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Alfonso's of La Jolla
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
1251 Prospect St(between Ivanhoe Ave & Roslyn Ln)
La Jolla, CA 92037
Neighborhood: La Jolla
(858) 454-2232
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
101 reviews for Alfonso's of La Jolla
Review Highlights
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"My honey is a huge fan of their killer carne asada." In 18 reviews -
"Some of the best chips and salsa I've ever had." In 16 reviews -
"The margaritas are amazing- but watch out." In 18 reviews
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101 reviews in English
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Review from Ice I.
Burlingame, CA
4/30/2012
This is one of my favorite restaurants in the world. Yes, I said world. If you like shrimp soup have I got the place for you. This will sound crazy but when I get to San Diego I go straight from the airport to Alfonso's before I even check into my hotel room because from the time I get on my plane I am thinking of their shrimp soup. It is very simply the best soup that my soup coolers (those would be lips) have ever tasted. It is really spicy, has lots of shrimp and is unbelievably filling.
Don't get me wrong, the taco plates are excellent, the chips and salsa are amazing and the margaritas are to die for but if you can stand spicy food have a bowl, not a cup, of shrimp soup. When you get there say hello to Miguel. Miguel has been there for ages and it is not surprising that everyone gives him a hug. Before last weekend I had not seen him in a year. He walked up gave us big hugs and said where have you been? He said to one of the other servers: "these are the folks that come here straight from the airport for our shrimp soup. Need I say more? -
Review from Amy C.
Tustin, CA
1/15/2012
Came here for a Sunday lunch. Place wasn't busy, we sat in the patio. Place was slow and the service wasn't any faster. I ordered beef enchilada and beef taco with all rice...but it came out with beans. The beef was a little salty for my taste. The same beef was used in the tacks and enchilada. My mom had shrimp and Carne asada...asada was dry...and not good as before.
We were never offered 2nd round of chips and almost poured our own water. Wouldn't care to come back here. -
Review from Chris M.
Lancaster, PA
5/3/2012
Wow, is this place good, and crazy cheap! I had the best brown mole outside of Mexico right here. Outdoor dining and great people-watching too. And the margaritas in about a million flavors are amazing...try a few flavors but come hungry because the portions are huge.
-
Review from Kristen W.
Castle Rock, CO
2/3/2012
Admittedly, I am nostalgic about Alfonsos's. I have been coming here since I was a teen and that was a very long time ago! The chips and salsa have a distinctly Alfonso's flavor and I love it! The chips are thick corn and they are always a bit greasy... still love them. The margaritas are wonderful and they are a must to wash the chips down. :-) The rest of the cuisine is okay but frankly it is not as good as most of the authentic taco stands in the area. Go for the location on Prospect, have a marg and an entire basket of chips! Heavenly!
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Review from Rita A.
12/20/2011
I loveloveLOVE mexican food and Alfonso's is by far my favorite Mexican restaurant in San Diego. Service is 99% of the time EXCELLENT as is the food. Quality and quantity are both excellent and they do not use lard or any gross stuff like that. Oh and their margaritas are AWESOME! I have been to couple of mexican restaurants around La Jolla like Cozymel's and Jose's their food is gross, its not authentic at all, tastes like one of those nasty mexican fast food joints. If you like Authentic Mexican food by all means go to Alfonsos as you wont be disappointed.
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Review from Jim B.
San Diego, CA
2/2/2012
I was dragged here over the weekend by friends who love this place, and really - it's very average food. Years ago, I used to go here quite a lot when I was more of a drinker, and I think it was the margaritas that were the main attraction for my friends. The chips were standard for any Mexican restaurant around here - I'd bet they came from El Indio. The salsa was too mild for my taste, and the mole burrito and fish taco I ordered were uninspired. The best part of my meal was the Negra Modelo, which they had on tap. As nice as the patio is to drink and hang out, the food here won't hasten my return.
-
Review from Ryan F.
San Diego, CA
2/26/2012
This place has been steadily declining with the economy. They used to serve delicious food and were always busy. Last night was pretty sad. We were the only people in the entire restaurant at 7:00PM on a Saturday.
The fish tacos were disgusting. They were horribly fishy, tasted microwaved, and made me sick. I am nauseous and throwing up today from the food. It literally tasted like they found a dead fish on the beach, cooked it, froze it for a week, microwaved it, and stuck it in a taco.
I know the kind of food Alfonso's used to serve, and they are just a shadow of themselves now.
Either start using proper ingredients again or do your self a favor and close your doors, because it's an embarrassment now.
Only reason for 2 stars, is because the nachos were good. Really though how hard is it to make good nachos? Just dump a bunch of fattening stuff on chips, could have got the same or better from a corner Mexican restaurant. -
Review from Eric C.
Palo Alto, CA
10/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Neighborhood sit-down Mexican restaurant.
Nothing too special about this place, but a good place to unwind and take it easy. The food was good. -
Review from Michelle B.
San Diego, CA
7/25/2011
We sat outside on a beautiful Sunday afternoon with good margarita's and so-so Mexican food.
The chips, salsa and guacamole were excellent. The chips were freshly made, the salsa did not burn my mouth, and I could have eaten the chunky guacamole with a spoon it was so good.
Gary had the Chicken Burrito. The burrito was only shredded chicken and smothered in cheese.
The Fish Tacos were good but there was too much dressing and the fish was fried.
Next I am going to stick with margaritas, chips, salsa, guacamole, and definitely the patio on a sunny afternoon. -
Review from David W.
7/31/2011
The Mexican food is so-so but the location is pretty prime. You're eating right on the strip in downtown La Jolla.
I got the shrimp burrito and it was pretty good. Not sure if the carne is as "good" as the one at Robertos, so that's my next adventure. -
Review from Richard C.
Murfreesboro, TN
1/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
The chips and salsa are great. The carne asada Alfonso is the best on earth. The patio is a great place to relax with a margarita. I will come back again and again.
-
Review from Steven M.
5/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm surprised I have not reviewed this place before since this was "not" my first time here. Before I tell you that I'm never going back, here's the low down.
After an estimated wait of 1 hour plus at Georges across the street, where I really wanted to have lunch I decided to walk over and have some Alfonso's.
No wait so the gentleman at the front seated us outside right away. The table was a folding plastic table, the kind you buy at Costco and pull out when you have a bunch of Jewish ladies over to play mahjong. The chairs, Home Depot $5.00 white plastic shit special. I felt like a retarded little kid sitting at a make shift Thanksgiving day dinner table. You know, the table for the kids everyone sets up because your not worthy to sit at the "grown up table".
Chips come quick along with water and no ice which is awesome right? I love warm water with my chips and spicy salsa don't you?
The waitress took forever and a day to come over. She just kept bouncing around from table to table - everyone's table but ours. Finally, about the time one of my table companions was ready to get up and go Rambo on her, she came over.
Another basket of chips later while dreaming of dining at Georges still filled my hungry mind some food showed up that I guess resembled Mexican food and was supposed to be what I ordered. Nothing worse than getting a burrito at a sit down service restaurant in La Jolla that tastes worse than something you get at a taco shop on El Cajon Blvd. (this is for you Melissa) not that I frequent El Cajon Blvd.? (i.e. Gilly's?) LOL
Over an hour later after consuming one disgusting burrito and two baskets of chips, I was released from this hell hole for good behavior. Going back? I told you I would tell you....."never". -
Review from Dennis D.
La Mesa, CA
9/4/2011
We've been customers at Alfonso's since the late 70's, primarily for their carne asada tacos. However, both my wife and I have noticed a difference the last two times we've eaten there: although it tastes similar, it appears the meat is no longer charbroiled, which takes a lot away, as well as leaving the tacos much "wetter" than they should be.
Although the waiter we had the first time we experienced this swore up and down that the preparation has not changed, we think it has.
Anyone else noticed this? -
Review from Talar P.
San Diego, CA
6/28/2011
We stopped by for Friday night dinner around 9 - the patio out front was completely empty, but the indoor seating was pretty packed.
Food was great - ambiance was asi asi.
I ordered the Carne Asada & Camarones combo, BF ordered the Carne Asada Burrito, and we split Queso Fundido appetizer ("melted cheese with mexican sausage" ... can't go wrong there!). We were very pleased with our app & meals....the carne asada was fab. Chips/Salsa-also fantastic.
Overall...yummy, casual (atmosphere, not prices) place to grab a bite in La Jolla. -
Review from Andy S.
Poway, CA
12/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Good food ! Fast service and right in the coastal walking area of La Jolla. We like to come here with friends... Sit outside and watch the people go by or sit inside and enjoy the decor.... either way we recommend this place!
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Review from D J.
Chula Vista, CA
12/4/2011
Best fish tacos EVER! Reasonably priced, great atmosphere and good food. We are definitely going to come back again.. excellent place to grab a cold beer on a sunny day.
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Review from Jim L.
3/4/2011
We usually go here with friends and while it is good food, it is not the best Mexican food I've ever had nor would it be my first choice. With that being said the food and service are both good.
Everything I've tried here has been tasty but what's the saying? Everything goes good with margaritas. Ok, I don't know if that is a saying but it should be. The margaritas are huge!!
The food itself is what you'd expect. Many different different items on the menu including several combo plates.
WE have brought the kids here several times and it has always been "kid" friendly. There is outdoor dining as well if that is something that you're looking for.
Again, I've had better Mexican food but this is pretty good and this will remain on our tour stop. -
Review from Kim L.
San Diego, CA
3/5/2012
Recently moved to the La Jolla area and am checking out the restaurants nearby. Was walking down Prospect and my boyfriend was in the mood for a cold beer so we walked in to the bar. The bartender was pleasant and offered complimentary chips for us while we had our drinks. We shared the tiajuana tacos...small but flavorfull! Not the cleanest place but what mexican food place is lol!
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Review from R C.
Rancho Santa Fe, CA
9/15/2011
I've tried Alfonso's a few times, some of the times were a bit better than others. I'll start with the positives or positive I should say, the location is pretty awesome on prospect, and it's nice to sit out on the patio area for lunch or dinner. The negatives are that the food is average at best, margarita's are inconsistent - sometimes too sweet, sometimes watered down, and rarely just right, finally the service is just passable. I will end this by saying I am hardly a snob when it comes to any of these things, I just believe if you go out for a dining experience you should be waited on with courtesy, and served food and drinks that you could not easily make better in your own kitchen.
Overall, would not recommend this to other dinners looking for a good Mexican dining experience. -
Review from Aimly S.
La Jolla, CA
5/17/2011
Decided to go to downtown La Jolla with my girlfriends on a weekday. We mainly went for the Gelateria, but we thought, what the heck, let's throw in dinner too.
We took about half an hour wandering around downtown La Jolla checking out the menus of all the surrounding restaurants. Nope....too expensive....too expensive...can you blame us? We're college students. We're automatically poor or freeloading off our parents. Finally, we stumbled upon Alfonso's. AND as a plus, it was across from Giorges at the Cove, a fancy schmancy valet parking restaurant with an ocean view. Naturally we decided to sit on the patio in order to take advantage of this view of a restaurant with an ocean view.
I ordered the Shrimp burrito because I'm one of those spice crazies that automatically goes for anything with a warning of "hot" or "extra spicy" on it. My friends ordered Fajitas and some soup. The wait time for the food was about 15 minutes, but no fear, there were chips and salsa to take the edge off our hunger. One of my friends commented on the fact that these chips were probably homemade; I agree, they definitely didn't taste like cleverly disguised Tostitos, that's for sure.
I guess because I ordered a burrito, everyone else got huge, whopping portions and I got a plate that simply had the burrito. And a small paper cup of salsa. Meh, loses brownie points for presentation...but made up for it in taste. A FAR CRY from nasty UCSD dining hall food. It was hot, gooey shrimp goodness with a hint of spice (although those who can't tolerate much spiciness may disagree).
Wait staff was friendly; nothing too extraordinary. I liked that there was patio seating because downtown La Jolla is such a prime location, being near the beach and all, that dining outside made the experience extra nice. Plus, you know, the whole being across from a restaurant with an ocean view thing. -
Review from Allen H.
San Diego, CA
12/30/2010
I have gone to Alfonso's for years, I had my bachelor party here about 13 years ago and we all had a blast!
Unfortunately, several years ago, my wife (who is not from here, I am a native if that matters -in other words, I have eaten Mexican for a long time!) and I were dining and she spotted a cockaroach on the wall (free drinks the waitress said!), a few minutes later a cockaroach (likely the same one) danced across our table, my wife freaked, the waitress said, "free everything"!
Now, since I had a drink already and was starving, I just kept on eating! I have always enjoyed Alfonso's, but my wife refuses to go back. She believes me when I say, "...but honey, all dining places have cockaroaches, you just don't want to know about them", she replied,
"oh see them!).
I miss Alfonsos...... -
Review from Timothy H.
Santee, CA
10/17/2010
Worst service ever.
We sat there for over 30 minutes after being seated before we were even asked if we wanted a drink. I had to go get my own chips and salsa.
The bartender and waiter both walked by me several times and looked right at us without asking if we needed anything. I tried to get their attention as they walked right by looking right at us.
Finally after telling the waiter once and walking to the bar twice we got our drink order.
$42.00 for 2 margaritas and 2 shots of Cuervo Gold.
We were there in the middle of the day and seated inside about 15 feet from the bar. It was slow and there were only 2 other tables with people eating outside. They were not busy at all.
The waiter finally took our food order and another 40 minutes had gone by. We couldn't find the bartender or the waiter and hadn't seen them in about 20 minutes. They kept disappearing. I looked everywhere
I wrote in big letters on the $42 bill "F U", did not pay and went across the street to George's and had a wonderful lunch.
THANKS FOR THE FREE DRINKS.....YOUR RESTAURANT SUCKS. -
Review from Jessica A.
San Diego, CA
2/14/2011
Writing a review after my first time there because it was that good! I'm usually a stickler with Mexican Food too, because I like the cheap good stuff. It's a little more pricey for a college student who is used to paying less than $5 for family style Mexican food, but I spent less than $20 with tip, so still no complaints!
I got the chicken tacos combo (beans and rice are always a must) and it was more than enough food for a late lunch. Chips and salsa pretty much made the visit! Yummy, crispy chips with house salsa that was muy delicioso!
I'm new to the La Jolla area, but it's close enough to walk and visit shops or go down to the La Jolla Cove and see the sea lions! Very pleasant experience and I would definitely go again :) -
Review from Brandon D.
Santa Clara, CA
2/15/2011
Some of the best chips and salsa I've ever had!
I usually go for the grilled fish or fried fish tacos and I wash it down with a nice cold pacifico!
The service is great. Very friendly and helpful.
Good place to take a date..maybe not your first date but for sure your second. ; ] -
Review from Ryan W.
1/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
I've got some personal history with Alfonso's. I won't bore you with the details, but let's just say my first meal at Alfonso's was the night BEFORE I was born. So, I've literally been going for my entire life growing up in La Jolla. During a recent trip back to LJ, we wanted Mexican and I suggeted our old spot. (My mom agreed to come along, even though management had banned her for life for one of her margarita-fueled nights with friends when I was in high school.) I gotta tell you, if the food quality was the same 20 years ago, it might not have been the alcohol that caused my mom to worship the porcelain god that fateful night. This was sub-par Mexican food at best. The basket of chips were greasy and tasted old. The salsa also looked old, so I didn't dare taste it. My spicy shrimp burrito was just ok. Even the extra flour tortillas we ordered to go with our kids' meals weren't that great. The divey atmosphere is great when the food is good, but when the food is blah the kitschy decor loses its charm. I guess Alfosno's is still in business for the tourists due to its prime spot on Prospect. For me, I've had better Mexican food in Virginia.
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Review from Candice P.
Newport Beach, CA
1/11/2011
Not crazy about the food, but the older gentleman there was so nice I would go back and try it again. We asked for hotter salsa and he went back and seemed excited for what he was going to make up. It was good and really cute how he seemed to care.
I got the 1 item combo with a beef taco. It was pretty salty and kind of fell apart while I ate it. The BF got the shrimp burrito which was really only shrimp and veggies and a lot of liquid in a tortilla. He didn't really like his.
We will go back because the staff seemed so nice and try some different items and repost. -
Review from Tina C.
2/9/2009
Hmm! Ate here a couple of nights ago and the grease actually pooled into the middle of my chip. I use to love coming here but I swear my hair felt greasy after I left. Sort of like it fell flat an inch or so. EEK!. Now my margarita was Muah! Couldn't tell if it was extra good because anymore I barely drink. Nonetheless I just put the food aside and ate...I meant drank my margarita. I love the location! There is something about the surrounding location I enjoyed. Sort of nostalgic.
I say check it out. Seems reviews are mixed. You can't beat the location. -
Review from David G.
6/2/2009
Several friends of mine were visiting from out of town, and they were all first-timers to San Diego. Last night I met up with them after work, and they had two requests:
1) See the La Jolla Cove
2) Have a tasty Mexican meal
Alfonso's was the first thing that came to mind, because I thought it would let me kill both of those birds with one proverbial stone.
And it definitely succeeded.
We dropped by well after dinner hour, and it was mostly quiet. The four of us were seated in the cozy back room, and we began by sharing a pitcher of the Cadillac margarita. The pour was strong and delicious. We also snacked on the complementary chips, which were warm and crispy. The salsa was fresh as well.
My dinner was a pescado burrito. It was plain, but everything about it was fresh and tasty. The others at the table ordered more "adventurous" items, like a fish taco combo plate and a quesadilla covered with shrimp. I should've taken their lead and attempted to branch out from my default "go-to" dish.
But my table-mates were pleased with dinner -- and that's the important thing when trying to impress out-of-town guests!
And the best part? There were lots of seals out and about at the Cove last night, too.Listed in: The big LJ
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Review from Kerstin B.
Phoenix, AZ
6/8/2009
This is no place to write home about unless... You eat the Ceviche and the Sangria! I give them 5 stars if I could I would give them 20 stars for these 2 items.
The Chips are greasy and thick every time I go there the chips are gross. But that isn't why I go I go for the incredible cheviche and Sangria. I could drink a pitcher by myself & I always get the large Ceviche yummy! -
Review from Caroline B.
San Diego, CA
5/27/2007
I used to go to Alphonso's with my boyfriend years ago. We used to love it. A few months ago, some of us were cruising through La Jolla and I convinced us all to go in.
I'm sorry: Though the location is nice (Prospect Ave.) and the atmosphere charming, there was nothing special about the food. It was particularly annoying to be nickle & dimed (my brother loves his diet coke refills....it was as though he was asking for refills on a glass of wine). -
Review from Christine C.
San Diego, CA
12/5/2006
I truly enjoy Alfonso's because Mexican food is my favorite food, and La Jolla is one of my favorite places. A lot of upscale neighborhoods, like La Jolla, feature tons of fine Italian restaurants so I savor the opportunity to dine at a casual restaurant like Alfonso's in a luxurious location.
Alfonso's has a great selection of Mexican dinners and it is all very affordable. The location isn't as awesome as George's and the interior is less impressive, but it is a great place to go to for a Mexican meal in La Jolla. It is a casual eatery in a snooty zip code yet it lacks the seediness of Jose's.
Oh yeah, they have great margaritas. So needless to say, I will be going back to Alfonso's. -
Review from Lo F.
San Diego, CA
8/24/2008
Mehhhhhh. The only reason I come here every couple of months is because my sister is addicted to their mediocre nachos and the only reason this place stays in business is because of the tourists. I literally watched an old man climb out of his SUV with Arizona plates and gleefully declare, "Look! A real Mexican!" - as he headed toward the hostess. Ugh. Tourists = grr. That's a different review though.
On to the food. Everything is uber-greasy, chips included, and sub-par. After I tried to like this place several times, I finally resigned myself to sharing my sister's nachos, which include nothing more than a small plate of chips, way too much melted cheese, half a teaspoon of salsa and a scoop of not-good guacamole.
If you're in La Jolla and in the mood for Mexican food - well, you should probably hop on the 5 south because there's not much to see or eat in LJ as far as Mexican is concerned. -
Review from Julia C.
6/21/2009
Ok... their "chunky guacomole" is actually packaged COSTCO quacamole... very disappointed!
Service was pretty good though. -
Review from Stephanie D.
San Diego, CA
10/31/2007
Came here on a date the other night and really enjoyed it. We sat on the patio which was thoroughly heated and I thought the atmosphere was casual and comfortable.
We ordered a couple of beers to start out and the queso fundido appetizer. It was basically a hot cheesy dip with what is described on the menu as Mexican sausage. We decided the sausage was actually spiced up ground beef, but either way it was really good.
After the heavy cheese we decided to share an entree so we split the carne asada and shrimp which turned out to be delicious. The shrimp was the best part, but the carne asada (thick though, more like steak) was also really tasty.
My only gripe is that the shrimp was cooked in a way that shells were peeled, but the shells were still attached. It made the shrimp slightly difficult to eat and was a little annoying, but it wasn't a huge deal.
Overall I really liked this place. The service was great, food was very good and while it isn't my new favorite Mexican place, it's a good date spot and good place to eat when you're on/near Prospect and are looking for something pretty casual. -
Review from Hey El El E.
San Diego, CA
5/16/2010
Lesson #1: Plan ahead. Don't be spontaneous and try to eat in La Jolla on a Saturday night and expect to get parking without a wait at the restaurant.
Lesson #2: Expecting there will be decent Mexican food in a touristy area of San Diego is a really bad thing.
I've had better Mexican food at Chili Peppers. And that's in suburbia. -
Review from Jillian B.
Pomona, CA
10/20/2009
Alfonso's is ehhh... I've had wayyy better Mexican food. In fact, I'd rather eat at a hole in the wall, pay half the price, and leave uncomfortably full. I ate here because I met up with a good friend from school who lived out of state. I ordered their shrimp burrito and I think the menu description overhyped the burrito because besides the spiciness, it lacked that oomph I was expecting to have. The rice and beans were standard. Our chips were nasty. They were soggy and not crispy. My friend seemed to enjoy her food so maybe I didn't order the right thing. I will give props for the pitcher of margarita though. You can never go wrong with a margarita on the rocks.
This place is very pricey for Mexican food, but I guess you're really paying for the ambiance given the area it's in. Plus, it was great to see my good friend again so I guess I can thank Alfonso's for that. =) Overall 2.5 stars. I wasn't too impressed. -
Review from hilary c.
9/7/2010
I love Alfonso's and always make it a point to stop in every time we visit La Jolla. We stopped in around noon on Labor Day and had another amazing meal. I LOVE love LOVE their salsa! Its so freaking amazing! We started with the spicy shrimp soup which is something I dream about regularly. Its so spicy and just delicious!
I had the grilled shrimp lunch special and it was incredible as well. Another thing they do really well are their tortillas! Dipped in shrimp soup, filled with your favorite toppings or just plain-they rock. My honey is a huge fan of their killer carne asada. They use the best meat ever! Its so tender! Today he got the carne asada quesadilla, which is gigantic and is also filled with the best cheese ever! So tasty.
I love La Jolla and a day spent there isnt complete without a meal at Alfonso's! -
Review from John L.
Los Angeles, CA
1/26/2009
It is sad that we were in San Diego and had to taste probably one of the worst Mexican food ever. Well i know it's La Jolla and probably touristy but this is just plain bad.
The mole was one dimensional and umm this might be our own mistake for ordering the lobster, but awful, tough, raw, fishy lobster, so bad i couldn't stop laughing. And on top of it all, we do not order extra rice+beans but the food that was not supposed to come with it, comes with it and we're charged for it. Given that it was a low charge but it's just not ethical.
I will not ever go back, EVER! -
Review from Jacquelyn Q.
San Diego, CA
5/11/2009
Again, I teeter -- how many stars do I give?!
3 stars for the food
2 stars for the service
4 stars for the location
3 stars for the prices (considering the location)
This time, I'll lean towards the "glass half empty" prospective, because, well, MY GLASS WAS EMPTY most of the time we were there.
This was the lunch portion of my "Day-Before-Mother's-Day-Mother's-Day-Outing" with my sweet mum for a day in La Jolla.
It started off well with a friendly hostess and a nice table on the covered patio. We were enjoying the chips (not warm, but tasty) and salsa (spicy, but good) when we realized that there was only one waitress for the two sections of the outdoor seating (about fifteen tables) and she was slammed.
We were patient and ordered simply, but she still seemed exasperated, overwhelmed and generally irritated each time we requested ice, more tea or even an extra napkin.
My mom's order came out wrong (with beans instead of rice, which should not have been too difficult to fix) and the poor waitress looked as if she was about to just walk away and quit her damn job. She brought a side order of rice and basically ignored us for the rest of our meal.
My carne asada and garlic shrimp were pretty good, but nothing to write home about when you had had GOOD authentic carne y camarones, you know what I mean?
All in all, the food was decent and the atmosphere was cool, but having a pissy, overworked waitress kind of ruined the experience for me.
Luckily there were several attentive guys bussing the tables (and refilling our drinks when they noticed that we couldn't get the waitress to look our way) and of course, I had the good company of my mom, which makes everything better in the end, empty water glass or not. -
Review from Maria B.
8/20/2008
The food wasn't that great. I ordered the La Jolla Chicken Burrito and was hoping to taste a good range of flavors, but it was pretty bland. The other dinner guests also agreed that the food wasn't that spectacular either.
Also, the service wasn't very helpful. We had to continue asking for water or other things that we needed; she seldom checked in on us and when we decided to go, we waited a few minutes before finally deciding to call someone to pick up the check.
