La Esmeralda Mexican and Seafood Restaurant — Restaurant in Santa Clarita

Stars are for food. As a Mexican, I already don't like these "authentic Mexican" places. I've come to like a few in SCV. But this restaurant is not it. My mom got the civiche, and after we saw her face, my party 5 all tried it and tasted as if it had been made 3 days prior. It is easy to tell because the lime has a weird taste to it, and at that point, the fish was almost transparent. I ordered the "carne asada" plate, and that meat was definitely not grilled. Seemed more like it was put in a pan with a bit of water and just steamed or something. My 2 brothers both ordered the birria de chivo (goat), and they said it was bland but ok. So they put a lot of lime and green salsa. My sister in law ordered what I believe was the battered shrimp. Same thing, bland as can be. The only thing we all liked was the rice and beans, which were a little bland as well, but that's just sad as a Mexican restaurant. The horchata was overall gross, was definitely from the fountain drinks, and didn't have that homemade taste. The staff was definitely the highlight of our night. She showed up at our table quite often and came for refills. So,...

Not good. Unfortunately. When the salsa is the best thing you eat there, you know you're in trouble. That said, they're salsa is fantastic. Best salsa I've ever had. You also shouldn't call yourself a Mexican restaurant if you don't serve real margaritas. They have wine based margaritas because they don't have a liquor license and they have beer. But if I go to a Mexican restaurant I want a real margarita and they cannot provide that. I tried the Birria plate and it's the real thing. Goat meat and it was good. Not great but good. The beans were average and the rice was sort of below average. So overall the food experience was simply not good and the fact that they don't have liquor was a real problem. If they'd add liquor then maybe I might give them four stars. But frankly the foods just not good enough for that so I probably wouldn't anyway. I really would have given them two stars but that's salsa. It was really really good. I hope they improve because the staff was helpful, friendly...

Since we discovered La Esmeralda, my hubby and I go at least twice a week... Our date nights are wonderful and our wallet is very happy because we don't spend as much as we used to at La Cocina... I've almost tried every single dish and they are all DELICIOUS!!!! Mango Margaritas are 2-die-for! Large is only $5!!!!!! Family owned... I loved the owners!!! And waiters and cook!!! From a Mexican point of view... This is the closest I've tried in regards AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FOOD... Includes handmade tortillas!!! Listen people... You are willing to wait 30-50 min to be seated at La Cocina... I'm telling you, it so much worth it to wait at La Esmeralda!!! (I've heard people complaining on how long it takes to get your food and such...) my friends at La Esmeralda cook every dish as soon as you order so it's always fresh... Not microwaved! A MUST TRY IN SANTA...