Garibaldi (Apopka) Mexican Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in Apopka

I've been eating here for over 10 years and always found the food and service to be top-notch. Unfortunately lately I've notice much smaller food portions and servers that weren't always attentive and have given up ordering their house Margaritas as the mixer they now use doesn't agree with me. Still worth the visit but now I also frequent others more often than not! Update March 18, 2025 Well I guess all good things must come to an end. My wife and I stopped for drinks and dinner this evening and walked away swearing that after being loyal customers since this restaurant opened across the street at its original location over 20 years ago that tonight was the last time. I noticed Efrain Junior, the owners son was there tonight. He switched the music being played on their nice Sonos system to rap music and then turned up the volume to a level that made conversation impossible. The rap was filled with curse words and definitely not conducive or contributing to the nice Mexican experience we always looked forward too. We weren’t the only ones disturbed by the music as we noticed and overheard others around us in the outside patio area complaining about the music. I asked the manager if it was possible to either change the feed or at minimum to lower the volume, but he explained that it was Efrain Junior who made the decision and he wouldn’t over-rule him. So we’ve decided to take the over $5,000 a year we spend on eating it at Mexican restaurants (yes I really do track my eating out expenses at this level) and spend it somewhere else from now on. As I mentioned in my previous review, there are plenty of good Mexicans around….this one just dropped...

I came here with my Mom after coming out of Party City in the same shopping center, and was blown away! The service was outstanding. Extremely attentively, but not overbearingly so, food was good, and I loved the vibe!

We came in and were seated right away. Tortilla chips with salsa were brought to the table, then our waitress came right over and introduced herself. We ordered drinks, then our food, chatted for a bit and by that time the food came out. I got enchiladas verdes, and my Mom got the chicken quesadilla. The food was really good!

Our waitress checked on us a few times, refilled drinks, brought our to-go orders as well as to-go boxes. She was so incredibly kind and understanding when I mentioned my food allergies which I appreciate very much. I get nervous eating out mainly because I hate asking for clarification on ingredients, I feel like I'm being a pain. So the whole situation is something I have to work up to, and I felt very comfortable at Garibaldi thanks to our waitress.

Another thing worth mentioning, is the ambiance and vibe inside and outside of the restaurant! There are so many things to look at, and I absolutely loved the music. I definitely feel like all of the people who work here add to the vibe as well because they're all so friendly and upbeat.

In conclusion, I just wrote a full-on essay about this place because I loved it so much 😂 if you can't already tell, I highly recommend Garibaldi! Please go check it out. You won't be...

Visiting the area. Went to this place based on Google reviews. Very large restaurant, very well-appointed. Large bar inside, large outdoor dining area that will likely be fabulous when the weather is not in the low 100s index, and many tables for indoor dining.

Walked in and the young female greeter with glasses was very friendly. And that was the end of that. VERY loud music that adds to the atmosphere especially if you’re in the mood to dance. Didn’t see a dance area yet this would be a plus. After that the music is WAY too loud for a dining experience.

Our server came to the table and initially friendly; took his time every time he left the table and it did not seem he was extraordinarily busy. Our food came in stages vs all four being served in close proximity.

I shared a Carne Guisada. I have to say it was truly the worst meat I have ever tasted in a restaurant (and I have eaten at many many restaurants in my lifetime). I commented it was subprime meat. Fatty and rubbery. There were more onions than meat. . Same for the large Burrito. Came with rice and refried beans. The best part of my meal was the rice, it had flavor.

So, while the atmosphere was great, the food was not good for us. The Birria empanadas were so well grounded (molida), it had the texture of dog food.

Disappointed in this place. Has potential yet the quality of food needs...