Flecha Cantina — Restaurant in Huntington Beach

Me and my husband have been here three times had the best experience but oh my god this time was horrific!!!! The waiter asked us if there were any allergies that they needed to know. I told him my husband has a very bad dairy allergy to double check even triple check everything. So we ordered two chicken burritos and plain guacamole. Then they bring the guacamole out with CHEESE ON TOP…I’m sorry but I’ve seen dumb things but this was villager shit. Dairy could end my husbands life and to have cheese sitting right on top of a dish when we already expressed he has an allergy is nuts. So they apologize and bring another out along with a burritos and wow it was so slow in this place dead. It’s a Wednesday at 6 PM….and the chicken is burnt in the burritos will be providing picture proof on how terrible it was. I simply got the 18 dollar burritos to go because I only ate half of it and I wanted to show everyone what quality this place is. I never not finish a burrito Mexican food is my favorite. Anyways next the waiter comes back asking us if we ordered a kids quesadilla and apologized when we said we didn’t and he said sorry he will take it off the bill or something at this point me and my husband are outraged. Next we ask for a gluten free vodka and the bartender says he can’t do it but the waiter brings over a bottle of Tito’s and shows us the label and says gluten free which we wanted we said thank you to him couldn’t believe the bartender doesn’t know vodka! Next we ask for the check our plan was to stay a lot longer get drunk since we don’t work tomorrow well plans changed after this horrific experience. So we get the check I look at the bill 115 dollars for two burritos two drinks and wait what two guacamoles when we only had one. So again another mistake they forgot we didn’t want the cheese guacamole so they tried charging us for that and additional one. I mean seriously you don’t check the bill before handing it to a customer what if I paid without looking like most people do when coming to a nice restaurant. I don’t know if management changed but when we came here on thanksgiving it was wonderful experience. They took my husbands allergy seriously made accommodations were very nice and professional. This time was so awful that I don’t think we will ever come back. This was my first time not tipping and breaks my heart to do so since I was a waiter when I was younger but this awful experience I couldn’t do something that wasn’t even close earned. My husband used to be a general manger for many food places and this was shocking...

I’ve passed by this place a few times and was always curious, so I finally stopped in for dinner. It was a little awkward at first getting the hostess’s attention, but once I did, she seated me right away. She even asked if I was over 21 since I believe they offer free margaritas as you’re seated, which I thought was a nice touch.

I was placed in a corner that was a bit dark, so I worried I might be overlooked—but thankfully, my server Scott C. was great. Super friendly, communicated well, and made sure I felt taken care of. He gave me time to look over the menu, and even though he had a large table to manage, he let me know he'd be back with me shortly. I appreciated the heads-up. I also had a few questions (since I don’t eat Mexican food often), and he helped me out without making it a big deal.

Chips and salsa came out right away and were exactly what I wanted. The salsa was flavorful, salty, and the chips were crisp—honestly a perfect start. 10/10.

I ordered the Guacamole Simple because I didn’t need the full tableside version as just one person, but in hindsight, I probably should’ve gone with something else. It was basically just avocado. Like… it tasted like avocado. Totally my bad for not double-checking the description. There wasn’t really any seasoning in it. That said, Scott offered to add some of their house seasoning, which helped. I really appreciated that extra effort. 2/10.

The tableside street corn was the highlight of the meal. Super well-seasoned and honestly delicious. I’d return just for that. 10/10.

For the main, I got the Vampiro Tacos with carne asada on Scott’s recommendation. It was around $21 for two tacos, and I’m telling you—they’re stacked. One taco took me out. I got full fast and ended up taking the rest to go. The flavor was solid, but I don’t eat Mexican food often, so I can’t claim expert status. Still, I liked it. 8/10.

I’d definitely come back—but with a friend. I need backup. This feels like the kind of spot that’s perfect for relaxing with chips, drinks, and good conversation. Everyone was friendly, and service was genuinely thoughtful. Scott even packed me a fresh cup of salsa to take home without me asking, which I thought was really sweet.

It is on the pricier side, though—not a casual lunch spot in my opinion. But definitely a great place to treat yourself, celebrate something, or meet up...

The Good, The Bad and The Cold

One positive is the chips, salsa and drinks were excellent. Everything else was poor. Our party of 2 arrived at 6:05pm for a 6:15 reservation but we were not seated until 6:35. While on the back patio, I noticed the floor was filthy and was in dire need of a power wash. It's clear they largely kept the previous restaurant, Puesto, decor in place, but if you take this easy route, at least clean it. All the cool windows were open, but you could see all the frames were dusty and dirty. As well as all the lights and fixtures on the patio. Once seated, there was only one set up at a table for two. I asked for one and received it quickly, but I shouldn't have had to ask. We ordered the $22 tableside guacamole. The kind server arrived with no fewer than 8 ingredients to add to the freshly mashed quac, but it was bland, and needed salt. For $22, the portion was remarkably small. Perhaps it should be 1 1/2 avocado's, not just one. We ordered Taquitos as an appetizer. When they arrived, there was a small, empty cup on the plate. I asked the server if there should be something in it and he said, "oh my god,.....hang on". He returned moments later with it filled with salsa. After our taquitos, we waited for 25 minutes before our mains arrived. When they arrived,....they were cold. Cold carne asada tacos. Cold rice and beans. Cold carne asada burrito. Not sure if they had heat lamps in the kitchen or if they were short of expediters, but it was POOR attention to detail to serve cold food. When eating the burrito, I thought I was getting gristle at times from the steak, but it was actually me crunching into cabbage, which is strange to be in a burrito. Mark Wahlberg is a national treasure and a good guy. This, however, does not excuse him and his partners from doing a better job of paying attention to detail. When a new restaurant opens, especially with a celeb name attached, people observe everything. What I note in this review are all things that can easily be corrected if someone cares about standards and attention to detail. I saw none of it when I visited and will...