Javier's Restaurant - Irvine — Restaurant in Irvine

My wife and I recently had the pleasure of dining with Javier’s Mexican Restaurant located in Irvine CA at Spectrum Center. Our server, Liliana, was very kind, professional, informative and efficient about her work. We were made to feel welcome and were treated like a “king and queen” with first-class service by the entire wait-staff and the Concierge; who seated us immediately even though they were packed to the brim on a Wednesday night (between 8 and 9 PM). We both appreciate the finer things in life, which includes fine-dining; and we’ve frequented some of the best restaurants around the US during our cross-country adventures and travels. Even based on our very discerning tastes, we consider Javier’s to have the finest Mexican food and menu selections we have ever experienced! The Designer of this establishment did a phenomenal job with the aesthetics, floor plan, flow and circulation — which included lots of detailed architectural features throughout the entire restaurant and bar areas. This restaurant is open-air; and the entire perimeter is surrounded by lush plant-life, torches and fireplaces that combine Mexican hacienda and nautical themes that have been done to perfection! Lots of white stucco walls mixed with rich woods and softly burning candles everywhere. The ceiling itself is a work of art comprised of white ship-rope and off-white branch thatching. As busy as they were this evening, the food came quickly, along with the best Margaritas ever (order the Javier which includes Grand Marnier and a salt-rimmed glass). We were celebrating a couple of special occasions, together, and the ambiance couldn’t have been better. Great energy coming from the entire staff and customers alike. Their food portions are HUGE — and the food is gourmet-quality that is served hot and as fresh as could be. We ordered Chicken Taquitos for an appetizer and two separate combination entrees with Classic Cheese Hot Chile Relleno, Chicken Enchiladas and Shredded Beef Tacos, which were all delectable! If you are looking for the best place to celebrate your special occasion, or are just looking for the finest in Mexican cuisine, look no further. We highly recommend Javier’s to those who are only looking for the finest dining experience. Including our tip, appetizer, entrees and two rounds of cocktails, we outlaid $250.00, and it was worth every penny! We simply cannot wait to return for more of the wonderful food variety and top-notch service being...

I called Wednesday evening for a reservation for 12 people for Sunday for a simple gender reveal dinner I WAS VERY BLIND SIDED OF THIS SITUATION. NEVER HAVE A CONVERSATION PRIOR OF ME TRYING TO MAKE A RESERVATION

The First Lady who answered the phone answers and hang up. MULTIPLE of times (more than 8 times ) Every time that I had called was either hunged up on or sent straight on hold. 1 time she picks up and I asked why she keep hanging up. She ignored and continued to ask what she can help me with I proceed for a reservation for 12. And she replied with a rude mockery tone “ would it be for lunch or dinner “ sounded very child like. I then asked for a manager. She hangs up.

Called again same thing. Didn’t pick up. Called again another employee pick up and I asked what’s the employee name , she acted clueless of not knowing who answered the phone prior. I asked for manager and she actually transferred me to the manager.

Manager answers. I asked for the names and he proceeded to tell me. I told him what happened And he replies “ oh she’s been working with us for 10 years we never had a problem with her “ and blame the phone line. And proceed to ask me what I needed. And he’ll have a conversation with the employee I told him I wanted to make a reservation. But i think it’s fine because it sounds like you’re making the situation as a joke. Hangs up Tried to look for a corporate number. Couldn’t find it called back. And he said “ you’ve upset me so please don’t call back “. So I called a different location told me to ask for Javier jr. called left a message.

Lady called on behalf of Javier jr and listened to what I had dealt with. But however mentions the phone line they get high call volume etc and I’ve mentioned it wasn’t the phone line for sure because when I had ask the first employee to direct me to the manager she hangs up. And with the second employee I asked for a transfer and she was able to transfer me with no issue, even were able to have a conversation throughly. She proceed to ask if I still wanted to make the reservation . Yeah kindly declined I will not continue to support a restaurant that doesn’t take their customer seriously. And try to deflect their employee behaviors.

If this majority a family business. I get it But respectfully I’d feel disrespectful to myself if I continued to support and even celebrate something meaningful to me...

First time here. Heard good things about this spot. Unfortunately, didn't live up to the hype. Let's talk about the pros: -service: overall it was good. Our waiter was friendly and helpful. There are some things that need improvement. some of the food was good. Queso Fundido, an appetizer, was the best thing we had. -decor was nice. That's it. Yes, that's it.

CONS: Food: the main entre, Cabo azul, which had a lobster enchilada, chile relleno, and a breaded shrimp taco. Side of plain white rice and refried black beans. Sounds good right? Looked even better. Unfortunately, it was very disappointing. Here's why. Lack of flavor, & bland. The lobster was fresh, but there was simply no flavor. The sauces appear to be full of flavor, but shockingly they were not. (see pics). The Chile relleno was undercooked. Very hard to cut and crunchy. Shrimp taco was average at best. Might as well be from del taco. Best thing on the plate were the Black beans. Go figure.

drink: Javier margarita nothing special. Average. -service: as I said earlier, overall service was good, but the what left a bad taste in my mouth, pun intended, was that at the end of the night, we were the last people in our section and in deep conversation, idk who he was, maybe the manager, never introduced himself. He at first, kindly said, "sorry, but the restaurant has closed and we need to finish clean up"agree asked us to leave, in a nice way. We, had no idea, first time and all she had no problem with it, having previously worked in a restaurant and folks just wanna go home. Context, we were in a section that was closed off from the rest of the restaurant and could not see the rest of the place from our area. It was a small area. We, apologized and my friend said, sorry we didn't realize, and the guys response was, " well look around, it's empty" in a rude tone. I almost went off, but I was ready to go and would address it later. Very unprofessional and poor service. That should not have been the first time we were informed of the restaurant closing and in that manner. Do better. Ambiance: music was way too loud and tables were too close together. Expected better from a "fine dining" restaurant.

I don't recommend at this time. Especially, for the price and...