Lunas Bar & Grill

I went with family, we had a total of 5 people in our party, we didn’t even fill a regular size booth. However they charged us a 20% large party fee for having 5 people. On top of this, we sat down ordered our drinks, then a few minutes later ordered food, however we did not receive a single drink or even lemon (we asked the moment we sat down, and 3 other times) until AFTER our food arrived. I’ve never had my drink arrive after my food in my life. Ridiculously bad service for how much this establishment costs.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 1

Their food is excellent; their menu is quite varied. The place and the décor are comfortable yet elevated.
I have yet to have any sour dishes there.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

First, Violet looks like a very casual place. It is very expensive. The food and service were fine but at the end of the night when we got our check, there was a $5.95 fee (there were no split meals) This is not a tip nor was it the tax. I asked and no one could ever tell me what that additional fee was for. I called several times, and again no one could ever tell me what the fee was for. I don’t mind paying a fee if I know about it upfront, but pay for it after the fact and then no one be able to tell me what it’s for. Well we will never go back can spend $500 some place else. .

The shrimp was good

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Had roasted chicken which was a little dry, I ordered a gray goose on the rocks. It was almost $18 for a shot of vodka. My wife had a well booze martini that was 1675. I don’t know about you folks, but these are Manhattan prices and we live in Indio!

The martini was great tho and my wife is picky about that. Bartender was very good. But I won’t go back and drink when I can buy a bottle for less than the price of two drinks

Food was a little pricey too

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 5

The chicken picatta is delicious!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas, Chicken Picatta

Excellent menu, well stocked bar, very relaxing atmosphere. Will go again.

Kid-friendliness: Don't take kids.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

A case of (what I hope is not) selective service, plus some constructive criticism.

Disclaimer: This is not an accusation, this is just an observation. I have never played the race card in a restaurant or other service-based business EVER. I’ve never really seen a reason for discrimination in a business to ever happen, and quite frankly, I believe it’s practically nonexistent these days. However, this time around, it’s UNDENIABLE. Food was good, but service was terrible.

So me and my Latino party of 3 came here for the first time (we were the only Latino party in the restaurant). We were promptly seated and our drink orders were taken after ten minutes. “A bit timey” I thought, but I brushed it off. After 3 minutes, our drinks were served. Here is where it gets a bit odd: our server did not come back to take our order until 15-20 minutes later. All the server was checking up on other tables around us. In addition, they never came by to ask us if we wanted our drinks refilled in that time window. The funny part is, they were filling the glasses of other tables around us, and they weren’t even half-empty! Anyways, the server came to take our orders for the appetizers and the main dishes. Our appetizers weren’t served until 45 MINUTES later, and our main dishes weren’t served until MORE THAN AN HOUR LATER AFTER OUR APPETIZERS WERE SERVED. All while the people around us got their appetizers and main dishes in LESS THAN 10 MINUTES (I asked around to confirm). We also weren’t being checked up on. My party and I were like “ok what the hell is going on?” We had to remind the servers multiple times about our dishes.

After the food, we promptly and respectfully confronted staff. Our server made the excuse that the computer he was using wasn’t taking our orders. But all while he was serving his OTHER assigned customers! And he was using THE SAME DAMN COMPUTER! Quite frankly, it was one of the stupidest excuses I’ve heard.

Off topic: The place REEKED. The bathroom stunk BAD and the stench reached all the way to our booth. I could also hear adjacent booths complaining.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 4

Service: 1

Been there multiple times but every time the female owner is up front as hostess, she makes you feel like they’re doing you a favor by consuming there. This last time I was there with my family she literally told us I will seat you in if you order quick because the kitchen is closing in such a rude manner. I am not speaking of the staff in general it is just her, she absolutely has no customer service and has no business being hostess regardless if she is the owner or not. As a local resident I wish them luck, but at this pace they will be losing customers. This is my last time trying to patronize this place.

The only bummer is an auto service fee they add to your bill. They want a tip on top??

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

This place is not worth the "decent" food is serves... Our server was rude. The restaurant policies regarding payment and tipping is ridiculous! They got mad when we pulled up an additional chair to make 5 at our table although there was plenty of room. NO split checks?? And they add 18% gratuity for parties over 4. And they are so rude about it. Won't go back! There are a lot of better places!

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 1

After of coming to LA Quinta, this spot was new to me. We had a blast though, loved the food, the bartender and the drinks. We'll definitely go back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Would not recommend at all. When they first opened we were loyal customers eating there weekly. (Not to mention dropping a lot of money there weekly) We referred friends of ours and they stopped in on a Wednesday without a reservation, restaurant was not full at all and were turned away by the manager who was extremely rude to them. I had reached out to the owner Gus who was out of town letting him know of the situation but he turned a deaf ear. Having said that we still decided to go back with the same couple and were treated very poorly as well with service that was unsatisfactory. The food was below par and no one including our waiter even checked back in on us. They actually had the bus boy drop off our check. Wow! An eye opener for sure and so much for our patronage of supporting a local establishment. There are many great restaurants in La Quinta where they don’t over charge for drinks, they aren’t rude or charge a crazy surcharge for using a credit card. Camden Cellars across the parking lot has amazing food and prices! Family owned and operated as well! Treat people with respect! They are also dog friendly as well! I highly recommend giving them a try! I have sent a lot of my clients there and they have raved about it! Definitely a must try!!

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

My reason for 3 Stars!I made a reservation for my husband‘s birthday, and when I made the reservation, I let them know we’d be celebrating his birthday. When we arrived, we were seated outside the kitchen, which we found unacceptable and they did change our table. When we checked in, the hostess knew it was my husband‘s birthday, our waiter knew it was my husband‘s birthday, and we never received a complimentary dessert. The table across from us was also celebrating a birthday and a dessert, with candle, et al, was served to them.I was very disappointed in the way birthdays are treated at this restaurant.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

A happy find...came in for dinner and was told the kitchen is closing early, but they seated us and it was great. Ahi tuna tower and ribs were great. Cool space, quiet enough to talk.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5