La Esmeralda Mexican and Seafood Restaurant

La birria no es birria corran al cocinero

Stars are for food. As a Mexican, I already don't like these "authentic Mexican" places. I've come to like a few in SCV. But this restaurant is not it. My mom got the civiche, and after we saw her face, my party 5 all tried it and tasted as if it had been made 3 days prior. It is easy to tell because the lime has a weird taste to it, and at that point, the fish was almost transparent. I ordered the "carne asada" plate, and that meat was definitely not grilled. Seemed more like it was put in a pan with a bit of water and just steamed or something. My 2 brothers both ordered the birria de chivo (goat), and they said it was bland but ok. So they put a lot of lime and green salsa. My sister in law ordered what I believe was the battered shrimp. Same thing, bland as can be. The only thing we all liked was the rice and beans, which were a little bland as well, but that's just sad as a Mexican restaurant. The horchata was overall gross, was definitely from the fountain drinks, and didn't have that homemade taste. The staff was definitely the highlight of our night. She showed up at our table quite often and came for refills. So, props to service.

I dislike their 4% credit card surcharge (which limits how often we eat there) but the food is great.

I would definitely consider this place one of the best places to eat authentic Mexican food. As of today 9/01/23 my initial review above stands. Kid-friendliness: They always have coloring paper fir the little ones

Great Staff! Fun Place!

Tardaron más de una hora en servirnos nuestra comida ,el arroz está muy rico pero la espera es demasiada y no había gente como para q tardarán tanto la cómida esta masomenos pero no vale la pena