La Costita III

I would never return to this restaurant. The service is unsatisfactory.. They make you pay for extra chips.. $1 if you'd like another tiny basket of chips to go with the salsa give you (you would think it would be the other way around.. Pay for salsa not chips.. Not the case here) Our server had no idea what was going on at all times and was very unprofessional. She told us that we had to pay for chips because they were losing money giving away chips. Funny because you only get about a handfull in the basket anyways. more

I would never return to this restaurant. The service is unsatisfactory.. They make you pay for extra chips.. $1 if you'd like another tiny basket of chips to go with the salsa give you (you would think it would be the other way around.. Pay for salsa not chips.. Not the case here) Our server had no idea what was going on at all times and was very unprofessional. She told us that we had to pay for chips because they were losing money giving away chips. Funny because you only get about a handfull in the basket anyways. more

I hadn't been to happy hour here for about six months but had previously had great food so a group of us decided to go to happy hour. I have to say that we will NEVER go back again. The food was completely tasteless and the service was HORRIBLE. The one member of our group who decided to eat off the regular menu got a very small portioned plate and the price didn't reflect it. The only two good things about the place were the salsa and the large beer for four bucks. With all of the other Mexican food restaurants in this town, I definitely suggest skipping this one. more

I hadn't been to happy hour here for about six months but had previously had great food so a group of us decided to go to happy hour. I have to say that we will NEVER go back again. The food was completely tasteless and the service was HORRIBLE. The one member of our group who decided to eat off the regular menu got a very small portioned plate and the price didn't reflect it. The only two good things about the place were the salsa and the large beer for four bucks. With all of the other Mexican food restaurants in this town, I definitely suggest skipping this one. more

We had a gift certificate to go to La Costita so we went for lunch. They were quick to seat us and serve hot chips and salsa. The service was ok not great and the same with the food. I thought my Steak Vira was a bit small portioned and it was too greasy. $9 Med. Margarita was a bit much, and it wasn't that good. My wife had Arroz con Pollo which she enjoyed. Over all not a bad dining experience but we probably wouldn't return. And the waitress could have been more friendly. Pros: Hot chips and salsa. Nice food presentation Cons: $9 med. margarita was a bit much. unless they use Patron which they didn't. Small Portions. more

We had a gift certificate to go to La Costita so we went for lunch. They were quick to seat us and serve hot chips and salsa. The service was ok not great and the same with the food. I thought my Steak Vira was a bit small portioned and it was too greasy. $9 Med. Margarita was a bit much, and it wasn't that good. My wife had Arroz con Pollo which she enjoyed. Over all not a bad dining experience but we probably wouldn't return. And the waitress could have been more friendly. Pros: Hot chips and salsa. Nice food presentation Cons: $9 med. margarita was a bit much. unless they use Patron which they didn't. Small Portions. more

My husband and I ate at La Costita for the first time last month, and liked it a lot. We took our two elementary-school aged children back last night and had a good experience again. The food was fresh and there is a there nice mix of menu items--last night I had a shrimp dish that was marinaded in tequila with cilantro and orange which was very, very, good. My husband and I had tasty, out-of-the ordinary margaritas (tamarind for me, pomegranate for him), and our kids enjoyed their meals off the children's menus while they colored with the crayons and paper provided by the restaurant. The service was quick, attentive, and friendly. We'll definitely go back on a regular basis. Nice to have this place in the neighborhood. Pros: Food, Ambiance more

My husband and I ate at La Costita for the first time last month, and liked it a lot. We took our two elementary-school aged children back last night and had a good experience again. The food was fresh and there is a there nice mix of menu items--last night I had a shrimp dish that was marinaded in tequila with cilantro and orange which was very, very, good. My husband and I had tasty, out-of-the ordinary margaritas (tamarind for me, pomegranate for him), and our kids enjoyed their meals off the children's menus while they colored with the crayons and paper provided by the restaurant. The service was quick, attentive, and friendly. We'll definitely go back on a regular basis. Nice to have this place in the neighborhood. Pros: Food, Ambiance more

We have watched the steady decline of La Casita for the past 11 years. Today, we had our last meal there. The service, food quality, margaritas and management have finally become so bad that we have to move on.\r \r La Casita was our favorite Mexican restaurant long before it?s new strip-mall location. La Casta once was a stand-alone restaurant that sat right on the corner. The food was great, service was good (most of the time) and they would have an outdoor Cinco-de Mayo party in the parking lot. \r \r We were disappointed when the building was demolished, then pleased when we learned they would re-open as La Casita in the new strip mall at the same corner (their current location). \r \r Because of the location, we dine there frequently; on average, between lunch and dinner we are in there 5-6 times a month. After re-opening, we would get a bad meal about once every month or so. Reasoning with the management (Juan) was a crapshoot; sometimes he would understand, other times, we would not receive so much as an apology. \r \r More recently, we consider ourselves fortunate if the meal (or drinks) are good more than one quarter of the time. We have been served raw chicken, over cooked carne asada, and the wrong meal all together. We have waited over an hour for a meal to be served cold. \r \r Today?s last straw was being over-charged for a lunch (again). When we spoke to Juan, he chose to argue over $3 rather than listen to what we had to say. Even after acknowledging that we dine there 2 times a week! I cannot support a restaurant that mistreats its regulars. \r more

We have watched the steady decline of La Casita for the past 11 years. Today, we had our last meal there. The service, food quality, margaritas and management have finally become so bad that we have to move on. La Casita was our favorite Mexican restaurant long before it?s new strip-mall location. La Casta once was a stand-alone restaurant that sat right on the corner. The food was great, service was good (most of the time) and they would have an outdoor Cinco-de Mayo party in the parking lot. We were disappointed when the building was demolished, then pleased when we learned they would re-open as La Casita in the new strip mall at the same corner (their current location). Because of the location, we dine there frequently; on average, between lunch and dinner we are in there 5-6 times a month. After re-opening, we would get a bad meal about once every month or so. Reasoning with the management (Juan) was a crapshoot; sometimes he would understand, other times, we would not receive so much as an apology. More recently, we consider ourselves fortunate if the meal (or drinks) are good more than one quarter of the time. We have been served raw chicken, over cooked carne asada, and the wrong meal all together. We have waited over an hour for a meal to be served cold. Today?s last straw was being over-charged for a lunch (again). When we spoke to Juan, he chose to argue over $3 rather than listen to what we had to say. Even after acknowledging that we dine there 2 times a week! I cannot support a restaurant that mistreats its regulars. more

Okay food... horrible service. Recently went with my family of 5 for dinner. I asked for 1 children's menu for my developmentally disabled daughter and was refused because she was over 12 years old. Keeping in mind my son was under 12 and ordering from the adult menu, I was still refused when my daughter wanted food off the kids menu. We left. Then next day we talked to the manger and were told 'Sorry, we were very busy and short handed last night' in a dismissive way. Too bad... This restaurant is in our neighborhood and one my whole family can agree on. I can't imagine why a business would turn away a family with an estimated bill of $75.00 or why a waiter would refuse service with an estimated tip of $15-$20. Won't go back. Cons: bad service more

Okay food... horrible service. Recently went with my family of 5 for dinner. I asked for 1 children's menu for my developmentally disabled daughter and was refused because she was over 12 years old. Keeping in mind my son was under 12 and ordering from the adult menu, I was still refused when my daughter wanted food off the kids menu. We left. Then next day we talked to the manger and were told 'Sorry, we were very busy and short handed last night' in a dismissive way. Too bad... This restaurant is in our neighborhood and one my whole family can agree on. I can't imagine why a business would turn away a family with an estimated bill of $75.00 or why a waiter would refuse service with an estimated tip of $15-$20. Won't go back. Cons: bad service more

There were 4 people at the bar, and my group was 3 of those. Ordered 3 margaritas, and it took at least 15 minutes to get them. The bartender taunted us by walking by us several times, to do a small load of dishes, and pour a couple waters for a server. A gentleman came in and sat at the bar after we were thoroughly annoyed, and he was served a drink before we recieved one. The drinks were definitely not worth waiting for. Couldn't taste the Sauza, and they were so sweet I couldn't finish mine. The food was luke warm, not horrible, but nothing exciting. I waited another 15 minutes for water that I asked for twice. NOT going back. Happy Hour prices were decent. more

There were 4 people at the bar, and my group was 3 of those. Ordered 3 margaritas, and it took at least 15 minutes to get them. The bartender taunted us by walking by us several times, to do a small load of dishes, and pour a couple waters for a server. A gentleman came in and sat at the bar after we were thoroughly annoyed, and he was served a drink before we recieved one. The drinks were definitely not worth waiting for. Couldn't taste the Sauza, and they were so sweet I couldn't finish mine. The food was luke warm, not horrible, but nothing exciting. I waited another 15 minutes for water that I asked for twice. NOT going back. Happy Hour prices were decent. more

Whoever wrote the "this place is amazing" review doesn't know what good mexican food is. My mother is Mexican, I grew up in California, and I've been to Mexico. This place is just plain gross. The food is just as bland and flavorless as every other Mexican food place in Portland. I apologized profusely to my husband for choosing the place. It was that bad. The food is luke warm, bland, and flavorless. The salsa was not fresh! I'm convinced it came from a jar purchased at the local supermarket. I've come to the conclusion that there are NO good mexican food restaurants in Portland. This place is no exception. Don't waste your money. You will be dissapointed. Pros: There are none Cons: It's still in business more

Whoever wrote the ""this place is amazing"" review doesn't know what good mexican food is. My mother is Mexican, I grew up in California, and I've been to Mexico. This place is just plain gross. The food is just as bland and flavorless as every other Mexican food place in Portland. I apologized profusely to my husband for choosing the place. It was that bad. The food is luke warm, bland, and flavorless. The salsa was not fresh! I'm convinced it came from a jar purchased at the local supermarket. I've come to the conclusion that there are NO good mexican food restaurants in Portland. This place is no exception. Don't waste your money. You will be dissapointed. Pros: There are none Cons: It's still in business more

Unfortunately, we were lured by a previous reviewer. (Did we visit the same restaurant?) The margaritas were OK, but it was downhill from there. The kitchen took 20 minutes. The food was room temperature, completely bland, devoid of flavor. Refried beans were the worst I have ever had. The enchiladas and tamale were dry and tasteless. Surely 7-11 serves up better Mexican. Pros: ambience Cons: quality, price more

Unfortunately, we were lured by a previous reviewer. (Did we visit the same restaurant?) The margaritas were OK, but it was downhill from there. The kitchen took 20 minutes. The food was room temperature, completely bland, devoid of flavor. Refried beans were the worst I have ever had. The enchiladas and tamale were dry and tasteless. Surely 7-11 serves up better Mexican. Pros: ambience Cons: quality, price more

I have been coming here since La Costita reopened and I absolutely LOVE IT. The food is amazing!! (my favorites are the chicken tortilla soup, the nachos, and the fish tacos.) They use all fresh ingredients and make their chips and salsa fresh everyday!!! La Costita does have limited parking, but there is parking across the street by the US Bank, which is GREAT considering how many other restraunts you have to walk a mile (downtown!) to get to. The menu may also SEEM to be normal and basic, but that is because many patrons expect that on a Mexican menu, but if you look closer, you will find authentic Mexican food straight from Mexico, dishes that the owners mother brought to America with her. I suggest you take a leap, and try a dish that you never have and stop always getting a chicken burrito or ground beef taco. Be daring at this establishment, I promise it will be worth it!!! The service is also warm and friendly. Many regulars frequent here and get to know eachother (much like Cheers) :) and the waitstaff. The atmosphere is very beach-oriented and not your typical "Mexican Restaurant" decor. The bar is gorgeous and if you are over 21 is the ideal place to sit. There are 2 huge plasma tv's and 2 smaller ones behind the bar that are always playing sports, and the bartop is a large piece of glass that glows from lights below it. The wall behind the liquor also glows. Seating is usually easy to come by and is great, especially in warm weather when they open up the patio! Smoking is only allowed outside, which is perfect because no one has to breathe in anyone elses smoke. All in all, La Costita is one of my favorite Mexican Restaurants ever. I can't go to any other, they just don't compare. more

I have been coming here since La Costita reopened and I absolutely LOVE IT. The food is amazing!! (my favorites are the chicken tortilla soup, the nachos, and the fish tacos.) They use all fresh ingredients and make their chips and salsa fresh everyday!!!\r La Costita does have limited parking, but there is parking across the street by the US Bank, which is GREAT considering how many other restraunts you have to walk a mile (downtown!) to get to.\r The menu may also SEEM to be normal and basic, but that is because many patrons expect that on a Mexican menu, but if you look closer, you will find authentic Mexican food straight from Mexico, dishes that the owners mother brought to America with her. I suggest you take a leap, and try a dish that you never have and stop always getting a chicken burrito or ground beef taco. Be daring at this establishment, I promise it will be worth it!!! \r \r The service is also warm and friendly. Many regulars frequent here and get to know eachother (much like Cheers) :) and the waitstaff.\r \r The atmosphere is very beach-oriented and not your typical ""Mexican Restaurant"" decor. The bar is gorgeous and if you are over 21 is the ideal place to sit. There are 2 huge plasma tv's and 2 smaller ones behind the bar that are always playing sports, and the bartop is a large piece of glass that glows from lights below it. The wall behind the liquor also glows. \r Seating is usually easy to come by and is great, especially in warm weather when they open up the patio! Smoking is only allowed outside, which is perfect because no one has to breathe in anyone elses smoke. \r \r All in all, La Costita is one of my favorite Mexican Restaurants ever. I can't go to any other, they just don't compare. \r more