MEGABURROS - Ensenada, MX
An Absolute Scam Disguised as Hospitality
As someone who has dined at some of the finest restaurants in the world--including multiple Michelin-starred establishments--I rarely, if ever, write reviews. However, what transpired at MEGABURROS in Ensenada was so egregious, so blatantly deceptive, that I feel an obligation to warn others.
Like many street-front eateries in tourist-heavy zones, MEGABURROS employs sidewalk solicitors. Ours was a Hispanic male named Andy--middle-aged, dark-haired--who approached our party of eight with the classic bait: "Free shot of tequila and great prices!" Harmless enough, we thought.
Once inside, we ordered approximately 10 cocktails and a shared taco platter that included steak and a modest portion of lobster. Nothing extravagant, nothing that warranted even mid-range fine dining pricing. The food was decent, not memorable--acceptable for a casual meal, though far from extraordinary. The cocktails were above average, and that's about the only positive I can acknowledge.
Then came the bill.
To our complete shock, the total rang up to just under $600 USD. Yes, $600 for what was essentially street-food-grade tacos and some drinks. I've enjoyed full-course tasting menus at 3-star Michelin restaurants for less--with wine pairings, no less.
When we disputed the price, it became clear they were manipulating the peso-to-dollar exchange rate at nearly double the actual rate of the day. After a long and uncomfortable 30-minute standoff, we had to physically show them the actual exchange rate using real-time data before they "miraculously" adjusted the total down to $347 USD--a number still padded, but at least less insulting.
We paid $400 USD and told Andy to "keep the change." Incredibly, he had the audacity to ask for a tip. When we declined, he brought out the manager who demanded an additional $40, treating us like criminals instead of customers.
This is not a restaurant--it's a predatory tourist trap.
MEGABURROS is a masterclass in manipulation and intimidation, hiding behind charm and tequila shots only to gouge you on the back end. What they are doing isn't just unethical--it borders on criminal fraud. The pricing, the tactics, the inflated exchange rate--they are cheaters, plain and simple.
To anyone reading this: do not go here. I don't say that lightly. I've never left a review with this level of urgency. This is an absolute alert:
Avoid MEGABURROS at all costs.
They will lure you in, overcharge you, and then use pressure tactics to make you feel obligated to pay an outrageous bill. You've been warned. read more