La Joya Mexican Kitchen — Restaurant in Simsbury

Terrible experience last night.... My wife and I just got new window treatments in our home and we wanted to go out and celebrate. We've both been craving some good Mexican food, so we decided to go to La Hoya...., we've always enjoyed eating there in the past. Well..., last night was so unpleasant I actually left in a bad mood..., and don't know that I'll be returning. It was a bad omen when the waiter was apologizing to the party next to us, the woman was so frustrated she got up and left with her child before their food arrived. We were hoping our service would be quicker - no such luck. My wife and I estimate we waited an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes for our food- which for me, was average to subpar. Our chips could have been much fresher.... and our guacamole had big chunks of unripe pieces in it that I couldn't even cut up with my fork. My enchilada's were fine, but just average. But my lobster taco, which was a special by the way, was terrible! The lobster was so "fishy" tasting that I left half of it on my plate. Some restaurants run specials to get rid of older foods...., and I'm wondering if that's what happened. Even after apologizing several times for the delay, the waiter never came with the bill.... I had to go up to the cashier to pay! And to cap the evening off.... on my way out I overheard another party complaining about their wait time.... If something doesn't change I...

Tonight was our first time at La Joya and it did not disappoint!

It started off by being greeted by a very warm and friendly staff which were very accommodating. Followed by an exceptional waitress who was friendly, and personable. She happily answers all my questions and made some fantastic recommendations. Honestly the best experience I’ve had in a very long time with a restaurant. I was truly blown away here. J

I ordered the endless summer margarita and my goodness! That was the best margarita I’ve ever had. Total perfection. My husband got the drink special which was a different type of margarita with strawberry and jalapeños. He loved his as well.

I ordered the quesadilla with the chimichurri sauce and let me tell you, that chimichurri sauce is to die for! It is a MUST GET. My husband ordered the enchilada duo and really enjoyed his! We both preferred the short rib over the chicken. That short rib is a 10/10 delicious. All their food is fresh, and full of flavor. It is so good. I sadly was too full to try the dessert but I’m sure it’s great.

This place was such a total surprise and I am so happy I came here. We will definitely be back and will definitely be recommending...

I had high hopes for this place, unfortunately that all went out the window walking through the door. The decor is cute, however, it’s the size of a shoebox and there was trash scattered around the restaurant floor. To my surprise I witnessed an employee actually kick a wadded up napkin across the 3ft by 3ft restaurant as if this was a soccer game. The staff is subpar, I don’t think I saw any of them smiled at me or my guest, and our server was absent. absent minded and just physically absent. The order was wrong, took 25 minutes for our apps, which came before our drinks that were sitting at the end of the bar while our server socialized. Even if we had gotten the beverages when the ice was still ice their quality wouldn’t improve by much. As a tip, you can hear and see everything that goes on in that kitchen and 99% was just crude, disgusting and acted as the nail in the coffin to me never coming back to this place ever again.. if you like warmed paper towels disguised at tortillas, fish that has gone bad, and a waitstaff that partakes in raunchy, loud conversations, and manaement to match! then id say this...