Hacienda Don Cuco Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Lancaster

This used to be my favorite restaurant, but it has definitely gone downhill, in my opinion. Firstly, the restaurant was pretty empty for a Sunday at 5 pm. We were brought to a table that was not cleaned and waited as the host/waiter cleaned it, which was no big deal. It took about 10 mins to receive our drinks after ordering them, and when I say drinks, I mean water. Which again, no big deal. I finished my first cup of water before we ordered our food, I wasn't asked if I wanted a refill until after the food came out. I came in for my birthday dinner and ordered the Carne Tampiquena, which is something I've always ordered and have never had any issues until today. When my food came and I seen it wasn't the steak, wrapped in bacon, stuffed with shrimp, I was a little confused. I asked why it was different, and the response I got was, "He doesn't want to do it like that anymore." Now like I said, I always order the same thing every time, so I don't read the menu, which is definitely my fault because I would have seen that it is no longer served like that. Which is fine to me. My steak was overcooked and had a weird greyish color to it, as if it were microwaved and then placed on a fryer for a minute. I sent my first steak back, and I received a new one that still looked like a microwaved steak thrown on a fryer for a minute. I didn't want to sit inside the restaurant and take pictures so we took the food to go. The picture I have is the steak inside of my to go container. Other than the steak, everything else was really good. The staff has always been friendly and kind, but service is slow and lacks in a lot of departments. Also, I'm not too sure if the chef knows how to cook a steak because I asked for medium rare and received medium well. The 2nd steak I asked for medium rare again. The steak was rare.

On the plus side, in my opinion, they still have the best...

Let me start off by talking about the positives. The food here is pretty good, the atmosphere and Vibes are cool and the service is good as well. Now for the negatives:I irritates me this time that we're living in where restaurants and businesses get stingy and start price gouging customers and charging extra for every little thing. This place was no different. First off, If you want sauce on your burrito it is almost $3 extra. You don't even get a drizzle of sauce on the Mexican rice or even an olive on your beans (which is a small thing but I look forward to). And if you get a create your own combo you are limited to just a few basic items to pick from, no tamales and chile relleno is an extra $3. Almost everything you order will be at least $20 and if you want specialty items you will probably pay close to $30 even $40... the desserts are also quite expensive and are about $11. Additionally when receiving our bill I noticed if you pay with a card it is a higher price than if you pay with cash.( I didn't have cash and rarely pay with cash) This is the first time I have ever seen this at any restaurant! Lastly they didn't even have those traditional peppermints they have at Mexican restaurants when you leave to change the taste in your mouth... my family and I overall were quite disappointed and did not feel we got good value for the money that we spent. We frequently eat out but this definitely not a good deal and we most likely won't return... like I said earlier I don't agree with the direction that restaurants and businesses that serve people are going and I am going to call it out each time I see it and I hope everyone else does too. I am predicting all these places that price gouge are going to go out of business in the future and those that are generous and provide good value to their customers are going to...

April 4, 2025 Edit Update - We returned on a Friday this time, atmosphere was definitely busier but still did not disappoint. As busy as it was the service was still razor sharp and excellent.

We decided to continue with new menu items and drinks, this is kinda our thing. We love trying everything that is offered and leaving honest reviews. Once again, delicious.

This time we had a Molcajete, Cuco burger (double with bacon), camarones Cuco and 2 mixed drinks. (Skinny mango margarita and a Paloma, both large)

We asked for a spicy option on the choices because we love a good kick! I noticed after the request that the food was served with jalapeños on top which if it's normal or not, was a pretty nice addition. We appreciated the accompaniment.

The drinks definitely felt value added. If you're not looking to spend too much or get tipsy, stick with the smaller size. The largest was perfect for us.

Next visit hopefully we make room for dessert items.

Side note - karaoke was on fire, music choices were great and the dj swung by and said hello. Very lively atmosphere.

March 22, 2025 Decided to try this place for the first time after living in the AV for a decade. It was recommended by my son who went out with a group of friends.

Wow it did not disappoint one bit! The service was quick, friendly, and attentive. Our waiter Rene was excellent. He suggested adding shrimp to the dragon plate and it transformed the meal! So good 5 stars! Everything we ordered was delicious and fresh.

We ordered a Burrito Especial , California Burrito, Mexican Dragon, Quesadilla, Botana platter and hard taco al pastor and 2 mixed drinks. All amazing!

They had karaoke playing all night and the crowd was jovial and energetic, if you know karaoke, the sound ie expected and welcome. I think we found a new favorite spot. Can’t wait to go down...