La Mesa Miami (Doral) — Restaurant in Florida

Absolutely Avoid: A Disappointing and Deceitful Experience My recent visit to La Mesa was, without a doubt, one of the most frustrating and overpriced dining experiences I've ever had. From the moment we arrived, it was clear this establishment prioritizes extracting money over providing a quality experience.

First, let's talk about the parking scam. They advertise "free parking," but upon arrival, you're immediately strong-armed into using their mandatory valet service, effectively conning you out of the supposed free space. This deceptive practice is a huge red flag right off the bat.

Inside, the bizarre and uncomfortable tactics continued. In the restroom, there was an individual blocking access to the regular soap and paper towels, instead dispensing them themselves and then overtly demanding tips. This isn't a service; it's an invasive shakedown that makes a simple trip to the restroom feel like a negotiation.

The "entertainment" was equally disappointing. We were hit with a $20 per person show charge for a performance that was anything but entertaining. The "funny guys" were completely unfunny, delivering stale jokes that fell flat. It felt like a forced expense for zero enjoyment.

And then there's the food and drink. The portions were ridiculously small for the astronomical prices. We paid an exorbitant amount for what amounted to little more than appetizers. To top it off, a single bottle of vodka was an outrageous $300! This level of price gouging is simply unacceptable.

In summary, La Mesa is a masterclass in how to alienate customers. Between the deceptive parking, the uncomfortable restroom attendants, the uninspired and overpriced "show," and the minuscule, overpriced food and drinks, there's absolutely nothing redeeming about this place. Save your money and your sanity – go...

Where do I start? My friends and I came here on spring break for brunch. A nice, relaxing brunch is what I had in mind.

First, we roll up, and some guy starts talking to us in Spanish. He did not seem to speak English, like at all. Apparently, we had to pay for parking. Which we did. Anyway, when we got inside, this place was turnt. Like, it's a Sunday morning/early afternoon... why are you guys so lit already? The music was blaring, the DJ was doing his thing... there were like 15 customers in there, spread across 4 tables. They were probably at 1/4 capacity. Why the club atmosphere?

They charged me $3 for fake Italian water. It had a picture of Italy on the front, and said Florida on the back. I wouldn't have been mad if it were just fake Italian water, but they charged me $3 for it. Most restaurants, when you ask for "water," give it for free. But no, not this place. My food (chicken and waffles) came out about 15-20 minutes after all my friends got their food. Once I got my food, the portion looked small for the price. But whatever, it looked tasty. Then I bit into it... I swear, their chicken is identical to Jimmy Dean microwavable frozen chicken. Then they have the gall to bring out a check with mandatory gratuity.

So, in summary, I spend $23 (not including parking) so I could wait ages for a Jimmy Dean frozen chicken patty whilst my ears rang from the obnoxious club music. My friends liked it much more than I did. One of which ordered a few beers, another had bottomless mimosas. I'd imagine that their enjoyment was directly related to their...

I had high hopes for La Mesa in Miami, but unfortunately, my experience left me quite disappointed. While the ambiance was undeniably stunning, vibrant, lively, and perfect for a night out but the food and service fell flat, especially considering the price point.

Let’s start with the appetizers. I ordered the “Table for the Table,” which was a $42 platter. For that price, I expected something special a spread that would showcase their best offerings. Unfortunately, it was far from impressive. The selection was average at best, lacking creativity, and certainly didn’t justify the steep cost. It felt like they simply arranged some basic items on a plate and charged a premium for it.

Moving on to the entrée – it looked absolutely beautiful in the pictures, and I was excited to try it. But when it arrived, it was a complete letdown. The flavors were bland, lacking the depth and seasoning you’d expect from a place with such a vibrant atmosphere. It was a dish that promised so much but delivered so little.

To top it all off, they charge an entry fee – something I wasn’t even aware of until it was added to the bill. I assume this was for the entertainment, but given how underwhelming the food and service were, it felt more like a hidden cost than a justified expense.

In summary, while La Mesa nails the ambiance with its stunning décor and lively vibe, the food is overpriced, especially the appetizers, and the quality simply doesn’t match the price tag. The entrée was flavorless, and the service didn’t make up for it. Overall, I don’t think I’ll...