Cocina Del Carmen 1350 East Vista Way, Vista, CA 92084

"I was at the restaurant Cocina Del Carmen on March 10, 2024. My clients from Oaxaca recommended it to me, so I decided to try it and see what this place is all about. I sat down at the bar and ordered a Michelada, which was good but not the best I've had. While waiting, I was brought some chips topped with good black beans. The beans were cold. I ordered Molotes, which sounded exquisite since I had never tried them, and to top it off, I ordered a torta Oaxaqueña. The server didn't acknowledge me; I had finished my Michelada before my food arrived and wasn't offered another or any water. Sitting at the bar waiting for some service, I see a MICROWAVE! I never knew authentic food from Oaxaca was made in the microwave, which was a big red flag. The guy beside me got his food way before me: Enchiladas de Mole. They came out before my food. MICROWAVED FOOD. My food arrived shortly after his; remember, I waited longer, so I figured making the "FRESH" molotes took longer. I was wrong. I bit into the first one; it was super hot on the outside and cold on the inside! For those who don't know, those are usually signs of microwaved heated food! Not fresh at all. My torta was nothing to ride home about, and it was also cold. I would have been better off getting a torta at Valerie Taco Shop. At least their torta isn't microwaved. I was very disappointed at the restaurant and their server with the arms covered in tattoos; you know who you are. When I told you my molotes were cold, you said you would take them away and didn't do so; you didn't even offer me another drink or an apology. You only brought me the check; yes, I didn't tip you. Your service was subpar, and the lack of attention for the client was disturbing as an older man sat down and waited 5 minutes without being acknowledged. I will tell everyone to avoid this sorry disgrace of "Authentic Mexican Food" that is "Authentically Microwaved." WORD OF ADVICE: GET RID OF THE MICROWAVE! MAKE IT FRESH! YOU MIGHT BE FOOLING OTHER BUT NOT ME. RETRAIN YOUR EMPLOYEE WITH THE TATTED-UP ARMS, OR ANYONE FOR THAT MATTER, AS I WASN'T EVEN WELCOMED AT THE DOOR. I WAS IGNORED FROM THE BEGINNING What a disgrace to Mexican food. You all should be ashamed of using a microwave at a restaurant. Would our ancestors make their food or approve of using a microwave?"

"Great place to grab authentic Mexican food. Went with my family and we all ordered different things and every single dish was beyond our expectations! Such delicious food and great service. Clean restaurant and fast food delivery. One of my favorite items was the cafe de olla, delicious! Will be going back."

"Their specialty dishes are where they shine! You want to enjoy this restaurant seating down and enjoying yourself. They have football ⚽️ on the TV and cold bar on tap. The basics are basic. I can get a cheap burrito elsewhere."

"Been here about 10 times in the past 6 months. Great food, great drinks and fair prices. the owner pretty much can go off menu if you see something you would like different during preparation which is a great plus. I usually give it 5 stars but the service today was a little off and I'm sure it will be right back to par. Everyone one has their days where they may not be at 100. Definitely will be coming back soon."

"We are big fans of molcajeta so my wife and I had to try this place. They have 5 on the menu! We had the Trapichero, which has grilled chicken, steak, pork, chorizo, and cactus, with cheese, avocado and green onions, swimming in a delicious sauce. Excellent! Substantial too, with some leftover for us to take home and enjoy again. Big menu of other things I would love to try too. Lots of departures from the standard "stuff wrapped in a tortilla" fare that most places have. The one star ding on atmosphere is because the place is just bare walls and got a little loud."