La Casa Del Cocinero - Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in La Mirada

I've always hesitated to leave bad reviews because I know how tough the restaurant business can be, but after our last few visits, I feel compelled to share our experience. This place has long been a family favorite—sometimes the food is even excellent—but recently, we've noticed some concerning issues.

First, while prices have gone up a lot, I understand that given the current economy. That alone wouldn't impact my rating much if everything else was still great. Unfortunately, the service lately has been downright terrible. We seem to consistently get the same waitress, and she barely acknowledges us unless she's dropping off our food (which this time took nearly 45 minutes). We even ran a little experiment—my wife tried to flag her down multiple times with no luck, and it took me practically jumping up and waving before she finally came over. When she did, it felt like we were inconveniencing her, and her attitude made it clear she wasn't happy to help.

To make matters worse, we were there celebrating my wife's birthday and both of us ordered the chile verde (now much pricier than it used to be). The dish tasted okay, but within hours of getting home, we both became very ill. I called the restaurant to inform them, and was told someone would get back to me, but we're still waiting for a response.

We've been loyal customers for years—even following the restaurant when they changed locations. At this point, I’m not sure what changed, but I sincerely hope the owners will reach out and address these issues. Right now, I can't say I'd recommend this place, which is very disappointing after so many...

I’m glad I found this place. I was shopping next-door with my dad. We saw this place and we were in the mood for Mexican food. As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by two hostesses with the most beautiful smile. We felt so welcome. The waiting area is beautifully decorated, but once we walked inside it was amazing, I love the way it’s decorated all around. Our server Natalie was amazing she welcomed us right away brought us water she asked if we been here before we said no, she prodded to explain the menus to us and recommended some plates, through our whole stay. She was very attentive to us. The prices are reasonable.

The food is amazing the plates are huge, come hungry or be prepare. To take home left overs, the homemade tortillas are to die for so yummy. The margaritas are great just the right amount of alcohol, the horchata is awesome my Dad could not get enough of it. If I could probably make a suggestion serve the horchata in the blue water cup the plastic cup does not look appealing, it would be great for a kids meal not for an adult. Other than that thumps up on the horchata.

I order the chicharrón in red salsa & my dad order the costillitas de puerco also in red salsa omg!! They were finger liking good, just the right amount of spices not to hot & not to milid just right, the costillitas had. Lot of meat in them.

The place has a well stock bar, TVs all around perfect place to watch a sporting even. It also has live entertainment. The gentleman was just setting up as we were heading out.

I definitely recommend this place. I would...

Generous portions and good prices, food was well (and over) seasoned but not all of it was tasty. Happy hour deals everyday. Pictured is Margarita Espanol, which was ok. Salsas are good, chips aren't made in house I think. Off the happy hour menu, cheese quesadilla was great, but the chicken and beef taquitos weren't. Happy hour mole chicken wings were the least well received, for the flavor, and for likely giving my dining companion an allergic reaction, even when we informed the restaurant of a nut allergy. Even so, the wings were garnished with sesame seeds when they probably should have been omitted. We had the wings as is anyways because my friend can have sesame. But in the end they still had mild allergic reaction, maybe to whatever was in the mole. Off a la carte, we added guac and shredded beef to the already massive burrito. I also had a pork shoulder plate which was huge. Rice and beans were good. The pork was very tender but over spiced. Way too much bay leaf, they should be removing it not leaving it in for so long, making the meat and sauce somewhat unpalatable. The two made to order corn tortillas on the side were thick and flavorful and too doughy. We are out of towners so we would not visit again, but if we were locals I would semi regularly I suppose. Maybe. Service was...