La Hacienda: User Reviews

Terrific, But Differrent
By steel11 from Ocean Township, November 11, 2009

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This place is great if you're adventurous. I think the dichotomy in the reviews is due to La Hacienda serving authentic Mexican with a specific regional flare (I believe the area around Mexico City). It isn't like most of the Mexican-American places around here. That said, I understand where the unfavorable reviews are coming from, but I don't feel that they are fair. My wife and my best friend call it their favorite restaurant, but I always warn newcomers that items can be prepared totally different than other familiar places they patronize. Most entrees aren't smothered in cheese and red sauce. I find that some of the more popular Mexican places at the Shore glop on a red sauce that's about one step removed from Campbell's tomato soup to my taste, yet many of my friends prefer that mild, comfort food sort of dining. You'll see many from the local Mexican community eating at La Hacienda -- I think that says a lot. One reviewer referred to Surf Taco and Fins (my own personal favorite), but they are S. California surf-Mexican establishments, an entirely different category. Finally, about the service. It's slow and relaxed -- the way I like it -- and yes some of the girls barely speak English (go back to my comments about authentic Mexican that serves the Mexican community). But, they are friendly and will wait for you to indicate you need service instead of badgering you constantly. If you want fast food, go to Taco Bell. The ambiance is standard store-front Mexican, a little better than average if you know who Frida Kahlo is, for instance.

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By SteveBove from Bradley Beach, June 18, 2009

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As bad as the food is at this joint, it's somehow dwarfed by the so-awful-it's-gotta be-a-joke service. Seriously, my girl and I couldn't stop looking around for the hidden cameras. Stay far, far away.

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waste of time and money
By VeggieBiker from long branch, February 13, 2009

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The food and service were both exceptionally poor. I asked to substitute salad for my rice and beans since they weren't vegetarian, and the waitress said no problem. When I got my bill she charged me $7.95 for a tiny house salad. I work in the industry, if I'm about to charge for something, I let the customer know. The food wasn't good, we sat outside and smelled the exhaust and noise from cars, and our server was anything but friendly. Go down the street to Fins or Surf Taco for better food, service, and price.

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Worst mexicanl so far
By newbalancefood from ridgewood, January 10, 2009

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I visited this restaurant with my girlfriend for the first time in october. Bradley beach was quiet due to the fact it was winter. We entered the restaurant which was empty besides a table of 3. I literally had to walk to the back of the restaurant to find the host who was chatting to the chef. We had to seat our selfs, it then took 10 minutes for the host/waitress who barely spoke english to take our drink order. Finally once we received our $7 dollars cokes. We placed our order of : 3 pork tacos and chicken quesidllia. The waitress told us that they didn't have any CHEEZE and that the quesadillas wern't available. My girlfriend then ordered 3 chicken taco's. It then took 30 minutes to bring our food out. It was obvious that the meat had been pre cooked and had been heated in a microwave. Hands down the worst! Mexican food I have ever eaten. It was tasteless,dry, and over priced for the proportion served. 6 tacos and 2 cokes, without any rice,beans, ect cost 35 dollars. I wouldn't recommend this restaurant to anyone!! You might as well go to a taco bell its cheaper and the the food/service will be 100% better!!

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GOOD FOOD AT A GOOD PRICE!
By yeaitalktuff from bradley, September 27, 2008

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la hacienda was a great experience. the food is authentic but with a twist. i love the "King Kong", pork and beef fajitas with a cheese. they also have water with a splash of real fruit juice thats also great. i thought it would be to weak and nasty but suprisilingly light and tasteful. priceing is good also nothing over 15 dollars i beleave. quiet also.well recommended!

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