Rosa Mezcal Cocina Mexicana — Restaurant in Eustis

We go out a lot. And we have a rule for newly opened restaurants places that we always give some leeway as they figure things out and get into a routine. So we rarely say anything negative about new places. It doesn't seem fair.

Rosa will become an exception to this rule. Let's break it down. The facilities are nice and pleasant. One section was so cold that we had to be asked to be moved. And I'm the guy that usually has the AC on so cold that others complain. But the staff was great about and and very easy to get along with

Staff was attentive and helpful and eager to help us figure out what to order and also helpful after we were served.

Now we get to the less-than-stellar part of the review. Food and prices.

The dishes were OK. Not great, not wow, not terrible. Just OK. She had the "bowl", a chicken, lettuce, black bean type affair and I had the al Pastor street tacos. Both were uninspired but perfectly edible. There's nothing about the dishes that was better than the gringo bowl we could get down the street for less money. The Street tacos were no better than the $3 tacos we could get at the closest taqueria. And one note that may just be personal preference, but the salsa tasted more like spaghetti sauce. Heavy raw tomato paste taste, with garlic and I assume Mexican oregano. But what we were served would be at home on a pizza or pasta.

The problem is that while the food was serviceable (isn't that a low bar?), it did not justify the high price. Two people, two sodas, 3 street tacos and a chicken bowl totaled up to nearly $50 after tip. For that price I expect food that makes me sit up and say "hey, this is great, i want to eat here again". Maybe I'm old fashioned. Maybe I'm out of touch. But a quick weekday lunch for 2 should not cost $50 for below average food.

It's a new restaurant and over time the food may improve as they get into their routine. But the owners/managers have set such a high price that it'll be difficult to find a reason to come back and try again. The value proposition just...

From the start when I walked in to the restaurant I was greeted with friendly smiles and a warm welcome. I went to the bar and again was greeted with a friendly bar staff that quenched my beverage needs along with another pleasant greeting with a basket of warm home made tortious and salsa. I had visited a few times that week and ordered a few great selections that was enjoyable and touched my pallet with tantalizing tastes and a mouth full of flavors that was very satisfying. I started with the ceviche, also had it with octopus another visit, that was very tasteful and well presented. The octopus was another great appetizer that had a great flavor and complimented with a mango salsa. Another visit I ordered the Bacon Double Cheeseburger that was stacked with bacon, avocado, cheese and a special house sauce and served with fries (no bun for im gluten free and they do have great choices for gluten free guests). Another visit I had the chicken street tacos that was also a great choice, i had a side of birria sauce for dipping. While another visit I had the Enchiladas Supremas which consisted of 4 different types of enchiladas that each one had a very distinctive flavor that was also satisfying. Everyone that came in to eat where also very nice and fun and enjoyable to be around. One couple had the Whole Fried Snapper which just by the look of it and the aroma of fresh fish was enough to have a mouth watering experience. I also tried the Mahi Mahi that was very well presented with the flavor to validate the aromas. Everyone that I have spoke with about this authentic gem, all had great things to say about this new adventure here in Eustis. Make the trip, its...

We arrived at 6pm on a busy Friday. The host was friendly, but our experience quickly went downhill. Our server never introduced herself or offered any guidance on the menu. She asked for our drink order, dropped the drinks off, and left—no recommendations, no info about the restaurant, nothing.

She came by three times in five minutes asking if we were ready to order. When we said we were new and needed a moment, she just walked away each time. After that, she didn’t return for 15 minutes. We ended up flagging down another server to say we felt forgotten—she apologized, but it was another 10 minutes before our server came back, with no apology or explanation—just an abrupt “go ahead.”

The food was okay. My shrimp chimichanga was good, and the rest of the table enjoyed their main entrees. But the rice had corn, carrots, lima beans, and green beans—more cafeteria-style than authentic. The refried beans were overly salty. The rice was undersalted.

The place has potential, but the lack of attention made us feel like we didn’t matter and that the owners do not care for the marketing inside. There’s a stage but no band, a thousand TVs and none of them are on… we didn’t know anything about the best dishes to order and we were not guided through the menu as new patrons.

Maybe we’ll try again on a slower night, but this visit missed the mark, especially after hearing and reading numerous great reviews on the food. Our expectations were not met tonight.

3 out...