La Hacienda or San Angel Restaurant?

[Niki in NJ]

We really wanted to try one of the Mexican restaurants this time around for our trip in June since we love Mexican food!! The thing is, we are pretty spoiled with some really great authentic Mexican food (not chains) in the area. Right now we have an ADR for San Angel (and second-guessing that), but we are wondering what others thought?

So .. which would you choose and why? How does it compare to other authentic Mexican? Anyone have updated menus to share?

Thanks!!

 

[Cassushi]

We love the San Angel Inn because of the atmosphere and of course one of our favorite little Disney gem, the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros.

 

[MickeyNicki]

San Angel Inn

 

[Ramsfan28]

We really wanted to try one of the Mexican restaurants this time around for our trip in June since we love Mexican food!! The thing is, we are pretty spoiled with some really great authentic Mexican food (not chains) in the area. Right now we have an ADR for San Angel (and second-guessing that), but we are wondering what others thought?

So .. which would you choose and why? How does it compare to other authentic Mexican? Anyone have updated menus to share?

Thanks!!

If you want and expect authentic Mexican I would not go to either place, in my opinion you will be dissapointed.

 

[WheelCEO]

If you want and expect authentic Mexican I would not go to either place, in my opinion you will be dissapointed.

Exactly what I came to post

 

[cigar95]

The two restaurants represent different regions of Mexico - if I'm remembering correctly, La Hacienda is farther south.

The Inn has received a lot of criticism over the years, but with the opening of La Hacienda, they seem to have upped their game. When I ate there last Fall, it was the best meal I've ever gotten there.

The close-packed tables are definitely an issue for some folks. But on a special diet, they put together a very good and tasty meal.

I very much enjoyed La Hacienda - when I ate there, they had only been open a couple days, and they bent over backwards to give good service. I very much enjoyed my meal there. If you want a view of the lagoon, La Hacienda is your only choice.

This really isn't helping you decide - from my perspective, either one would be a good choice.

 

[JerseyDad]

...if you're torn between going and not...but still want a bit of "Mexico"....why not check out La Cava del Tequila...the tequila bar inside. These past two years we've opted for some new dining choices (having had dined at San Angel Inn 7 times 6 years)...but we still love "Mexico". So the past two times at WDW we had a bite to eat (appetizers) and drinks in the tequila bar....and REALLY enjoyed it.

....some of the food choices were:

Chicken Tostadas

Crab Tostadas

Shrimp Tostadas

Guacamole

Shrimp Ceviche

Flautas


...and although I'm a tequila purest...the Cucumber Margarita is very tasty

 

[sue_gowin]

We actually didn't really enjoy San Angel. The food wasn't as "authentic" as we would have liked. It could have just been what we ordered, as I know many ppl LOVE this restaurant!!! We ate at La Hacienda this past October, and LOOOOOOOVED it!!! It was incredible! And so fresh! I'm going to try and post a couple of pictures of our meals here...lets see if it works!

My Tilapia (Pescado a la Talla)

DH's steak (Arrachera)

Table shot...had the BEST margarita ever! (it's called "the classic")

We also shared the Tequila tasting flight. A guy comes and teaches you everything there is to know about Tequila, how to drink it properly, how to chase it properly, etc....we're not really tequila people, but we loved the experience! Can't wait to go back!

 

[Niki in NJ]

Thanks for all the responses!!

 

[laceemouse]

The last time we ate at San Angel it was horrible. I doubt we will ever go there again. I want to try Hacienda sometime.

 

[harpinjean]

San Angel Inn - When we ate there in February DH said his meal was the best he had ever had at Disney.

 

[Coconuts]

Great thread and I'm hijacking. DH wants to try Mexican on our next trip and I didn't know which to try either. We tried the new QS on our last trip and weren't impressed. The kids portions were extremely small and the place was packed at a "quiet" time of year. I would love to see some more responses.

 

[ROEDISNEY]

We had a great dinner @ San Angel

 

[cigar95]

We had a great dinner @ San Angel

I'm guessing you mean the Inn, but don't forget that *both* places are "San Angel", which is the name of the company that runs them. (I'm convinced that is the reason that the Inn saw so much improvement when it got a new neighbor.)

Most of us (including me) have come to refer to the new place just as "La Hacienda", but those less familiar with our shorthand might be confused.

Back to the point, for Coconuts, I'll just repeat what I said earlier - foodwise, you should enjoy either one. But close-packed tables at the Inn might be a problem for some. There's a lot more room at La Hacienda.

 

[MAJ RN]

I love San Angel Inn. I really enjoy their Sopa Azteca!


Melissa

 

[Ron from Michigan]

We dined at La Hacienda last Oct. and really enjoyed it. For me it was much better than San Angel.

 

[leelip1982]

DH and I have eaten at both and we really like La Hacienda. We get the meal that is for two and we really love it

 

[crzy4mk]

Never eaten at La Hacienda, but here's my .02 worth on San Angel Inn:

Food is kind of hit and miss. I've eaten very good meals there, and some that weren't so great. The atmosphere is nice, but it can be crowded because the tables are so close together. I would definitely get a reservation for an off time if I was going there.

As far as the authenticity of the food, it is really more of the "Americanized" version of Mexican food IMHO. Better than El Chico or On the Border but not the same as a truly authentic Mexican restaurant.

 

[6bowmans]

We have great Mexican restaurants in Tucson, and I think you will find neither can compare with your local restaurants (although we liked La Hacienda better than San Angel Inn). We will probably never return to either restaurant, and I would suggest trying something you do not see too often in your neck of the woods.

 

[topolino]

Food is much better at La Hacienda. Atmosphere is a tough call, because at San Angel you're always going to have that great setting, inside the pavilion and close to the Rio del Tiempo (try for a table right on the river).

At Hacienda, if you have a window seat, and of course if you have one during Illuminations, San Angel can't compare.