Abuelita's Restaurant

We went about six months ago and waited more than an hour for our food. The waitress spent most of her time chit-chatting with another table instead of helping people. We had to be somewhere, so while still awaiting our food we finally asked that it be packed to go. We had to wait another 15 minutes to get it. Ridiculous. We decided to give them another chance a few weeks ago, and this time we stood by the hostess desk for several minutes, waiting to be acknowledged. Someone came by and *threw* menus onto the desk without acknowledging us, either. We stood and read these menus for ten more minutes, and still no one saw us or spoke to us. We gave up and left. Never again. Whatever abuelita this place is named after should be ashamed. Pros: Food is edible, free parking Cons: Takes FOREVER more

I have lived in Topanga for a few years, and have gotten take-out from Abuelita's several times. Each time I do, I promise myself that I never will again. Then I think, months later... ""Aw... it can't be THAT bad."" It always is THAT bad! It is bland. Tasteless. A can of beans and instant rice with an avocado will be much better than this. Pros: The creekside tables Cons: The food. more

Ok, the hostess forgot about us. What's really important is the food. I read such glowing reviews, this has to be great. And look at all those pictures on the website, just where were those photos taken? And all the locals and their dogs hanging out in the bar, they love this place. The most boring, tasteless meal we've had in a long time. This week back to our old stand by, Sol y Luna. It's unfortunate, I am always looking for dog friendly places. Pros: Bartender Cons: Everything else. more

When i read the reviews about their bad service i didnt expect to experience it. Little did i know i was wrong. Abuelita's has the WORSE service in the world. And i mean that. First of all they only have two waiters. And one of them is also the hostess as well. Second, we waited for our food for about 1 1/2 hrs. The waitress had the nerve to come up to us and say ""I'm so sorry. I already thought you guys got your food."" She passed us several times before checking with us. We got better service from the busboy. Three parties that sat after us got their food before we did. Then after getting our food the waitress insisted that we get a dessert on the house whether we were full or not. She brought the check out and never asked us about dessert. I did not leave a tip. I'd rather eat Taco Bell! more

My boyfriend and I go here as much as we can afford the drive! The waitresses are cool (I have no idea what the other people are talking about who complain about bad service-we have been here over 20 times and always been treated well) and the food is outstanding. One time i ordered something which said it was spicy on the menu but when it arrived I realized it was too spicy for even me, they happily let me order something else and very nice about it. The mole sauce here is the best I have ever had and the chips and salsa are kept a'flowin'. Make sure to get the margaritas and a seat outside by the creek. The air in Topanga is just sweeter and feels like a million miles from L.A. where the eateries are often too focused on what is trendy and not what is just plain great. Pros: mole sauce, ambiance, service Cons: tucked away and hard to get to from where I live! more

During a visit to Abuelita's while visiting a friend in Topenga, I received terrible service from a waitress. She was unfamiliar with the menu, forgot to bring extra napkins, failed to bring my appetizer (I had to ask the busboy twice), and was not very friendly. Pros: good food, good drinks Cons: bad service more

I recently became aware of a mexican restaurant called ""ABUELITAS"" on Topanga Cyn. and I must say that I was very impressed! :0) Not only was the food incredible but the service was outstanding. I was greeted immediately and my waiter was very attentive. Aside from great service, the manager Manuel, whom I later spoke with briefly, walked around to all the tables to ensure all his customers were happy. Outside there is a patio which I highly recommend for brunch on Sundays. I have gone back several times and recommend the Abuelita's Special or the Pasta a la Diabla. Last Friday there was a band and I found out that the restaurant has a band every Friday. My husband and I loved it so much we are actually planning to have out anniversary party there next month. Hope to see you all there! Pros: Ambience, food, service, location and drinks Cons: not close enough to my home to eat every day! more

Not only is the food mediocre, I had to park/get my own car after paying a valet $3. The staff was rude and it took forever to get the food and drinks, AHH! Cons: parking and rude, slow service more

I went to this this restaurant as part of a wedding party and I must say we received the worst customer service ever!! First of all, it took at least 15 minutes or more after sitting down before we were greeted. At which time I ordered a Mojito, and let me tell you, you might as well NOT order it. When the waitress finally came back with the drink I was told, and I quote, ""The bartender yelled at me, so you might as well savor this drink, because you can't order another one."" I was shocked! She was absolutely rude about it! On top of that, the next and last drink I ordered took alomst 30 minutes after ordering before she brought it out. Needless to say, I could rant on and on about how awful this place is and I highly suggest avoiding it at all costs! All in all, I will defintely NEVER go to this restaurant again!! more

While I certainly wouldn't call the food the most authentice, it's pretty tasty nonetheless. It's really the ambience that's the selling point, however. I love sitting on the patio with the creek flowing in the background. Also, the crowd is pretty lively. On the whole, this is one of my favorite restaurants in L.A. more

Topanga is one of the last refuges in Los Angeles. There's the creek, the trees and the eclectic people that live there. Abuelitasis at the heart of town. Not only in their location, but in their care for good food and fun. They even have live music every weekend. You got love this place! The food is fantastic as well. more

Four miles from Malibu and light-years away from downtown LA is this lovely, cheerful restaurant, styled to look just like some little grandmother's house. It's tucked on a hillside just next to a creek bed, convenient to the nearby upscale suburbs and easily accessible to the day-trippers from busy West Los Angeles. The owners have taken special measures to ensure that families, couples and groups of friends can enjoy themselves equally, installing an upstairs play area and a picturesque downstairs patio. Children can amuse themselves as adults enjoy ocean breezes, mountain views and, on weekend nights, live entertainment. The menu is traditional to a point, but in deference to the large numbers of vegetarians and perma-dieters in the region, the chef offers a number of low-calorie vegetarian options. Everything is made fresh daily. There is a full bar. -- Lena Katz Pros: great food Cons: bad parking more