San Angel Inn or La Hacienda de San Angel for a first timer?

[jagruti6]

I am trying to decide between San Angel Inn or La Hacienda de San Angel for an upcoming trip at the end of Sept. I have eaten at San Angel inn a few times, but it has been a few years. The last few times weren't that good, but I loved the ambiance. I have never eaten at La Hacienda, but it seems like it gets better food reviews. I am taking my friend and it is his first-time visiting Disney. What is the ambiance like at La Hacienda? Both meals would be early evening, so fireworks viewing are not a factor. I just booked this trip on a whim a few days ago and it will be the last night for Illuminations, so I doubt that a better time slot will open. So which of the two would you take a first-timer to? Also open to other Epcot suggestions. Wondering if I should skip the sitdown altogether and just do food and wine booths?

 

[Disneypro1]

Shoot..tough one...we love them both!

 

[Alicefan]

San Angel for sure. We tried La Hacienda for viewing Illuminations and we really couldn't see well and felt more like we missed the show. Service was awful and food certainly left a lot to be desired. I'd go for that Disney atmosphere in the temple any day for a first timer.

 

[Louis morrell]

We just discussed this very question days ago here https://www.disboards.com/threads/san-angel-inn-or-la-hacienda-de-san-angel.3765752/
Take a look.

 

[Dizzytime]

San Angel Inn always wins for us because of they take our TIW card. Wish La Hacienda did too, but we've never had anything but a great meal at San Angel, plus the atmosphere is so special and unique to the point that we feel it's unbeatable. To us La Hacienda, atmosphere-wise, seems like just another new(er) restaurant W/S squeezed in along the Crescent Lake hoping that the water views might make them appealing
Anyway, JMHO, and wherever you go, jagruti6, sure hope you have a magical time!
.

 

[karen4546]

another vote for san angel inn.

 

[jagruti6]

We just discussed this very question days ago here https://www.disboards.com/threads/san-angel-inn-or-la-hacienda-de-san-angel.3765752/
Take a look.

Thanks I did not see this post!

 

[disneygolfer1985]

We prefer San Angel Inn, but we will be eating at La Hacienda because we will be taking my 18 month old and the tables aren’t as close at La Hacienda. I find La Hacienda is more of a Baja California vibe.

 

[jagruti6]

Thank you all! I think I am going to go with the Inn. I think the atmosphere wins since it's his first trip.

 

[Louis morrell]

I don't think you will regret it.