La Estrellita — Restaurant in Brighton

Felt like home.

I thoroughly enjoyed the place. Upon entering I have to admit I was a bit hesitant. The place is the exact definition of a hole in the wall. The low uneven ceiling and dark colors make you feel a bit unsure if you are not in error. We had a 15 minute wait on a Friday night. The hostess was polite and smiled at my kids. Fortunately the waiter(big guy) was an absolute delight. He was friendly, open and had suggestions on what he personally thought was good. I asked specifics on two or three items and he knew the answers. The feelings only got better from there. The menu was extensive. I asked for special preparations for each dish and didn't get any funny looks. We had two kids meals, the mayan enchiladas and fajitas. All were superb. They came out at the same time, all nice and hot. Presentation was well done. The balance of beans to rice and meal was fantastic. I didn't feel like I paid for 3/4 plate of beans and rice. I had 5 glasses of horchata. Normally, 1 or 2 refills pass and it's impossible to catch the waiter. This guy kept me topped off the entire meal. I loved the food. Not authentic Mexico food. More of a new Mexico feel with the green chillies. My kids are loud. The whole place is kept to a mildly medium roar. No one minded the 4 times we played musical chairs. This place is a family place. I felt super comfortable and will be visiting again.

In short, don't be turned off by its exterior, this little star lives up to all expectations.

Updated 26 jun 2021

This place still delivers. Been coming here for 5+ years now. Very pleased. Every time I visit I feel like I've forgotten how good it is. The staff continues to be amazing. The quality has continues to be great. Thank you so much for every meal. They have diversified the menu and continue to expand their selection. I would recommend this...

We arrived 745pm. Was seated and waited 5 minutes before waiter arrived by this time he mentioned kitchen closes at 8 if we knew what we wanted to order I was shocked and expressed the host did not mention that before she sat us. His reaction was oh, I know we don't say anything but I have to let you know because once they close down well I can't serve you food. So we quickly order our food and place an order for dessert. First bite and found a long hair in our food! They remake it and do not charge us for the appetizer. The waiter was nice and kept the drinks coming refilling our drinks but anything being refilled was being left plates cups at this point I started stacking our plates and cups to make room. By the time the food arrived we had started to eat and check was served. Boxes were brought and come to find out dessert was not charged for. My food was still hot and felt rushed to box it up so they could leave. I pondered for a minute the waiter was super nice but why did he forget our order at the beginning and forget to get us dessert. As he apologized to the people behind us he has been working for 10 days straight! Well there you have it people not only was the experience bad but they over work their employees!! I felt soo bad for this guy! I am big on supporting small business but not one who does not care for their employee's ! At the front of the store they have all their success best food 2015 and 2017 but maybe they should rethink why haven't you received another award? Rethink how you treat your employees and they will treat your business with love and care. The waiter was a very nice and very friendly and I would have came back just for the waiter but after hearing how they treat their employee I...

This place is interesting. It is a decent Americanized version of Mexican food but nothing to write home about. I will say I have never had a cheese enchilada so lacking in flavor. Sauce straight from a can, pretty much we didnt even eat it. Our server was great, the hostess stand didnt know if they were coming or going and were clearly stating wait times they knew they would never make. After waiting 30 minutes when given a 15 minute window we asked what was going on. They said they were calling us now after I already told them I didnt have my phone with me and they said they would just call my name (I was sitting 6" from the hostess stand). They then walked us to a table when we made it explicitly clear we needed a booth due to my back muscles being extremely sore and not able to touch anything hard like the back of a wood chair. The drink I had, the Jalisco Mule, was delicious but if I knew I was going to be charged $10.50 for it I definitely would not have ordered it. The ambience leaves a lot to be desired. Its dark, downstairs, and hotter than the devils arse with like no circulation so it feels a bit muggy. Not really a good way to encourage an appetite. I am still waiting for a restaurant in Colorado that doesnt use the same shells and tortillas as Taco Bell. I will keep hoping but I am spoiled so my opinion of what Mexican food should be is pretty stringent. All in all it was okay, we probably won't go back because of the over all experience at the hostess stand and the dark dingy feeling but if its close and convenient for you and they arent busy I would...