Los Magueyes Beverly Hills — Restaurant in Florida

I moved to the area almost 2 years ago and have been wanting to try this place for a while and finally got the opportunity last night. The parking area was small as was the restaurant. The restaurant was brightly decorated as one would expect from a Mexican restaurant and looked clean. The staff and our server were very nice and friendly. The food I'm sad to say was, in my opinion, not at all tasty. Firstly, I ordered a lemonade, and it tasted like soapy water, or perhaps they hadn't completely rinsed out the glass after washing. I then asked our server if they had any drinks that didn't come from the fountain, thus avoiding another drink issue. I was told they did not. They had no soft drinks in cans or bottles. I then asked if they had bottled water, again I was told they didn't, so I went with a coke or Pepsi and grateful that it tasted better than the lemonade. The chips and salsa tasted like they came out of a supermarket. I ordered 2 chicken tacos, that came with refried beans and rice. First off, the plate was extremely hot, which usually means the whole plate with the cold food already served on it was placed in the microwave and heated. My tacos came with chicken, lettuce, and shredded cheese, that's it, no sauce, no salsa, no sour cream, no guacamole, not even so much as salt and pepper and DEFINITELY NO FLAVOR. There was one big clump of cheese stuck together that only melted when I placed it on my hot plate and not on my chicken taco. I'm Hispanic so I know my rice, the rice looked like it was Def leftover from several days and was reheated so it had the overcooked looked to the rice grains, and it had a few Peas and corn scattered in it. The refried beans were a mix of mashed beans and whole ones. The only reason this place didn't get a 1 star review was because of the service. I REALLY can't understand how this chain can have so many locations and good reviews. Perhaps the other locations offer better quality and better tasting food. However, for my personal taste, perspective, and experience, this location is lacking when it comes to their food. I guess my search for decent Mexican food continues. My bill came to $20 for 1 lemonade I only took 2 sips from, 1 soda, 2 barely eaten chicken tacos, refried beans, and rice, and that...

UPDATE April 2019. I had to downgrade 1 Star because they do not have a full time bartender on staff. It appears the waitstaff do their own bartending and they don't know how to make anything else but dispense margaritas out of a machine, drafts and bottled beer. I asked for a Martini and they had NO idea what I was talking about! A Martini, one of the simplest and well known drinks on the planet and nobody knew what it was or how to make it!

This location just opened so I would normally give them 3 stars but I will cut them some slack here until they get the bugs out. I REALLY want this place to succeed since there are not a lot of places here to stop in, have a quick bite or just an afternoon cocktail! The restaurant is very colorful on the inside, well done! Outside is nice too, but the parking is limited so plan accordingly. Complimentary chips and salsa were given upon arrival. The chips were very good but the salsa was the consistency of marinara sauce, hardly salsa (see photos). I believe a Mexican restaurant should serve salsa freshly made daily and I would even pay extra for it. Portions were large for the price, over half of the menu is under $11.00, a few $11.00 - $14.00 and just 2-3 items where $19.99. Food is very good served on what looks like Fiesta ware, but probably a copy. I had the Shrimp Chimichangas fried for $11.99 (see photo) and I received 2 large chimichangas topped with fresh shredded lettuce, fresh chopped tomatoes, sour cream and a small side order of refried beans, it was very good! I deconstructed a chimichanga and found quite a few small to medium sized shrimp, with green peppers and in a light sauce. Service was lacking though and waitstaff seemed overwhelmed by the Friday noon lunch crowd, however there were quite a lot of people. There was no bartender so the waitstaff was forced to make cocktails which I'm sure slowed them down a bit. Our waiter missed a cocktail, after requesting one twice. Pina Colada was good size for $6.99 (see photo). Even though the service was lacking due to poor planning I'm going to continue to go because of the quality and quantity...

I'll start off by saying this place is a hidden gem, from the outside you would never think to find such a well decorated restaurant in citrus county. On entrance you are greeted with all kinds of colorful artwork painted onto the chairs and benches. It honestly looks like something out of an Orlando boardwalk restaurant and even has a full bar. All of the seating looked large and comfortable and the inside was larger than it looked from outside.

The food was moderately priced and the drinks were well priced as well. We started off with a guacamole dip and spinach cheese dip, our waitress was polite and attentive throughout the night. Our guacamole arrived nearly instant, while I prefer fresh guacamole for the price it was delicious. The cheese dip was different, with a steamed or sautéed spinach laid on top of a white cheese dip. It was very fresh tasting, though it could have used a kick.

We ordered two drinks, a pineapple mojito and their house sangria. The pineapple mojito was no Bueno, just not a fan, mostly juice and didn't seem very mojito-y. The sangria on the other hand was delicious and very enjoyable.

Our main course was the los magueyes fajitas for two which was the star of the show. Chicken was cooked to perfection, tender and juicy. The steak was a little well done but still delicious, the shrimp were perfectly cleaned and cooked and the chorizo was a great addition. All the peppers and onions were just amazing and the two huge side plates of rice and toppings were perfect. A really great deal for only 23 dollars.

Somehow we managed to save room for dessert and tried their fried ice cream which we ended up devouring nearly all of. A perfect end to a great meal and the final tally was far under what was expected. Definitely a five star Mexican experience which is hard to find anywhere in...