La Cantina de Don Porfirio — Restaurant in Vancouver

A severely underwhelming experience. From the moment we stepped through the door for a much anticipated Saturday evening dinner date reservation, the atmosphere and vibes were noticeably off. After being seated, we waited patiently for over 15 minutes to be greeted by our server when we were provided water. The disorganization behind the bar and amongst staff was immediately clear. We then proceeded to wait an additional 15 minutes for the waitress to acknowledge us and take our order. It was made very awkward by the cold and unfriendly attitude of the waitress. Our order was incorrect and we received food for which we did not order. When we gently noted this with the staff, we were shrugged off. Our meals then arrived shortly thereafter, however our cocktail order of two margaritas had yet to arrive. Upon finishing our meals and being present for nearly an hour, our drinks then arrived. Following an initial sip, I discovered my margarita glass was chipped and broken exposing a sharp edge which was hidden by the salted rim. I'm fortunate my lip was not cut as I made direct contact with the sharp edge. I kindly asked that I be provided the $18 cocktail in a new glass, where I was met with a condescending and unacceptable response from the waitress. I was severely disappointed by the ordeal, and respectfully asked that the cocktail be taken off the bill as we had finished our meal by this point. We will not be returning.

Based on the listed reviews, I find both the overall rating and price range listed to be suspect and untruthful. Two entrees, an appetizer, and a single margarita was $80 (before gratuity). The food was basic fare with modest portions (guacamole, tacos camarones and chilaquiles), the atmosphere was lacking, and the service was unacceptable. There are many excellent choices for authentic Mexican fare in Vancouver, and this is not one of them....

I’m surprised by all the positive reviews because my experience with my friends was pretty bad. If I were to summarize my experience there, I think it was underwhelming, expensive for what it was, and chaotic service that just let to insane amounts of waiting. When we first got there after making a reservation, they brought us to our table but then had us waiting around the table while the server cleaned the table. This was pretty minor, but awkward. Getting and ordering the first round of drinks didn’t take long but we noticed we had to wave down the server throughout the meal because they weren’t coming by to top up our drinks or checking in on us. When we tried to order food this also took a while, I think we were there for about an hour chatting with drinks, but never asked if we wanted food or checked up on. When we got the food it was okay, but honestly so dry and so bland for how expensive it was. Other restaurants in Vancouver charge less and actually taste pretty good. Also, one of us received the wrong food but didn’t make a fuss at the time. This was a mistake on us, since when they brought by the bill they made us select our items of a list for the table ourselves instead of giving us individualized bills. So when it came down to the last person they ended up paying for stuff that wasn’t what they ordered. Overall, I was pretty disappointed and probably had too high hopes for this place. The bar that was here a few years ago was really good and was sad to see them closed down. I was hoping it was replaced with a decent place but it’s honestly not worth it...

This establishment is one the contenders for the worst service in Vancouver. Upon our arrival, despite a lack of bustling activity, we were greeted by unkempt countertops, prompting a request for immediate attention. Water, a customary gesture in most dining experiences, was curiously omitted from our initial reception and had to be requested.

The libations, promised in due time, inexplicably lingered in preparation, an unfortunate delay in an otherwise unhurried ambiance. However, the real disappointment unfolded with the arrival of our entrees, marred by the conspicuous absence of one of our appetizers. A startling lack of contrition followed from our server, who met our concerns with incredulity rather than apology, compounding our desire for swift departure.

Yet, the pinnacle of disappointment was reached with the repeated failure to furnish our table with basic utensils and napkins, a basic expectation left unmet despite reiterated requests. This unfortunate series of service mishaps leaves much to be desired in an establishment that ostensibly strives...