La Fortaleza Poughkeepsie — Restaurant in Town of Poughkeepsie

Trigger Warning and lots of TMI

I will be brutally honest with all of you right now when you first walk in all the colors and lights are eye openers but once you get a better look at everything and get a real feel for the environment it felt like a kids birthday party vibe

Im gonna jump right into it I beleive my husband got food poisoning from eating here last night After coming home from eating here last night my husband and I got ready for bed and around 3 am my husband ran to the bathroom and threw everything he ate at the restaurant back up he had to hop in the shower because once it started coming up it didn't stop well not until 5am

The service was terrible I had to remind the server what our order was many times and was hard to get her attention to the point where the front desk lady had to show her we were calling her over to ask what happened to our appetizer while eating our main entrees first...

Was out of stock on the barrels for the sangria's so I got a cup instead that I paid extra for even through it was supposed to be included with what I ordered and was never told it would be an upcharge nor was it advertised anywhere that it was an added expense it said specifically it was a souvenir.

The food was good going down, but not coming back up though.... my husband was in the bathroom vomiting and I can't stay too far from the toilet today either because my stomach feels so bloated and sour

My husband and i ordered their dessert variety plate they were out of stock for one of the items and that was supposed to be ice cream I believe she gave us 2 chocolate pinatas instead of the ice cream and that tasted really cheap and my husband and I took one bite out of each dessert and left the rest because it tasted like some things were left out and some reheated in a microwave

The language barrier is real here. Nuff said.

We will never be back here and advise others if you value your sleep, your butt hole and your stomach, please...

I went with four friends to celebrate a birthday, expecting a joyful evening. Instead, we got one of the most unprofessional and demeaning dining experiences I’ve ever had.

From the start, our waitress, Daisy, was distant—no introduction, no guidance on the menu, and no mention of hidden fees. Even something as basic as water with lemon became a dragged-out ordeal. Simple requests, like changing a drink flavor or bringing out a birthday cake, came with unannounced extra charges.

The final insult? A 20% gratuity—automatically added for six or more—slapped on our bill when there were only five of us, with zero notice.

When we questioned the charges, the owner went into a full-blown meltdown—yelling, refusing to lower his voice, and showing zero professionalism. As Black women, we couldn’t ignore how targeted and aggressive the treatment felt. He ruined the birthday surprise, refused to take our photo, made nasty comments, and then escalated things further by threatening to call the police—all because we questioned an inflated bill.

To make matters worse, the next morning three of us had severe stomach issues, with two experiencing diarrhea all morning. Given the timing, it’s hard not to suspect the food played a role.

The food? Mediocre. The pricing? Misleading. The atmosphere? Hostile.

If you value fairness, respect, and your health—stay far away. This could happen...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Exceptional Service That Elevates the Experience

From the moment we were seated, it was clear we were in excellent hands thanks to SILVIA G an absolute gem of a server whose professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail turned our evening into a memorable experience.

She greeted us with a genuine smile and made us feel immediately welcomed. Throughout the meal, her timing was impeccable—never intrusive, yet always present at the right moments. She had an impressive knowledge of the menu, confidently recommending dishes based on our preferences and even tailoring suggestions to our dietary needs.

What stood out most was her ability to anticipate our needs before we even had to ask—refilling glasses, checking in on our meals, and ensuring every detail was just right. She managed a full section with grace and ease, never missing a beat or letting her composure waver.

Beyond her technical skills, her demeanor was polished and personable. She maintained a professional tone while still creating a friendly, relaxed atmosphere that made us feel valued—not just as customers, but as guests.

It’s rare to encounter service this consistent, refined, and genuinely caring. SILVIA is a true professional who clearly takes pride in her work, and it reflects in every interaction. She didn’t just serve a meal—she curated an experience.

Highly recommended—ask for her...