Javier’s has a few locations, 2 in LA and of course their most famous location in Newport that my family visited for the first time for lunch.
Their slogan may say “Finest foods of Mexico” and their About Us says their team of chefs bring recipes from different regions of Mexico, bringing authentic tastes of Mexico . . .
even if the above are 100% true, I don’t believe a single thing about their mission matching their alleged statements. Paying an average of $40-50 per plate, it’s pretty sad how so much attention goes into the aesthetics and so little goes into the flavors. But what’s even worse is the fame and attention given to Javier’s for an experience that isn’t worth it.
The good:
•Newport location is absolutely beautiful. I loved everything about the ambience and design.
•the margaritas are actually great. The tamarind margarita is delicious
•the lobster in my lobster enchilada was cooked well
•the sauce on my lobster enchilada was good
The meh:
•the guacamole is obviously made with a significant amount of filler because it has the texture of cream cheese. And there’s really no “guacamole” flavor to it. But I’d say it’s a really good avocado mash
•salsa served with chips was fine
•the rice and beans were decent
•service is great until you have an issue. Waitress and table runners were friendly and attentive but when we mentioned some issues below, the waitress didn’t offer any resolution and just said “I’m sorry for that”
The bad:
•chips were stale and cold
•the poblano chile in my Cabo Azul plate wasn’t cooked enough and still raw.
•the shrimp and crab in my poblano was practically mush and you couldn’t tell what was what
•the Ensenada taco part of the Cabo Azul plate was falling apart and the battered shrimp was soggy and rubbery
•the churros are not fried well so they come out soggy and chewy
•I tried my some things from dad’s plate, the chicken taco was almost inedible. The chicken was stringy and dry. The chile relleno was rubbery, and the enchilada was bland.
by XandersOdyssey