Not worth a second visit. Food was okay. Unfortunately, some restaurants are using the current situation as an excuse to deliver sub par service. read more

Nice little Tex-Mex kind of spot in Staunton, Virginia. The whole family enjoyed their food but the one miss was the Black, White and Bleu Nachos. It consisted of white corn chips topped with black beans & bleu cheese, lettuce, red-pepper-corn salsa, sour cream, & guacamole. Even with all that, they were dry and just kind of thrown together (and not in a good way). Would not recommend these at all. For my meal though, I had the Burrito del Mar which was a burrito of shrimp grilled with honey diablo, salsa & rice. I had them add cheese as well and sour cream on the side and it was quite delicious. The shrimp were tasty and had just the right amount of sweetness and spice to it. I would definitely recommend this dish and would probably order it again if I were to come across a Baja Bean Co again (apparently it is a chain). Service was nice and attentive, prices were pretty reasonable, and definitely a great spot if you happen to be in Staunton. read more

This place was great. It had a cool hipster feel to it and the food was extremely tasty. Expand to the DC area please... read more

This small hidden restaurant in the downtown on the Appalachian mountains is THE champ, at least for me and my friends. It is a Mexican restaurant, but it serves the foot long hot dogs, too. I used to attend the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind when I was younger and I frequented this restaurant almost daily. I had to walk from the school/dorm to the downtown, especially in the snow, just for this restaurant and it was worth it. I loved their big grilled chicken sandwich (it was stuffed with corn, tomato, cheese, lettuce, black beans, and god knows what else), their curly fries, and their mellow atmosphere. It was a perfect place and it was the students' "secret" spot to smoke the cigarettes and all. LOL. I went there again as an adult and the food was still amazing. So was the dessert - fried ice cream. yum yum. I refuse to dine anywhere else but this restaurant in Staunton, because it brings me so many memories, the place is seriously comfortable, and the prices were so cheap that the students could afford with their lunch money. Seriously. read more

This was my first shot at Mexican food in the Shenandoah Valley. There were multiple good reviews on Yelp, so I decided to give it a shot. Pretty simple interior, although this is common with Mexican joints. I ordered "The Whole Enchilada" - served over a bed of rice. The Enchilada's were just "okay"...stuffed with shredded chicken and corn. For the $10 price tag, it was a lot of food and a good value....but the taste was just mediocre. Upon being seated, I was given a bowl of chips and fresh salsa. Although the salsa was homemade, it was not to my personal liking. Way too much "juice" - but it tasted fine nevertheless. One very odd thing that I noticed is that they do not have a bottle of hot sauce sitting on the tables. In fact, this is the only Mexican restaurant I have visited that does not offer this. I asked for some to be brought with my meal...and it was homemade as well (at least it appeared to be). It was a little too hot for my personal taste, but that is the only real complaint. I believe that they should offer a "store-bought" hot sauce option sitting on the table... Decent place, but nothing to get too excited about. Service was excellent, but the overall food quality hurts the score. read more

I'd like to give them a higher rating, but there were only two dishes on the "evening menu" suitable for someone who doesn't eat red meat. One less if you were a vegetarian. On a Saturday evening, it appears BB Co. morphs into a college-esque hang-out, complete with young ladies feverishly texting either each other or reporting to their friends they've snagged a booth by the windows. *As an aside, if you're going to go out with someone, converse with them, not everyone else via your cell-phone. Otherwise, why go out?* The music was a bit loud for dining, but, that's my fault, for coming in after 9 p.m., it seems. In many ways, I felt like I was in Harrisonburg, VA--more bohemian, yet quaint and not too pomegranate green-tea trendy. The bouncer outside was ready to confirm food was still being served, despite no plates visible on tables at the windows. Staff inside didn't exactly approach and welcome the two deer-in-the-headlights customers who walked in, looked around, looked around again, discussed with each other if the music was too loud for dining, then approached the staff (huddled? hunkered?) behind the bar. Service/attention improved when they recognized that food/beverage orders were forthcoming. Reviewers more expert recognize the cooking style as Cali-Mex, which I don't remember from San Diego, but it was fresh, filling and ample. Even the guacamole, to my surprise. Prices were fair, considering the probable low overhead and Staunton does not impress me as a money-grubbing metropolitan culture. Kudos for the beers on tap posted to a chalkboard on the wall, including prices and alcohol content, along with brief descriptions at times. I'd not have expected to find Delirium Tremens there; I was drawn other uncommon offerings instead. Oh, one last comment: The door is not on the West Beverley Street. It's around the north corner. read more

Stopped in here while wandering around downtown Staunton. Food was decent but wasn't that noteworthy. Service was good. Great value for how much food you get. read more

We had a great meal. I ordered the Queso smothered chicken burrito. Tasty! My wife had the Peach/Pork salad. Very good! I'd like to Come back again when I have more time and a bigger appetite. read more

The waiter was great & the ambiance is pretty cool. The salsa looks good/different than typical salsa, but has little flavor. I had the fish tacos with grilled tuna, which would have benefitted greatly from some spicy salsa. My friend had a burrito which was large, but was not particularly unique. read more

Baja Bean - Mexican Near Me - Staunton, Virginia

Stopped here after checking the reviews. First of all...I should start off that I grew up in San Diego and lived in Mexico so I feel I know authentic good Mexican food. The number one reason I'd recommend this place is the freshness of the food. First thing I noticed was the homemade salsa....no bottled stuff to start the meal . The tomatoes in the salsa are cut by hand, wasn't very spicy however....a bit of chopped jalapeno or serrano pepper might do the trick? I ordered the Baja shrimp tacos. While these tacos do not imitate authentic fish tacos from San Diego/Mexico they were pretty good. One thing that turned me off was how very teeny tiny the shrimp was....as small as it gets I think! Service was excellent and very friendly. I'd definitely try to go back and see what else to try on the menu. read more

If you like a slightly dive-y/college-y vibe with your Mexican this is that place to go. YUM! The chili rellenos made my Colorado-native heart happy. It tasted like home! Chips were warm and salsa/pico was fresh. The Poppeye burrito (extra $2 for subbing a veggie chicken patty for the meat) was so good that I ate the whole thing, I usually eat 1/2 my dinner and take the other 1/2 home. Baja Tostada Salad was a bunch of salad parts on a fried flour tortilla; for $5 you get exactly what you pay for. That plus a beer and a generous cup of soup (he also topped the extra red sauce from the chili rellenos) was enough food for my hubby. Bonus points for the Colorado tap takeover for making us really feel at home on our road trip! read more

The street tacos! I got them with shrimp stead of the other meat options and oh my god! The sauce they put in those tacos is to die for! The waitress even gave me a little cup of the sauce to take with me! read more

I'm an area local who has tried to like Baja. I've eaten there probably a 15 times in the past 8 years. It's a great location, great price point, generous portions, usually friendly service but the food is horrible! Baja manages to make salsa bland and anemic looking The tacos and beans are tasteless! I have had a chicken burrito that clearly had been made with canned chicken. My husband and I have tried numerous entrees and the only things that I would consider ordering are queso or the fish tacos (these can even be unpredictable in their quality). Baja does have a good beer selection so of you're just stopping in for a drink, this isn't a bad choice, although there is smoking allowed in the bar so you have to deal with that. I would be overjoyed if Baja could figure out how to make tasty food. I would probably patronize it weekly. As it stands now though, it's a missed opportunity. read more

We were hoping what was advertised as California inspired Mexican food. Big disappointment in every category. Menu is well designed with plenty of choices for connivers and vegetarians. We ordered enchiladas with egg on top, waitress didn't ask how I would like egg, I asked how is egg cooked, she replied it's fried, I asked how for how long, she replied I guess hard. Based on her lack of simple question of how would you like your egg.? I moved on to the Fish Tacos. A companion ordered the chicken enchiladas. Upon arrival of choices, plating was pleasant and plentiful. Black beans looked as if just plopped on plate. If I'd know the tacos were going to be served on Flour tortillas, I'd have ordered something else. As it turned out the chicken enchiladas were also served in flour tortilla, which automatically makes a chicken burrito! My wife's cheese and bean enchiladas were also served in flour tortillas which automatically made them burritos! Waitress never once came back to table to check on us, refill tea etc. She did come back with are you finished? Cleared plates and returned with bill. My first question was, did you charge us for the guacamole we ordered and never got? She said, I don't know I'll check, came back with adjusted bill. I asked why guacamole never came, she said, you could have asked for it, I replied, you never came back to our table until we were done with meal. She apologized for forgetting the guacamole. Overall impression, there was not a manager or owner on site when we were there, this past Saturday at noon. Staff was sloppy in dress, one of the wait staff was wearing yoga pants with tucked in tee. Very disorganized and not held accountable for service. As far as the food goes, what legitimate Mexican restaurant serves enchiladas in flour tortillas? enough said. Won't be back. Hoping owner takes head to comments, travel to California or to New Mexico to experience the real deal. read more

It's a step above Taco Bell. Bland and not properly cooked. The items marked spicy were not in any way. I would avoid.

Our waiter was mad cool, he had on slippers and comfy pants haha... Super chill environment, I had a chorri pollo and my husband had an enchilada of some sort... Both were really good! Wish their chips were served with salsa that was restaurant style instead of fresh pico de gallo but other than that.....good place to grab some quick Mexican while in Staunton! read more

Ate here for the first time this past Thursday and ordered the fish tacos. The first surprise was the salsa, consisting of freshly chopped tomatoes, onions, and cilantro! I eagerly shoveled down half of that on chips while waiting for my order to appear. I received three soft flour tacos, generously filled with beer battered cod, cream sauce, lettuce and tomato, accompanied by refried black beans and rice. They were San Diego style fish tacos, and lived up to that attribution. This was one of the most enjoyable Mexican meals I have ever had, and they offer a very extensive and imaginative menu, such as the So Gouda Tacos which consist of smoked Gouda cheese, chicken, bacon, tomato, green onions, and cilantro. I will definitely be back. read more

This one of my favorite lunch spots in Staunton. I'm drawing a blank on the name of the dish I always get but it is an enchilada and it is SO GOOD!! The fried ice cream is always a must! It gets a little crazy when it's crowded but that's usually in the evening. There is one server that is not so friendly but most of the time the other servers are great! read more

Agree, great chips and quest. My wife didn't enjoy the enchiladas, flour tortillas and heavy sauce didn't do it for her. On a positive note the honey Diablo sauce is insanely good...perfect sweet/spice for me. I had the caliente combo and it was great but not as spicy as I thought it would be. Service was friendly and great people. Will definitely return. read more

Always good food at a great price and the menu is huge! Try the beef street tacos...savory but also sweet with a honey sauce. Yum.

The following may perhaps be unfair. I'm Mexican, therefore, I hold Mexican restaurants to a very high standard. I was not satisfied at all. The food is disgusting!! I got the vegan burrito (plate) which was too salty. Worst vegan and Mexican food experience I've ever had. read more

Really really really bad food. I couldn't eat most of it, the black beans in particular were inedible (no seasoning at all). My husband had bits of black hard stuff in his burrito, so hard would break your teeth, looked like old grease from a frier. The servers seemed nice, although the service was incredibly slow (and when we wanted check we had to go and find someone, despite fact restaurant was empty). What a waste of time, money, and calories. read more

Nice people, cute place but food is far from great. Salsa is more like pico and tasteless. Asked for hotter salsa and they brought something in a plastic cup that was anything but spicy. Tried the hot burrito. Again, not hot at all and was kinda sweet. Overall, food was ok, but don't expect a lot of flavor or heat. read more

I've been here three times in the last year. It's right down the street from my bed in Staunton. Each time its gotten worse. I'm not sure if the owners keep changing or the chefs. I just haven't been impressed. The salsa is largely unseasoned and bland--salt folks, I'd just like a little salt, I won't get crazy and ask for pepper. The black beans were more like wallpaper paste than comestible item on my last visit. And the cheese enchiladas were not baked but microwaved cheese and tortillas. The fish tacos have literally been one hit, one miss. The first time tasty and delicious, the second time awful, just awful. I'm hoping it gets better because it'd be great to be able to walk to delicious Tex-Mex. read more

Don't expect an inviting welcome. We arrived about 11:30pm on a Saturday night with about 6 people including a brand new (that night) married couple. No crazy bridal party/bridesmaids/rowdy groomsmen...just the married couple, their parents, and a few guests who wanted to enjoy a nightcap after the wedding. One guest was attempting to dispose of a bottle (without littering) and asked the doorman if they had a trash bin. The doorman than said we were not allowed to enter. This was a terrible experience and not how we wanted to have the couple end their wedding night. This was an older wedding. The youngest guest of the group was 35 years old (not young and rowdy at all). We told the doorman that this was their wedding night and to please allow them to stay but they wouldn't allow it. They said as we were leaving they don't allow wedding parties. If you are with a wedding, don't bother trying to go in. Unfortunately, for my first night in Staunton, this was not the welcome we were hoping for and we will not be back. read more

HIgh compliments to the service, but the food was no good. The salsa was made from what were meant to be tomatoes but looked and tasted more like half rotten, flavorless not sure what...and it went down hill from there. We asked about each dish we ordered and were told they were good but they were not. We had the hot fries, tortilla soup, veggie burrito and pop-eye enchiladas. The one outstanding item was the flan - so good that my husband was still talking about it a day later. Again, good service but the food needs fresher ingredients that aren't as unripe and better seasoning. Nice ambiance. read more

Baja Bean definitely epitomizes the "A-OK" of the three-star review. Good, but not great Mexican food - I wished my flautas were crisper than they were, but I enjoyed the avocado cream they were drizzled with. The service could have been more attentive, but our waiter was nice, and he even offered to split the check for our group of six. Gotta give him cred for that, since it used to be a major pet peeve of mine when I waited tables! read more

I am no stranger to Mexican food. I have had everything from actual Mexican food in Mexico (many times), to Mexican TV dinners. I grew up in Colorado, but have also lived in California, New Mexico, and Arizona. This food is less Mexican than ANYTHING. including microwaveable meals. To be fair- the food was very fresh, just not flavorful and spicy. The atmosphere is fun, and maybe your thing- if you love home cooked farm type food. read more

Food is good but service is slower than molasses. After 20 minutes of waiting for my check, I had to ask another server for assistance.

Stopped in and asked if we could sit by the window and the hostess gave us some grief about picking our own table and said they have a rotation. We overlooked it and the chips and salsa came out, but the salsa was only pico (large chopped up tomatoes and onions) which is not our favorite. We ordered beers and some queso, which was good and then decided to leave. The server was nice, but we were looking for authentic Mexican so we paid and left. read more

Tried this place while visiting Staunton and it's quite possibly the worst Mexican, Tex/Mex, etc restaurant on the East Coast. The ground beef is so bland and grey colored, you think you are eating dried out play dough. The rice is as hard as tic-tacs and everything is from a can. They would be better off replacing the utensils with a can opener. Even the chicken tamale was a frozen brick smothered in some dark red sauce that was likely dug up from Stonewall Jackson's grave. You can get the same quality food for a cheaper price by going to Petco and eating their premium dog food. read more

Bland bland bland. I swear my chicken in my taco was from a can. My soup came out cold and its base is more of a mole type flavor. Oil and vinegar salsa? Not spicy at all. Nothing. Ok I'm visiting from Texas and this IS Virginia but c'mon... I think they care more about the beer, if that's the case you need a better drinking and hanging out atmosphere. read more

Great place to go for a drink when you really need one. Bellying up to the bar alone isn't my favorite thing to do, but here it was fine. The bartender and patrons were all chatty. Thanks for the good time, I'll be back. read more

I'm often leery about eating mexican food on the road as it's hard to find places that measure up to the food back home. The service at Baja Bean was attentive without being overbearing, prompt with ordering, checking in and finishing up. The food was out in a flash so this is a good place to go if you want a sit down meal but are trying to keep a schedule. The food was good, but lacked the creativity and the boldness I've grown acustom to when eating different ethnic cusines. I'd go back again, but there seemed to be lots of other dining options in the downtown area, so it might be some time before the Baja Bean worked back into the rotation. read more

Really excellent service -- I greatly appreciated the help picking out something that fit my restricted diet of no meat, no cheese, and no gluten! I was shocked that they could accommodate my very restricted diet, but our server did it without batting an eye and he recommended something that was packed full of flavor. We had a really great meal! We'd come back in a heartbeat if we are in Staunton again. read more

The Baja pork tacos were on point. The staff is also very friendly and helpful with dinner selections.

Stopped in with my wife during a trip north....there was no wait- our waiter came right over and took our order. I wish we weren't driving after dinner- because I would've taken advantage of their great selection of draft beer ( they had flying dog)! the salsa was very fresh and the chips were delicious! I had the "whole enchilada"- it was amazing! The wife got a Baja burrito (great portion size) and the soup du jour ( a slightly spicy yet satisfying tortilla soup)! Were definitely going back if were back in the area! read more

Passing through town and this was one of the better reviewed places. Me and my girlfriend ordered: steak quesadilla's, queso burrito, and I ordered a Firestone Double Jack IPA. Her quesadilla's were good, and only 6 dollars. However, the waiter asked if she wanted guacamole after my girlfriend said yes she failed to mention it was 2$. Her meal was served with sour cream..served.. And it was 1$ on the receipt. She then requested another side of sour cream and once again failed to mention it was an additional 1$. She ended up paying 11$ for a 6$ meal. My meal was mediocre. Every other bite there was extremely overcooked rice that was like chewing rocks. The raspberry sauce was an interesting addition, id recommend it on the side for the faint of heart. Lastly, they advertised the beer as 750ml however it was only 650ml. Lol. read more

My girlfriend and I are in Staunton on a weekend trip. The reviews here made us a little skeptical but we decided to go anyway. Hands down best Baja fish tacos I've had since San Diego. Also, the queso and the salsa were awesome. You cannot get mexican food with made with ingredients this fresh and delicious. Next time I'm in Staunton I will be eating here again. read more

Awesome place to get drinks. Totally different than Baja Bean Co in Richmond. very clean. Packed on a Saturday for a college town without college students. nachos are on point, barkeep knows how to make a drink. read more