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Costa Mesa - Palenque Kitchen Costa Mesa restaurant
5.3

Palenque Kitchen Costa Mesa

  • Costa Mesa
  • $$
  • Mexican
  • Bar
  • Food
    great
  • Vibe
    great
  • Perks
    great

Food: Food might make you question value

The carne asada and birria entree stand out, but diners' opinions diverge widely. Freshness falters with stale components, while presentations leave much to be desired; this isn’t a culinary journey but a moderately entertaining pit stop for those curious about Mexican cuisine.

  • Okay Portions

    Portions decent, avoiding overindulgence; a balanced viewpoint.

  • Bad Value

    Overpriced for the quality of food, which was pretty bland.

Top 3 dishes at Palenque Kitchen Costa Mesa

  1. 1

    Carne Asada 🏆

    Carne Asada dish
  2. 2

    Ceviche

    Better than expected with generous dressing and toppings.

    Ceviche dish
  3. 3

    Carnitas

    Guacamole hailed as fresh, outstanding, and amongst the best globally.

    Carnitas dish

Vibe: Ambiance shines but lacks buzz

The cozy and stylish atmosphere adds a touch of elegance, making it suitable for romantic outings. A live DJ fills the space with lively music, though it amplifies a sense of emptiness; still, the location speaks charm amid the low turnout.

  • Great Aesthetic

    Ambiance is cozy, vibrant, stylish, elegant, enhancing dining experience.

  • Okay Comfort

  • No Buzz

    Underwhelmed by the food given the high price point despite hype.

Perks: Cumbersome logistics sour the experience

Parking is a nightmare, and reservations lead to unexpected waits. Additionally, the noise level from music overshadows any hope for conversation. The service lacks speed and attentiveness, transforming dining into a test of patience, especially without kid-friendly options.

  • Okay for Kids

    Child found carnitas despite no specific kids menu, showing some flexibility.

  • Bad Speed