La Barca Restaurantes — Restaurant in Downey

Typically great time and great service along with great food. The only issue we had was on a busy Sunday afternoon 3/26/23 at about 1:30 pm. We arrived after calling ahead and order for pickup which we never have an issue with but this time they asked us to wait aside after we patiently waited in a long line to check in. Upon waiting for another 10 minutes we noticed a bag sitting on their rack and asked if that was our order. One of the hosts took a look and then told us it would be out in just a few and that was not it. We waited about another 10 minutes before we noticed another bag was brought to the rack. We gave it another 5-10 minutes giving The host the benefit of the doubt that she would check the order to see if it was ours. She did not. So we decided we should ask if that was our order. We waited in line again and when we got to the front the host then said "normally when you're hear you check in." She must have forgot she initially told us to wait on the side. She then grabbed the bags that were on the rack and said she would ensure everything we ordered was inside. When she was done and handed us the bags we asked if that was our order that was on the rack this whole time. She confidently said "No this order just came out." When I say it took everything I have to not cause a scene and hold my tongue.

I get it it's a busy afternoon and you're probably over your shift. But taking that out on your guests walking through that door is absolutely unacceptable. You are a restaurant offering service, you are not the DMV, and you are not the court house. We specifically chose your business to come to. We do not have a necessity to be here we come because of the great service and food we normally get. By choice. As a host your job is probably to greet the guests walking through the door cheerfully with a smile and ensure we are being seated accordingly. You are also the last point of contact so we should be hearing you thank every guest leaving for coming in and asking if everything was up to our standards. I can go on but I'm sure you get the point. The visit was not up to our standards this day. Please do better. You are in the hospitality industry. It's your job. Until next...

1 star because service was horrible.I normally don’t leave bad reviews, but my experience was disappointing.The food here is good, but professionalism is just as important — especially for a place that calls itself family-friendly.. The customer service was unprofessional, and the attitude I received made me feel unwelcome. Instead of being helpful, the staff came across as rude and dismissive.

As customers, we expect at least basic courtesy and respect — unfortunately, that was missing here. I hope management takes this feedback seriously and makes improvements in training and Professionalism.

I recently visited this place with my family and baby had a very disappointing experience. I simply asked the server for some crackers because my baby was looking at the chips and wanted something to snack on. The server never brought them, even though she kept passing by our table. I asked more than once, but she ignored the request.

When I asked again, instead of helping, she was rude about it. Finally decided to speak to the manager and requested a different server. So he said he will take care of us, I hope manager takes care of the situation so future guest dont have the same experience, it was frustrating and upsetting — all I wanted was something simple for my baby, so easy to provide. Its understandable to forget the first time okay no problem, when asked the second time I received attitude but, was told she will bring them with the drinks. ...Drinks came and guess what... no crackers!! Wow.

As a mother, I felt invisible and disrespected. My baby’s needs were brushed aside, Families should be treated with compassion, not indifference

This lack of basic service and courtesy left a very bad impression. I truly hope management takes this feedback seriously, because families deserve to be treated with kindness...

Okay so I am a big fan of the OG location in Huntington Park, CA. Went there the first time like almost 19 years ago! And fell in love with their frijoles! Seriously! Lol and molcajete... of course their house speciality- birra!! Cannot miss trying that... anyway sad that they closed that location, for what reason? Have no idea but it was a good place, small quaint... and good food/ service... I guess everyone came to this new location in Downey which I had the opportunity to go on my recent visit to the old neighborhood... so I ordered ???why yes of course the Birra!! Duh!! It’s sooo good!! I mean their freshly handmade corn tortillas, how can you not savor the flavors! I do wish they give a bit more of side rice and beans. But the Birra dish itself was well served and tasty goat (chivo) meat so tender! And you can taste all the spices it is to make this oh so popular Mexican dish... Only thing I will say this location is beautiful restaurant, love their high ceilings and open windows so natural light comes in.. I don’t drink 🍸 but that area look pretty spacious and clean... give me an agua de Jamaica anytime!!

Also I wanted to point out the waitress that attended us was a bit slow and didn’t refill our tortillas or drinks.. she would just pass right by and not asking anything and I was a bit annoyed about that. Had to ask another service for a to go box ... But overall the food is great! Same flavor as I remember in the old HP location where I first savored the recipes of this restaurant... oh hey shout out to the owners of La Barca.... please open one up over in west Palmdale or Lancaster ...you guys will definitely do well $$$$ 🤑 nothing over that compares to your flavors and dishes!!! ...