La Catrina Restaurante & Bar — Restaurant in Watertown

We were really looking forward to checking out this new restaurant due to all the rave reviews on social media, but there were a few things that left us disappointed. We were there at lunch and there was no sign or hostess to let us know if we should just seat ourselves or not; we went ahead and sat down at a booth. An employee did come out and give us menus once we sat down, but it took the server ten minutes to come check on us and get us water and then another ten minutes to come back and take our order. There were only 3 other parties at the restaurant so I felt this was a bit long. I get it, they're new and they're just getting into the swing of things.

We ordered the Fajitas Texana and the chilaquiles from the lunch menu, and specifically pointed to them on the menu when ordering. The fajitas were good, pretty standard compared to other Mexican restaurants in the TC. The chilaquiles, which I was super excited about, were quite salty, making it hard to eat. I took the leftovers home but they were inedible so I tossed them later on.

When we got our bill, we noticed that we had been charged for the non-lunch price on the Fajitas Texana, but the difference was nominal so we didn't say anything. However, what irked me after our credit card was run was that there was a surcharge added for not paying in cash. When I asked the server she simply shrugged her shoulder and said that's what they do. OK, I understand that, but there should have at least been a sign or notation somewhere. We had cash on us and would have paid if that was preferred. Again, this fee was also nominal, but I am more bothered by the lack of communication and transparency. I don't like feeling like I've been baited and switched. There are some positives to the restaurant, it's very nicely decorated and the ambiance is great.

I just hope the owners get the kinks worked out and are successful. I just don't think...

EDIT 4/6/2023: WARNING - If you use a credit card, you WILL be charged a surcharge and NOT told about it! According to 325G.051 SURCHARGES ON CREDIT CARDS. Minnesota Statue, Go ahead and read the first rule: "the seller informs the purchaser of the surcharge both orally at the time of sale and by a sign conspicuously posted on the seller's premises."

They will NOT tell you. It is NOT posted and according to a conversation with the owner, in my opinion, he has NO intention of posting or informing you. He just doesn't care.... in my opinion.

The food is spot on! The food is great! The service is NOT good! I would suggest it's almost criminal service. 1. The sign at the door that states "wait to be seated" (hint) it means nothing, people will push right past you and go sit where they want. 2. When my bill comes to $37 and I put a $50 in with the bill, I EXPECT CHANGE. Your menu says I save 2% when you pay cash, that is why I paid cash! The service was mediocre at best, certainly not worth the change from $37 to $50. That my friends is almost criminal. I stopped to see the owner at the end of the meal, seemed to be a personable and nice guy. After taking everything into account, I would suggest if you are a local, you will be treated much better then a new customer. We were new customers, I honestly doubt we will be repeat customers.

In summary, the food is great! I even tipped the cook directly! Matter a fact, I tipped the cook better then the mediocre service staff. I knew when the locals at the next booth looked at the waitress and said "I want my change back!", she had a reputation for almost...

Tried La Catrina for the first time last night and was pretty well pleased. It's a cute little restaurant/ bar in Watertown; tucked away in a small strip mall, with decent seating and a nice little bar area.

The menu is large and covers a number of Mexican restaurant standards, as well as several unique combinations. The "standard" for me at a new place like this is "Salsa Verde" - carnitas cooked in salsa verde, with beans and rice - and their's did not disappoint! Finely shredded (and lean) pork carnitas and the refried beans were very flavorful. If I had a criticism, the meal was too salty for me - but only just. Overall, well pleased.

My partner had "Las Tres Marias" enchiladas. Per her notes, the chicken was excellent, the beef was very good, the cheese enchilada rated a "fair". In addition, the "Choriqueso" dip we ordered was also good - though better spread over her rice than on a chip.

One of the highlights of the visit were the margaritas! We had two "Top Shelf" margaritas (made with lime and Don Julio Reposado) and both were well made, balanced and flavorful, albeit a bit expensive for this area at $15 a piece.

To sum up, based on this experience, we will definitely come back to La Catrina and try other items...