Acapulco is an Americanized take on Mexican food. I don't really like authentic Mexican food, so I can't compare Acapulco to the many authentic Mexican restaurants in LA. But compared to other similar Mexican restuarant chains El Torito and Acapulco win hands down. I have eaten at a lot of four star restaurants in my life, but sometimes when I think of a great meal I think of Acupulco. I don't know if some of this nostalgia is influenced by the fun, relaxed atmosphere, always friendly staff and service, and great times with friends, or finally being able to have a good meal at the end of a long day. Acapulco is simply well prepared comfort food. There are no twists, no haute cuisine or unidentifiable ingredients from Provence. The flavor comes from decent cuts of meat, well marinated, prepared perfectly and paired with solidly prepared simple sides like rice, beans (refried is best.) I honestly prefer an Acapulco carne asada steak to a Mastros steak any day. I am just sorry that the Acapulco cuts are smaller. The star at Acapulco is the carne asada, any dish with carnie asada or shrimp in it is a winner. Get the carne asada as opposed to the regular beef burritos. I honestly don't recommend the pork, and the fish is ok but rather bland and a small portion. Don't forget the house made tortilla chips and house made fresh salsa. I have heard people comment that they could just make a meal out of it, that's how good it is. If you have been eating only bottled salsa and tortilla chips from a bag, this will be an huge eye opener for you. You might ask for seconds and the waiter will oblige. But whatever you do, don't skip dessert. The chocolate lava cake rivals any at a four star restaurant and surpasses some of the four star messes I have seen. The deep fried ice cream is also to die for. If you happen to go on a special dessert night and see the heavenly pineapple upside down cake or cheesecake order it or take a whole cake home.
Pros: Great Value for Large portions, Fantastic food, fun relaxed atmosphere, superb service
Cons: bland fish, pork is not so great, lack of ambience in main dining room, opt for the bar area
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