Definitely not the same since reopening-- such a disappointment because I strongly anticipated that day. They were closed for, what seemed like almost a year? Not sure, but I used to go over the past 7 years and even spent one of my birthdays there a few years back.
First, the server took my order wrong and brought me the wrong food. I thought it was so strange that happened, because I literally pointed at it on the menu in front of him, and I read it exactly as it's named there. I was literally looking forward to ordering this specific thing for the whole time they were closed. I expressed my excitement again once we sat down to order/eat this item.
My disappointment began from when he sat that plate down. Their tacos got sooo skimpy. Even Del Taco will serve you a fatter taco with more meat than what we were given. I remember the al pastor being significantly better before too. My tacos had no cheese between them as they are supposed to come (the Don Garcia's jack tacos). Tortillas looked store-bought, weren't they house-made before? I understand everyone is cutting corners right now to make costs cheaper, but that specific choice is not going to help retain customers. The tortillas at Vallarta taste better than whichever ones they're using now.
Server never came back to the table to ask how the food was or anything. I was starving and it wasn't THAT big of a deal, but definitely not what was ordered. I ate it anyways after it became clear he was never going to follow-up to confirm the food was good (basic server-customer service etiquette).
My disappointment turned to annoyance after finally having him revisit our table more than half-way through our meal. After politely pointing this mistake out to the server, he claimed that wasn't what I ordered...? There was no way it was MY mistake, so I found that unnecessary gaslighting particularly wild. I just said ok then just making sure we aren't charged for what I actually ordered, because that wasn't what was brought out. He then turns to ask who is paying. Does it matter.? Who wants to be charged for a meal they did not receive? Found that weird and unprofessional.
That was enough for me. Between the new, ugly neon green paint, skimpy tacos, basic tortillas, and unknowledgable, under-trained staff (unacceptable considering how long that closure was btw), I will not be returning. Annoyed I even cared and looked forward to their reopening. I gave 2 stars because the tortilla soup was still as good as I remembered and the rice/beans were decent .
I definitely won't waste my time or money coming back. RIP the once delicious, hole in the wall spot with some of the best Mexican food in the HD. I will continue to go to the other Mexican food spot I discovered during their closure. Mexico Lindo (also in Hesperia) has better service, atmosphere, and food. Montecito Kitchen in Apple Valley is also great if you're on the other side of the HD. read more