I was on my way to work and noticed the sign that said "Puerto Rican food all week". I love Carribean food, and was looking forward to this meal because the Puerto Rican restaurants in Ft. Walton were closed. I was already going to have to pay $10 for the Pastelon and my choice of rice (which is steep), but I personally can't eat a Caribbean meal without tostones and avocados, so I ordered those in addition. I don't mind paying if the food is delicious, but I could've made this at home for way less! The rice I ordered to go with my meal was suppposed to be the yellow rice (Arroz con guandules). When I got to the office I was super excited to eat, and the girls were curious to know how the food was. The tostones were NOT fresh. The tostones tasted like the oil they fried it in because they apparently had it sitting out too long. It doesn't take long to fry a batch of plantains, especially since they told me my meal would be ready for pick up in 15 minutes. And no seasoning on the tostones... not even salt??? The rice wasn't what I ordered. I received plain white rice, which would've been fine if I had also received the red beans that were suppose to come with the white rice.The Pastelon however was good and I enjoyed it. But for $16??!! In NY and Atlanta you can get a plate like that for 7 or 8 bucks!!!
WARNING TO THOSE COMING OFF THE INTERSTATE: if you have a long drive ahead of you, do not eat here. We waited an hour and a half for our food, while snacking on stale chips and salsa. When the food came, they were out of beans, which were supposed to come with all of the meals we ordered. The food was decent until I ate a bite of bad chicken and threw up in my mouth a little. The best thing was the salsa, and that was only decent. The wait staff was friendly and attentive, and I don't think it was their fault, but this restaurant needs to get their s**t together.
Poor service! Silverware came late, sat there for 15-20 mins before our drinks came, dinning room full of people no one seemed to be able to get any attention from any of the servers, two different parties appeared to leave there discussed . Not professional at all employees just did not have proper training . The food had no flavor other then salt and pepper which was added after it was served. Even if the food was good the service was horrible that alone will kill business for them . Customers are the best or worst advertisement. Sorry but I will not be returning.
My husband and I went to La Esperanza for the first time for lunch during the week. We were greeted right away, and seated quickly. The staff were all friendly and attentive. The food was excellent! I had the flautas, which is one of my favorite dishes, and my husband had the fajita salad. The meat was excellent, the rice was not the same exact fare you find at chain Mexican restaurants, and the shell for the salad was delicious - light and crisp, not heavy or greasy at all. Our drinks were kept filled, and we didn't need to ask for anything (except more salsa once - it was so good we at it all before our chips were gone). One of the staff members came over and spoke to us. He said the restaurant is not a chain, but is family owned. He's really hoping more people will come and find out how good it is, despite some negative reviews. We agree - we'll definitely be returning!
I agree with Mike! I had the (mixed) enchiladas, and they were amazing. I asked for one of each with half red and green sauce. The order came out exactly as I asked for it to be. I usually don't like the rice, but again it was really good. The service was good, but it showed that it was a new place getting up on its feet. It was just normal hiccups that wouldn't turn me away. Will definitely go back again and would highly recommend it!!
I'm not sure what Golden Jones is talking about but their enchiladas are great. The young gentleman serving most tables was busy taking care of everyone and constantly asked if there was anything else he could do. They do speak English as well as Spanish (which I think its a fantastic thing). I did notice the lady whom the young man seemed concerned about ate almost her whole enchiladas! I also saw him approach their table multiple times just as much as other tables. The ticker part could be understandable since the place was packet and from what it appeared to be only one person to handle the register. Great food, great service, great ambiance, and definitely more fresh than any other local "Mexican" restaurants. Dont let people with bad attitude or rudeness keep you from this place. HIghly suggest it! :)
We did not like anything about it. No selection. Did not get any refills on our drinks. They couldn't speak English. The waiter didnt even bring our ticket to table. We had it calculated right but its the point of it. He asked if wanted box after I told him it was nasty. I wouldn't of fed it to my animals. One bite of cheese enchilada and about puked. I tried the beef nasty. Rice was dried up. Never again
First thing first this is not a "Latin" grill... they only had Mexican plates on their menu, I'm from Latin America and I was very happy to see "Latin" food but this is not Latin = mix not just Mexican! Food was horrible!! Got fajitas and there was no sizzling wth! Food was cold, lady forgot to bring us tortillas with the fajitas. Got the torta and it was a monster sandwich which looked promising until I tased it, no flavor!! Not coming back again, horrible food with bad service!