We got to La Hacienda 15 minutes before our 7:30pm reservation. I checked us in and recieved a pager. The hostess asked about our party size - and I told her 4 adults and 2 children. I didn't think anything of it or of getting a pager because we were early and there were some other families waiting to be seated.
Well we waited.
And waited....
And waited....and we were not seated until 8pm.
When we walked in to the restaurant (we were waiting outside) the seater greeted us, took our slip and said, "Party of 9? 4 adults and 5 children?"
I said, "No, we are a party of 6 - only 2 kids."
Well after a few more minutes, we were led to a table.
A table for 9! And there were about 5 tables for six sitting empty. I think part of the wait was due to an error by the hostess that keyed us in as a party of 9. My DH - who doesn't usually get upset - was a little annoyed. Now there were other factors at play. The kids (the 2 of them
) were incredibly hungry and getting tired and were acting a little silly. My mom and dad were hungry and tired and my mom had a headache and the kids were not helping. DH and I were hungry, but we were also trying to calm everyone down, to no avail. It was not a good start to our meal.
We had a very kind server - Esmerelda - and she promptly brough us chips.
There were two salsas - a green and red. Both were good. The green was mild and flavorful, the red had heat and nice spice. I liked them both.
DD ordered the kids salad and the kids chicken tacos.
DS had the fruit cup and the kids chicken tenders which came with rice.
The kids portions were nicely sized. DD's food was excellent. DS is picky and maybe ate 1 chicken tender and no rice or green beans.
DH and I shared the Del Mar which was scallops, shrimp and tilapia. Originally the platter was supposed to have snapper but we asked if they'd sub the tilapia and they did. The entree came with rice, beans and corn tortillas. PLENTY of food for the two of us.
My parents both got the steak. It was very good as well, as we all tasted a bite of each others meals.
I also had the avacado margarita. Now, I do not like avocado or guacamole, so what possessed me to order this $13.00 drink, I'll never know. But I am glad that I did! It was YUMMY! Sweet, smooth, a slight hint of lime and the tequila was not overpowering. Soooooo good.
Now, although our waitress was very sweet and attentive, the service of getting the food to the table was SLOW SLOW SLOW!!! DH was not happy at this point - we weren't given our food until 9pm. The reason I know this is because we got our food and Illuminations started. So we had been sitting for an HOUR before our meals were served.
DH did speak to a manager and they comped my margarita. We were on the
DDP, so I thought that was fair and very nice of them.
Also, you can sort of see Illuminations from La Hacienda. They do dim the lights and pipe the music in, which was nice. You can't really see the globe from all the seats, but I think there were some window seats that would give you a nice view. There didn't appear to be anywhere to walk outside to watch the show.
For dessert I had a chocolate creamy thing. It was ok. I don't remember the name of it, but I know it was just ok. The kids had the churros and DH had the guava tamale I think.
My dad ordered the same thing as me and I don't remember what my mom had and I can't find a picture, so maybe she had the same thing as well.
So overall, I did like La Hacienda and I would go back to give the service another chance. The food was delicious and if you're looking for a more authentic mexican meal (as opposed to Don Pablos or On the Border), you will be pleased with the offerings. Everything was fresh and flavorful and the servings were more than adequate.
So we will probably go back to La Hacienda in the future, but maybe not on our very next trip.
pixiedust at WL! 
! Can't wait to have another (and if the service is slow...I'll have 2 
