Ernesto's

07/15/2008 Posted by __ammorton

I’ve eaten here several times. The food was alright, the signature drink was ok but what I remember most is the noise. It’s always loud in this place. I’ve only eaten inside so maybe its better on the balcony but even on days when the restaurant was nearly empty the atmosphere was crowded with noise. It’s not a good place if you expect to have dinner conversations with out a lot of ‘what did you say’s. Other than that the food was average, Mexican city tacos were pretty good and they offer an interesting bean dip to compliment the salsa and chips. Over all though, I’d have to say it’s only average

05/30/2008 Posted by randomgurl12

Where do I even begin. First of all, when you first get there they ask "do you want guacamole?" and don't mention that its extra, you find that out when you get your tab. $6 dollars for a small plate of guac! We were a table of 5 with more people expected to come, they gave us a table for 10, and rudely asked for half of the table after being there for 10 minutes. We said they could take it but they never took it but still charged us the 18% gratuity just because we had the extra seats (even though we said they could take back the extra seats). We were there for a birthday, so they gave the birthday person a flan dessert, and then TRIED to charge us for it. They TRIED to charge us for 5 margaritas, even though two were previously paid for at the bar. We had to get our check fixed TWICE! The waiter was snippy and was rushing us out. It seemed liked we were bothering the waiter. Waited 20 MINUTES for my drink. The only nice person there was the guy who refills your water cup. My friend was in the bathroom & the waiter put his food in a to go bag even though he wasn't done, and we told him he wasn't done. The only good thing was the mariachi they had there. They WAY OVER PACK the place, it gets too loud, not a comfortable restaurant to go to if you want to be able to talk to your friends. After this experience, i am NEVER going back or recommending this place. PROS: Mariachi on Friday nights CONS: crappy crappy crappy CRAPPY service, place is over packed.

Pros: Mariachi

Cons: Bad service!!!!!!!!! Snippy waiters!

05/17/2008 Posted by wendyrad

Tried Ernestos for dinner, lovely restaurant, great atmosphere and the service was good. The food was disappointing. Sort of uninspired and bland. Sad!

04/29/2008 Posted by dklc

I love this place. It has great food and I love the atmosphere. The drinks are also good and the service is good as well. A must try place for anyone living in Sac!

Pros: great food and atmosphere

Cons: wait time

04/04/2008 Posted by ajblackwood

The husband and I have recently discovered the awesome experience that is the Ernesto's weekend breakfast. You start with chips, salsa, and bean dip (complimentary). The breakfast menu has a pretty wide range of choices. I whole heartedly recommend the Huevos con chili verde. Delicious!!! 10 out of 10!! The pozole is also fantastic. The full menu is available as well. Breakfast starts at 9am Sat & Sun. And as always, the dinner and lunch menu is great as well. My favs are the carnitas taco salad, the carnitas plate, and the variety of shrimp (camarones) choices. Service is always great. Outdoor seating is great. Mariachi Fridays! All in all one of my favorite places to dine downtown. Not too fancy, but upscale enough for a date. Good value for the portions and quality. Thumbs way up!

Pros: Food is always great! Service is fantastic. Love the decor. All around great place!

Cons: None!

09/29/2007 Posted by mulatto

ERNESTOS HAS BEEN A FAVORITE OF OURS FOR MANY YEARS, BUT SOMETHING HAS HAPPENED. WE THINK HE HAS TOTALLY FOCUSED ON ZOCALOS . THE LAST THREE TIMES WE HAVE BEEN THERE WE HAVE WAITED A VERY LONG TIME TO BE SERVED AND THE PORTION SIZE HAS GOTTEN SMALLER WITH EACH VISIT. WHEN I FINISHED MY DINNER I FELT LIKE I HAD EATEN A APPETIZER AND WAS STILL HUNGRY. EVEN MY HUSBAND AND A FRIEND COMMENTED ON HOW LITTLE FOOD WAS ON THE PLATES.THE LAST TIME WE ORDERED A CERVICHE AFTER DINNER . IF YOU WANT A DECENT DINNER WE WILL CONTINUING GOING TO VALLEGOS OR NOVILLEROS. HEY ERNESTO!, PLEASE FIX THIS SO WE CAN COME BACK ONE DAY.

Pros: MARGARITA

Cons: SERVICE, VALUE

03/25/2007 Posted by kvasir

(Before reading this, I will let you know that I am Mexican and have a life long experience with authentic Mexican foods. Now with that stated, here is the experience my significant other and I had recently at this establishment) We were looking for a new and great authentic Mexican food experience. One site had favorable reviews so we gave it a shot on a Saturday (to see how great the food truly was). The place was fairly full and it seemed "starbucky" in atmosphere (trendy, and not very authentic Mexican). Upon being seated (which was great because there was no wait), we were asked if we wanted chips and guacamole dip; I replied yes, and they were brought promptly. Along with the guacamole, they brought salsa too. We ordered our food and tried out the guacamole dip; i've never had guacamole dip so horrible, it was beyond bland. The salsa; it was very bland and runny, we quickly ceased in eating it. Within an acceptable amount of time, our vera cruz shrimp arrived. It was not very impressive either and as such, we did not bother trying to finish our meal. When the bill arrived, I was surprised that the guacamole I was asked if I wanted, was $6 (they never stated if we would like to order it, only if we would like some; the way the question was phrased, made it appear it was complimentary). With our experience, we are never returning to the restaurant. If you enjoy a trendy upscaleish Mexican restaurant for the decor more than eating itself, then you are in for a treat. If flavorful food is more important to you than trendy decor, then this place is not for you.

Pros: Quick seating, Polite service, Trendy

Cons: Food (taste and quality)

03/05/2007 Posted by lb29

Nice inside, loud chatter spot. I would say it caters to the stuffy type, that don't go for the food. We had 5 people eating all said the same thing, bland food, saving grace was the carnitas. Wait staff seemed like we were bothering them.

Pros: Nice inside

Cons: Bland food, snooty

11/18/2006 Posted by fatmike86

Ernesto's is a great restaurant to eat before a heavy night of drinking. Not expensive at all, and endless salsa and bean dip!

Pros: Customer Service, Food, Location

Cons: Make a reservation, it's a popular restaurant

10/03/2006 Posted by rypie78

I've been heading to Ernestos for years. Each experience drives a high tab because of their great margaritas... but, their food has always been bland. Their service is great, but I'm always disappointed by the food--even after a few refils of their classic Cadillac Margarita.

Pros: Margaritas

Cons: Bland Food