HOJA — Restaurant in Denver

This was a frustrating experience and I was REALLY excited to try this place. The food was okay/good, but definitely a gut bomb, atmosphere was cute, service was wild, prices were insane.

I had looked at the menu prior and decided on a burrito, but unfortunately I cannot eat soy so I asked to sub chicken. I was told no. Then I was instructed to build my own bowl and get tortillas on the side. Then I was told ordering a bowl on the menu and removing the soy products would be best since I could add chicken to those. So I ordered my bowl, chicken instead of tofu, no miso black beans, and asked for avocado to be added. Then I asked if my eggs could be poached hard, another no. I asked to add hash browns to the order, no yet again. After playing menu gymnastics I was a little frustrated and asked outright “Im asking if I can spend more money at your restaurant, and the answer is no?” That was the only “yes” I got that day. A small soup bowl sized meal, with 3 bites of chicken in it, $20. Also $5 for a drink you can get across the street at Whole Foods for only $2.50. I would recommend bringing your own kombucha and not buying the same brand for double the price there.

Fast forward to getting our food. We were both shocked at how expensive it was for how little we got. But it was good enough. I noticed there was no avocado in my bowl so I asked a server as they walked by, it just happened to be the same women who took our order at the counter. She told me I did not pay for avocado ($20 tiny bowl not including avocado apparently) and I said “I asked for avocado.” She left and instead of bringing me out avocado, she brought me out my bill to reaffirm it was not on there. First time that has ever happened, but okay.

Got to the bottom of my bowl, the flavors were good, corn tortillas were amazing, but it was all really greasy/oily. Couldn't eat the last few bites, probably like $8 worth of food because it was just too oily.

This place we neat to try, but I would not recommend it and don't...

**Just a thank you to the owner for their response to my review below and being open to feedback. The sign says "WAIT! If you would like to dine in, please wait outside/form a line until it is your turn at the register" which is a bit ambiguous to me, maybe super clear to other people. Last time I ate at El Taco De Mexico was on Aug 28 of this year. I had a smothered tamale and huevos rancheros and they did not disappoint. El Taco is more traditional; Hoja is more trendy so you should go for whatever you're in the mood for.

It was fine but wouldn’t go out of my way to come here. The Tinga Tingler was good but a lot more oily than expected (hence very messy to eat) and I thought café de olla was overpriced since they put so much ice and milk (alternative) in it. Two minutes into the drink and it tastes like water mixed with milk. Also didn’t have much of a cinnamon kick to it as I’ve had in many other Mexican places in the U.S. as well as Mexico.

They put out a confusing sign that says to “please wait outside” but no one attended to me, so not sure what I was supposed to wait for. I finally went to the register and then they told me I have to go up to the register.

Just have a sign that says “Order at the register before grabbing a table.”

I guess if you want more vegan/veggie options then I would recommend to come here; otherwise just go to...

This place is a neighborhood gem. I've been over 10 times and I've had a great experience every time. The food is delicious and tastes fresh and healthy. They serve coffee and other traditional drinks. When they were testing a new drink that I ordered, the staff came over to ask me about it. They clearly care about your experience here, and the staff is the highlight - every single person here is so friendly and inviting. On a slow day I often have conversations with the staff that brighten my day. No joke.

HOJA has an enclosed heated/cooled patio in back that allows dogs. (You can bring your dog in through the alley, don't be shy!) I often work here with my dog which the staff now knows by name. If you drive here, there's plenty of free parking on Pearl St nearby.

Seriously, this place is worth supporting. From the food, to the music choice, to the incredible staff, HOJA is the kind of local cafe/restaurant that every...