Taqueria La Katrina — Restaurant in Santa Cruz

Oh, Taqueria La Katrina looked fun, With colors and lights and a vibe in the sun. The walls were all bright, the space had some cheer, So I thought to myself, “Let’s go eat here!”

I ordered a burrito, alambre plate too, Then waited… and waited… like statues would do. The man right behind me had one thing, not two — But somehow I left while he still had to queue.

No smile at the counter, no “thank you,” no cheer, Just plopped down my bag and a blank little stare. No tray, just a thud, and I shuffled away, Already unsure if I wanted to stay.

The burrito was salty — a briny surprise. It punched me with salt straight between both my eyes. The flavor was missing, the balance was gone, Like the lid on the shaker got stuck in the “on.”

The alambre was next, and I hoped for a save, But it tasted like beef that forgot how to behave. No salt, no spice, no seasoning found, Just warm little bites of beige on the ground.

The salsa bar smiled — it looked kind of slick, But every sauce there was just watery trick. No heat, no smoke, no zest, no pow, Just “meh” in a cup with a sad little brow.

Then came the bill — forty-six bucks. For two little meals and a bag full of yucks. No drink, no chips, no sauce that could sing — Just food that went “thud” and a till that went “cha-ching.”

So Katrina, oh Katrina, you’re pretty and bold, But the food and the service just left me cold.

Two stars out of five for a place full of glitter That served me a dinner that tasted...

Two days after Thanksgiving (2022), my wife and I were walking to neighboring Avanti Pizzeria, wondering when the new Mexican restaurant would open. We were surprised to find it already open! La Katrina had a soft opening just that Monday. So we ate there instead. I had a combination plate with a pastor enchilada and a crispy shredded chicken taco ($16). My wife had regular nachos (no meat) for $11. They feature 12 kinds of meat, and you can get any of those in your enchilada, taco (crispy or soft) or tostada.

I loved the food, my taco reminded me of the favorite Mexican restaurant of my youth north of San Diego. Chips were sturdy and crispy.

Order at the register and you're given a number. I wasn't given a receipt and forgot to ask later. There is no acoustic damping on any of the walls, floor or ceiling, so it sounds echoing and noisy, even though we were the only guests at first. The decor features some beautiful murals that work well with the lighting. I felt it is attractive but not cozy.

No liquor license yet, but both previous establishments in this location were licensed, and I was told they hoped to have that by end of...

First impression of the food was very good! The salsa at the bar was definitely on point very tasty 😋. I do however have some criticism when taking my order I wasn't given a receipt. At first I didn't believe to be a big deal until they gave me my order. I noticed I was missing 2 items. When I asked about these said items they said they would have them out. 10 minutes later I asked again. This time they asked what I had ordered and then came back 4 more times to ask what I had ordered. They then told me it wasn't on the ticket. I then said I paid for these items! Then they told me that the ticket must have ripped off in the printing process. They weren't nice about this and even interrupted me and walked away. When I finally received my entire order when I got home the burrito didn't have the 2 sauces I had asked for. I understand they haven't been open long and I do hope the service and confusion improve. The food here is good but also expensive restaurant prices. I would still recommend trying this place out just make sure you get that receipt and that your...