El Buen Sabor — Restaurant in Long Branch

WORST DINING EXPERIENCE I’VE EVER HAD. DO NOT EAT HERE, SAVE YOUR MONEY. RATINGS ARE FAKE.

When we entered the restaurant there were a number of red flags but we continued on bc of the good reviews and we were starving. Not only does the place look like a hole in the wall, but there was no one to greet us or sit us down when we entered, just stares. When a waitress approached us, she didn’t have a menu and started to ramble off selections of what they were serving “that day.” The entire restaurant was unkept and the bathroom didn’t have any soap in it despite having a sign saying employees should wash their hands. Gross. We were disgusted and wondering where the hell we ended up dining at but we kept going bc we figured maybe it was one of those places that didn’t have the best presentation but the food was authentic and good. Unfortunately things only got worse. After waiting 30 minutes I ended receiving the wrong plate bc of a confusion with the waitress. The waitress assured us that she would make a new plate of what I actually order so we waited another 30 minutes. My wife actually saw them heating up food in the microwave in the back. After an hour of waiting, the food was subpar compared to most Mexican restaurants, honestly it was on par with something you would eat at Taco Bell. We didn’t finish all the food but didn’t bother asking for a bag bc we doubted they even had any. When we received the price there was no bill or itemized list and it looked like they came up with it on the spot. The waitress said $56, I handed $80 and asked for change, planning to give a $15 tip for the extra effort of making a 2nd plate. she then handed me back $4. $76 for the worst dining experience I’ve had in my life! So essentially I feel robbed. It was either plant stupidity, charging me for the extra plate (that I didn’t even keep) or tipping themselves exorbitantly.

Honestly, I didn’t say anything bc I felt the competence was so low it wasn’t even worth the argument. And also I just wanted to get the hell out of there. I rationalized thinking, well that place could probably use the money. And I would never want to talk down on a small business and fellow Latinos trying to make their way.

But this place was so bad, the sanitation so disgusting and the billing was so egregious I want to warn people to not waste their time.

I genuinely believe there is a chance this is some sort of front for some illegal activity bc I can’t understand how it earned a 4.4 stars on Google. In addition, some of the pictures on Google don’t even look like the same restaurant. Insane stuff and I will never go near...

Wonderful place for really fresh Oaxacan dining. Some of the best salsa verde and chilaquiles around, and there is a lot of competition! We also loved the shrimp a la mexicana, which was perfectly cooked with just the right amount of chili peppers. I also recommend the sopes, which have a great chewiness and corn flavor. On any given day the menu seems to vary, since this is not a high volume restaurant. However, there were plenty of tempting options, for both vegetarians or pescetarians as well as meat lovers. Though the location is a far cry from the pretty - albeit sterile - setting of Pier Village, which is only a few blocks away, we never felt unsafe, and appreciated the plentiful free parking. The waiting staff was patient, welcoming and friendly, though I have to say that ordering in English would have been tricky, since she did not speak much english. But that all contributes to the authenticity of the experience. Overall we were so impressed with the quality, flavor and service that we chose this restaurant to cater a going-away party for our daughter, who is crazy about the food of this part of Mexico, as well as the overall culture and warmth. Go check it out, but don't tell too many people about it since we don't want to lose our...

This was our first time at this restaurant. The TV was blasting and a jukebox was playing loudly as well. We walked in about 8:15pm and after having seen the good reviews were excited to try it out. When we sat down, we were told that there was a limited menu (not a problem) and the server rattled off the 7 or so items which were all caldos. We were disappointed that there were no tacos, enchiladas or other typical Mexican antojitos available. We ordered 4 Caldos (Soups) 2 of shrimp and 2 of chicken, had 1 soda & 2 waters. All the caldos were salty and the shrimp one was with a guajillo based broth, spicy and super hot but greasy. The fresh tortillas were delicious. Then my husband was told our bill came out to $96!! He was not handed a bill, just told what was owed. How it could what we ordered cost that much?! Had I heard the conversation regarding the bill I would have requested an itemized bill, but I had gone to the restroom when my husband was paying and didn't find out what had happened until we were in the car. Both the food and the experience left a bad taste in our mouths. Very disappointing experience, that we never want to...