Garcia's Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Glendale

I think it is very expensive for many dishes and with restaurant experience and as a chef, I can taste the canned chicken. I got the sample platter, of sorts, and the chicken was not too good, nor was teh sour cream -- crema -- it was to taste authentic but tasted almost spoiled or perhaps fake. I lived in Mexico, all over Mexico, for 13 years, had tow restaurants there, and I know what is what. I really saw next to nothing "Mexican" in flavor on my plate or viewed any going by. Yes, yes, I know this is America and Mexican food is Tex-Mex at best, even in the barrios Mexicanos it does not look or taste the same because the ingredients are not Mexican. So, I did not really enjoy my meal much but it was plentiful and just as good as any other Tex-Mex joint.

My senior cousin was starving for Mexican and I took her there because I knew it was relatively safe from hot and spicy. She cannot have even the slightest bit of anything spicy, acidic, not even black pepper. I asked the server if what my cousin wanted was at all spicy, as well as table dips, etc. She emphatically said, "No everything is okay, nothing spicy here. Everything on the menu, no spicy." Then, was poised to take teh order. I told her that was not true at all and she knew it. She seemed t want to insist she was right, so, I said it all over again, and then some, all in perfect Spanish. You should have seen her eyes...I don't look like I speak a word of Spanish. She looked a tad spooked and said she'd be right back. She came with a small bowl or two of sauce that went on my cousin's food and said to please try it, that it was a little spicy but not too much.

To make a long story short, she brought some things for me to try so I could tell my cousin whether or not to taste it, and some extremely spicy (at my request) dips, that were not at all spicy. I thought that was nice of her, although I never did receive anything at all that was spicy. I asked for some Habaneros and Jalapeños and such, and all I got was what tasted to me like bottled and canned salsas for Americans who have no concept of what Mexican salsas really are, and who think they'd be hospitalized should they eat a hot pepper! That's my perspective based on living in various states and eating with all the "Oh, I LOVE Mexican food...and Taco Tuesdays" folk. Those who may perish if eating the real deal.

There is a very well-know Mexican restaurant just up the road where you can get some relatively hot things and peppers on the side if you want. And, there is Federico's, Filiberto's, and other chains lending a better resemblance of Mexican food, many of which have true Mexican employees, who I always enjoy talking to. And I thought I would enjoy our waitress but she was one of those "Is it payday today?" people, no table skills in the personality department, basic server skills at best, and in kindness to her, she got a bit more friendly through the meal, although there were hardly any tables of people and she was the classic: what's your order? here it is, desert?, okay here is your check and nothing more, save for me getting her to help with spiciness, against her will.

The place was spotlessly clean, rather bleak compared to in the past on decorations, I think, is wholly Tex-Mex served on extremely hot plates that will burn you (didn't tell me that at all), the menu is plentiful, the food tastes between a version of Denny's Mexican-ish and fast food, providing it is a burrito, taco, enchilada, rice beans, and so on like I and my cousin got.

And to close up shop here, I must tell you I am very picky and more so about Mexican food...any food. Remember, I lived there for over 13 years, and additionally lived deliberately in the Mexican/Latin barrios in LA for over 10 years, and now live in Phoenixville, where my beloved Hispanic people are, and a lot of Mexican food. I have taught some culinary classes, had to restaurants and 3 home joints in Mexico, did catering...

Nevertheless, Garcia's IS worthy of 4 stars. YOU, would probably love...

My family and I visit this location quite frequently. The food is consistently fresh and hot. The drinks especially the micheladas are excellent if you're a fan of those. During our most recent visit, our server seemed to be having an off day. While the service wasn’t up to the usual standard, I still left a tip. Not what I’d give for exceptional service, but fair and understanding that everyone can have personal challenges that affect their day.

That said, I felt it was worth bringing to the attention of the location manager. Not as a complaint, but as a constructive observation. In hopes the server might receive some gentle guidance or support, especially if this was a one-off situation.

Ryan, the manager, was very understanding and empathetic, not just toward the server's situation, but also toward my experience as a customer. He listened thoughtfully and assured me that he takes both the servers well-being and customer satisfaction seriously. He emphasized the importance of ensuring every guest leaves with an exceptional experience and appreciated the opportunity for open, respectful feedback.

So if you’re looking for a business to support, this is it! Don’t support restaurants that don’t hold value in their team and customer care. You can simply have both and Ryan showed that in our 5 minute...

We were greated by smiling staff warmly at the door. Wonderful, delicious grilled aromas wafting throughout a massive open invitingly southwest designed wood door entrance. We were seated at a beautiful elongated bar... high ceilings, very spacious. Our gracious bartender Myella (hon please forgive the misspelling) took our drink order - coconut lemonade and strawberry Margarita - along with an order of smothered chicken & steak fajitas, with veggies. We received a big bowl of yummy baked chips, salsa, and refried beans. The atmosphere is perfectly set with southwest and mexican themes, artwork, a mirrored bar back wall, and gorgeous large illuminated rose art wall piece. The sizzling fajitas came within 15 minutes, and they were lip-smackingly delicious... a perfect balance in that the meat was char grilled yet not over cooked. The onions and peppers Carmelized to perfection, and mushrooms so flavorful you will search for them like a delicious mushroom-easter egg hunt. We had fun at Garcia's, enjoying the wonderful food, inviting atmosphere, and incredibly friendly staff immensely! Garcia's you are now a favorite place on our list, and WE WILL be back to have more of the same very soon! Your new besties Daniel &...