Tocaya Modern Mexican — Restaurant in Los Angeles

I had very traumatic and troubling experience with Alicia at the Tocaya in Hollywood.

I go to Tocaya everyday in Hollywood and the one in Playa Vista depending on if I am working from home or at the office. I order my food and go pick it up (grab my food from the TO GO order counter) and I have never had a problem. Today as per usual I ordered my food and went to go pick it up. I walked in as I was on the phone with my brother and went to go pick up food from the TO GO counter and here comes Alicia sweaty, no mask, no gloves and raging…She snatched the bags from my hand and with so much vitriol and strong animosity she said “DON’T TOUCH THE BAGS” I was so taking aback because I always take my bag and go. Anyway, I said to her “you don’t have to speak to me in such a way.” She said well I said it and you didn’t hear me and I said “I did hear you- I was ignoring you because of your tone.” She started being very hostile and so I asked her for a manager. Alicia lied and said that the manager wasn’t there so I said I will wait. Now here comes her little friend Peter that she went to go gossip to- who by the way never saw what happened as he was not even in our vicinity. Peter started vomiting at the mouth… “ you need to understand her frustration as she has many ppl coming to grab the bags.” Of course, I said very calmly to Peter as I have been calm this whole time. “I know it’s hot but if you guys didn’t want to come to work today you shouldn’t have come. Your friend has a nasty attitude and this is suppose to be a customer service job.There is a way to talk to people.” Now mind you while I’m talking to Peter, Alicia aka “Karen” comes back and starts yelling at me acting like she wants to fight me saying “ just don’t touch the bags.” Then the manager Ray arrives who was really sweet and gentle. Now as Ray is trying to diffuse the situation Karen…I mean Alicia keeps being aggressive so he tells her kindly to leave so he can talk to me. Ray was amazing as the manager but Alicia and Peter NEED to go. Especially Alicia!! She is rude, volatile, nasty with a chip on her shoulder. I am going to report her to Corporate! I was...

Better than I expected!

I'm not from the state, and I really expected very small portions and very overpriced food. Not only was the ochata refillable, the portions are pretty good even if you share.

The place is very nice, clean, and very inviting. The inviting atmosphere really gets to me because there are some places that I will not go that I feel claustrophobic in them.

The marble tables are beautiful and the cushions you sit on are pleasant. They have a study flow of traffic and seen able to maintain very well.

I don't give five stars very lightly and i'm sitting in here looking around, that's something to knock them on.... and I i can't find anything to say they need to improve!

I will say a caution just to let people know what they're going to walk into...... this does not have a traditional server, so you have to bring your cup up to refill. This is not a knock against anybody, just letting future...

I’ve been to this place now two times, and was treated once which would be three times experience. The first time around a client of mine brought me their refreshing strawberry Basil drink, and let me tell you. That has been great all three times I had it. The plantain chips were too chewy though. Second time I went by myself to the actual place and my order was messed up and the food…well let’s say theirs barely. Anyways, tonight I went again and with my daughter and the order was completed correctly, but I must say for modern it’s lacking allot of flavors. It’s clean tasting and fresh which I’m sure that’s what their going for; however I must say my pallet is extremely keen and I believe the food is absent in flavors. Fresh Yes. The restaurant itself has fabulous decor! Staff friendly. Should you try it?…definitely the strawberry Basil. Am I saying “is this a bad place to go?”, No… not...