Cristina's Salvadorean Food — Restaurant in Avondale

When we got there the place was empty. I think they're understaffed, which might partly explain our experience. It was our first time there so we ordered the sampler platter. We waited quite awhile, which didn't bother us, but while we waited around a dozen other customers came in, and all of them had to wait a long time to be waited on. A couple of them had called in orders and by the time they got there their food hadn't been started. One lady asked for a refund and was told to just wait. I ordered the Jamaica to drink which tasted great - a little tangy and not too sweet. My wife ordered the Horchata and gagged when she tried it. I tried it and I have to agree, it was really awful - very bitter with a taste like scalded beans and burnt styrofoam. My wife told the gal at the counter that she thought something was wrong with it, and her reply was, "No, that's always how it tastes." Maybe it's a unique Salvadoran thing, but if you like Mexican style Horchata, don't go near this toxic brew. When we got our food we were pleased with it. This is not light fare - very filling and savory. The pork was a little tough and chewy but tasted great. We especially liked the empanada. We had ordered a side of beans and cheese and it never came. When I went to the counter and said, "We ordered beans but never got them," she said "Ok" but never brought the beans. For the first 15 minutes it was very quiet in the restaurant, but then someone in the kitchen turned on some Spanish language music and sang - actually yelled - along with the music at the top of her lungs. Occasionally the hostess would go back there and join her in yelling out the music. At first it was funny and we all laughed about it. By the 7th and 8th song we were all convinced that someone in the kitchen was really drunk and I was ready to get some ear plugs. When it was time to pay, She had charged us for the beans and an extra pupusa. When we reminded her that we never got the beans, she removed that charge. When we told her we didn't order an extra pupusa, she said, "well, you got one" and still charged us for it. If we're ever in the mood for Salvadoran food again we might order some takeout from here and check our order carefully before we pay, but we won't ever dine...

Has never been here before. Was just there today and order a beef stew that's #14. There's a picture of it on the menu. I was taking it to go. Usually I don't check my food if I'm not ordering more than one item. I needed some hot sauce and the lady said that the only thing they have is on the eating tables so I open my to go container and saw how much of a ridiculous portion it was I told the lady that it looks kind of small and there's like 4 piece of meat and 2 piece of potatoe and some juice where the stew was. For what I payed for I felt like I got ripoff. So she went to the back to talk to the cook , I'm guessing is Cristina, the owner. She came back and said that's what the portion is, it look more on a plate vs. a to go box. She said she can make me another portion of the beefstew for $5 more. I already payed $11. So I just left the food and my $11 and walked out frustrated. I am adding a picture of the to go plate that I...

First time visitor to this restaurant. Also first time tasting Salvadorian food. First impression is the cleanliness of the restaurant. Next was the spacious seating. All tables, no booths. I like my space so this was a good thing. They created a nice ambiance with the wall decor. The menu provided many options and thankfully offered English translation on the menu. Pictures of the food on the menu were helpful in the decision making process. We tried a variety of selections from the menu and the server was very friendly, offering to explain the ingredients. I will just add pictures and say that every thing we ordered was delicious. I am excited to go back and try more! Highly recommend for a taste vacation to El Salvador! Wonderful experience all around! The drink is a Salvadorian version...