10/19/09

Excellent Mexican Food for a not to shabby price

by DonkeyKongg

Eating here was a real treat. My wife chose to bring me here and we had a delightful experience. People say cheap mexican food is horrible mexican food, but this place will turn that thinking around. Will be back soon!

• Pros: Food

10/01/09

Great Food, Fantastic Service

by mjskier

Upon entering the restaurant from the bustling atmosphere of Larimer Square, we were immediately greeted by a brightly smiling and very friendly hostess who made us feel welcomed and promptly escorted us to our table on the rooftop. The sun was just beginning it's descent behind the mountains, and we were treated to a truly glorious sunset.

The staff was immediately attentive and remained so throughout the dining experience, without being intrusive. Our server (Matt) was prompt in greeting us and full of helpful information about the menu items, right down to the specific details of the spices and varieties of chillies used in each. He was very successful in reading our need for his presence and when we wanted to be left to our own devices. Dining with Matt was an experience unto itself.

We started with the flautas, which were crispy and drizzled in a bright and flavorful three chili sauce and cool cream fresca: a great way to start when you're really hungry.

Our guacamole was average, however ask your server for a small side of habanero sauce and it can really make it a standout dip.

My entree was the slow roasted pork shoulder... a great cut of meat that was cooked to absolute perfection...spiced perfectly and served atop a roasted corn puree that lent a balancing sweetness to the spice in the meat. On other occasions which I've dined at Tamayo, I've been impressed with the smoked and grilled duck and the adobo halibut... however the pork is the dish that has impressed me the most.

We heard rumblings of dessert, but couldn't begin to think about eating another thing... but I hear they're great.

While the food was great, the true inspiration for me to write about this place was the service and ambiance. For a raucous night out, an intimate date, or anything in between, you'll be handled properly if you entrust yourself to Tamayo's staff.

• Pros: Unique food preparation, service, ambiance
• Cons: Don't come here looking for tacos or burritos

09/08/09

Bad customer service, bland food, and $$$

by rogue3

I've walked by Tamayo so many times on my way to UCD campus for school and saw their cool little salsa dip that so many people ordered. I decided to try it for my birthday on a Saturday. Big mistake. Reservations for the big party was unsure because Cirque de Soleil was in town so they couldn't guarantee us the reservation. My friend even had to give a credit card number to them to secure our spot.

The service started out good. The guac, salsa, and chips they brought out were delicious. I got there later than some of my friends and was informed that the server just asked my friends if they wanted chips and salsa. We didn't know the guac costs $9.50 for a small bit of guac!! If we had known that we would have just asked for chips and salsa with NO guac! We had a big party so they ended up giving up 5 of these.

The seating was nice, we got the rooftop patio. One of my friends is preggo and will not eat any undercooked food so she had to send her beef tacos back to the kitchen to get cooked. The meat still came back pink. I was there when she informed the waitress that she had lost her appetite and did not want the tacos anymore. The waitress seemed indifferent and did ask if she wanted anything else and when my friend said "no" the server just asked "are you done?" and whisked away her plate. She had even explained to the waitress that she is preggo and cannot eat undercookd food. Another friend had a custom meal which consisted of a steak and mashed potatoes which cost $32 dollars!

I ordered the lobster crepes because everything else seemed overpriced and didn't sound appetizing. The presentation was great but the taste was absolutely bland! I ate it all because I didn't want to waste it. It cost $15 for 2 small crepes and I didn't even taste the lobster. I also ordered the calamari which was not bad, it had flavor but it was probably fried and sauteed with the sauce it came it so it is "wet".

My friend wanted to make it special for me so she bought a cake for use. It costs $5.00 to cut one piece of cake!! It would have cost us almost $90 for that! But the guy who cut said he would waive the fee for us which was very nice. I was even supposed to get a "free" dessert but we were never asked if we still wanted it.

The bill came out to be $500 dollars including tip because we had about 17 people. The waitress forgot to take off the entree my friend could not eat and had to re-fix the bill, luckily we checked the entire bill to make sure they didn't cheat us. Just because we are a big party doesn't mean we should get bad service. We felt like the waitress could care less because she was getting her 20% anyway. I barely ate anything and I'm pretty sure that everyone else left hungry as well which is bad news for a restaurant. How did we spend $500 and leave hungry?!?!! I don't know if I would give this place a second chance. Tamayo would really need some work in customer service and food for their prices.

• Pros: Good guac, nice presentation, roof top patio is awesome
• Cons:  over priced, bad service for big parties

02/18/09

Fantastic meal and Service

by jimxbo

My wife and I dined here for Valentines Day and it was by far one of the best meals we have ever had. They had a special menu for the holiday, and everything was delicious. The service was impeccable and the food was wonderful. I did find the dessert to be a little small, but when I mentioned it to our server, he brought out another piece for us to share. This was our first time at Tamayo, but it will surely not be our last.

• Pros: Great all around
• Cons: The upstairs dining room was not our favorite, but the service and food was well worth it

02/11/09

Under $20? Seriously? unless you eat at Taco Bell every day

by happymexican

Who says that you have to spend under $20 for good Mexican Food? You have to be kidding, when you go out to a RESTAURANT of this caliber, don't expect Tex-Mex, it's REAL mexican cuisine.

The service is always great here, been here more than 30 times and I have never had a bad experience.

Awesome location as well, when you go to the theatre or to a concert at the Pepsi Center.

• Pros: Great Location/Great outdoor Terrace/great food
• Cons: Parking

02/03/09

$9.50 Guacamole?

by joshwjackson

Don't be fooled by these pretentious, overpriced restaurants. Mexican dished should NEVER exceed $20, I don't care how amazing your head chef is, it's outrageous. El Taco De Mexico has this place beat.

01/07/09

It's probably overrated, BUT...

by writeon1

There is something very alluring about this place. I, too, have travelled to Mexico and realize that authentic Mexican does not consist of gargantuan portions. Also, comparing Tamayo to Taco Bell is not apt. This IS an upscale Mexican restaurant, albeit one with service issues. But try the rooftop bar when it's warm out and have some appetizers. There is no question that a full meal is expensive but the food is definitely authentic, fresh and imaginative. The service is another story and can be eratic. Also, it is very often the case that the rooftop bar is closed for a private party and that has soured my boyfriend and me from returning in the last year. Still, I would give it another chance.

• Pros: Pleasant atmosphere, fresh, innovative food
• Cons: The service is eratic and sloppy, sometimes even dismissive

12/27/08

don't eat here

by italianabella

i agree with dave. i passed by this restaurant many times and had wanted to try it out for some time. the place is way over priced for the amount of food you actually get. i think the food is tasty but not worth the price. also, the management should work on the service. for upscale dining, it should be immaculate, but its not and you won't be satisfied.

the soup consisted of pureed corn chowder and pureed black beans. when did baby food become gourmet? and to top if off, you will only get 3 tbsp for $9.00 ( i'm not exaggerating, unfortunately). The appetizers are really tapas. the tacos are bite-sized and the flauntas are even smaller. i walked out STARVING. come on, at least feed me for the money i'm choosing to spend at your place!

i went from being excited and curious to try out high end mexican cuisine, to completely disappointed and in total disbelief. i really wish my experience was different.

barbara, good for you for liking the place. that's your opinion and your money. but in this case, i agree with dave below. i will never come back and i will never recommend this place to my family or friends. taco bell does actually sound better after my experience!

• Pros: gorgeous presentation
• Cons: quality and quantity of food, service

12/26/08

Dave you are an idiot

by barbaraknows

Dave you are an idiot! This is a great restaurant! My husband and I have frequented Tamayo for years, and have never had a bad experience. The service is fantastic and the food is delicious, unique Mexican cuisine . I hate when people go out and do not know how to dine. If you are upset about something speak up, and have the situation fixed, not that you will need to here. If you are looking for sloppy, cheap family fare, go to Taco Bell.

• Pros: GREAT!
• Cons: Parking not included

12/23/08

Such a joke, please do not eat at this establishment!!!

by davefromdenver

I have been frequently attending restaurants downtown for most of my adult life. I am very easy going when it comes to dining and during a night out with the family, I thought I would try Tamayo. Unfortunately the only good part of my experience is the laughter I had when I saw how ridiculously small the portions were compared to the price. To top off the meal, was a nice $67.00 dollar bottle of wine added to our bill which we never ordered. I would rather not waste the rest of my time explaining what a joke this restaurant is. :(

• Pros: A Good Laugh, Bus Boy Service
• Cons: Everything Else!!!