Rodrigo's Mexican Grill - Huntington Beach — Restaurant in Huntington Beach

Went here for a birthday today. Got to the restaurant early and went straight to the bar. I ordered premium spirits and was shocked when I was greeted by the intense bite of well tequila. Same with the margarita. I mean, I’ve had smoother moonshine than this crap. Mind you, it is against state law to substitute well spirits with premiums, and I will be notifying ABC about this because they are ripping people off.

Despite my better judgment, I stayed to eat. I ordered the burrito with carne asada. When it arrived, I took a few bites from one end and had a couple of pieces of carne asada. The next bites had none. I got curious because neither did the next few. I opened the burrito to find that there was only one other piece of carne asada in the burrito at the other end. The rest of it (other 89%) was filled with a whole onion and bell pepper. I sent it back and didn’t ask for another. The staff was responsive, but all they could really do was comp my meal, to which, yes, they did. I was informed by the management that the meals all come premade.

This is a small part of the larger reason I avoid franchises like the plague. Do yourself a favor and let these places retire into the sunset. Don’t give them any more money. If someone says they want to go here, tell them Fridas in Cerritos is 20 mins away and provides 5 star food and service. You have...

When your overall reviews are positive, I suppose you can allow yourself the occasional lackluster service. We were greeted by the host (who was friendly enough) and he sat us at a good table. However, prior to being seated, he asks a server in Spanish if he wants to take us. The server looks at us and for some reason (I honestly have no idea) he seemed forced to do it. Now, he was smiles when interacting with us, but it was obvious, and again, no clue why, he didn't want to serve us. Taking our order was rushed, checking on us during the meal was next to non existent, when asking for a drink refill, he sent the busboy. I don't want to paint this horrible experience picture either, it was just weird and a little offputting. The food didn't taste bad, but had a re heated left overs feel to it. Beans were dried out (not just on the edges which happens when the put the plates in the oven to melt the cheese), the tortillas used to make enchiladas had stiff areas (signs of not being fresh. No enchilada served in this way which is drowned in sauce should ever be stiff). I most likely won't be back. Really, the area has several places to choose from that I feel more inclined to spend my money elsewhere. I give 3 stars because, as mentioned before, the food wasn't horrible and the good attitude...

Was in last evening for dinner. We had a reservation and good thing as it was a very busy night. Service was outstanding, even when they were busy we never had to wait for drinks/chips/salad/entrée, our server has been there since it was Don Jose's way back. The Busser was great always refilling our chip basket and bringing salsa. Started with Ice Tea, chips and salsa then onto our salads. All 3 in my party enjoyed everything, they have great Blu Cheese dressing and the garden salad has croutons, tomatoes, cabbage, cheese and carrots. Really tasty!

Entrees came timely right after finishing our salads, we ordered 2 three item combinations and one two item combination. It was Tuesday so we all had Taco's (Taco Tuesday is a must haha), shredded beef tacos are outstanding. Also one in my party had a chicken taco, also tasty. We also had cheese enchilada, tamale and they have outstanding rice and beans. Also an option (One in my party had them.), is black beans rather than refried. Great drinks, food and service with a smile equal a 5 Star review and a very enjoyable dining experience. Which is the norm at Rodrigo's, we have been going here since they were Don Jose's. The remodel and décor is chic and modern with great lighting and window decorations. Awesome job...