La oaxaqueña — Restaurant in Bacalar

Finally, I have had a dining experience so bad that I can roll out the ‘I’m only giving it 1 star because I have to’ cliche. We went based on the many positive reviews. We left bemused as to how they got them. I’ve lived in Mexico, and I’ve experienced plenty of places that are rough round the edges, plastic chairs, wooden benches, leaks in the roof that serve up excellent food. That’s what I hoped for.

We ordered. Six of us, so we got him to repeat it back. A moment later he returned with the guacamole (which was good tbf) and triple checked. First dish was soup, which was ok. Next was mine, which was served with the wrong sauce and was pretty cold. I was hungry so didn’t complain and started eating. Next dish was served and that turned out to be mine. I’d been given the wrong meal. The waiter has taken the order. He’s got to make sure the right dishes go to the right diners.

The person given my meal tried it, but mole was not his thing. Two baked fish arrived. A third of the way into it, it was clear it hadn’t been cooked through. The person eating the other fish decided on balance to stop eating.

Then came the vegetarian cheese enmoladas, which contained chicken, not cheese. You just cannot be serving a vegetarian diner a meat dish. That’s a hard no, isn’t it? I’m not being controversial, right? This was made clear three times at point of ordering. It was sent back.

I’d stopped eating my food half way through. Cold and not something I liked. The vegetarian had no trust in the place and wouldn’t touch the replacement dish. We cancelled the last meal and asked for the bill. This seemed to kick off an argument between waiter and owner which seemed to result in the waiter either being fired or quitting. Who knows for sure. But he got on a bike and left.

The bill. Now this is just me, but here’s how I think things should go when you’ve served uncooked fish, given meat to a vegetarian, given two people the wrong food and you’re looking at a table full of food because only one person has actually eaten what you’ve knocked up.. Apologise, rip up the bill up. This wasn’t a triumph. There’ll be better days.

They took one of the fish off the bill. I’m not going to argue, life is too short. So I just paid what was remaining. And here is the review that the experience deserved.

I’m only giving it one star...

A great restaurant located in town. La Oaxaqueña has several great dishes to choose from. We were visiting for the holidays and finding a good place to eat can be tricky. This place hits the spot. Coming from the states to wanting to experience authentic Mexican cuisine, it has not disappoint. The guacamole is excellent and if you would like to taste something different try the Oaxacan Guacamole, my husband’s favorite. The veggie omelette was delicious.

Everything has good flavor, well balanced and not too over seasoned. A must try are the Tlayudas any of them are delicious, especially the especial. The enmoladas with the black mole were pretty good a little spicy and has a very strong taste of dark chocolate with other spices which for me was very distinct and something new I haven’t tasted before. The empanadas de Amarillo with cheese are really good too… another dish to try are the shrimp tacos and tacos Oaxaqueños… if you like something simple the memelas are simple and fulfilling. Drinks are great, if you like coffee in the morning their Coffee hits the spot with a little kick of cinnamon in it and not too strong just perfect. They also have aguas frescas of tamarind, horchata and Jamaica. Service is really good and the food comes out pretty fast, and you can see when it’s being cooked right on the spot. This has been our favorite restaurant...

If you’re in Bacalar — this restaurant is a must! I’m a big foodie and I have travelled abundantly across Mexico: this place is one of the best and most authentic ones. Everything is incredibly fresh and cooked to each order! Chef Maria carries the incredible pre-hispanic food tradition into today. We came by for breakfast but, as we were reading the menu, we were sorry we couldn’t also stay for dinner! The patio is very cozy and beautifully decorated and the restaurant is conveniently located near the town’s center! There are also several vegetarian options. Whenever I’m back in Bacalar, I will definitely be coming back to Metate! Muchas gracias, Maria. Prosperidad a su familia...