La Choza Los Lara’s — Restaurant in Woodbine

Not a fan of complaining but here we are. Stopped by here today with the family for my wife’s birthday. I’ll start with positives. Just as a note my wife and I ate and my three children for $76 and change.

Pros-local Mexican food without driving out of the way. Cool. -Carnitas I had were fairly good and filling,good portion. -oldest daughter had the steak, good size, nice char flavor occasionally. -waitress was reasonably friendly. -wife ordered burger. Only two positives where the portion size and the bun was fairly good (think torta) -wife said woman’s bathroom was clean.

Cons- wife ordered a burger. First impression was that it was a nice size burger. But unfortunately it was the most disappointing tasting burger either of us have had. Tasted gamey like grass fed but maybe not exactly? Hard to explain the flavor. Neither of us could detect any flavor or seasonings aside from that. Bland and sad. Ketchup didn’t help. She didn’t finish it and we don’t like complaining but in this case we honestly should have. -When we left and got in the car my wife mentioned she overheard workers of the restaurant talking about how they had heard her commenting on the burger but not once where we asked the stereotypical server question “how is everything?” Perhaps it wasn’t asked because the knew the answer wouldn’t be a comfortable one. -steak was “market price” which ended up being $26 and change. That feels high but oh well. Where not told price until we saw it and the receipt but we didn’t ask either. -drinks get one free refill, come on now.. we didn’t stick around long enough for refills. -we wanted to try dessert but after the disappointing burger we where kind of disillusioned and went to Dairy sweet which we perhaps should have down in the beginning for a meal. -mayonnaise was like water on the burger -restaurant worker was keeping busy (which I admire) and was cleaning tables next to us while we ate. (We were the only persons in the restaurant). For a split second I thought it would be nice if we didn’t have someone cleaning next to us but I appreciate seeing people keeping busy. I forgot I even had that quick thought until my wife later mentioned that she didn’t like smelling cleaning chemicals while eating. Good job cleaning just maybe give people space while they eat. -steak was kinda salty -steak had a fair serving of grease. I personally like the extra juices but it’s not considered good practice generally speaking and when asking coworkers about the restaurant before going that was a complaint I heard. -door behinds restrooms to a storage room of sorts was open showing equipment and a window mounted ac unit etc. Not the nicest of views while relaxing at a restaurant to see into the “utility room” so to speak.

All in all here’s some tips. Keep utility room door closed. Give people space while eating. Ask customers how everything is and actually use that feedback to improve. The burger HAS GOT TO CHANGE. Change it to a taco burger like a sloppy Joe but with taco seasoning etc kind of like a torta. Put a price up for the steak instead of “market price”. I’m sure reading the review you can come up with some more ideas for improvement.

Would I...

We ordered asked if there was corn in the rice? Heaven responded with no. We proceeded with order for 5 and the food came out. The specific burrito I asked if had corn in the rice, had basically a beef stew on to with a very waery sauce, the fajita with chicken came out runny with onions, peppers and the tortilla shells in the yellow container had mold on them. I brought this to heavens attention and she responded with okay. I said you need to throw the shells away before someone gets sick. She then responded with yeah probably. The water taste as if there is chemical in it. The 5.50 Ala Carte chalupa were soggy and the shells ripped out the bottom Highly would not recommend this place. We paid the tab in full...

We don't even order off the menu. It's literally a, "Surprise me, please!" Pick your level of "hot" and what foods you will or won't eat! I want authentic food, and their chefs can do that! Ihave never walked away disappointed! Also, their beans and rice are phenominal! I never walk away disappointed... or still hungry! Highly recommend!

To whoever complained about their hamburgers ... please go to McDonald's and ask for a burrito. 🤦🏼‍♀️ Please video...