Javier's Cantina Grill - Lake Forest

Although the menu is not the most interesting I have ever seen, the Mexican parentheses they use are solid. The best I had is the seafood chimichanga (chimichanga de mariscos for you Spanish speakers). The crabs and shrimps are moist and juicy and the tortilla is amazingly crispy. In addition, the chips and salsa should die.

For years my company and I enjoyed Javiers. I have averaged 3000 to 5000 a year as a customer and corporate events. Not anymore. They were recently... a bi-product of their success. Too large for their British, they have increased their costs and reduced the sizes of their shares. 90 lunch for three people, one side of salad for 5, quoted at 1. Go to an order where it is calculated for items that are not included in the order. Note to a number of dishes they have smaller plates (the look larger). A clever technique to reduce food costs while customers do not notice. When I came back, I drove an hour to meet Sylvia, her manager at Spectrum and explain the situation, I was hit with defense. She wouldn't approve of me for the missed order. She said she could do something nice when I come back... Please. When I asked her to pay tribute to the missed order, she said she couldn't do it without checking with the waiter. Give me a break! I've been in the hospitality industry for 30 years. Which part of the “customer is always right” that this legitimate manager does not understand... especially for a loyal customer who spends thousands of dollars. I tried to understand her as a competitor... no luck. This is a Gringo that will no longer spend on overpriced Mexican food. Hospitality is extra worth. Arrogance is worth zero. Asta la vista Javiers.

I really give this restaurant a good review because I really didn't want to. I had a very bad experience when it first opened. Two years ago, when Javier was new in the Spectrum, we have drinks and appetizers outside and they kicked us out because we didn't order enough seriously We left in a Huff and 20 minutes later when we went through the outside table where we were sitting ..it was still empty. I wrote a letter and never got an answer. Javiers at least in the spectrum is known for long waiting times, service that is rude and everything seems overpriced My husband had chosen the restaurant for his birthday and I had to go. On this trip I finally found the perfect Margarita The Marcos straight lime juice, white tequila and a splash of Contreau ... nicely refreshingly worth it at $12.00. And the Cabo Azul had three dishes all excellent. Lobster Enchilada, the creamy moist and full of delicate flavor The Crab Chile Relleno was crispy and the best relleno I ever had and shrimp taco had such a unique taste. I'll go back.

Owner does not seem to understand or care about quality customer service After spending 60 dollars on drinks and an appetizer, a friend and I were asked to finish and leave our drinks so that other guests could have the table. To make something worse, I called the owner to share my story. Before I was able to express my concerns, he interrupts me to tell me his results of talking to his staff at the Irvine Spectrum. I say we should have our drinks and appetizers in the bar; Reservations are not taken for parties by two; and 2 hours was a lot of time for us to occupy a dining table. He then says he has no more time for the call and hangs on me, How arrogant and so a lack of knowledge about providing quality customer service. I will NOT return to one of his restaurants.

Whenever i pass by javier’s at the spectrum, it’s always bustling and people (there’s a patio) look like they’re having a festive jolly time. which is why i really wanted to like javier’s, but sadly…i was so supremely disappointed by the food. the chips were delicious, and got my hopes up. but when our meals came out, my dish and my friends’ dishes were so unbelievably dry. the ambiance is loud, noisy, and great for large groups/parties to get rowdy and have fun. and our waitor was very cheery, although a little hard to track down. i’d probably come back to javier’s for drinks, but not for the food.