Kalaveras — Restaurant in Los Angeles

A Night of Disappointment at Kalaveras - Pico Ave, Los Angeles

I rarely write reviews, but my recent experience at Kalaveras on Pico Ave in Los Angeles was so abysmal that I felt compelled to share my story. This was supposed to be a special evening as my girlfriend and I were celebrating our 8-month anniversary, and I had planned to propose to her at the very spot where we first met and had our first date. Unfortunately, the atrocious service and dismal atmosphere not only ruined our night but also left me unable to propose to my girlfriend due to her sheer dissatisfaction.

From the moment we arrived, it was evident that our reservation meant nothing, as we were seated at a filthy table littered with used plates, empty bottles, and dirty cups. Despite our polite requests, the staff made no effort to clean our table, leaving us to wonder if basic hygiene was a foreign concept at Kalaveras.

Service was virtually non-existent. It seemed as though the staff had collectively decided to ignore our presence. When we finally managed to flag down a server, our order was taken with a palpable air of indifference. The warm beer we were served was an insult to our taste buds and only served to further dampen our spirits.

Throughout our meal, the used plates and empty bottles continued to pile up like monuments to the establishment's utter disregard for customer satisfaction. It was a constant reminder of the dreadful service that permeated every aspect of our experience at Kalaveras.

As the night wore on, my girlfriend's disappointment became more and more evident. The romantic atmosphere I had hoped for was obliterated by the abysmal service and the sorry state of our surroundings. It became painfully clear that a proposal under these circumstances would be a disservice to the love we share.

I cannot fathom how a restaurant with such potential could fall so far from the mark. Kalaveras, you robbed us of a special moment and left us with a memory that we would rather forget. I implore potential patrons to consider other establishments for their special occasions, as Kalaveras is undoubtedly a graveyard for lost opportunities and shattered dreams.

Thank You Kalaveras for Ruining my one and only...

Original as of 8/2021: I wanted to love Kalaveras. It's not your typical neighborhood Mexican--or chain--restaurant. It's clear the owners care about appearances, from the gorgeous decor to the coordinated dishes. But it's focused too much on the superficial. To be fair, I'm giving a star for the barbacoa and carnitas, which were flavorful; I'm also giving a star to my server, Ashli, who was wonderful and responsive. But trying to eat the $5 2-bite tacos over the plancha without spilling was an adventure. Also, while I loved the inclusion of radishes, which are too often overlooked in mainstream Mexican cuisine served stateside, the pickled onions were overbearing and I picked them off. My lunch companion got the enchiladas verdes--without chicken they were still $18!--but there was a dearth of cheese and the flavor of lime was overpowering, she reported. I tried her side of rice and beans and was wholly unimpressed. Furthermore, charging $6 for a bottle of Mexican Coca-Cola would be laughable if it weren't unconscionable; it's not like I can't get it at the convenience store down the street. Most boggling was the lack of chips and salsa to start the meal. I've never been to a Mexican restaurant that doesn't offer chips and salsa. Apparently we were supposed to have asked? Ridiculous. Kalaveras tries to be Border Grill yet fails by every measure except pretense. There's too many other Mexican restaurants that are amazing in LA.

Update as of 4/2024: I went back. This time we were offered chips and salsa on being seated. I got the enchiladas verdes while my companion got the burrito mojado. The enchiladas themselves were fine but the rice and beans were blander than bland. He enjoyed the burrito so much that he said he'd go back. For now my rating...

I am absolutely LIVID after my experience last night! My friends and I just wanted some late-night food, and what we got was a nightmare. I ordered potato taquitos, but they brought me chicken. Fine, mistakes happen. They took them back, and when they finally returned with my order, I took a bite, enjoying it for a second, and then out of the corner of my eye, I saw it: A COCKROACH. A disgusting, vile ROACH CRAWLING on the salad/garnish right there on my plate!

I was beyond floored, utterly disgusted. The manager came over, looking embarrassed and apologizing profusely, but frankly, apologies don't cut it when there's a roach on my food! I demanded they comp everything, even my valet parking, which they did, but that's not the point.

I will NEVER, EVER step foot in that place again! I am so disgusted I can barely think straight. This place needs to be SHUT DOWN immediately. And if the roach wasn't enough, I also noticed how filthy the floor was. This establishment is a health hazard and a disgrace! The manager tried to say the ROACh came from outside! I...