Mexican Hacienda

6.8 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  6      Service  7      Value  7     

We went here last night with low expectations given the scathing reviews this place has received here and we were pleasantly surprised.

The ambience is down-at-heel but an effort has been made with murals of Mayan landscapes on the walls, and various Mexican artifacts dotted about the place.
Service was a bit slow to start off with but as more people arrived more hands appeared and was generally very friendly and attentive.

The food was hearty and satisfying Tex Mex. Nothing fancy, but it wasn't swimming in oceans of cheese and a bit more homestyle than Taco Bill's. That said if do you have a reaction to rich food, make sure you finish the night with a digestif.

May 21, 2010 

7 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  5      Service  7      Value  9     

This is strictly a cheap eats place so don't go expecting anything else. The decor is cheap, even if it's not it looks cheap, a couple of Mexican flags, a few bullfighting pictures and some Aztec designs, plain chairs and heavy wooden tables. We'd booked which was probably not necessary though throughout the night there was a steady stream of customers and some tables went through 2-3 sittings though the place wasn't overly crowded.

We were there for a long meal. Parking was in side streets or at the train station so it was a short walk back to the restaurant, if it's wet, take an umbrella! The waitstaff were a little bit anxious to take our order but were helpful with describing the menu and did not seem annoyed or flustered when we asked for more time to talk about what we wanted to order – twice.

We eventually ordered one of the banquets ($30 per head) as it had the most of what we wanted to try in it. This was the most expensive banquet. The banquet though was a bit corn chip heavy and consisted of the following: corn chips and dips (2 types), nachos and salad, fajitas (we ordered mixed beef and chicken), any dessert from the menu, and a jug of Mexican Punch. It possibly could have done with fewer corn chips and maybe included an enchilada.

The waitress who took the order kindly informed us that the banquet was pretty big but if we finished it, she'd be happy to bring an enchilada if we still wanted it. (We didn't get the enchilada). While we only ordered mild food, just about everything on the menu that could be spiced up had that option.

The chips and dip arrived very quickly and we had for dip beef chilli con carne and a bean one - Frijole. Salsa was included. They were not stingy on the corn chips and it almost seemed like we needed more dip but we ran out of corn chips just as we were finishing the last of the dips. We'd requested the mild chilli con carne dip so it was inoffensive and the bean one was a bit unusual but tasty.

The punch arrived with the chips and dip as well and was fruity but pleasant. We ran out of it when we started the Nachos and ordered other soft drink for the rest of the meal. These took a little bit of time to come though. The nachos were physically very hot, having come straight from the oven and were topped with guacamole, sour cream and salsa and were held together by the melted cheese.

It might be a break in tradition but a knife to cut through the structure would have been helpful. It was good but by this stage, I was getting tired of the corn chips. The salad was shredded ice berg lettuce, carrot, cucumber, sliced field mushroom and tomato and provided a necessary vegetable distraction from the corn chips.

After a little bit of a wait the fajita's appeared. The wait was well timed and wasn't over long and gave us time to digest the nachos a bit so it was well appreciated. For the fajitas, on the menu were vegetarian, chicken, beef and mixed options. We'd picked the mixed option and the filling section arrived on sizzling plates with the bread in a small lidded bowl to keep it warm.

Rice and shredded lettuce were also delivered. It took about 3 trips back to the kitchen for the waitress but she was prompt. Our plates and cutlery had been replaced after the nachos too so that was a nice touch. The fajita mix looked like a stir fry though with vegetables and the meat all cooked and covered in a mild sauce. Vegetables in the fajita were cauliflower, capsicum, onion and broccoli. These were very popular in the restaurant and most tables had fajita's of some type. Tasty but after the first, I ditched the bread.

I must admit I have no idea what a traditional Mexican Dessert is but none of the desserts on the menu appear 'traditional' which wasn't a problem. There was ice-cream, crème caramel, mousse and other dishes. We had ice-cream with Kahlua, chocolate mousse, and Kahlua crème caramel. All were rather simple but didn't stint on the Kahlua.

I liked Mexican Hacienda but I was keeping in mind that it wasn't a fine dining venue. If we return, we'd probably go for individual meals rather than the banquet, just so that we can try a wider variety of foods. Good for a cheap but plentiful eat.

Feb 02, 2010 

7.5 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  5      Service  8      Value  9     

Very average decor but the food is yummy and great value. We ordered the banquet last time we visited and especially enjoyed the fajitas. The margaritas were good too!

Aug 24, 2008 

3.3 Below Average

Food  3      Ambience  2      Service  4      Value  4     

Although my husband and I left Mexican Hacienda with full stomachs, I would be hesitant to recommend this restaurant to anyone. We ordered the 'Hacienda Banquet' which comprised 5 courses of extremely average fare, bordering on inedible when it came to the nachos and rice side dish.

Other reviews have described the decor as kitsch and the service as unpretentious, but my feeling is that both are in need of some serious attention. It was disappointing from beginning to end - the search for a good Mexican restaurant continues.

Aug 09, 2008 

3.3 Below Average

Food  1      Ambience  1      Service  7      Value  4     

The service was friendly but the steak I ordered was minuscule and about 40% gristle. My partner's overcooked nachos were severely tainted by a watery-brown sludge which I can only assume was guacamole, and her margarita was merely a glass of crushed ice. The 'ambiance' did little to quell this, as the carpet (amongst other furnishings) looked and smelled like it was long overdue for replacement. Would not recommend, especially to those who like Mexican food and enjoy smooth digestion.

May 16, 2007 

1.3 Not Recommended

Food  1      Ambience  1      Service  1      Value  2     

The starter being a chicken enchilada looked like it had suffered the trappings of a microwave. The sangria (from a box) arrived about 25 minutes after ordering when we were half way through the mains. The tortilla wraps were cold and straight out of a packet and the chicken fajita awfully bland. Find somewhere else..

Apr 26, 2007 

8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  8     

We go there for my husband's birthday every year. We love it, its got a nice casual feel, not pretentious, very down to earth, and great food.

Jan 25, 2007 

7.5 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  6      Service  7      Value  9     

We have eaten there a few times, nice food, good price and no pretence!

Nov 30, 2006