Casa Las Katarinas — Restaurant in California

My family and I have been going to Las Katarina's for many years because we live in Alta Sierra and it's very convenient. Unfortunately something unexpected happened and we had a terrible experience twice! The first time I was very understanding. Dakota said the chef was coming back from one week vacation and a flop occurred with our order. My chimichanga, which I've gotten for years wasn't cooked and not crispy. My brother's beef in his burrito was chunky and dry and not appetizing. I called Dakota to tell him what we experienced and he assisted that we order again so he could rewrite their mistake. I agreed and told him it wasn't going to be for a while. I called a couple weeks later and Dakota didn't really understand what I was saying until I told him that I was calling about the chimichangas. He remembered and assured me that he understood my order. I specifically asked for fish tacos for my mom but I told him he didn't have to charge me for that because they were great, same with my son's Mexican rice. We arrived and Dakota brought my order out at the drive-thru stating that he added extra sauce for my brother's burrito bowl. I paid $20 for my mom's fish tacos and my son's Mexican rice. Dakota said that the four churros were on the house included with the chimichanga and my brother's burrito bowl. I was shocked when I came home to find two chicken chimichangas when I specifically ordered beef for myself! The fish tacos were not in my order for my mom, which is unfortunate because she loves their fish tacos! My brother's chorizo burrito bowl was super salty so unfortunately he couldn't eat it. I don't understand. I've been in the restaurant business myself and I feel like this mistake was intentional. It's unfortunate because I really enjoyed Las Katarinas and the food they had to offer. I hope the chef didn't spit in our food! I didn't eat it because again the dough was a bit raw, which is what happened in the beginning of this whole ordeal. Unfortunately they have lost four customers. We will not be returning. Thank you for reading my post and I hope the same does not happen to you. I am highly...

Rona Update: Now, they have a drive through set up round back! Food is still fantastic, and they have specials going on frequently too. The margaritas to go are also excellent.

And another update: Still super. That Bistec Ranchera is fantastic, my new favorite here.

Another update: Still absolutely amazing, but that salsa though...

Not one person I have brought here has thought the salsa was awesome. I'm sure some people enjoy it like that, but we just don't eat it, or throw it away when ordering to go. It would be neat if they brought in a second option. We just feel it's not really salsa so much as it is seasoned pico.

Everything else is still perfect though! Consider this an Updated review, despite not having left one before.

Their food is ON POINT. Best Chili Colorado in the area, hands down. It is also the most expensive, but it is completely worth it for the difference in quality you get here. The carnitas are exceptional as well.

Previously when they first opened, I felt they were a little heavy on the salt, and their salsa was super bland, basically just some cut up tomatoes, onions, etc like they were going for a home made feel. Not really our cup of tea, as it was very tomato oriented, bland, no heat, and quite chunky. Purely personal preference, but we like the salsa juices to be a little less transparent and have more flavor.

They long since fixed the salt issues, and very recently, seemed to have stepped up their salsa game. So they get 5 stars!

Our go-to place for mexican now. They even have our favorite hot sauce, and the service, the service has always been top notch. Never an issue with service, not even...

A favorite stop but not without a few drawbacks. First, we do miss the older owner, Dave very much. He is so personable and nice. The food here can be very good, very professional and feels more like a real restaurant than some other Mexican restaurants in the area in terms of quality. The pick up window for phone orders is a very convenient feature. Love the beans and rice as well as the chips. Everything is generally high quality. Now for the bad. The portions are very small in a lot of cases for the price paid. If you are a big eater you will possibly go home hungry. If you are a light eater you will not have "leftovers". Restaurants are more expensive than eating at home so generous portions should be the standard, even if you have a lighter appetite. Otherwise, they have a good menu though there is a general lack of ground beef options as nearly every beef dish is made with rump roast....which is great for some dishes, and not ideal for others. The shrimp used in the menu items is very fresh, the chicken is excellent in the fajitas but just OK in other dishes. The taco salads are excellent...