Haute Enchilada Café, Gallery & Social Club — Restaurant in Watsonville Water Treatment Plant

My first, and last, time at Haute Enchilada Cafe and Social Club. Only went there because one of my fave entertainers, Carolyn Sills Combo, was playing. I was a bit taken aback that there was no bartender at the Cafe, and I had to wait a fair amount of time before being served. I was happy to find that Whalers Dark Rum and Fever Tree Ginger Beer were available as my fave drink is a Dark & Stormy made with Whalers and Fever Tree with plenty of fresh lime juice. However, the ginger beer was flat and very little lime juice was added to the drink. The staff tried to serve this drink in a small cocktail glass, like is used for a Manhattan or Old Fashioned on the rocks. Obviously, the staff has not been trained well because a Dark & Stormy is a refreshing drink served in at least a tall bar glass. I prefer mine in a draft beer glass with plenty of ice, ginger beer and lime. I had to instruct the staff how to make the drink - ginger beer first, half a lime squeezed and the rum as a float on top. I was hungry so I ordered the Sand Dabs with Quinoa and veggies. The plate looked wonderful. However, there was no seasoning, and I found the meal tasteless, even after adding salt and pepper. I boxed most of the meal to take home - where I could add seasoning and make the dish palatable. Price for one drink ($10.50-highest I've ever paid for a Dark & Stormy), a draft beer ($5) and the meal ($19) was $36 and change (I think the tax was $2 and change). Then I went to the Social Club for the entertainment. All went fairly well until toward the end of the evening. I was dancing and hanging out near the band. I left almost a full drink on the table with my sweater over the back of the chair. I returned to the table to find my drink gone and an empty beer bottle and wine glass in place of my drink. I went to the bar to ask what happened to my drink. I was told the bus person only picked up empty drink glasses. I explained I had almost a full drink purchased for $10.50. I asked for another drink or my money back. This is when a man approached me - I think he was the venue manager. He told me I'd been rude since the beginning of the evening and neither my drink would be replaced nor my money refunded. I told him I'd been in the service business for many years and knew customers where I worked would not be treated in such a manner. He refused to talk any further with me. Guess it was my fault I didn't ask him to explain how I'd been rude. I was really angry by this time and just gathered my things and left. Darn, I left the cushion I brought in from my car in the hard chair seat. I'll have to contact the management to see if I can get my cushion back. After returning home, I looked online to find that Rey Retez, who I call the BAASSKK, owns this restaurant and music venue along with The Moss Landing Inn, The Whole Enchilada and various other places in Moss Landing. I worked for Rey years ago. He's a jerk. I won't be returning - except to hopefully get my cushion back. The Moss Landing Inn is a skanky dive with a stripper pole. The floor is so dirty and sticky one cannot slip and slide while dancing. There was a good band playing though. Soooo... if you decide to go to any of Rey's establishments do so at...

My husband and I recently had the pleasure of dining at The Haute Enchilada Cafe, Social Club, and Gallery in Moss Landing, CA, and it was truly a delightful experience -- a wonderful getaway dining destination. From the moment we arrived, we were immersed in its unique and lovely atmosphere. The Haute Enchilada not only offers delicious food but also serves as a social hub and gallery, making it a must-visit destination. The totally delicious food was complemented by the beautiful restful garden sanctuary patios, offering a serene setting to enjoy a meal. The colorful dining room is also lovely if you’d like to dine indoors.

The menu features a diverse selection of Latin American-themed dishes, each bursting with flavor and color. We both ordered and enjoyed the Two Haute Chicken Enchiladas al Mole – a tantalizing combination of house-made mole poblano, jack, cheddar, greens, tomato, avocado scoop, garnished with onion, cilantro, and sour cream. Diners can also choose carnitas pork, braised beef, roasted veggies, or cheese if preferred. Incredible mole sauce! The dish also included of black beans, Spanish rice, or quinoa and we enjoyed the black beans and Spanish rice.

The Peruvian empanadas were another standout dish, with their vibrant colors and bold flavors. Stuffed with squash blossoms, zucchini, and cotija cheese, and accompanied by a zesty chile de arbol aioli, they were a true culinary delight.

We also indulged in the shrimp enchiladas, which were filled with flavorful shrimp and other veggies, adding a delightful twist to the meal.

The staff was professional and helpful and the owner, Kim, is a delight! One additional charming aspect of our dining experience was Quinto, the 4-pawed greeter—an elegant, gentle large steel gray poodle who visited our table simply to be sure we were enjoying our meal. His presence added to the warm and inviting atmosphere of The Haute Enchilada.

In addition to the colorful dishes on the menu, The Haute Enchilada also features an art gallery, showcasing the work of local, regional and international artists. filled with beautiful handmade jewelry, gorgeous dishes, unique leather purses, blankets, crafts and much more.

Moss Landing, where The Haute Enchilada is situated, is a charming area filled with nature's wonders. It's a popular spot for antiquing, surfing, and nature watching. Located at the mouth of Elkhorn Slough, one of California's largest wetland areas and home to hundreds of species, Moss Landing offers a tranquil escape from city life.

Overall, our experience at The Haute Enchilada was nothing short of fantastic and is an incredible experience! It truly provides a wonderful getaway feeling when going with family or friends. Whether you're looking for a casual meal, a social gathering, an air bnb getaway (there are 5 cottages here), or an artistic experience when shopping and enjoying their beautiful gallery, The Haute Enchilada delivers. We can't wait to return soon and explore more of what this unique establishment and Moss Landing have to offer. Very highly...

Haute Enchilada - Naught! I rarely leave reviews and usually only when a place is amazing - but honestly wanted others to be aware. DO NOT STEP FOOT INSIDE this restaurant! I had booked a table for a party of 10, months in advance for lunch after a memorial whale watching trip for my uncle who passed away unexpectedly in May. Two of our party were stuck in traffic, so since we were only eight the owner would not allow us to be seated. After 30 minutes of waiting in the outdoor patio a member of our party, 76 years old and diabetic stepped inside to see if we could possibly be seated or if we could get some chips while we waited, but before she could even explain her purpose the owner/manager screamed at her to "GET OUT!" and ran her out of the building while continuing to berate her. In shock, words were exchanged. The owner then threatened to kick us out. The hostess, kindly took control, deescalated the situation gracefully and escorted us to our table. Had we been there for any other purpose we honestly would have left.

The outdoor patio was lovely and the wait staff gracious. The chips and salsa were very good, but be aware these will cost you $6 a set up. The drinks at $16 were amazingly-the cucumber jalapeno margarita was the best I have ever had...and much needed! The entrees presented as upscale were just weird, lacked flavor, and at $24 minimum per person (and we all ordered different things) were unanimously disappointing.

Overall it would have been better to have picked up sandwiches and eaten in the municipal parking lot across the street. I understand the stresses of being short staffed and that we are still coming out of the pandemic, but the way the my guest was treated was inexcusable and tainted what was otherwise a lovely day of remembrance.

Follow-Up Response: I was unaware that another member of the trip had also booked a reservation, had tried to call that morning but got no answer. If you have any doubts about my review related to the owner/managers behavior please read her response to my review - my guest was definitely right in her assessment of the...