Playa Azul — Restaurant in Kenai

After having a few of the mexican resturaunts between Soldotna and Kenai my first experience at Playa Azul wasn't the best. It's a shame because I've always heard good things about Playa Azul from co-workers and the radio.

Having to go up to the kitchen window was awkward and I was a bit confused at first. It isn't too out of the way I suppose but for someone's first time it can be kind of out of place especially when eating in the restaurant.

Their salsas were very flavorful. We enjoyed them a lot actually. The chips tasted a bit overcooked but not burnt. We ordered Queso dip for our chips and I am /not/ a Velveeta person so I didnt like it. If it isn't Velveeta then I'm unsure what they did to the sauce to make it taste like Velveeta. If you enjoy Velveeta and your cheese coagulating within a few minutes that's the sauce for you.

Their jamaica is better than Señor Panchos (my boyfriends opinion not mine, im pretty indifferent to it). My boyfriend who is from Mexico and Puerto Rico is constantly on the look out for good Horchata and Jamaica so I take his word for it.

I ordered the Al Pastor burrito and I couldn't even tell that it was an Al Pastor burrito. Barely any pineapple and I couldn't really taste anything despite being over seasoned? I wasnt asked if I wanted al la carte (just the burrito) or with sides of rice and beans (if that's an option but from other photos I see that it may be?) And was a bit disappointed when I got my burrito and saw no rice and beans. They seemed to be in the burrito, though I didn't see any rice. Also enchilada sauce on a sweet and savory burrito is probably not the best call.

Their Sopapillas were amazing honestly. I'm unsure what they used to add a subtle apple flavor to it but it was very good. I wasn't expecting it and it went very well with the ice cream, cinnamon, and honey. Reminded me of an apple cobbler or pie. Very nice!

I don't know if I just went on a bad day and am willing to give Playa Azul another try in the future but for now I'm bummed that my first experience...

Was such a cute place. Many decor everywhere. Wanted to like it but it was not IT. Came in, server (boy) told us to choose any seat. We did. He told us to order up front. We asked another server (American lady) “where” to order and all she said was “YES”! And that was a rude reply, She knew it was. So she apologized. Okay. Went up to order (never told us where). We ordered at the “bar” (I made eye contact with a worker and asked if that’s where we order. He looked away.) Waited for a bit while servers and workers walk around us not saying anything when they clearly see us at the bar with our menus. Kept looking around found where we ordered. It’s a corner place by the cooks. Tell me why everyone STILL kept walking around back and forth but no one paid us any attention. Even the cook that wasn’t cooking- is just staring at us not caring. We finally ordered and came back to our table. NO ONE told us that drinks, utensils && toppings are self serve. Would’ve been nice to KNOW. Especially how the chips they provided didn’t have sauce with it and mind you - it was HARD chips.

Food was eh. I asked for THREE shrimp tacos & server instead layered my taco with three shells. The portion size was enough to fill me up though. Mind you the shrimp was not seasoned. It was just salted shrimp. Also got beef nachos - it’s just salted ground beef with shredded hard cheese on top.

When we were leaving I went to grab boxes to go & tell me why the boy server EARLIER, was grabbing utensils to another table. They were white. We’re asian. Let’s just leave it at that. I wouldn’t complain about it if everyone could just serve themselves but I watched this server SERVE this table while my husband and I just walked back and forth repeatedly.

Food needed a lot of help since they cook it plain and it’s up to you to add whatever toppings/ sauces you want on your food. Overall, it’s overpriced and needs to work on customer service. Honestly we just ate quick and wanted...

I don't know if this is "authentic" Mexican food but it is tasty food. Have eaten here many times and noticed on my last visit the servings were a little smaller and the free chip basket was only half full. So, not sure if that was a fluke or new trend. Will update on next visit. Large menu with kid selections. Colorfully decorated restaurant with booths and tables. Self serve salsa bar (free) with a great mango salsa, self serve drinks. They have "kind of" table service: you sit down and they bring you menus and chips. Once you are ready to order you go to the cash register to order, pay and tip, grab your silverware, drinks, salsa, etc., and return to your table. They bring food to your table. No hard liquor; they do serve beer, malted and wine based margaritas.

I favor non-spicy Americanized Mexican food (I know- I'm a wimp) and I love everything I have ever ordered....