Insider Pages Reviews for Frida Restaurant

1 Stars: HORRIBLE FOOD - HORRIBLE SERVICE - RUINED MY BIRTHDAY!! (by EnergizerVanny)

EnergizerVanny — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 09:00:00 GMT

My husband thought it'd be a great idea to surprise me for my birthday by taking me to the restaurant my parents keep raving about.
They sat us in front of an open door where it was FREEZING. There were other tables available, so I didn't understand why they would do that.
I requested that they move us...and they did to a better table. We went to the buffet and the food was cold.
We had to stop every waitress that passed by for our refills, ketchup for my daughter's fried shrimp, and a steak knife, since nobody would stop to offer anything.

I finally decided to get up and complain to the hostess and ask who our waiter is, and a man (another customer) cut in front of me to complain about the service as well. She then turned to look at me and said she will send him on his way.

10 minutes later, he approaches my husband and said, "Hey, you want a refill man?"

For the price that they charge, you'd expect better service. We couldn't find him again for another 10-15 minutes. I went outside to get a quesadilla, and he was just standing out in by the patio smoking a cigarette.
The mariachi was playing the saddest most depressing music which made our experience even sadder!
We went for dessert, hoping it will cheer us up. NO WAY. There were flies hovering the dessert trays!
It's time to leave.
We asked the waiter for the check, and suddenly he appears in the most happiest fashion...of course he does!! He wants a tip!
He didn't show up for another 15 minutes to collect it.
So, again, I went to the hostess to pay and leave. She told me to go sit down, that my waiter will collect it.
I told her I can't wait for him any longer, we were there for literally over 2 hours and a half!

The waiter saw I was upset and had the AUDACITY to ask, "what's the problem?"

We just paid and left.

My husband felt so bad for the horrible experience.
I'm not mad at my husband at all...but I am mad at this restaurant for ruining my birthday.

***************UPDATE********************
I called the manager (Patricia) the next day to complain and she said that she will find out who worked that day and that she will call me back.

I never got a call back. So I called her 2 days later.

She explained that there was some confusion because we were moved, and so they lost track of us.

She then proceeded to tell me that the chef is always checking the temperature of the food...if this is the way it's supposed to be, then maybe I should eat some ice before I eat there so it can FEEL hot.

I asked for a refund and she told me she will ask the owner and she will call me back...again, no call back.

I called her back a week later and she told me that she can't refund my money, so she offered me a $50 gift certificate.

Why would I want a gift certificate. I told her I never want to step foot in this place again!!!

We paid almost $80 for our meal for my husband, my daughter, and me.

Take your special events ELSEWHERE unless you plan to get ripped off.

1 Stars: Horrible (by localbanker)

localbanker — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 09:00:00 GMT

I recently went to Friday in Eastlake and too received horrible service. The food is not all that or them to charge an arm and the leg too..I guess they really want to get their investment back. I went with my husband, apetizer & regular drinks, two items and I paid $90!
Go to ALEJANDRO's instead, the music is better, ends later, not so expensive, food is better and they treat you like you are family! I tried Fridas but will remain loyal to Alejandros, they've been around for ten years and they have it just right!

5 Stars: highly recommend (by CSMobileUser3)

CSMobileUser3 — Mon, 18 May 2009 09:00:00 GMT

much better than my last mgrs - they return callls quickly & place is nice.

1 Stars: Dog food (by CSMobileUser4)

CSMobileUser4 — Mon, 18 May 2009 09:00:00 GMT

They need to read the label on the cans of food the open to serve people. Alpo is not for humans. Do not go here. It was the worst Mexican I have ever had. Any review that says it's good never had real Mexican food. Your better off with a taco shop or taco bell than this waste of money.

5 Stars: Great Experience (by Danielle1083)

Danielle1083 — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Went to Frida because one of my best friends works there and was amazed by the place. Loved the food and service and will come back for sure.

4 Stars: Try it! (by Karla A.)

Karla A. — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:41:00 GMT

This is one of the better restaurants at the Otay Ranch mall. It is not a chain, so I find that the staff and service is better. Their food is good and they also have a great area for cocktails. Try Frida's next time you have to wait 90 minutes for a table at Cheesecake Factory...you won't be disappointed.

5 Stars: Best Mexican Food!! (by mpmexican21)

mpmexican21 — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Everyone if you want to eat some delicious and healthy mexican food, this is the spot, the salads are just perfect, the tacos is like you are eating in mexico and the steaks ..mmmm delicious i love the filete invierno you should try it. the best place to go in a romantic dinner or with a bunch of friends the margaritas you wont find any better in town.ps. lobster tacos are a 10.

4 Stars: high-end dining restaurant (by Cecchetia N.)

Cecchetia N. — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 22:09:00 GMT

Despite the fact that the restaurant is in the sprawling Otay Ranch Town Center mall Frida's is a custom built high-end dining restaurant - the second one after the first one in Brentwood. It is a large rectangular building designed around a square central patio in which the mostly glass walls open into a kind of extended veranda set-up. The central patio features an old olive tree which is planted there as tribute to the view during Frida Kahlo's last days. The exterior patio dining looks out on an interior lawn area of the mall not a parking lot - too rare in San Diego dining.

Anyone who thinks the guacamole or pico de gallo served here is the same as the stuff at your local taco shop didn't have the same food I did - both were delicious, super fresh and very aromatic. Both the wide variety of appetizers and main courses were excellent and very authentic to central and southern Mexico (not the usual border region) flavors.

The only real disconnect in the food that I had was the difference in spiciness between the appetizers and main courses. We sampled a wide variety of appetizers and while they were all very flavorful - the Ceviche was particularly good - none of them was what I would consider really spicy. When my tacos arrived (I had the steak and chorizo tacos) they were right on the edge of how spicy I enjoy my Mexican food. I'm sure from a genuine Mexican food stand they are barely spicy but nothing about the appetizers prepared me for the heat of the main course.

One of the problems I have with really liking Mexican food is the lack of nice restaurants where you can "go out" go out and have Mexican food in a nice setting. Frida is trying to be that restaurant and I would go back any time - even given the drive that it is for me. Personally, I hope they get the issues, especially the service, straightened out that generated the low ratings here because I really has potential to be a real dining spot that serves great Mexican food.

4 Stars: Not another mexican restaurant (by patrick p.)

patrick p. — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:26:00 GMT

The ambiance is wonderful inside, like a warm house to eat in. I didnt expect anything more than regular mexican food but if i were to guess what was authentic, this would be it. The steak specials were to die for and the prices are just a tad more than other fast food restaurants, but you get your money's worth with great atmosphere, good service and not so ordinary mexican cuisine.

5 Stars: Best Mexican in California even better than all of the places in LA and SF!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (by ofo)

ofo — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 09:00:00 GMT

I was their with some friends looking for some REAL mexican food and we were surprised. This high quality food is amazing. We tried a lot from the menu. Ceviches (very very fresh and the girls loved it), Mole (wow, a good mole in town!!), and I had the arrachera and how its presented is very nice. Not to mention the margaritas and excellent service!!

Guys, congratulations and if you have special events please let us know.

Cheers!

5 Stars: Wonderful margaritas (by Randee S.)

Randee S. — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:05:00 GMT

We went to Frida's on the way to The Police concert and had a beautiful seat in the bar with wonderful margaritas and excellent Mexican food. We will be back next time we are down that way!

4 Stars: CHILIS In NOGADA YUM YUM (by Pois1234)

Pois1234 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 09:00:00 GMT

I had lunch yesterday with my friends and we all had the chilis in nogada. This is the first restaurant in San Diego that I could find that serve this exquisit dish. We expected a very small restaurant with no design, however our eyes iluminated as soon as we got in. Service was very good and the margaritas we're delicious.
Very nice place to have lunch and get away from the office routine. Worth every penny of it.

4 Stars: Great ambiance for lunch (by lkellis)

lkellis — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 09:00:00 GMT

My best friend and I had a wonderful lunch at Frida's. We enjoyed the outdoor waterfall and attentive service from Saul. The chef even accommodated a special request for my friend. Overall, the food was tasty and filling.

1 Stars: Worst customer service Ive ever seen! (by caricia78)

caricia78 — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 09:00:00 GMT

On top of mediocre mexican food, the service is the worst Ive ever experienced. The whole restaurant operates as if they are doing YOU a favor by serving you. The food is below average for above average prices. The most irritating thing is that our waiter, as another reviewer mentioned, didnt offer to bring us back our change- I guess he thought a 30% tip was standard- for SUBSTANDARD service! It wasnt until we asked, REPEATEDLY, that he brought back our change.
I cant tell you how horrible this restaurant is and I would advise you to not waste your time and money.

1 Stars: MANAGEMENT JUST DOESN'T GET IT! (by McMahanCV)

McMahanCV — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Well, I am not surprised by what I am seeing today on just about every review of Frida restaurant. It?s quite sad really- such a beautifully decorated restaurant in a wonderful setting- but they have missed the mark in service. After coming across Frida's on a stroll in the mall, my husband & I thought it would be the perfect venue for hosting a fundraising event for a pediatric cancer foundation we are involved with. We thought it would make for a lovely upscale evening enjoying cocktails & food, while our guests support a great cause. I made two call attempts to speak to a manager, being told I would be called back as they were too busy to speak to me. On my third call to them, I spoke to Maritza (a manager?) and you would have thought that I was trying to sell HER something as opposed to accepting MY business. She, of course, couldn't answer any questions and said the GM, Luis, would be responding to my inquiries by email. Of course, I received no email & I had to follow up 2 days later by calling them even though they had my number. Maritza acted as if we would be a nuisance to their business- even though I was willing to pay FULL PRICE! I was so annoyed with her & I quickly ended the phone call & called later to speak to Luis. Again, Luis had the same type of attitude & only after several minutes of prodding him to ACCEPT my business, he asked that I email him to set up a time to discuss our event ideas in person. I emailed him, copied Patricia at the Corporate Office, & NEVER received a response from anyone. Needless to say, I am certainly not going to BEG any restaurant who has such lousy customer service to take MY money and business. It is sad that restaurant owners spend so much money on making a restaurant look nice and forget that if you don?t provide excellent customer service none of that matters. It?s extremely disappointing, & rest assured that this event has cost Frida's MANY local customers. Good luck Frida?s, you?re going to need it.

1 Stars: FRIDA Managers are UNPROFESSIONAL! The customer is NEVER RIGHT or RESPECTED! (by ReynaB)

ReynaB — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 09:00:00 GMT

I have been to Frida twice & both times I had unimpressive meals. The 1st time I ordered the Mole Poblano and it arrived to me warm, I mean luke warm. Just to give you an idea of how bad it was the meal came with a gordita (a melted cheese filled dinner roll). The cheese in the gordita was cold & hard as if the plate was ready long before it was actually brought out. Usually something like this would aggravate me, as I like to pay for a meal that is fresh & HOT. I decided I would let it go since it was their first week & I could tell the waiters weren't completely ready, since our waiter never once refilled our drinks. We had to flag him down & even then he FORGOT to bring the drinks! Anyways I let that go & weeks later returned to Frida with my mom. I put the first experience out of my mind & thought that by this time they should have it all down. Well the 2nd time around we both ordered the Filet Mignon Tampiquena style. Well it looked great! Too bad that was all it did. One bite & WOW! It was super salty! They put way to much seasoning salt on it. My mom made a small cut on an area & when they brought a "new" one out the grill marks were DARK & it was well done, not Medium how it was originally ordered. Then sure enough there was the cut she had made. When we brought it up to the male Manager he denied that it was the same steak & said they took an already prepared steak from another order! So they didn't even make a NEW one! This was the MANAGER! There was NO COMPENSATION for THEIR mistake! NO discount, NOTHING! The waitress was so apologetic & embarrassed that she gave us all she could which was a discount on the desert my mom ordered when she decided she wasn't eating the steak, because they wouldn't take it back! I left vowing never to return & to let anyone know that this restaurant DOES NOT CARE ABOUT OR REPECT THEIR CUSTOMERS!

4 Stars: I was surpiresed (by David V.)

David V. — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:00:00 GMT

I came here only because it was close to the movie theater that my girl and I were seeing a movie at and we had a couple hours to kill. We just did the appetizer thing, I got a quesadilla, and she ordered a couple small tacos. I wasn't expecting very much, but was surprised at how good the salas were and how well they went with our food. I essentially had a whole meal, as I filled up on the excellent chips. Would return.

1 Stars: The WORST Mexican Restaurant in San Diego (by bEsperanza)

bEsperanza — Tue, 13 May 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Terrible service and bland food!! Do not come here if you have any clue about Authentic Mexican Food! I came to this place with high expectations with my best friend on opening week. We waited about 30 minutes for ANYONE to wait on us. The waitress we ended up with was terrible and made us wait forever just to get melted and runny Margaritas. I ordered Ceviche Acapulco style but they brought me a shrimp cocktail and argued that that is how it should be made. My friend was brought the wrong meal and we had a male waiter serve us because our waitress was no where to be found. When we complained to the manager about the food and service, he ARGUED with me that he had never had a complaint from anyone before! That there was a Frida restaurant in Beverly Hills and it is very successful and that they were not going to change the way the restaurant works. He didn't offer us anything or even an apology. I wasn't going to go back there anytime soon but my mom wanted to go for Mother's Day weekend. I took her on Friday since I figured that it wouldn't be busy and we might actually get decent service.
I was wrong!
They made my mom and I wait for 15 minutes and there were many tables available!! I think there were 3 tables with people in the whole place and about 30 waiters running around putting candles on tables. When I requested a table towards the back, the hostess said we couldn't sit there because the large wooden ball ornaments that were hanging from the ceiling were not secured properly and they could fall on us! What kind of place is this and why would the airhead hostess tell us this!
Once we were seated, we once again waited about 30 minutes for a waitress to approach us and ask if we had been served yet. We said no so she walked away and left us there all alone again. Finally a few minutes later a nice male waiter took our order! The waiter was nice and attentive but it seemed as though he was rushing us out!

4 Stars: Very Good Food (by 6672042)

6672042 — Tue, 13 May 2008 09:00:00 GMT

The place is beautifully designed and decorated. The ambiance is very nice I am sure it looks spectacular by night. We had a business meeting with 4 people and everyone liked the food. The hostess was super attentive as were the rest of the stafff. The food was very good. i had a skirt steak that was perfectly cooked to medium rare. The table salsas were very tasty, while not exceptionally hot...but very tasty. My only observation-complaint is about the chicken they put in the enchiladas, there's lots of it but to me its that over-cooked (to avoid illness) breast meat. Its ok but i'll stay away from the chicken filler as I do at most Mexican restaurants.
I did not see or hear any attitude as the other reviewers have cited. Perhaps they were there when the restaurant first opened and they were still ironing things out? The location is in far-away East- Eastlake area. For tthe location you are not going to find a nicer Mexican dining experience. I will happily dine at his restaurant again.

1 Stars: Horrible Manager and Customer Service (by ECerda)

ECerda — Mon, 12 May 2008 09:00:00 GMT

We dined at Frida on 2 other occassions in the last month and figured it would be a great place to take mom on Saturday for Mother's Day (Since Mexican people always celebrate Mother's Day on the 10th). The prior two occasions I had tried 2 separate dishes and welcomed the opportunity to share my taste with my family. I recommended a dish to mom and dad and my wife proceeded to order something new to try out.
The meal was described as a "filet mignon butterflied accompanied by customary sides including a mole enchilada". To our surprise the plate was brought out with "Skirt Steak". When I informed the waiter he said that he would get one of the lead persons. I spoke to the lead person and proceeded to point out the difference between skirt steak which was on my wife's plate and filet mignon which was on dad's plate. He said that he would get the manager. The manager proceeded to come to the table and ask if there was a problem, to which I replied there was no problem that we just wanted to get charged the apporpriate price for skirt steak (which a similar plate was available on the menu.) The manager assured me that there would be no problem to go ahead and enjoy our dinner.
We proceeded to finish our dinner and receive a bill that had the incorrect price based on the manager's concession. When I approached the manager regarding the bill error he proceeded to inform me that there was no error and that skirt steak and filet mignon are the same cut of beef just prepared different. I told him that skirt steak and filet mignon come from different parts of the cow. I told him that I wasn't trying to get something for free and that I was pleased with the meal that it just didn't seem fair paying filet mignon priced entree when skirt steak was offered.
He finally made the adjustment but I don't think he ever understood why he made it. The manager has very poor negotiation skills and customer service skills, let alone any knowledge of beef cuts and food preparation.

1 Stars: >$200 down the drain! (by rg4541)

rg4541 — Wed, 07 May 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Met with family, sat at the bar, the bartender was more intererested in flirting with some ladies at the bar than getting our drinks, all he had to do was open a bottle of beer!! When I called him over, he acted like I was "interrupting" his conversation and practically threw me the napkin. It was 7pm on a Tuesday evening, there was nobody there, he had all the time in the world to help, but I guess talking to the "ladies" is more improtant than doing his job. STAY AWAY!!!!

1 Stars: Bad martinis and WORST SERVICE (by ResidentSaveur)

ResidentSaveur — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 09:00:00 GMT

LOUSY SERVICE, WORST MARTINIS, NOT RETURNING
Myself and 2 girlfriends ate at Frida's tonight and although the food was OK, the service was atrocious. The martinis were terrible, we couldn't figure out if it was bad vodka or a bad bartender, we ordered TWICE, not drinking EITHER, but of course were still charged $15....
they waitstaff took plates off the table that we were still eating... one of us was actually dipping a chip into the salsa as they were removing it!
But to top it off... after our $83 bill arrived and I gave the server a hundred dollar bill... he WOULD NOT BRING ME THE CHANGE AND GAVE HIMSELF A 21% TIP!
I'LL NEVER GO BACK!

3 Stars: AVERAGE AT BEST (by BRUNNN)

BRUNNN — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 09:00:00 GMT

I AGREE WITH SOME OF THE LAST REVIEWERS COMMENTS.
THE FOOD IS AVERAGE THE SERVERS NEED TO BE MORE ORGANIZED.
FISH SOUP WAS BLAND BUT MY MAIN COURSE WAS THE RICE WITH PRAWN IN
A CREAMY MUSHROOM SAUCE . IT WAS GOOD AND MY WIFE HAD THE SALMON
IT WAS ALSO GOOD. IT HAD AA NICE AMBIANCE .

AS WE LEFT I NEEDED CHANGE ($10 bill ) FOR THE NEW
TOLL ROAD. THE HOST TOLD ME TO ASK THE BAR TENDER . WHEN I ASKED
HER FOR THE CHANGE SHE RUDELY TOLD ME ( ASK THE HOST! ) GAVE ME HER BACK AND WALKED AWAY RUDELY .LIKE I WAS NOT ORDERING DRINKS SO DON'T BOTHER ME.
AS WE WALKED OUT HOST FELT BAD SO HE PULLED MONEY OUT OF HIS
OWN POCKET AND HANDED ME CHANGE FOR THE TEN.
THIS WAS OUR SECOND TIME .
DON'T KNOW IF WE WILL GO BACK?

1 Stars: Mediocre at best (by Scott14)

Scott14 — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:00:00 GMT

We went on Valentine's day. I had made a reservation over 2 weeks in advance for 7:00 for a party of four. There was almost nothing romantic about this night. For starters, we were not seated until 9:30 and this is only because we complained several times. There was a lack of forethought and it seemed to be a big surprise that it could possibly rain in Chula Vista in February and therefore one quarter of the tables (outside) were unwanted/unavailable. Nevermind that rain and cold weather were the forecast. There was a huge lack of communication between the managers and the hostesses and everyone was promising that you would be the next to be seated. However, you weren't. At least twice we were promised we would be next, yet parties the same size or larger were seated. Our waiter was good, but the bus staff needed further training. If an empty item needs to be moved to make space for a new item, the empty one should be removed. The food was nothing special. We were served 3 tortillas with the queso fundido and guacamole even though we had 4 people. I had the mole chicken and Dona Maria makes a better sauce. Not only that the chicken was on the verge of going bad. On the plus side, my husband's carnitas were moist. We were very excited to try this restaurant and yet it was a huge dissappointment.