Mariposas — Restaurant in Riverside

Me and my family visited on sunday Mother’s Day 2025. It was a horrible experience. Granted, they were extremely busy, as most buffets are, but it seemed as though management were extremely disorganized and inexperienced. Leading into my dining experience, I had called weeks in advanced to inquire about their specials and hours of operations for Mother’s Day. I was informed hours were normal, they were having a buffet at $27 (pretty good price), and it was first come first serve with no reservations. We were sold and decided to show up at their posted 10am open time. Upon arrival we were told initially a 20-30 min wait as there were only a couple parties ahead of us. That turned into a 2 hour wait. Within that wait time we found out they did take reservations, they opened at 9am, and that the host was very dismissive and had inability to be transparent. Also come to find out, he was the one that I spoke to on the phone as I recognized his voice and that he is actually a manager there. They totally dropped the ball on how they informed us and did not do well in advertising their conditions for Mother’s Day. We were consistently getting skipped and looked over in his queue. The food was very mid/ average, but falls within the cheap price. Action stations and food were all spread out, making it an adventure to just grab food. Plates and utensils kept running out and they had to resort to disposables (very bad look). Some food runner dropped his walkie- talkie into a pan of food while serving it into the chafer and still served it. It seemed as though maybe there was not enough BOH staff to keep up (horrible managing in not being prepared for a widely known busy day).

On the bright side, the drinks were really good and came out promptly. The server was great as well and very apologetic and understanding of our situation, way more so than the host/ manager. She actually seemed genuine. Much better energy and service even amongst navigating the busy dining room floor. The only reason why the service was 2 stars and not 1.

They seem to have not fully separated from the kalaveras brand as they still have their branded small wares and decorations/ art there. A bit confusing and seemed they have not created their own identity yet.

This location has been a high turnover rate of different restaurants over the years. At this rate, they will keep up the norm in due time. I do not expect to be back anytime soon but most likely will be back as it does have potential, so hopefully changes...

I love it here I love all the waiters they’re so kind. My favorites is Leslie and Jackie though lol. But if I could give yall 10 stars I would. I come every Tuesday and any other time I feel like it. The food is ALWAYS good the service is ALWAYS great. They have taco Tuesday $2 tacos and happy hour from 3-7 mon- Friday! What more could you ask for? TIP THE WAITERS THEY’RE AMAZINGAND DESERVE ALL YALL MONEY! Lol and shoutout to the cook too he be bringing out my tacos the short one! I...

This was our first time back since they repurposed or rebranded this restaurant. It was really good before, but it was fantastic today we went for Sunday brunch as we usually do and everything tasted so much better according to my wife maybe not the mimosas but everything else was fantastic. We have not tried this place during any other time other than Sunday brunch and it was delicious. They had a lot of new items, but it was for sure. Excellent eat local, shop local, and...