Great experience at Hector's of Lake Ridge. We visited on Saturday July 13 around 7pm for my birthday, first time and I've been wanting to stop in and try this place. We had a wonderful experience from start to finish. Walked in the door and was greeted with a welcome immediately, the staff were attentive the whole time, and kept our table clear of empty plates or glasses. We ordered steak fajitas for 2, mixed chimichangas(shredded chicken in 1 and beef tips in the other), and a mixed burrito grande(steak and grilled chicken), with a small queso for the app. Let's start with the salsa. I'm from Texas and have had a helluva time the past 6 years trying to find some decent chips and salsa here in NOVA areas. This place here reminds me of home. The salsa had a good kick to it, was sweating by the time my food arrived. Great blend of flavors. Most other places the salsa tastes closer to a pasta sauce. Not here. Very good salsa, best in Virginia that I've had so far. They bring the salsa out in little bottles that you then pour into your salsa bowl. We probably went through 10 or 11 bottles and not once did they complain or seem agitated or said no. They actually offered to bring out a special spicy sauce for me to try after i complemented the salsa brava. The food was all good and fresh. I believe the chicken was better than the beef in the chimis and especially the grilled chicken in the burrito grande was great. The queso was delicious, my wife said it was a little spicy but I didn't eat enough to feel it(I'm a salsa guy myself). My burrito grande came with a side of salsa brava, a spicier salsa. I poured it across my burrito and it only enhanced the flavors. The manager stopped my half way thru to check every thing was well(which it was). Our waitress, Vanessa was great and on point the whole night. Then they bring out a little dessert for my birthday to top everything off. Let's not forget the amazing scenery of the location. All around, the place to go for an amazing time. Overall I would say this was an amazing experience and a prime example of what a restaurant should be. Wonderful customer service. Staff from other restaurants should come here to learn what to do. 10/10 Hector's, keep up the great work. We'll...
Read moreThis was our first time at Hectors in Lake Ridge. We came in at a time where it was empty except for one table, we were a larger party but didn't have to wait more than 5 minutes to be seated which was great. Once the whole party was seated chips and salsa were brought out which were crispy and salsa was good. The problem began with our server, it was just one server for the whole party which became overwhelming for her. She took the whole tables order at the same time for drinks, appetizers, and entrees all at once. Drinks were very slow in coming out, to the point where I had to go to the bar and get my own beer and food came out before some drinks. I had to ask multiple times for my partners drink to come out and it was only brought once I reminded/asked the server. Our server was very confused with who ordered what even though she took the order and just began placing plates in front of people when they ordered something completely different. Everyone had to switch plates and the wait times were inconsistent because some people had their food up to 10 minutes before everyone else. One of our guests didn't even receive his order and was brought out something completely wrong which was taken off the bill. Never received a refill on my beer because the server or anyone else working there came to check on us. The food was comparable to Denys quality, meaning cheap unsatisfying, and lacking flavor. If I could I'd give this place 0 stars I would. This restaurant is self serve and I would not recommend. This restaurant lacks the caring, authentic, hospitality that an authentic Mexican place usually has. There is also a large communication issue where one moment she was speaking english and the next she didn't understand and only tried speaking to...
Read moreThis place is a hidden gem. Good Mexican food in a great atmosphere with great service. I had the Chimichanga and it was really good. There is a patio with a great view of the pond that you can eat from. The pond has turtles and fish that you can enjoy watching as well as a fountain that adds to the view. It is also a great place to walk and enjoy either before or after dinner.
This place truly is a hidden gem, a delightful escape where culinary excellence meets serene ambiance. From the moment you step in, you're greeted by a great atmosphere that instantly puts you at ease. The vibrant decor and inviting layout create the perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience. The Mexican food here is genuinely good, bursting with authentic flavors that transport your taste buds south of the border. I personally savored the Chimichanga, a dish that exceeded all expectations with its perfect blend of crispy tortilla, flavorful fillings, and savory sauces. It was, in a word, delicious.
What truly elevates this spot, however, is its fantastic outdoor space. There's a charming patio with a great view of the pond, an idyllic setting where you can enjoy your meal amidst nature's tranquility. The pond itself is teeming with life; you can happily spend time watching the resident turtles and fish glide through the water. A graceful fountain further enhances the picturesque scene, its gentle sounds adding to the peaceful ambiance. Beyond dining, the area around the pond is also a great place to walk and unwind, offering a refreshing stroll either before or after your dinner. It's the kind of place you'll want to revisit again and again, whether for the food, the views, or simply the chance to relax in such a...
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