La Morenita Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Livingston

I've been driving past this establishment on my way to work so I figured I give it go. The parking lot is a little small, but there was plenty of parking when I arrived during a Friday evening. There are tables and some lovely string lights outside the entrance. The interior was clean and nicely decorated with paintings. The restaurant culture here is also different than the ones I'm used to; for instance, I didn't know I was allowed to grab a table the moment I entered. After picking a table, I was offered the usual chips and salsa. I ordered a chimichanga (unaware I ordered the one with rice and beans, but they were good). I enjoyed the chimichanga very much. Cutting through the deep fried wrap and hearing it crumble was oddly satisfying. My waiter, Ezra, was so kind to let me order my chimichanga to have more of a "carne asada" prepared beef when the main choices were beef, pork, or chicken. The chimichanga itself is a good size. Though it may be because I have a smaller stomach, I ended up taking the half of it home along with some rice and beans.

My only (and minor) critique: I was hoping the tables featured a box of napkins. My food packed enough heat to make my nose runny, so I need a little more than two pieces of napkins to get through my meal and wipe down any mess I created. Other than that, I had a really good experience at this establishment. Thanks...

La Morenita in Merced used to be my FAVORITE place to eat years ago. I swore them off after my last two visits had baby critters on the table. So years later I was talked into trying Livingston. I was so excited when I walked in,it smelled like history like my favorite place. NOPE service sucked, they walked us in took our order and went back to talking..they dont have ground beef for tacos and their verde sauce is so sour tastes like a vinaigrette (mom wouldnt eat it) her chile relleno was tough. Service: to busy gossiping with each other to notice we needed assistance. Never refilled our drinks. Water was spilled at our table we barely had enough to clean it up they didnt offer more We basically helped ourselves Once the check was ready THEN they brought us take home plates after we sat waiting watching them stand in the kitchen door gossiping while the cooks worked there butts off. There were only a couple people in the restaurant, I know now why..bad food bad service expensive prices..but hey at...

This is a hidden gem! Possibly the best homestyle Mexican I have ever had, which says a lot. The restaurant is right behind Sunshine Donuts in Livingston, Ca. We stopped in on the recommendation from an old rancher friend who swore this was the best he had ever had. He wasn't wrong. The place itself is very simple, but comfortable. It draws a big local crowd. The staff was very friendly and the food was amazing. I had the chile colorado and my wife had the chilaquiles. The chile colorado was fall apart tender and moist and the sauce was thick, dark, and mildly spicy. Served with rice, beans, and tasty homemade tortillas. I'll be making a point to hit this place any time I am down near...