Hacienda on the Lake

Hacienda on the Lake reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. K

   Kelly

   Las Vegas1 review

   1.0

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 3

   I made a reservation a week before Mother’s Day and I called to confirm that my reservation was set the day previously. My family and I get to the restaurant on time and the hostess immediately says that there’s gonna be a about a 15 minute wait, and on top of that they over. Took too many people until the food was going to take about an hour to even come out after we order. In which that case, I asked her what was the point of making a reservation if they weren’t going to even be looking at reservations ahead of time to make sure that they take that into consideration before taking a walk-ins. And she basically did not have a reasoning, and overall it was just poorly ran, very unorganized.
   

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2. J

   James VIP

   Los Angeles5 reviews

   1.0

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This was hands down one of the most disappointing dining experiences I’ve ever had. I came here excited for some authentic Mexican food—what I got was a bland, flavorless mess that barely resembled the cuisine it claimed to be. Dry rice, rubbery meat, canned-tasting beans… It was honestly offensive to call it Mexican food. To make things worse, I waited a full hour just to get my food. By the time the plate finally hit the table, I had lost my appetite and my patience. The kitchen was clearly unorganized, and no one seemed to care. The only thing saving this place from being a complete disaster is the view of the lake and the kind, hardworking waitstaff. The servers were doing their best, but even they couldn’t save the sinking ship that is this restaurant. Unless you’re coming for the scenery and a glass of water—do yourself a favor and go anywhere else if you’re looking for real Mexican food.
   

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3. A

   Alexa

   San Diego1 review

   3.0

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   Great location with a beautiful view of the lake. Our waitress was very kind and helpful, but some of the other staff were less attentive when we asked simple questions, like where the bathroom was or whether we could take pictures down by the lake. They seemed more focused on chatting with each other. Unfortunately, the wait for our food was very long—we waited about 45 minutes after ordering. Given that the restaurant wasn’t particularly busy and our orders weren’t especially complex, the delay felt unreasonable, especially since no explanation was offered.
   

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4. D

   Danny

   Orange County1 review

   3.0

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   We typically like eating here, but because it was Mother’s Day it was a special menu and the price we’re all jacked up. Also the server that we had took our order and then we didn’t see her until I asked for the check. Don’t remember so river coming by to ask if everything was OK
   

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5. J

   Joanne

   San Diego12 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on April 14, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Lovely location! We had a table with a perfect view of the lake. The service was wonderful, the restaurant was very clean and the food was delicious. For the value, the serving size was enough for me but on the smaller size for most people. Irregardless, it was a great meal with lovely people in a gorgeous setting. I highly recommend it.
   

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6. J

   Joe

   Orange County2 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on March 2, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 5

   No Happy Ending 😞Service was wonderful by Maria & Oscar who assisted with finding flowers and saving special table by the water for a special date. However, unfortunately the waiter didn’t seem to want to be there or just didn’t care. He was was clearly watching us but no water, no offer for expensive drink re-orders, the bill could have been doubled. ( I needed drinks for the lady 😉) No checking on us, and no desert! Said you were closing. It was around 7pm. I finally had to insist. He wasn’t too happy about that. My lady loves this place and patronizes very often. She was very unhappy & apologetic for waiters service. The food was great! Sea food enchiladas. Sat night 3/1 5pm.
   

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7. M

   Myrna

   San Diego3 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on February 23, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great location and service, but the food was a little on the salty side, and didn’t have much spice. I understand they have to cater to all tastes, but the chipotle sauce didn’t even taste like chipotle. Other than that, great place to visit, especially if it’s sunny!
   

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8. P

   Paul

   Orange County5 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on February 16, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Excellent food and on the Mission Viejo Lake! Great ambience
   

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9. J

   Jack

   San Diego1 review

   3.0

   Dined on February 15, 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 5

   The food was delicious, the view by the lake was fantastic, but we regret coming here on Valentine’s Day. They were understaffed and incredibly slow, and had a special menu just for Valentine’s Day with fewer dishes and higher pricing. I suppose it shouldn’t be too surprising because it was Valentine’s Day and Friday night, but I expected better based on previous reviews. We had to wait a long time just to check in, and a long time to order. My wife’s steak plate was $6 dollars more expensive than their usual menu and my chicken fajitas plate was $10 more expensive than their usual menu. Just because it was Valentine’s Day. Drinks were regular price. Juan was amazing and did his best despite staffing issues, he and the food were the best part. I think we would try this place again, but never on the weekend and especially never on a holiday. Probably best to come on a Wednesday afternoon or something.
   

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10. JW

    JeffW

    Orange County4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5

    The view is amazing, the restaurant is nice, great owner with vision. The server was really slow, foood was good.
    

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