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    Tempo Cantina - Downey

    4.0 (3.5k reviews)

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    TEMPO CANTINA - DOWNEY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Tempo Cantina - Downey

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    Sitting area
    Eric G.

    This place is a pretty cool vibe during lunchtime not much of a crowd but good music was efficient. I will say when it comes to the wings I would probably dismiss them because they're not worth $10 for four wings but overall a really good deal for happy hour and the margaritas two for one for $14 was definitely a hit thanks Jay the sweet bartender for the service

    Kamillah V.

    It's very fun in here the music is a bit loud but we did have a party of 11 on a Saturday night ! I've only been to the Brea location before so it was my first time coming to this one. The parking is valet only unless you find street parking or maybe the other lots nearby don't care ? Not sure but it was $8! We had reservations so we got seated immediately. Staff is really friendly and the food was good just a little expensive. The bone marrow tacos are my favorite !

    Winston S.

    I looked on yelp to find a local Mexican restaurant near my friends apartment. That led me to this establishment. I was looking for two chicken tacos, two Carne Asada tacos, and a chicken burrito. They only serve their tacos in a three taco combination. The picture shows how plain and lifeless those tacos were. Each three taco combo was $26. No toppings, no rice and beans, and nothing to justify that price. On the menu, there was a long list of toppings that it was supposed to come with. They did not have Jamaica to drink, so I ordered watermelon and strawberry Agua Fresca's. When I was given my bag, they forgot to include the drinks, and I had to ask for them. My total was $77 and I regret leaving them an eight dollar tip on top of that. This place is a total rip off.

    Carne Asada
    Jaime R.

    Not worth the drive, time, or price. Tempo Cantina serves up mediocre Mexican food at premium prices--$24 for queso fundido and $34 for a carne asada plate you can get better (and cheaper) elsewhere. I paid less for two people at Holbox the next day than I did for myself here. The vibe tries to be Baja cantina but ends up all show, no substance. Service was spotty, they couldn't handle splitting a large party, and valet is $8--seriously? You'd have a better meal (and time) at Shakey's Pizza Parlour next door or your local taco stand.

    Wings
    Tracy E.

    Hey tried this place near my job! Heard it was fun & had pretty good deals for happy hour. Well hey it's a ok place. Only valet parking at $8! Not cool. Found street parking 2 blocks away with my handicap mom. That was strike 1! Ok mom likes to walk and do we did. Got there sat in the dining area with friends. Bar was pretty loud. It's only 4:30pm. So we ordered off the happy hour menu. All items each $10. Kinda pricey for happy hour so I thought until I saw the dinner menu. It's pretty pricey for Mexican food. We ordered about 5-6 different things. Hot Wings there were only 5 pieces in our order. Taquitos only 6 1/2 pieces. A scoop of guac & chips, shrimp ceviche with 2 broken up tostada shells - size of a small soup bowl. Then we ordered the 3 street tacos. Now those were amazing. Great fresh salsa Great flavor hands down. Food was ok but the size for $10 each ‍. Our server now she was great. She recommended some drinks and those did not disappoint! It was a fun evening but as for return visit. Well probably not anytime soon.

    Menu
    Danny V.

    This is a great place to come have a celebratory event, whether it's a birthday, anniversary, night out with the boys or just looking for a place with a cool vibe. Great tasty food options and service with a smile. Parking is very limited unless you valet.

    Margarita Flight
    Alex M. ..

    Definitely a spot just for drinks and to look cool and then head home. Don't get trapped into buying food. This flight was decent and I particularly liked the Mango and Cucumber. Cheese fries came out cold after a while and the tacos were soggy. How you mess up tacos at a Mexican spot lol. Servers are nice at least.

    Michelle V.

    The law enforcement discount has unfortunately been discontinued, according to the manager at this location. However, the hospitality was excellent. We had the pleasure of being served by Johan--he was hilarious and made our evening smooth and enjoyable.

    Tinga Taquitos
    Mich W.

    Came here cause I was in the area and luckily it was happy hour on a Saturday until 6 pm. Parking can be difficult, but you can find some in the nearby residential or it's $8 for valet. Very loud music and dark interior, service was fast though. Food was only okay, drink was decent for the price. Probably wouldn't come back though, was very average

    Chilaquiles
    Brenda R.

    We went early when they opened! The service was slow. For a Mexican restaurant you don't even get chips and salsa. We ordered chips and salsa and we're charged extra for another cup of salsa! We got the 13.00 lunch specials that rang up at 15.00?? For 2 people 2 lunch specials and a bottle of coke came to 50.00. Oh the chips. And...I didn't eat my food...was not good!! I do not recommend on the food alone. There are alot of Mexican restaurants in Downey. The place is cute but food is bad...and we eat out very often #downeynative

    Taj Y.

    As my first time I wanted to strongly give 5 stars but due to our waitress forgetting about us as soon as we ordered it's hard to give a 5 star or even anything over a 1 because we literally had to call for help each and every time Mind you we didn't receive our drinks until MID entree...almost when we were done eating...and it wasn't even that busy... Food definitely authentic with great taste.. and cooked to perfection....and the ambience is hella dope but customer service SUCKS ASS !! The manager should NOT be doing it all (while pregnant) it's a TEAM guys get it right to match the awesomeness you guys have.. I'll try again soon..

    Meg D.

    Didn't have reservations but good thing we cane in early. Took out of towners in this place to experience SoCal's tacos. The food & drinks were bomb! You cannot go wrong with anything you order. Place looked really cool, we sat outside and it was cool during that day. There is valet parking in case you cannot find street parking.

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    4 months ago

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    4 months ago

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    6 months ago

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    3 months ago

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    4 months ago

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    10 months ago

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    2 months ago

    So happy to learn this place has closed... big win to the neighborhood that endured the loud noise and disruption coming from this place

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    1 year ago

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    4 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    9 months ago

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    11 months ago

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    6 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    3 months ago

    Eat here a lot. Good food. Great music and vibe. Love it! Service is good. Will always come back here.

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    1 year ago

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    8 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    5 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    4 months ago

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    8 months ago

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    8 months ago

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    9 months ago

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    10 months ago

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    Thank you so much for your kind review!

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    9 months ago

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    7 months ago

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    11 months ago

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    8 months ago

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    4 months ago

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    11 months ago

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    9 months ago

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    9 months ago

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    10 months ago

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    Thank you for your kind review! Glad you liked the cuisine.

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    5 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    9 months ago

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    Page 1 of 88

    Tempo Cantina - Downey Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Tempo Cantina - Downey

    Are there bottomless mimosas on Sunday brunch?

    Yes, they are

    Do we need reservations for a party of possibly 15?

    It would best to reserve ahead of time. They're always busy.. if you show up specially on a weekend you will most likely wait for a while. Reservations are done online .

    Are we able to split the tabs?

    Yes

    Are kids allowed?

    Hi Ezequiel, there were 3 kids under 7 at the table next to me (one was an infant). I also saw tweens/teens with parents. Safe to say kids are allowed.

    Do you have carnitas?

    I believe so

    Is there live music on weekends?

    They normally have a DJ either live or virtual on the TV screens.

    Is this just a restaurant or lounge as well?

    It's a restaurant and bar. Great drinks!

    Is there still a time limit for tables?

    Yes it is now 120 minutes on weekends

    Do they have a time limit on tables for large parties?

    Yes. Last time I was there it was for about 3 hours

    What time is happy hour? :)

    They do have Happy Hour! I believe it was from 3 to 5 and then 9 to when they close! 😊

    Do they serve brunch on Friday's?

    Just the weekend.

    How long is the wait right now?

    Are the items under your "Wanabe vegan" section actually vegan or are they vegetarian? They list cheese and normally I'd asume vegan cheese but given the title of the section I'm not quite sure.

    More like vegetarian. You are right there is no "Vegan Cheese".

    Do they have happy hour on saturdays?

    Yes 2pm-6pm, 9pm-close

    Are kids allowed?

    i saw a few kinds inside :)

    Is this the same owner and restaurant as tempo urban kitchen in brea?

    Yes it is!

    What are their happy hour hours? Does it include Saturday?

    Do u hav 2 sho vaccination card?

    We did not have to show our cards. We did however walk in with masks.

    Are you requiring proof of vaccine?

    No.

    Hi what would be the best time to go for a walk in party of 10+?

    Make reservations on Open Table during happy hour.

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    4.6(300 reviews)
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    The food was delicious. Inside is cute and the menu is very unique. The place is not in the best…read morelocation and limited parking.

    This morning, I decided to break from my usual routine and forgo attending a service, opting…read moreinstead for a quiet moment at a local coffee shop. The idea was to enjoy my coffee while getting organized--paying bills, planning calendar events, and having the opportunity to focus without any distractions from my usual surroundings. In search of the perfect spot, I turned to Yelp, a reliable resource for uncovering hidden gems nearby. Upon stepping into the coffee shop, I was immediately greeted with warm hospitality, setting the tone for a delightful experience. The ambiance of the place was truly captivating--it was bright and welcoming, infused with an aesthetic charm that instantly put me at ease. I couldn't help but be intrigued by the design elements throughout the shop, which added an inviting touch to its overall atmosphere. Before I settled in, I asked the staff if I could snap a few photos to capture the essence of this delightful space. They graciously welcomed my request, and I was shown to my table, which, quite uniquely, was designated by a number--a small detail that I found charming. As I browsed the menu, I encountered a small conundrum: I wasn't entirely sure what to order. I wanted to break the mold and try something out of the ordinary. My curiosity was piqued by their exclusive offering of Café de la Olla--a traditional hot drink that piqued my interest right away. I ultimately settled on a hearty plate that included rice, beans, and enticing potato tostones, accompanied by two beautifully cooked sunny-side-up eggs. As I waited for my order, I noticed the café was filled with the sweet sounds of old-school music from the '60s and '70s, which only enhanced the cozy ambiance while I sipped my drink. Now, let's talk about the food! I must say, I rated the café itself a solid 4 out of 5 for its overall charm, while the rice earned a respectable 4 out of 5. The beans were rich in flavor and received a fair 3.9 out of 5. The potato tostones, delicately bathed in a savory red sauce, stood out with an impressive score of 4.3 out of 5--these are a must-try if you visit! And as for the sunny-side-up eggs, they were good, but hey, eggs are eggs, right? Overall, the entire experience was quite enjoyable, from the delightful food to the warm atmosphere. A special shout-out goes to Ana, whose exceptional customer service made my visit even more memorable. The combination of fantastic service, inviting aesthetics, and satisfying food truly made for a perfect morning retreat. I can't recommend this spot enough for anyone looking for a relaxing place to unwind and focus on what matters.

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    The Chicken Koop - $20 Happy meal. Fried chicken sandwich with garlic fries or French fries + lime margarita  DINE IN ONLY. SUNDAY-TUESDAY  5PM-8PM

    The Chicken Koop

    4.4(1.2k reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$
    Outdoor seating
    Sports on TV

    I finally made the drive to Downey to try this chicken spot I have been eyeing for monthsssss!…read moreTheir parking lot is located in the back of the restaurant as street parking appears to be limited. They As we are a primarily chicken household, I brought my family with me to try their chicken plates and creative chicken plates. My first initial thought walking into Chicken Koop is that it has calm party vibe... the reason I say this is because through our whole time in the restaurant, they were playing a lot of my favorite songs. For a second, I thought my phone had connected to their speakers, lol! Pictured below is the Fried Chicken Sandwich and the 1/2 Roasted Chicken Plate. The Friend Chicken Sandwich was so juicy and flavorful; the breaded chicken patty had a perfect crunch to it. The 1/2 Roasted Chicken Plate was also another delicious and great choice. The chicken was cooked perfectly- again no dry chicken and it was juicy w a crunchy outer skin. The Brussels sprouts can out perfectly as well.

    I stopped by after seeing it featured on Instagram and got the Belly Buster Sandwich, which is…read morechicken and waffles sandwich. The Chicken: It was just okay. The breaded seasoning had a distinct flavor that felt a bit "off" for a chicken and waffles pairing. The Waffles: it has good texture and taste. Seating: There are both indoor and outdoor seating options, and the bar is partially outdoors. Outdoor Vibe: The outdoor area is covered, but keep in mind there is no AC, so it can get quite warm. I'm glad I checked it off the list, but I didn't leave feeling like I needed to return.

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    The Chicken Koop - Full Bar

    Full Bar

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    Fatima's Grill - Hot Cheetos burrito  de Asada

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    4.5(2.8k reviews)
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    I wanted to add an update: WOW. The food was good! But MEGA-WOW: that Lebamex sauce was the…read moreabsolute best sauce that paired well and "elevated" everything! Loke Like... the sauce is so good! Spicy, but not quick. It's like a slow tasty burn and then after awhile you realize it's hot! I found out later that the white sauce helped neutralize the hotness, but yes, that Lebamex sauce is a must try!!! I also preferred the hot cheetos burrito over the other one but that's probably because I tried it first! Both were great! Thanks for the experience! Im not usually in Downey, but hope I can visit again soon! ------- Hey! The service here is impeccable! The workers are so kind to me. I randomly came here on impulse because I was in the area and it was the first one my last that sounded interesting. There were a good amount of people that it looked really good. I saw many people coming in to order and pick up, so they seem a comfort food staple. They're very personable! They gave recommendations for me for what to order. I got the asada hot cheetos and the mix shawarma wrap. The smell of cooking here is delightful! I already know the food is going to be good with how the people dining in and taking out look really happy and excited. Thanks Yelp for the new suggestion! Also, idk if it was just because it's Sunday, but parking was plenty and easy. Good sized parking lot!

    Fatima's grill was awesome…read more Don't be fooled this is a Lebanese / Mexican fusion, extremely unique. They have lots of options, treats and drinks throughout the store. My friends and I ordered the shawarma fries, Cali burrito, and the garlic shrimp fries. All of these were very good but I highly recommend the Cali burrito. Very common dish but Fatima's grill knocks it out of the park somehow. Idk how but he did. The shawarma fries also packs a lot of flavor and highly recommend. The GS fries were good but wish I got a little more shrimp. This place is not the cheapest but definitely get your money's worth in quantity and quality.

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    Fatima's Grill - Nice and clean Restaurant

    Nice and clean Restaurant

    Fatima's Grill - Chicken taco, onions, cilantro and green sauce

    Chicken taco, onions, cilantro and green sauce

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    Guacamaya Oasis

    Guacamaya Oasis

    4.1(893 reviews)
    1.1 mi
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    I loved this all-vegan mexican restaurant so much. The interior is clean and adorably decorated. It…read morelooked a bit like Rainforest Cafe-- so fun to take a few pics with the backdrops! I've been craving breakfast food for a while so I got the breakfast burrito to try. It definitely hit the spot for me, and it was so big I ended up splitting it with 2 other people. My friend got the breakfast bowl and I tried some. It was basically the same as the burrito but just deconstructed with quinoa as a base. It was all great! I love that Guacamaya serves breakfast all day for late risers like me. I really wanted to try the coconut Tres leches that was on display as well, but I think they said it was like $12. That was way too steep for me for a single slice.

    Finding a good plant-based restaurant or grocery store in my area proved a bit challenging, but I…read morestumbled upon a gem in Downey! I decided to treat my best friend to dinner and drinks. The restaurant was fairly empty when we arrived. We ordered gorditas, guacamole, and nachos. I had a margarita, and my friend enjoyed her nachos with a refreshing cucumber drink. We also purchased a cup of *Champurado* to go, after sampling it - and it's truly exceptional. My gorditas featured a delicious mushroom "meat" and soy chorizo. The chorizo had a delightful kick - a pleasant spice, not overpowering. The mushroom "meat" was fantastic! The guacamole was perfect, and I appreciated the NO tomatoes. I didn't try the nachos, but my friend seemed to thoroughly enjoy the diverse ingredients. We had a wonderful time and I'll definitely be returning. I highly recommend the *Champurrado*, the gorditas (especially the mushroom one!), and the guacamole. The soy chorizo was also excellent.

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