Fonda San Miguel Restaurant

Inviting atmosphere, Forgettable food. While the atmosphere and decor of Fonda San Miguel are inviting, the real reason for dining at a restaurant, the food, was unimpressive, especially for one of a higher price point. It was fine and nicely arranged, though I enjoyed it no more than a restaurant for half the cost. Also, avoid ordering a mojito, as it was basically a cup of lime juice for $9 (four lime wedges in the glass) with little mint or sweetener.

Upon entering, the courtyard area is lovely and colorful and the dining room offers a pleasant ambiance, though the tables are a bit too close together as I had no room to adjust my chair. Furthermore, the citysearch provided dress code is accurate as myself and my company were in nice attire, as were most others, though jeans were worn by some and I noticed several tables with kids, though they were well enough behaved.

The environment was welcoming and nice, though the food was forgettable. A nice place to just grab a drink and sit in the courtyard, though for dinner, look elsewhere.

Pros- Atmosphere, Decor, Service

Cons- Price, Average Food

(republished review from 2008)…

Wine list at a Mexican place?!. I don’t think businesses are nearly as service focused as they used to be. I guess the economy-battered restaurateurs decided that focusing on discount’s and happy hour specials would draw more people in than focusing on what makes people want to go out to eat in the first place, which is service. Almost anyone can cook at home, buy a bottle, and dim the lights… but “going out” truly centers around being served. My first (and SO FAR only) experience at Fonda San Miguel reminded me of that, because I hadn’t experienced such truly superior service in a very long time.…

Citysearch Editorial Review. The lively space feels like a spacious hacienda in the Mexican highlands, with dark woods, leather and warm colors. Paintings by Mexican artists and large tin lanterns hang throughout. A front lounge has sitting areas with couches that invite diners to relax with a Latin cocktail (try the pisco sour or mojito) before their meal and a back bar bustles with the energy of a Mexican resort town. The sopa de elote (cheesy corn soup) has a deep flavor, courtesy of roasted poblanos. Ancho relleno San Miguel is served atop a pool of cilantro cream sauce. Scallops are served on an over-powering sauce that hides their subtle flavor. Well-heeled diners finish with crepas de cajeta, featuring milky caramel sauce, cinnamon and ice cream. Sunday brunch is a relaxed family-friendly affair, with achiote-marinated pork and white drum ceviche.…