Habanero Hots — Restaurant in Lodi

My review is it a bit complex. This was my first time going to Habanero Hots, and I know they've been in business a long time so I expected it to be good. I walked in and was seated with my family immediately. They have a good kids meal menu that includes an ice cream scoop, definite plus! A person came and brought us chips and salsa. The salsa was horrible. It tasted like a mix of water, tomato sauce, and small amounts of salsa. I was so disappointed. I couldn't even will myself to dip the chips in it. The waiter didn't know the beer on drafts and didn't offer to go find out, which was a big disappointment for my husband. The food came out quickly, we ordered the kids taco (its crispy) and quesadilla, fish tacos and 2 chimichanga plate. The only problem was the chimichangas. My husband ordered the 2 for 16 chimichangas, but they arrived like burritos. The tortillas were not fried. The meat inside and all of our plates were very good. It is just really disappointing to order a chimichanga and get a burrito when you want that crispy tortilla shell. We didn't ask for it to be fixed, because we are the type of people that unless there is something really wrong with the food, we don't send it back. The waiter only came once to check on us, which was okay only because another server walked by and refilled our waters. Our main waiter came back only when we were done and asked if we wanted boxes, however he forgot, or didn't mention, the dessert for the kids. We reminded her and he brought it.

Overall, the food was surprisingly amazing for the quality of service and the terrible...

This place is great. The staff is always friendly, attentive, and efficient. I use efficient because this place gets quite busy around dinner time. Even with it being busy, we have never waited more than 10-15 for a table.

The food has great taste, and the portions are good-sized. With the chips and salsa, I've always gone home full. Even with leftovers at times if I order a full dinner. Also, the food is very consistent.

The restaurant gets fairly loud (nothing crazy) when it's packed on a Friday night. So, it's great for kids as you don't really have to worry about them bothering others if they make some noise.

It's clean! Even the bathrooms. I appreciate a clean restaurant, as it shows that they care about the business and customers. I really appreciate that.

It looks and feels like a Mexican food restaurant. They have booths and tables and chairs available.

Once, they made a mistake on my order. When I brought it up to my waiter, she apologized and brought a replacement out to me promptly. No fuss, no muss. She even brought it out to me in a to-go container, as I noticed the mistake at the end of my meal. I was in the process of putting my leftovers in a to-go bag for lunch the next day.

Pricing is very fair. Even on the less expensive side, I'd say.

We will continue to...

Not so Hot! My husband and I were suppose to meet friends at another restaurant but the wait was to long. Our friends changed plans to this place. We had never been here before and I do not think we will ever go again.

The food was not that good! I took a few bites of their chips and salsa. It was just ok.

I ordered a 2 item combo. Chicken enchilada and Chili Relleno, with beans. I substituted a salad for the rice. My husband ordered a grilled chicken salad. (sorry don't remember exactly what it was listed as on the menu)

If we hadn't been there with friends we probably would have sent the food back. I only took one bite of each item. The Chicken enchilada... chicken was very bland. The chili relleno might have been alright but the sauce it came with tasted like it was out of a can. The refried beans were way too dried out. Which made me think they have been reheated or sitting for a long time. (definitely not fresh!)

My husband was not happy with his salad as well, to the point he didn't finish much.

The service was OK. Our waitress came back every now and then to check on us and refill drinks.

We were suppose to follow up our dinner with a movie but by the time everyone else was done eating, I was not feeling well at all. We ended up going...