Estrella Cocina — Restaurant in Jacksonville

Went here for the first time since their remodeling. Overall it was good, but we did have a few hang ups. They must have been severely understaffed because there were some empty tables outside and only a couple seats taken inside, but we still had to wait to be seated. I liked the new additional outside part with an optional cover from the weather, which was where we sat. We were also seated at a communal table and it took about 10 minutes for us to be helped. During this time we were pretty confused about the menu, specifically the molcajetes, because there really isn’t a good explanation on how it comes or what it is. We also thought it strange that all of the appetizers (antojitos) and entrees (entradas) were listed in the same giant category on the menu, which made it difficult to figure out which plates were smaller or bigger. Our server was nice and seemed to anticipate this happening because he offered to explain any parts of the menu before we even asked.

We ordered a couple cocktails, which were fine, but nothing special. We also started with the chips appetizer trio, with guac, queso, and salsa, which was good. The chips were pretty greasy though, and sometimes stuck together and chewy. We also got some Birria empanadas that we all liked. I thought the flavor was just a little bit strange. For an entree we shared the carne mixta molcajete, which was very good, and definitely enough for 3 people! We actually didn’t end up finishing it. The only thing we didn’t like about the dish was that it only came with 3 small tortillas, and one of them was severely broken. This was enough food for 2-3 people so there should be AT LEAST 6 to match the amount of food. This was very strange. The food we give 4 stars. It was pretty good, but there are a few small ways it could have been better.

The service was the most interesting part of the experience. The host seemed a little impatient as we were asking the options for the night and where we could be to wait. As mentioned, our server was helpful, although a little slow, but it was the table runners that were worse. There were at least 3 dishes that were brought out to our table that we didn’t order and had to say they were for someone else. Then, after we had started eating our birria empanadas, the waiter came over to the other party that was at the table and explained that we had accidentally been given THEIR order of empanadas (we ordered after them). We felt bad about the situation, but we had no idea since they were brought right to us.

Overall, the rooftop is really nice and the place is worth it for the views. The food is good/decent too, but the service needs some polishing, and the menu could be better organized and have more...

My wife chose Estrella's as the site for her 50th birthday party. She worked with the event folks to plan the menu and sitting area. We dropped the deposit and all was set. The restaurant is on the roof of this building in Downtown Jacksonville, but the enter the restaurant, the host stand is in the lobby of the building. They were not allowing access until to the restaurant without a reservation. Cool. We arrived upstairs and found that the place that we thought we had booked was being utilized for another purpose perhaps it was happy hour or another party so that was a little disappointing. Upon enlightening the restaurant staff of this, they bent over backwards to make suitable accommodations for our inconvenience. We received the food which was amazing. Every single dish that was brought out was fantastic. And these were the best tortilla chips, ever made. They could package and sell these tips and people would buy them by the Dozen. Guacamole, amazing. The three salsa dips, amazing. The other dishes, all exemplary all well-balanced all flavorful. One other small gripe that I have is, they have a full bar oh, but it doesn't appear to be fully stocked with some of the Staples of Mixology. I had one friend who ordered a Seven and Seven, they didn't have Seagram's 7. I asked for a substitute such as Canadian Mist, they didn't have Canadian Mist. The only Canadian whiskey they had that can supplement would be Crown Royal. Not bad but those are different whiskeys and would change the flavor of the drink so nitpick but it was something that one of the guests did have an issue with but we've simply ordered a different drink and it was all fine. All in all the service staff across the board roll, dating, there were amazing, can't say enough nice things about these people. And in case you wondering, the food as amazing as it is isn't the solo act, in is a Duo. The location of this restaurant on a rooftop amongst the tall buildings in downtown the view of the bridge through view of of the areas of downtown is amazing. It really really showcases that night, this happened to be a beautiful September evening it was crisp but not cold it was a nice overcast sky where we still had beautiful shots of the Moon beautiful views of the bridges in the St Johns River. One of the more photogenic places do hang out. Oh no, very pleased with my experience there, and I was just a sponsor, the important opinion was with my wife as it was her 50th birthday and she gave it all 5. All of the guests also walked away with the pleasant pallet at the...

My wife and I decided to try Estrella Cocina for the first time on Friday, Nov. 12th. We made reservations for 7:30P. We arrived and checked in and waited about 5-10 minutes to be seated and then got seated at an outdoor table as requested on a beautiful night. We ordered 2 margaritas and an appetizer (baked cheese with chorizo). The 2 margaritas took quite a while but finally came, they were delicious. The baked cheese took forever, it was probably 8:15P before we got our appetizer. Our waitress was great and kept checking on it for us and put our entrees in since things were taking so long. My wife ordered another margarita and I ordered a beer, this time the drinks came quickly, but time kept passing and no food came. Finally, a few minutes after 9P, our waitress said she checked again and our ticket was 4 tickets back. At this point we weren't really that hungry and needed to get home, we can't be spending over 2 hours at dinner, especially Mexican style food like tacos and baked cheese that should be quick. I asked the waitress that if they hadn't already started our ticket to go ahead and cancel it and just bring us our check as we no longer wanted it, but if they started it just make it to go. The waitress was great and cancelled our order and brought us our check around 9:15P. Her manager asked her to take our email address as they wanted to send us a gift card to make sure we came back as they knew it was our first time and she assured us that they were having an off night and it wasn't typically like this. I typed my email address into her iPad and paid and left. 3 days have gone by and I still never received the email gift card, I checked my spam folder too. I guess it's possible I typed my email address in incorrectly, but that seems unlikely. My wife and I have debated if we'd give it another shot, even without the gift card, and we might if some other friends want to try it but we won't go out of our way for a date night there, especially with how difficult and poorly planned downtown Jacksonville makes everything. It's just too much of a hassle and isn't worth it, especially for...