I came here yesterday for late lunch. I always like to try and support local businesses rather than national chains, especially during what's been going on now with Covid. Initially, I was going to write this place off and not even write anything, but after much thought, I think I have the obligation to let others know about my experience.
My husband and I love to try all sorts of diff food/new eateries. We definitely figure out what's good and what's not. Perhaps, I feel I should have read more into their 4.5 stars reviews before making the hasty decision to eat here.
When we got here yesterday, the music was so very loud(I love loud music, but not this loud), I couldn't hear anything. My husband has very sensitive ears and he can't be in the atmosphere where extremely loud noise/music etc without any acoustics. He said he couldn't eat here, so we left to try Taste of Chicago in the same area, but unfortunately, it was closed that day. He finally agreed to the outside dining, but it got so cold, he finally gave in to go inside. At that time, they were so kind to turn down the music which we were very appreciative as they didn't have to do that as it's their restaurant.
I will explain why I gave this place 2 stars. We felt they were very friendly and welcome and very accommodating in regards to turning down the music and also, the salsa, chips and guacamole were good in my opinion. I decided to order Caldo de Camaron(shrimp soup which comes with cup rice and 2 pieces of garlic bread). Garlic bread was delicious and rice was good(garlicky), but unfortunately, the soup was bland and tasteless despite of tons of shrimp and little vegetables. I had some, but I left it there. My husband ordered Mexican shrimp cocktails, but it, too, was very tasteless. I tried it and it tasted like they put the shrimp in the ketchup with no seasoning or flavor. We truly wondered that since we are not Hispanic folks, they dumbed it down the taste thinking we won't know the difference, but we definitely do. I grew up eating Mexican food in Southern California. Now, to me, California Mex is the best in my opinion, because that's what I'm used to and they're delicious, but what they served us here today were totally disaster out and disappointing. Maybe, they're known for cocktails and great music, but definitely not food that we like to eat. I have to mention that no one including the hostess/manager didn't even ask how was the food etc. The lady who seated us was very sweet, but she was not our server. I didn't complain, I just wanted to pay and leave and never to return again.
I think if you like to drink, party and have some chips and salsa, this place is great in my opinion, from my observation and experience. This place only had another party, that's a good indication. I don't think I will return, but it was good to be able to try this place and write a review about it.
UPDATE: 2/29/22
My husband has the WORST food poisoning from the food he ate here yesterday. He had shrimp cocktail, fried cheese sticks, Guacamole, chips and salsa and regular Coke. I am on the other hand, totally fine. All I ate was the chips, salsa, Guacamole, caldo de camaron(I had several drink of the soup and 2 shrimp left the rest)garlic bread and 2 bites of garlicky rice. It's none stop. I hope he will be ok. It's very bad! I got him Gatorade to keep him hydrated! read more