding! The only suggestion I would offer to the retaurant is, when we first sat down the waiter asked us if we would like chips, salsa and guacamole for the table? No mention of a charge. When we received our bill, it was an extra $33. Even though the guacamole was the BEST we have ever tasted, it would have been nice to know about the charge up front. ?
Great spot. Well priced. Good service. Great ambiance. Good stuff. Highly recommend. Birria was amazing
Been here a few times. They have in and outdoor seating. Outdoors is good as long as you have space heaters. The food is Mexican in style. Very tasty and they know how to handle big parties. Good staff
They are charging a 5 percent fee on the bill to cover increase in wages. I prefer restaurants just put their increase into the prices on the menu. Sneaking a charge onto the bill is shady. If you think you need more money raise your prices and be transparent. I felt the food and ambiance wasn't worth the price by the way. Not bad bit could be so much better.
First, the place is beautiful. We were seated by a very friendly person and were greeted by our server quickly. We got our drinks and food quickly. The kids got the chicken quesadilla, which was gigantic! The three adults got Birra Tacos, which were lacking flavor, the Honey Lacquered Salmon, which was pretty good, and the Hanger Steak, which was cooked perfectly and very favorable. The disappointing thing was the service. After our food was delivered we were ghosted by our waiter. We actually had to flag him down for a second glass of wine and for the check. We actually wondered if he had forgotten us.
The ambiance and the staff was great but the food was so terrible I was surprised. Queso fundido comes with chicharrones, which no one wants. I asked for flour tortillas. They said, no problem, but by the time they came, the cheese had congealed. Frankly, I can't remember what else I had, but I know I didn't eat it and I didn't take it to go. The drinks were not great either. I'm just tired of these overpriced restaurants and I know they're struggling, but they need to make the food better.
Restaurantji Recommends
Nothing less than great food and service!!!! Such amazing, tasty, well balanced foods. The new york steak was TOP NOTCH, perfectly medium rare with a beautiful char!My wife's chicken Mole was soooo flavorful, and the spice was soooo well balanced. The risotto popped so perfectly and combined with the mole salsa, oh man I want some more right now! We felt so special because the Chef came out to greet and wish us a happy anniversary. Thank You Chef and that You Justin for making our Anniversary so Special
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chips and Guacamole, Chicken Mole
We live locally and have been coming here for years. Maybe there has been a change in management but don't think we'll be coming back. Servers were nice but food didn't have the value. $14 for chips and really not good salsa. $15 for a small cup of tortilla soup. Rest of the food was decent enough but not great. On top, $10 now for parking. Can't justify returning with better options not much further away. Bummer, as it was a great place.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 3
Nice steak. But line so big and restroom can be
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Birria Tacos, Salmon Entree
Went there while staying at Estabcia.Service was good but a little slow.The food was fine but not worth the price.The garden salad was good but the avocado wasn’t ripe.The veggie taco was more like a quesadilla.The ahi tuna wasn’t well seasoned and was kind of ruined because of the liquid smoke flavor.The guacamole was pretty good and had lots of chips.The guisado was just a bowl of sautéed veggies. Not really a stewed dish.The classic margarita was a little watered down but I liked the derby drink. It was tasty.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Guacamole and Chips
We were indoors as it was cold outside. Previously, they kept the door open and it was cold indoors. Last night we sat by the fire and it was way and cozy. We weren't in a hurry and the waiter was good and gave us time.