Tahona Bar — Restaurant in San Diego

I didn't even eat here and I would never go back. Tonight I stopped in around 5:15 to purchase a gift card because I had real about Tahona and seen a lot on social media. My parents are big tequila/mezcal fans so I thought a gift card to the bar would be a great gift! Unfortunately you can't purchase a gift card online so I went in. I was greeted immediately by the manager who was hostessing. Let her know I was there for a gift card and the amount I wanted to purchase. She took my card and was gone for 35 minutes. It took so long that 2 other employees came up to me and asked if they could help me. I waited patiently because I could see the bar was full. When she finally approached me with gift card 35 minutes later she flatly told me to sign a receipt copy oh and she ran my card for the amount twice and had to void the transaction. The gift card I was purchasing was for $170 so I wanted to verify the additional charge had been voided and I asked her for a copy of the voided receipt. At that point she became extremely rude. I personally would never expect to be treated the way she treated me. She came back at me with so much attitude and said if I wanted a copy of the voided receipt I would have to wait much longer because there were customers behind me. (Of course there were customers behind me at this point it had been near 40 minutes and she had never made it back to the front) I expressed that I was there prior to those customers and had already been waiting for so long all I was asking for was a copy of the voided receipt. Because she ran my card twice!! She ignored me and sat 2 parties walked back to the POS and then came back and silently stuck a receipt in my face. It was so bad that on my way out one of the servers apologized for her behavior and told me when I came in next he would take care of me. Well thank god this was a gift because I will personally never go back. She was extremely rude and she was the one who double ran my card and took 45 minutes to ring in a gift card. Her name was Christianne I believe. That's what the top of my receipt says. If I were the owner of this place I would probably not have her in a customer facing role. She was never apologetic had an attitude and had no sense of hustle. Also someone should probably train her on how to ring in a gift card and talk to customers. Genuinely the worst I have ever been treated in a restaurant. If it wasn't 2 days before Christmas I would have had her cancel my gift cards entirely canceled my reservation. I didn’t walk out until close to...

Went here last night with a buddy and I'm torn on this place.

I will start off saying the food was great and the staff were nice. I had the mole sampler and a chicken taco and all were fantastic. I've had little experience with mole and was always underwhelmed but the texture and flavor in the sampler were phenomenal.

The service did leave some to be desired. I had to move my reservation back an hour and OpenTable was not cooperating so I called the restaurant to sort this out. Their phone line rings 4 times before going to a voice message that gives you an option to text for support. I tried this and got an automated answer to my first question regarding bringing my pup (They are dog friendly!) but then I asked about changing my reservation and never received a response. I did eventually get OpenTable to work but that was after six spread out attempts at calling the restaurant. I'm all for using technology appropriately and I'm sure this text message service reduces labor costs, but it's a major inconvenience for guests.

I did get to the restaurant right at 7:45 in time for my reservation and was behind several guests. By the time I got to the front they informed us they they gave our table away to a walk-up guest. I get if there was a 15-20 minute discrepancy in my arrival that they might have given the table away but that was not the case. The staff was nice, sincerely apologetic, and offered to comp the first round of drinks but it really was disappointing to wait a half hour to sit down because someone without a reservation got our table.

I would like to try Tahona again and will edit my review based on that experience, but my first impression left a lot to be desired with...

Tahona is Amazing. Really good team to insure your satisfied and Happy. The atmosphere is open and your certainly close to the other diners. In our case it was fun. Everyone around us was very engaging and loved their food. Staff constantly being sure your pleased and have all the things you need. We had the Empanadas one ahi and the other vegetarian. Both were flavorful and tasty. Light crust. We had the watermelon salad and ejoyed it. The first two items we shared between the two of us. Our entree was the Barbacoa with ingredients to make tacos such as pickled onions and cabbage. Lots of limes and cheese provided. The tortillas were oaxaacen style as all the food was. Simply the Barbacoa exploded with flavor and really more amazing when combined with the other ingredients. Plenty for two to share and be full. We tried the Mola as well. It was very tasty. All the food we tried had bold flavors that were surprising different then traditional Mexican. This is more authentic overall. The pricing for the food quality is spot on. You can go inexpensive or let it happen eating and drinking. Either way the pricing is a bargain considering the quality. They make good Mezcal drinks that are well made. Lots of smiling at Tahona. Go dine at Tahona you will not be disappointed. Make a reservation because it's always crowded. Manager checked on us to be sure we were pleased with our meal and service. She...