Guess the Restaurant ?

[HALLETT BOY]

You walk in , maybe you’re greeted by a hostess , maybe not . The waitperson eventually comes to your table , zero personality , the last place on earth she wants to be is here , you put your order in , person disappears . Food comes and something is not right , beer is warm from sitting too long , butter is not melted on your French toast because the food is cold , baked potato is not cooked through , meat is either too well done or raw or too chewy to eat . You might send it back , but if you’re from Ca you fear what the cook might do to your food . I see lots of people complaining about restaurants these days , tipping , the cost etc , but this experience I just described has become the norm almost every time I go out . I’m not talking about Mastros high end etc , just average places to eat . Fast food is even worse , just this morning someone was shot because the order was wrong . I see so many restaurants going out of business these days . Anyone else experience similar problems ? Any solutions ?

 

[Caydens Cat]

Any solutions ?

Eat at home!

 

[FROGMAN524]

We eat at home and pack lunches daily. Only go out anymore for special occasions or to meet friends or family and then it's high end. Otherwise, it's mostly garbage everywhere you go.

 

[ChrisV]

You walk in , maybe you’re greeted by a hostess , maybe not . The waitperson eventually comes to your table , zero personality , the last place on earth she wants to be is here , you put your order in , person disappears . Food comes and something is not right , beer is warm from sitting too long , butter is not melted on your French toast because the food is cold , baked potato is not cooked through , meat is either too well done or raw or too chewy to eat . You might send it back , but if you’re from Ca you fear what the cook might do to your food . I see lots of people complaining about restaurants these days , tipping , the cost etc , but this experience I just described has become the norm almost every time I go out . I’m not talking about Mastros high end etc , just average places to eat . Fast food is even worse , just this morning someone was shot because the order was wrong . I see so many restaurants going out of business these days . Anyone else experience similar problems ? Any solutions ?

Are these restaurants in AZ? Usually all restaurants in OC is pretty legit.

 

[HALLETT BOY]

Are these restaurants in AZ? Usually all restaurants in OC is pretty legit.

Yes , 4 Clovers , Topock 66 , and Black Bear , plus a couple others

 

[ChrisV]

Yes , 4 Clovers , Topock 66 , and Black Bear , plus a couple others

Topock was bad couple weeks ago. Havasu springs is the only place I really enjoy and never have a problem.

 

[FlyByWire]

You walk in , maybe you’re greeted by a hostess , maybe not . The waitperson eventually comes to your table , zero personality , the last place on earth she wants to be is here , you put your order in , person disappears . Food comes and something is not right , beer is warm from sitting too long , butter is not melted on your French toast because the food is cold , baked potato is not cooked through , meat is either too well done or raw or too chewy to eat . You might send it back , but if you’re from Ca you fear what the cook might do to your food . I see lots of people complaining about restaurants these days , tipping , the cost etc , but this experience I just described has become the norm almost every time I go out . I’m not talking about Mastros high end etc , just average places to eat . Fast food is even worse , just this morning someone was shot because the order was wrong . I see so many restaurants going out of business these days . Anyone else experience similar problems ? Any solutions ?

Topock 66

 

[TimeBandit]

Mostly we eat at home.

We went out for lunch last week and it was fantastic, but for $135. it should be.

 

[yz450mm]

Sounds like you haven't found the right spot.

 

[HALLETT BOY]

Are these restaurants in AZ? Usually all restaurants in OC is pretty legit.

Oh , and the 2 tiny tacos at Chicos were consumed in 3 bites each , for like $7 each !

 

[FreeBird236]

Yes , 4 Clovers , Topock 66 , and Black Bear , plus a couple others

I partially agree with you, but those really don't make the list of go to spots. We get fantastic service @ ChaBones, La vita dolce, Angelina's, Marios, Barley Bros, College street. Tavern 95, quite a few others as well. Quit going to 4 clovers when the health dept was always saying needs improvement, They did just get a new owner from what I hear, so maybe things will change.

 

[SKIDMARC]

Gotta find your go to spots. In Simi Valley not many good options. There are a few decent spots. Mainly depend on how good the drinks are.

 

[SoCalDave]

Last Friday the wife didn't want to cook so we went to Lucilles at the LBTC, a place we used to visit often but the last time there about 9 months ago the quantity/quality was just not there. Me thinking maybe they got their shit together but nope. I order their beef ribs (3 of them) and when the food hit the bar it was game on as I was starving. Struggled to get the meat off the first bone and actually gave up asking the server for a chainsaw. He just looked at me like a deer in headlights. Before he could respond I asked him to take the plate and go give it to the manager and have him try one. He leaves then comes back with the manager. Manager tells him to take it off my tab which he did. Not once did the manager even approach me yet look at me. We downed our beer and as I was walking out I caught the server and told him his manager just took his tip away from him.
I'm done with that place...

 

[Ziggy]

Oh , and the 2 tiny tacos at Chicos were consumed in 3 bites each , for like $7 each !

Well Chicos sucks so it doesn't surprise me. Never have understood the allure some peeps have with that place.

 

[ChrisV]

Sounds like you haven't found the right spot. View attachment 1377386

care to share or needs to be private? lol

 

[monkeyswrench]

My daughter has worked at a well known chain for 2 years. She loved her gig, until November. The old manager retired, a lifer. New manager came in and brought in a second. Previous second moved on to their own.

Since November, there have been about 30 resignations. New manager short staffs and cuts corners. Daughter, even though still fairly new, tried to keep the old store traditions, like the gift exchange and things. New manager calls people in when they need help, then berates them for taking too long. Many of the employees are students, manager tells them they'll work around schedules, then proceeds to schedule as if nothing was said. Management at a lot of places is a huge issue.

My daughter put in her notice this morning She has another gig lined up. She loved her job, and didn't want to quit, but the job she started at left when the new manager showed up.

 

[lbhsbz]

Last Friday the wife didn't want to cook so we went to Lucilles at the LBTC, a place we used to visit often but the last time there about 9 months ago the quantity/quality was just not there. Me thinking maybe they got their shit together but nope. I order their beef ribs (3 of them) and when the food hit the bar it was game on as I was starving. Struggled to get the meat off the first bone and actually gave up asking the server for a chainsaw. He just looked at me like a deer in headlights. Before he could respond I asked him to take the plate and go give it to the manager and have him try one. He leaves then comes back with the manager. Manager tells him to take it off my tab which he did. Not once did the manager even approach me yet look at me. We downed our beer and as I was walking out I caught the server and told him his manager just took his tip away from him.
I'm done with that place...

I’ve given up on anything in the LBTC….

Want BBQ, head to Johnny Rebs

 

[Ricks raft]

For a regular restaurant, surprised you had issues at black bear diner. Been to several on cen cal, always decent food, fair prices.
Fast food nowadays is a joke. You can go to sit down like black bear or Applebee's for the same price, until you had the cocktails

 

[Your ad here]

Sounds like you haven't found the right spot. View attachment 1377386

$27 plate right there. I bet the drink was an extra $4.75.

 

[DWC]

I almost feel for Topock/Pirates. I’m not sure how they find enough talent to staff it for the season. They should have invested in putting up dorm style buildings instead of hiring models to find new customers..
It’s mostly the two of us in Havasu. We have College st, Chabones, Javalinas, Mudsharks in the rotation. Mostly sit at the bar and get great service a majority of the time. Doesn’t hurt we’re there quite a bit.

 

[Done-it-again]

I almost feel for Topock/Pirates. I’m not sure how they find enough talent to staff it for the season. They should have invested in putting up dorm style buildings instead of hiring models to find new customers..
It’s mostly the two of us in Havasu. We have College st, Chabones, Javalinas, Mudsharks in the rotation. Mostly sit at the bar and get great service a majority of the time. Doesn’t hurt we’re there quite a bit.

Staff is one thing, but the food just sucks... People wont bitch if the food is on point but takes a little bit to get to you.

 

[DWC]

Staff is one thing, but the food just sucks... People wont bitch if the food is on point but takes a little bit to get to you.

Topock has a decent menu and good “recipes”. It’s just a matter if the cook of the minute makes it right and the server brings it warm. I haven’t tried Pirates in awhile. They brought their “new” menu and the first burger I got was good. After that sucked.. We mostly BBQ on the boat now. I actually like the Havasu rotation. They have decent menus and are consistent. We eat at home more when we’re in So Cal. There’s a Stater Bros around the corner with a good meat selection. If there was one in Havasu we’d cut out quite a few trips.

 

[YeahYeah01]

We go out almost every Friday night we rarely hit a chain, sometimes Texas Roadhouse or red robin since my daughter loves both. We hit 2 local owned spots and they are always fantastic. .

 

[Gramps]

can't afford to eat anymore.... haven't had a steak in months....today I went into St.Gouge to bail my wife out of the hospital. Went to the store to pick up a few things and decided to get some steaks.....................WRONG!!!!!! $29.99/lb for grocery store meat

 

[yz450mm]

care to share or needs to be private? lol

Little hole in the wall taco shop in Hesperia that I hit at least a couple times a week.

$27 plate right there. I bet the drink was an extra $4.75.

$14.50 with drink.

 

[ChrisV]

Little hole in the wall taco shop in Hesperia that I hit at least a couple times a week.

$14.50 with drink.

I’m over thinking it’s at havasu haha

 

[YeahYeah01]

Little hole in the wall taco shop in Hesperia that I hit at least a couple times a week.

$14.50 with drink.

What's the name?

 

[yz450mm]

What's the name?

HD Tacos, south side of Bear Valley just west of Locust.

 

[Heylam]

We love Nico's. We’ve had great food and great service.

 

[FlyByWire]

I almost feel for Topock/Pirates. I’m not sure how they find enough talent to staff it for the season. They should have invested in putting up dorm style buildings instead of hiring models to find new customers..
It’s mostly the two of us in Havasu. We have College st, Chabones, Javalinas, Mudsharks in the rotation. Mostly sit at the bar and get great service a majority of the time. Doesn’t hurt we’re there quite a bit.

I really love the Topock experience (boating up there). We’ve just come to expect and know that the food is going to be horrible and the beer is going to be only kind of cold.

We did the springs this past week and while that was fun, the inner harbor is a bitch unless the *prime* spot is open (it wasn’t). We did the outer harbor and it was fun.. but the restaurant is way better IMHO.

“Who the fuck would do black interior” ~these guys, probably;

 

[YeahYeah01]

HD Tacos, south side of Bear Valley just west of Locust.

Ill check it out.

My go to right now is Amy's Mexican restaurant in Apple Valley. Also the newish place Consbeeracy Brewing in Hesperia has good beer and solid food.

https://www.facebook.com/consbeeracybrewing/​

 

[yz450mm]

Ill check it out.

My go to right now is Amy's Mexican restaurant in Apple Valley. Also the newish place Consbeeracy Brewing in Hesperia has good beer and solid food.

https://www.facebook.com/consbeeracybrewing/​

I'll have to hit up Amy's, I haven't been there in a while since I moved from desert knolls over to our ranch off Deep Creek. Haven't heard of the other one, but we will try it out.

 

[crzy2bealive]

Why is every time I eat at a fast food place they mess up my order.

 

[YeahYeah01]

I'll have to hit up Amy's, I haven't been there in a while since I moved from desert knolls over to our ranch off Deep Creek. Haven't heard of the other one, but we will try it out.

I have never had bad service or a bad meal from Amy's. We go enough where they know us by name and are treated great every-time. The other one is in the old desert barn brewery. We don't have many options like that up here and IMO this one has way better beer and an actual kitchen so you're not relaying on a food truck.

 

[rmarion]

I gotta give a shout out to Texas Roadhouse, Aurora, Denver.

We ate there during my Granddaughter Gymnastics Gold Regionals.

I had the Ribeye and Ribs combo (fall off bone)...

I pigged out on the Hot Rolls... plowed the Ribeye.... I was DONE!! Getting ready to give the Ribs to whoever wanna to take them home....
someone else had the Ribs and claimed BEST EVER... fall off the bone... yada yada yada.

so I cut one off... IT LITERALLY FALLS off the bone...

I'm STUFFED.. but gonna try....

WOW!!!! Holy Shit!!! Best Rib I've ever had!!!
Ate them all.. rolled me out the door..

We have a Franchise in Corona.... gonna try it out.. Can't wait!

I was IMPRESSED and told the manager also...

 

[shock22]

Rips Huntington Beach on Brookhurst appetizers will fill you.

 

[Done-it-again]

I gotta give a shout out to Texas Roadhouse, Aurora, Denver.

We ate there during my Granddaughter Gymnastics Gold Regionals.

I had the Ribeye and Ribs combo (fall off bone)...

I pigged out on the Hot Rolls... plowed the Ribeye.... I was DONE!! Getting ready to give the Ribs to whoever wanna to take them home....
someone else had the Ribs and claimed BEST EVER... fall off the bone... yada yada yada.

so I cut one off... IT LITERALLY FALLS off the bone...

I'm STUFFED.. but gonna try....

WOW!!!! Holy Shit!!! Best Rib I've ever had!!!
Ate them all.. rolled me out the door..

We have a Franchise in Corona.... gonna try it out.. Can't wait!

I was IMPRESSED and told the manager also...

The one in Rialto off the 210 was good, it’s gotten worse the last year. I find them to be better outside CA.

 

[hallett21]

Well Chicos sucks so it doesn't surprise me. Never have understood the allure some peeps have with that place.

I’m actually shocked lol. What’s your better option?

And we enjoy the Mexican place down by in n out and Chabones as well.

We took our friends to Cha Bones and they compared it to Cheese cake factory…. lol.

A Mastros in Havasu would Murder!!!

 

[hallett21]

I almost feel for Topock/Pirates. I’m not sure how they find enough talent to staff it for the season. They should have invested in putting up dorm style buildings instead of hiring models to find new customers..
It’s mostly the two of us in Havasu. We have College st, Chabones, Javalinas, Mudsharks in the rotation. Mostly sit at the bar and get great service a majority of the time. Doesn’t hurt we’re there quite a bit.

Ehhhhh lol. I feel for the owners for about a second. They’ve had a bunch of cute/sexy girls there for a while. Unless I’m missing something, it’s taking orders, delivering drinks and doing it as fast as you can.

Tip each waitress a buck a beer and raise your prices if the patrons won’t tip. It’s the the river…patrons are coming one way or another.

Meanwhile.

I can go to foxes or roadrunner 4-5 years after my last order at 10pm and the bartenders can remember and handle the drinks within seconds. And they always get tipped heavy.



There’s a disconnect, and I don’t know what it is.

 

[DWC]

Ehhhhh lol. I feel for the owners for about a second. They’ve had a bunch of cute/sexy girls there for a while. Unless I’m missing something, it’s taking orders, delivering drinks and doing it as fast as you can.

Tip each waitress a buck a beer and raise your prices if the patrons won’t tip. It’s the the river…patrons are coming one way or another.

Meanwhile.

I can go to foxes or roadrunner 4-5 years after my last order at 10pm and the bartenders can remember and handle the drinks within seconds. And they always get tipped heavy.



There’s a disconnect, and I don’t know what it is.

I said almost. . They’re both piss poorly managed. Sad because they have great locations.

 

[Ziggy]

I’m actually shocked lol. What’s your better option?

And we enjoy the Mexican place down by in n out and Chabones as well.

We took our friends to Cha Bones and they compared it to Cheese cake factory…. lol.

A Mastros in Havasu would Murder!!!

I'd pick Burrito Shak at the other end of bldg over Chicos.
El Parisio.
Azul Agave.
We love Mexican food but it's usually not something we seek out in Havasu.
Have had Steven's Tacos cater a few parties.

 

[Havasu blue label]

I’m actually shocked lol. What’s your better option?

And we enjoy the Mexican place down by in n out and Chabones as well.

We took our friends to Cha Bones and they compared it to Cheese cake factory…. lol.

A Mastros in Havasu would Murder!!!

maybe it was the cost two totally different menus

 

[hallett21]

I'd pick Burrito Shak at the other end of bldg over Chicos.
El Parisio.
Azul Agave.
We love Mexican food but it's usually not something we seek out in Havasu.
Have had Steven's Tacos cater a few parties.

Fair enough. The carnecria meat, beans, rice and everything else is our go to

 

[Todd Mohr]

I had an interesting experience last night at Cha Bones, me and a buddy went in at 5 for the happy hour deal. We sit at the bar and it takes a few to get asked for our order, I order a blended margarita with salt and my buddy just wants a water at that time. It takes a while for me to get my drink, while I’m waiting I ask for the menu. My drink gets there it’s not what I ordered, not even close. I tasted it and it was good, I didn’t say a thing, Dana looks at me like I’m an idiot for not saying something. So we order our appetizers from the happy hour menu, they are 100% not the same quality as the last time I was there. So I have ordered 2 coors light since we got there, and I wanted 1 more before we finished, the bartender said I had had enough and cut me off. I was shocked, no way was I over served, I bit my tongue and we paid our bill and tipped well. So shitty service, mediocre food and insulted. Again, just left without being a jerk. Not sure what I did to deserve that, but most likely not returning any time soon. I really was talking the place up to my friend and if some of my less mellow friends were there it would of been a scene. We had not complained about anything, but the bartender was just not very friendly. Maybe she was having a bad night, but I left feeling totally insulted.

 

[rivermobster]

You walk in , maybe you’re greeted by a hostess , maybe not . The waitperson eventually comes to your table , zero personality , the last place on earth she wants to be is here , you put your order in , person disappears . Food comes and something is not right , beer is warm from sitting too long , butter is not melted on your French toast because the food is cold , baked potato is not cooked through , meat is either too well done or raw or too chewy to eat . You might send it back , but if you’re from Ca you fear what the cook might do to your food . I see lots of people complaining about restaurants these days , tipping , the cost etc , but this experience I just described has become the norm almost every time I go out . I’m not talking about Mastros high end etc , just average places to eat . Fast food is even worse , just this morning someone was shot because the order was wrong . I see so many restaurants going out of business these days . Anyone else experience similar problems ? Any solutions ?

I just wanna know how wasted you were, that you ordered a beer, a baked potato and french toast???

I think I wanna party with you!!!

 

[Outdrive1]

Well Chicos sucks so it doesn't surprise me. Never have understood the allure some peeps have with that place.

I eat lunch there almost every week. I love the salsa bar. The Albondigas is great. Shredded beef tacos. Tamale with chilli verde on top. It’s so good. We sit at the bar. @SFV2RVR usually meets me there. I fucking love it.

 

[Outdrive1]

I'd pick Burrito Shak at the other end of bldg over Chicos.
El Parisio.
Azul Agave.
We love Mexican food but it's usually not something we seek out in Havasu.
Have had Steven's Tacos cater a few parties.

Burrito Shack is my wife’s go to. I usually bring that home for her.

 

[Socalx09]

We stick to the same places to avoid the issues we have been seeing when it comes to regular dining. When we stray from these places, we usually regret it! We will request a waitress if they are working that night.

Topock hasn’t been great the last few times we have been. But, it’s still a nice place to stop for the day. We won’t go to pirates

California
Union by the yale in Claremont
Northwoods inn
Black horse tavern in Norco
Tropical Mexico in Ponoma
Roscoe’s in Chino

Havasu-
The springs or Dolce for dinner. Haven’t had a bad experience at either places.
The rest of the time, we will bbq.

 

[Clank123]

I’m a Parker guy, but every once in a while I get up to LHC.
Big fan of the restaurant at the Springs(We Consider that a Parker restaurant). Rarely had a bad experience there.
As far as Havasu City, I’ve been to nearly all of them mentioned and as stated most of them are hit or miss. Some more consistent than others.
It’s interesting on these threads that the Boat House Grill is not often mentioned.
I have never had a bad meal there and I think for Havasu their menu is outstanding.
Am I missing something?
How is it that few LHC regulars ever mention it?

 

[OC Mike]

North Orange County, I'm going to give a shout out to Ester's Tacos @ Orangethorpe and Lakeview.
GREAT Mexican. Everything is great!! Their Chicken Tacos and Chile Relleno may be the best ever.
The Relleno is NOT breaded..
Wife and I usually get a Taco each and split the Relleno and tortillas. Topped off with a Draft Modelo....

History — Esther's Taco House

www.estherstacos.com