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Puerto Vallarta
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- 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:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
22 reviews for Puerto Vallarta
Review Highlights
"...what keeps me coming back every time is the fried ice cream."
(in 1 review)
"Great service as well."
(in 2 reviews)
"At Puerto Vallarta the salsa is homemade, incredibly fresh..."
(in 6 reviews)
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22 reviews in English
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Review from Richard R.
New Britain, CT
1/26/2012
Puerto Vallarta is probably the best Mexican food restaurant you can get in the state. It is very clean. From the moment you come in you feel a mexican atmosphere with the music overhead and authentic mexican employees serving you. Cordiality toward customers is #1 priority. The menu is extensive and great tasting all around. I highly recommend two dishes in particular. Fajitas Combo and/or Tacos al Pastor. If you prefer sea food platters they have that too. The prices are very reasonable and competitive. This is a true great eating experience.
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Review from Rob P.
Newington, CT
1/30/2012
i have to say i will think twice before stepping into this place. Thank god a new Mexican restaurant opened up nearby so i can actually enjoy Mexican food. my first reaction walking in here years ago was the decorations were very pleasant i felt like i was in a Mexican environment.... one problem i was probably the only customer there on a Thursday night... what? i quickly learned why... i was not impressed by the fajitas, or the guy screaming at the top of his lungs to warn me about the hot dish, I'm not stupid i can see the steam. anyways, i would not recommend this place to anyone with taste buds.
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Review from Bryan R.
1/23/2012
I have been this locations biggest supporter for years. I feel that this location really goes the distance to create an environment and menu that is both authentic and tex-mex delicious. I would say I have probably gotten take out and eaten at this location a dozen or some times. The issue that I have is the inconsistency. I can order what usually is a great dish but then when I get it to go it tastes like Mr. Clean when I get it to go and tastes like rainbows and candy canes (not literally) when I get it in the restaurant. On some occasions the waitstaff will ride in on a golden unicorn with a braided main, on other occasions they will come over with a sad donkey pooping all over the floor (not literally son, this is a metaphor). The drinks make the location a real hot spot, even at their busiest they usually have some seats for dining, the issue is more the parking than the space inside, happy hours, you usually can't get in because you won't be able to get parking.
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Review from Chris W.
8/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
If half stars were allowed I would give Puerto Vallarta a 3.5 star rating. Because it's my girlfriend's favorite Mexican food (besides my home-cooked, gringo version) I'll round up rather than down.
The restaurant was clean and the wait staff was relative quick. I ordered one of their big combos. I believe it included a taco, enchilada and a tamale. The meal was decent but didn't "wow" me. Their hot sauce was tasty but not what I'd call hot.
We ordered a few cocktails. The lady-friend got a Cosmorita (or something like that). She seemed to enjoy it. I got an Original Margarita on the rocks. It was a bit sweet for me, but that's just personal preference. We then split an Electric Jalapeno. This drink I felt was way to reliant on the Midori which, while creating that cool "electric green" color, made the drink taste like a trip to the dentist would be required after finishing it (in other words WAY too sweet).
The food was priced at about industry standard but I thought the drink prices were a bit high. All of the drinks we ordered were between $7-$9.
I finished the evening with Flan - one of my favorites. It was good, but again, nothing special... I know, I know.. there isn't much to it but I've had better.
In the end, I would go back there but I don't think I'll be joining the fan club with the lady and I'll be very careful with my drink orders... maybe a Corona??? -
Review from Sarah P.
New Britain, CT
7/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Absolutely love this place... went THREE times last week. The Arroz con Pollo is to die for and the Seafood Chimichanga is amazing!!! Great service as well!
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Review from J L.
Middletown, CT
6/4/2010
hard to find authentic mexican in an area with very little mexican immigrants, however this place doesnt even scratch the surface.
Everyone is too drunk to realize the crap they serve up, not to mention the price gouging... $70 is ridiculous for mexican for 2 adults & 2 kids with no alcohol.
Bland & Grease does not equal Delicious.... -
Review from Erika S.
10/4/2008 1 Check-in Here
This place is never consistent!
When we go,it's pretty simple. Fajitas for two, beef and chicken combo. We get an order of the fresh guacamole to snack on with the chips and salsa while the dinner is being prepared. The guacamole is excellent. Not too chunky, just the right amount of heat. It's good.
Dinner comes out, the side dish includes rice, re-fried beans (which sometimes come swimming in cheese but sometimes do not), pico di gallo, sour cream & more guac. If the beans aren't swimming in cheese, they are usually pretty good, if they are, I'll pass. The rice just ends up sitting there, it's not for me.
"Moi Moi Moi Calente!!!" The waiter shouts every time as he brings out the sizzling platter onions, peppers, steak and chicken. Sometimes,,this plate is overflowing with chicken and beef and just the right amount of peppers and onions and other times we've been served a huge pike of green peppers and onions and have to search for the meat! So with fajitas for two, there are times when I feel that we've totally been screwed by paying for the combo meat but truly ate veggie fajitas all night long. -
Review from L. R.
Colchester, CT
7/10/2007
Big place with lovely and traditional decor with lots of tilework that's seeing a nice addition of an outside patio (as of July, 2007).
Excellent, attentive, and FAST service with staff who know the menu and recommend items well (my son wanted two huge things and the waiter told him one was more than enough and was absolutely correct).
Food is hot, incredibly plentiful, but average in terms of flavor - I expect a punch with traditional Mexican food, and this was a bit bland. We all had various combination plates, which are served with a coleslaw-like cold salad and rice or beans. I wouldn't hesitate to try it again, but this time I'd try some of the more adventurous items and ask to find the items with more spice. -
Review from Evan G.
New York, NY
2/10/2009
I have been to Puerto Vallarta only for lunch, but never for dinner. I would say I have been there half a dozen time for lunches though, and never had an issue.
The lunch size portion I would hope are smaller than dinner. Typically they are, and this is a perfect size for lunch. If I was given it for dinner though I would be disappointed.
The prices weren't too crazy. I believe almost everything on the lunch menu was under 10 bucks, and we were almost out of there within 30-40 minutes. The price and time are both key factors I look at when going to a place for lunch during the work day.
I would say its definitely worth checking out. -
Review from Toy L.
I don't know how we even ended up at Puerto Vallarta. I could have sworn we were suppose to go to Chilli's. But it was Friday afternoon, and we took the day off, so you know how that goes. The service was very slow to start and the place was practically empty at 4:00pm on Friday. Can a girl get a water refill, dang?! The chicken nachos were the business. Ask for extra salsa and guacamole before dude runs away, because you won't see him again for a spell. I ordered the 2 taco entree that comes with rice and beans. These were also very good. The chicken was very moist, but needed a little something. I took care of that when I brought the leftovers home and added some sazon and adobo. Didn't bother looking for dude for extra salsa because I was too hungry and didn't feel like waiting. The food was decent, but not enough to make me want to come back anytime soon.
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Review from Sara B.
7/26/2010 1 Check-in Here
I'm surprised the reviews of this place are so critical. I'm a bit of a mexican food snob and don't really care for "chain mexican" (a la Margaritas, On the Border, Chevys and the like) but this seems like more authentic mexican than any other in the area. I've been to two locations (Southington and Newington) and neither have disappointed. Everything I've ever had here has been great - big fan of the deluxe burrito and being a creature of habit, that's often what I get. The fajita plates are huge (though I admit, mostly peppers and onions) and delicious - but how can you go wrong with chicken, peppers and onions? I actually have not tried their margaritas (this will be shocking to anyone who knows me!) or guacamole - that will have to be on my next visit!
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Review from Henry V.
Southington, CT
2/21/2011
Love this place.Great service and food.
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Review from Bharat P.
Jamesville, NY
5/22/2011
ok ok , it there a way to givem 6 or 7 stars ..... Im vegetarian , and theyre da BOMB ! best refried beans and rice on the planet ! YUMMY CHIPS AND SALSA , ask em for their spicy salsa ( green) .... I cant wait anymore , im going back .
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Review from Ben N.
Newington, CT
12/1/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Happy Hour is good here. Would say that 'On the Border' in Rocky Hill is better. Prices are a bit high. If you are looking for OK mexican food than this is the place to go.
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Review from Heather F.
Cromwell, CT
1/5/2011
This place has by far the best Mexican food in CT. I've been to Mexico many times and you would be hard pressed to find much better cuisine there! How do you judge a Mexican restaurant? No. 1 way is by sampling their salsa! At Puerto Vallarta the salsa is homemade, incredibly fresh and delicious. I've never had a bad meal (or margarita ;) here so I would encourage people to try everything. Last night we had the seafood enchilada and the red snapper special with octopus, both were amazing. They have their own version of cole slaw that is just delicious. My boyfriend actually said "I think this is the best meal of my life!". I said when we get home I have to remember to put a review on Yelp, because I've always loved this place.
My only advice? Steer clear on Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) because the line goes down the street. -
Review from Peter O.
Groton, CT
12/21/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I had the pork carnitas and they are incredible, well worth the 1 hour drive I have to make to get there. This was my second visit, and the service was spectacular, just like the first time.
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Review from Thomas L.
Cromwell, CT
5/6/2011
Good food and super nice staff. Not bad on the wallet either.
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Review from Michele T.
Hartford, CT
10/11/2007
I really don't care for Puerto Vallarta. I frequently leave almost upset. Everything is covered in cheese that is so processed. The chicken is soggy at best. I find a lack of heat in the food as well. I would have given the place one star but my boyfriend enjoys Puerto Vallarta. It must have some redeeming quality that I tend to ignore like the forward waitstaff that tries to pick me up.
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Review from Ryan B.
2/10/2009
Great memories at this place. Look, it isn't the BEST Mexican you'll ever have but the service is great, the atmosphere is fun, and well....get the Mexican Mind Blower and you will have a good time no matter what. I always have a good time here.
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Review from Eva S.
Tampa, FL
I have been to this location and the one in southington so many times its embarrassing to say. The margaritas are just ok, the food is pretty good but not the best, chips and salsa are again ok...but what keeps me coming back every time is the fried ice cream! I am totally obsessed with this dessert that I plan my whole meal around it to make sure I do not get too full before dessert time. The other great thing about this place is cinco de mayo, such a fun atmosphere. As this restaurant keeps increasing in popularity parking and noise are becoming major problems. The last time I was here about 2 weeks ago with my mom we couldn't even have a conversation without leaning across the table while yelling at the same time to be able to hear each other. The service is always super fast despite the huge crowds that come here which is much appreciated. So if you are considering this place for dinner, don't come if you want a quite place to eat but definitely come if you want a fantastic dessert.
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Review from Orochimaru M.
Hartford, CT
8/15/2009
The food is great here, everything is fresh, the service is great, and the staff are friendly. I love their seafood dishes and their Margaritas.
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Review from Trisha R.
Hartford, CT
8/31/2009
I usually dine at the site in Southington (assuming they are owned by the same group) This is definitely one of the coolest Mexican places in the area. Every table gets fresh made tortilla chips with fresh salsa (you can also ask for the extra salsas, no charge: spicy habanero chunky, and a salsa verde) Everything is fresh, prices are relatively cheap considering the amount of food you get (i never leave there NOT stuffed with lunch for the next day) and service is FAST. The enchiladas and chimichangas are my fav's. It's probably not very authentic, but it made this american girl happy =)
