La Piñata Mexican Grill & Bar — Restaurant in Colerain Township

This was the worst experience I've ever had there. As soon as we were seated, I asked for a large glass of water and a mango margarita. I was served a regular(lime) margarita and no water. Our friends joined us, ordered their drinks and I told our waiter he brought me the wrong drink. First he argued with me, and tried to make a joke that I didn't know what I was drinking. I drank some, and it WAS lime! I pointed out someone else's that was the color that mine should've been. He said that hers was peach. He continued to argue and then brought out the mango syrup or flavoring from the bar and poured it into my drink at the table. Then I could taste the mango, but it should'veThis was the worst experience I've ever had there. As soon as we were seated, I asked for a large glass of water and a mango margarita. I was served a regular(lime) margarita and no water. Our friends joined us, ordered their drinks and I told our waiter he brought me the wrong drink. First he argued with me, and tried to make a joke that I didn't know what I was drinking. I drank some, and it WAS lime! I pointed out someone else's that was the color that mine should've been. He said that hers was peach. He continued to argue and then brought out the mango syrup or flavoring from the bar and poured it into my drink at the table. Then I could taste the mango, but it should've just been made over. And then he said mine was the color it was because it was not in the sun. Excuse me! I've been drinking mango margaritas for a long time and trying to pass off a mistake was just rude. I waited until he brought another water for another table to finally get my water. By the time our food came, I was so sick I couldn't eat my food. Probably from drinking all that margarita with the syrup laying on the bottom. I also think it had no alcohol in it. Usually after a medium, I can tell. Then, after the bill came, I was charged $9.49 instead of the price of $8.99 in the menu. I brought home my taco salad, but will probably not even get to eat it because it will soggy. I am just glad there are plenty of other Mexican restaurants to choose from and we have never had...

Pinata has been a regular weekend visit for us for years, since my Peurto Rican neighbors recommmended it. While I haven't tried more than about 50% of their dishes, I can say I have never had a bad meal there. Lately I have graduated to some of the dishes available (spicy). Primo Especiale, which has steak, shrimp and chicken in a red sauce with rice, is one. I also like Camarones a la Diabla, which has shrimp in a red sauce with mashed beans and rice. Tortillas are supplied with both dishes. The waiters will ask if you really want the spicy version, and I can attest it is at my current limit of heat. They have the standard issue production hot sauces if you want to spice up your food, but they also have some house hot sauce that you can ask for. It is probably authentic and red-brown in color with lots of pepper seeds and it has an unusual flavor. I am personally not a big fan, but it is a flavor that might grow on you. My wife tends toward the less spicy dishes with green sauce like Pechuga Monterey, which also has grilled vegetables. During COVID we did carryout, which was similarly good. Salads were OK, but seemed to lack fresh tomatoes even in summer and would arrive with sour cream as dressing, unless you asked for something specific. We like the interior tables and chairs that have colorful 3D scenes under glass tabletops. It is nice they have a small outdoor area for dining, but it would have been much better located toward the rear of the building, which overlooks a bike trail and natural deep ravine, rather than adjacent to the parking lot. Food quantity is generous and I get from 1-3 additional meals as leftovers. We also love their salsa and often buy a quart container for carryout with a bag of their homemade chips, to munch on with our leftovers the...

Such potential, but missed by a mile. Atmosphere looked appealing but no background ambiance just multiple employees stopping by a particular table to chat with one patron, and a guy, who appeared to be the manager, sat at the table looking at videos from the patron's phone. Customers coming into the restaurant are greeted by no one as the guy who is seating people was flirting with someone at the bar and had to be summoned multiple times to tend to the host stand. The pina colada was not flavorful at all and alcohol seemed like maybe an afterthought just a tiny layer on the top. The portions of food were good but one plate had two hairs within the food, so that guest just was turned off from eating anything.The food was warm but not hot and plates were easily handled. We don't think we will return to this restaurant, but I only hit the highlights. So much more just didn't make this a fun night.

UPDATE: We decided to give this place another shot and went for another dinner. Drinks were better. Food was warmer. NO HAIRS! (YEA!!) Portions were fine. Ambiance still nice visually but some low audio would be nice, too. Overall, much better. Not a stand out, but improving.

4...