La Hacienda — Restaurant in Madison

I haven't been there in awhile and I will tell you why. The short story is that they are thieves. I was a regular customer for the first 5 years or so when they first opened. As a reward, they have ripped me off several times. Two times they gave me change for a 10 dollar bill when I gave them a 20, and I know that this wasn't a mistake. Another time we actually went there twice in a day/night (I did this more than once, btw). We got the pitcher of margaritas that they had a special on. When I got the bill for the second visit, it was higher than I expected. They charged me full price for the margaritas. When I inquired, they told me that since it was after midnight, the special no longer applied. What a bunch of horsesheet. The second instance when they shorted me on change, they threatened to call the cops when I demanded they count the drawer. That is when I said enough is enough. Now here is the kicker. After not frequenting the place for at least 10 years, I decided to give them another shot. Guess what? They stole my bike! Yes folks, you read that correctly, the guy hosing down the parking lot that early morning actually stole my f'n bike! This was about 10 years ago and I will NEVER eat there again, not even if you are buying! Additionally, as a regular customer that always tipped well, I still got lousy service and a rotten attitude. Initially I continued to go often because the food was good and reasonably priced. Before I stopped going (the first time), I noticed that the prices started creeping up. Nowadays, there are plenty of other, better Mexican options that appreciate my business. I am actually surprised that La Hacienda is still around. I just thank God I never gave them my credit card info! My advice is to STAY AWAY from...

Added 2024: better [but I recommend to stay away from Chile Rellano ~ as always, their very yummy XTRA SPICY salsa salvaged what remained to be enjoyed] 🇲🇽

When TAQUERIA GUADALAJARA/ GLORIA'S is open, maybe try there instead 🤷🏻‍♀️

Unfortunately, "la hacienda" has continued to go "downhill" over the last few years sadly somehow worsening their flavors, textures, service and overall Quality of Atmosphere while Somehow Justifying the ^INCREASE IN PRICES^ every few months, it seemed [since they Somehow still get enough Bu$ine$$ from Devoted Customers, likely Nostalgic of the years "LH" was known as the Second Best Mexican Restaurant in MadTown First is Still Taqueria Guadalajara, of course! "LH" ESPECIALLY needs to remove their strobe light "entertainment" it could literally cause epilepsy for those that suffer from Symptoms!! 👿 Dang, I should call them and ask to remove that Eyesore! There's absolutely no positive value from it ~ I imagine it was just another "excuse" to charge more for mediocre {at best!} Mexican Food] ....

If you [and likely a group of Already inebriated friends, I'd highly recommend if not already "lit" for the sake of Any Possible enjoyment!] feel the Need to Get Your Mexican Flavors and Textures on [also Likely at Midnight, or whenever Taqueria Guadalajara isn't open] cuz yeah, at least "LH" is a step or Few above "Taco Hell" the Only thing Left worth trying seems to be that Table Side Grill; maybe with a Margarita or Two...

Great food and service every time we go there. They usually start with a some tortilla chips and salsa. You can ask for the spicier ones too. I get my horchata cuz I love a drink that tastes like milk left over from a cinnamon toast crunch. I believe it's like cinnamon rice milk? My boyfriend and I usually get the Parillada Combinacion, which is like a big platter with grilled meats and a few potato slices and onions as well. they serve it with a plate of rice, guac, tomatoes, and beans as well as corn tortillas. The meats are not loaded with overly Americanized salty seasonings. They also provide bottles of other types of salsas like their tomatillo salsa and another type of tomato based salsa to go along with your food. You get what you paid for and more. We always have leftovers, even though we get the regular sized Parillada. The decor isn't the fanciest, but it doesn't really need to be for this particular setting. The wait staff is very friendly, and some of them don't always speak English, so this is a place where I can try to practice my Spanish and that will light their day up. Who expects some random Asian dude to speak Spanish? Lots of space for bigger parties. The place does seem to get pretty busy all the time, especially after bar time. It's been a staple restaurant for my friends and me for dining in. Will continue to come...