Barragan's Mexican Restaurant

We've been going to this restaurant for about 2 years now, and let me tell you... this is one of the best authentic Mexican restaurants I've been to.  Once you walk in, the employees make sure they sit you down immediately; they serve your food quick; and they are friendly.  Also, this place has a bar.  I heard of this place through a friend.

Whoa! I am soooo....disappointed. Mainly since I've dined here long ago and remember it being great (3 or even 4 star'ish) but damn, this recent experience (one week ago) was pretty lousy.

Okay, decor sucks, place is empty on a Saturday night (not good in general in Los Angeles), service okay but for whatever reason, the food simply sucks. Chips are fine. salsa okay. Guacomole tastes like out of a package (not good). Rice is okay, beans are okay. I had crab enchiadas which had no flavor and was so bland. Oh, sure there was plenty of crab in each enchilada but I'd rather have a third of the portion but fresh and tasty anyday! My group had burritos, rolled tacos, quesadilla and weirdly enough, no one was raving about their dish.

Later, at least two of us had the runs after dinner. Not good! Well at least the margaritas were decent. I don't know, $180 (inc tip) for 4 adults, one teen, and two toddlers seems kinds a steep to me as well.

After this experience it will be easy to skip this place next time.

I must write this review because I was so struck by how truly, utterly terrible the burritos were here- quite possibly the worst I have ever had in a restaurant. I would have expected that quality out of a Safeway freezer for $1. The rest of the food was simply bland- just not good. It felt like all of the food came off an assembly line, not like it had been made by people.

The margaritas were quite good and the chips and salsa were good as well.

My low review is due not only to the uninteresting food, but to the proclivity of the staff to attach hidden charges to food for basic modifications and suggestions. It felt sleazy and disrespectful that the waiters were trying to con us out of extra fees for things like salsa on our burritos.

There is SO much good food in LA, especially Mexican food, that there is simply no reason to eat here unless you really want margaritas on a Wednesday night.