Javier's Cantina Grill - Lake Forest

While the menu may not be the most exciting I've come across, the Mexican dishes they offer are quite reliable. The standout for me was the seafood chimichanga (chimichanga de mariscos, for those who speak Spanish). The crab and shrimp were succulent and flavorful, and the tortilla was perfectly crispy. Plus, the chips and salsa were simply divine.

They’ve also introduced smaller plates that appear larger, cleverly reducing food costs while keeping customers unaware. Upon returning, I drove an hour to meet with Sylvia, the manager at Spectrum, to discuss my experience, but I was met with defensiveness. She refused to acknowledge the missed order and suggested she could do something nice for my next visit. I found that hard to swallow. When I asked for compensation for the missed order, she insisted she couldn't do anything without checking with the waiter. Seriously? I have worked in hospitality for 30 years, so I understand the principle of "the customer is always right." It’s perplexing that this so-called manager doesn’t grasp that, especially when dealing with a loyal customer who spends thousands. I tried to see things from her perspective as a competitor, but there was no understanding. As a result, I have decided that this will be the last time I spend my money on overpriced Mexican food. Hospitality should be valued, while arrogance deserves nothing. Goodbye, Javiers.

Unfortunately, Javier's at Spectrum has a reputation for long wait times, rude service, and overpriced items. However, when my husband chose this restaurant for his birthday, I decided to go along with it. This time around, I discovered the perfect Margarita: a mix of fresh lime juice, white tequila, and a splash of Cointreau, all for $12—a refreshing treat worth every penny. We also tried three dishes from Cabo Azul, and each was excellent. The Lobster Enchilada was creamy, moist, and bursting with delicate flavors, while the Crab Chile Relleno was crispy and undoubtedly the best I’ve ever had. The shrimp taco offered a unique flavor that was also delightful. Overall, I would definitely return!

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.