The Original Red Onion — Restaurant in Rolling Hills Estates

I had felt nostalgic about visiting Red Onion since it was such a hit in the 90's in the Westchester/L.A. area, so I decided to try out this location since it's their only location left. I called days ahead to make my reservation for one. Once at the location and inside, I was not greeted by the "greeter," I had to initiate the interaction. When I explained that I had a reservation for one, he looked at me as though that fact required further explanation. He responded with, "For one?!," after looking down and around dumbfounded. I then firmly said, "Yes!" I was completely turned off right away. He then escorted me to my booth where I was quickly offered chips, salsa and a menu. My server then came by and asked the standard, "What can I get you to drink?" I ordered a water with lemon. Why did he come back with a kid's size glass cup filled with water? Unbelievable! When he came back by to take my order and I stated I was trying to decide between two combination plates with enchiladas and tacos, he said absolutely nothing; not a word at all. Normally, servers are happy to give you their recommendations or ask questions to help you decide what to order. Nonetheless, I ordered a combo plate with 2 enchiladas and a beef taco. The order arrived within minutes, but didn't look appetizing to me. The portion size was measly and the cheese on the taco was not melted in and barely melted on the enchiladas.This is the polar opposite of what had made The Red Onion memorable to me. Not surprisingly, the taste of the food was mediocre. Del Taco tastes significantly better. All the while as I ate, the server walks back and forth to check on every table but mine. When I did stop him to ask him about a particular drink, he looked at me like, 'Why are you asking?' He still was not forthcoming when I politely pressed for more details. After I asked for the check, I was completely overlooked as I watched all the tables near me get their check. Several minutes later, I ask for my check once more. Then the server began communicating to the other in Spanish as he continues to ignore my request. Minutes more passed and I'm still without my check. Just as I was about to ask again, he brings my check over. Do I go 'Yay??'...Once the payment was complete and I headed out, I was not even offered a pleasant close by the either server or the greeter I passed on the way out. Conveniently, he was looking down and around again. Never again will I patronize this business, never!!...no one should be rudely ignored and mistreated because they're dining alone, as if a debit card rings up differently for a party...

I was really excited to return to the Original Red Onion at your Rolling Hills Estate location. I had gone previously and enjoyed a good meal on my last visit to your establishment. On Saturday August 31, I went in at around 8:00 pm and was seated quickly, and immediately given some delicious warm chips and salsa. Our waiter, MENESES, was not very helpful or friendly from the start. I asked him for his recommendation on soups, since I had selected the mole plate w 2 sides. He said, he wouldn't eat any of their soups. I was a little taken back since he is a waiter and I would think would say something positive about either choice. I went with MY choice of the tortilla soup. The soup was warm, very flavorful and delicious. The mole came out, right after. Upon receiving my plate, it looked very promising. I took a taste of the mole, it was quite good, then I took a piece of the chicken, and that's is when it hit me, the chicken was sour, and off tasting. I offered some to my husband, without saying anything, and he looked at me and said, this chicken is sour! I then said, this taste rotten. We both agreed. Everything else on the plate had a good taste, but the chicken. I waved down our waiter, MENESSE, and I quietly told him about the odd taste in the chicken and he just looked at me, like I was lying and didn't believe me. He offered me something new, but I declined. I just wanted the check. Upon the arrival of the check I noticed that I was still charged for the small tortilla soup, that came as part of the mole meal. $6.50. (I was charged my husband meals. Of course, because we did eat that meal) I just assumed he would void out the bad mole meal, since he didn't even apologize for what happened. I completely understand things happen, and there could be off days in any establishment, but customer service is king. MENESES, made no effort in apologizing, or make it right by getting a manager to speak to me. He just dropped off the check and never returned. I hope this review helps coach your team to be a little more helpful, more sympathetic to their clients. I left without making it a big deal, but I wanted to definitely bring light to...

A Hidden Gem Worth Finding: The Red Onion Restaurant in Rolling Hills

As a self-professed reservation skeptic, I was pleasantly surprised when we arrived at The Red Onion for our 6:45 booking. True to their word, within 30 seconds of checking in, we were comfortably seated in a cozy booth ready to explore their menu.

The restaurant's warm, homey ambience immediately explained why so many local families make this their regular dining spot. The Red Onion has clearly built a loyal following through years of consistent quality and service, a testament to their enduring legacy in Rolling Hills.

Their menu offers an impressive array of options, but the fajita combos are truly exceptional. The beef was remarkably tender and the chicken was perfectly seasoned, all served with traditional accompaniments that complemented the main stars beautifully. Each bite delivered authentic flavors that transported us straight to Mexico.

I must also mention the soup, absolutely heavenly! Rich, flavorful, and clearly made with care, it set the perfect tone for what turned out to be an outstanding meal.

The portions were so generous that we couldn't finish everything, which meant we got to enjoy The Red Onion's delicious offerings again the next day. Sometimes leftovers are the best surprise gift from a restaurant experience!

It's no mystery why The Red Onion has become a neighborhood favorite. Between the efficient service, family-friendly atmosphere, and exceptional food, they've created the perfect formula for dining success. If you're in Rolling Hills and looking for a reliable, delicious meal that will please everyone in your group, The Red Onion deserves a spot at the top of your...