Ay Jalisco 4 — Restaurant in Lady Lake

Came with family of 5 for a late lunch. We came inside very quiet almost like they were closed. Lots of dirty tables on one table had 2 people. Asked to sit outside he then said we cannot seat 5 ppl at a table due to spill hazards, cannot push tables together we then said we will just sit at 2 separate tables then. He said there is only one clean table outside. The others are dirty and 2ppl sitting at another. We were so close to just leaving. Decided to sit inside in corner round booth. Brought us a not full basket of chips 2 salsas hot/mild, we ordered our margarits,etc and 5 waters. Asked if music could be turned back on. 20min no cheese dip, no drinks, no silverware or plates. Finally get drinks and cheese dip no waters. Ordered our meals and reminded about silverware, plates,asked for more chips for cheese dip and asked for more drinks including a non alcohol Pina colada. Drinks came out with food, no chips, no plates no silverware. We could not find a single worker around. So we sat for 15min. Finally ready to leave requested 4 boxes. We had 3ppl on 1 check and 2ppl on another he messed that up. Told him he said gonna fix still wrong we just wanted to leave. Wanted for boxes. Finally left without taking our food once again...

I have been to Ay Jalisco twice in the past couple years when visiting my parents and fully understand that poor much less good Mexican food is tough to come by in Florida (coming from Colorado, I know a thing or three about elevated Mexican food but am totally fine with even middling stuff). So my expectations were set on the first visit.

When I first ate here, I had a basic sort of combo and it was good. Were my experience based on that visit I would give this place 4 stars with the understanding that this is central Florida and this is not a cuisine normally found there.

My next visit, the food was terrible. I am not sure what was worse the awful green chilli sauce on my food or the bland food itself. Of the four of us who came in from Colorado, we agreed it was neither good or acceptable. My parents seemed fine with it but neither are picky about good bad or average food. That is a 1 star rating and I will average the two experiences and round down as the last experience was the worst.

So if you are hankering for Mexican food, there may not be better options nearby but I gather there are some options in Ocala that might...

Ay Jalisco (Ay ha- LEES-co ) is a Mexican Restaurant on the corner of Main and Paige Sts, one block north of Spanish Springs Square. We arrived on Cinco de Mayo, with everyone else. They had a Mariachi Band and a full house and outdoor patio. Even so, we were seated immediately. Before our waitress got to the table, we were served tortillas and salsa (not homemade but rich and spicy) Then within a few minutes, our waitress took our drink order. And then onto our food order. Even with all the customers, it did not take long for our food to arrive. The food - my husband got the triple combo $9.49. A chicken sope, beef burrito and pork tamale served with rice and beans. Everything was very good ... the tamale was a bit soft but still good. I ordered the Enchilada de Espinicas (spinach), there were two served with beans, rice, lettuce tomatoes and sour cream it came out perfect. The entire staff was pleasant, efficient and smiling even with crowds of the day. A very pleasant meal was had. The restaurant has handicapped parking, entrance and restrooms. It is also equipped for parties...