Centro Cocina Mexicana

07/26/08

Overrated, Nice location

by trime31 at Citysearch

Our order: Tortilla Soup, Tacos (1 steak, 1 fish) and the Burrito a la Centro (black bean and rice burrito). Drinks: Strawberry Mojito, and something they called a Paloma (Patron, squirt soda & Lime).

We were thoroughly disappointed. Centro's corner location is perfect for socializing, but the food is below average. We went Friday evening around 6pm and had no problem getting a table outside. We ordered the tortilla soup as an appetizer, it was almost the worst tortilla soup we've ever had (and we order it every chance we get). The soup had far too much lime and worst of all TOFU. To their credit, I have never had tofu in tortilla soup, and I now know that I never want it again (and I have nothing against tofu). The soup just had a completely different seasoning base than what we are used to, perhaps we'd like it if we're from the Yucatan.

After the terrible soup, we excitedly looked forward to the entree's which, again, were disappointing. The steak was chewy and poor quality, and the bean and rice burrito lacked rice. The fish taco was tilapia on this day, and, well, for Tilapia, the taco was average. Our sides were refried black beans and rice. Sad to say, I have had better canned refried black beans from Trader Joe's. And the rice was tantamount to steamed rice with butter (not what you expect for Mexican food, or for the price).

The service was mediocre. My waitress was nice but couldn't remember to bring fresh jalapenos to the table, not a difficult task for mexican food. She asked how the soup was, we told her it was nasty and she proactively took it off of the bill, which was nice to not have to ask.

The drinks were good, especially the Strawberry Mojito. Neither tasted watered down, which is good for Friday night.

The final straw was when someone began smoking in the outside dinning area and the staff did nothing about it. FYI: Smoking in outside dining areas is still illegal in california. The 2 stars was reduced to 1 after that.

• Pros: Good location for drinks and socializing
• Cons: Terrible Food, don't come hungry.

11/29/07

Regional Mexican dishes, avoid weekend nights, people drink too much and get loud

by cooper23 at Citysearch

This is one of our "fall back" eateries. My husband is addicted to the enchilada oxacenos; they are fabulous. Tender chicken in a black mole sauce with plaintain, a specialty. They use the doyenne of Mexican cooking for recipes: Dianna Kennedy and they do them well. I always find their salad dressings too acidic and the Caesar is soggy. I many times order from the appetizer menu. They have remodeled, no more motorcycles, new, more comfortable chairs. The last few times we have gone, it has not been as crowded as it used to be. Patrick still works there, he's the best waiter in Northern California. Other wait staff can be dumb as toast. When they miss, they REALLY miss. You can sit for 35 minutes without water. Reasonable prices, good quality ingredients, careful chefs. The music can be fine or awful, I think the bartender gets to decide. The manager is a really nice guy.

• Pros: Unusual dishes, regional cuisine, very consistent
• Cons: Loud, service can be dicey

09/20/06

key lime martini

by shopaholic612 at Citysearch

the key lime martini is to die for! if you're looking for a fun atmosphere with good cocktails this is the place to go!!!

• Pros: ambience
• Cons: parking