Hacienda is a local & we go all the time - there are some great things about it and definitely recommend, but it is nowhere near as good as the actual Playa Cabana down the street. for pure food & authenticity I highly recommend the mother restaurant. For a good time, call Hacienda...if you know what I mean ;)
Hacienda - new lay-out is way better and there is always a great crowd. We love the Dave's Margarita, the guacamole, the shrimp (though very rich) and most of the tacos - I think my favourites are pastor, steak & chicken, but all are good.
-There is sometimes a bit of chaos - delays in tables, mixed messages from staff, etc - sometimes you wait forever & others when you feel rushed - plus they don't have some of our fav items from the main menu - including the salad & spicy mole...Overall a great night out and worth the $$
La Libre - So I am extra excited to see a new and very cool patio in the 'hood - they did a great job on the layout / decor, but my positives end there.
-They are trying to make La Libre separate - big mistake if you ask me. Most of the following could be easily tweaked and make this patio the best in the area:
a) Slow slow drink service - I have been three times and in all cases the drinks took forever!
b)Warm guac in metal bowl - they usually serve you fresh guac, but for whatever reason at La Libre is not making fresh guac or serving their awesome habenero hot sauce outside either
c) Dry Pork - THe make your own taco platter with spit fired pork is 4/10 - dry and lacking flavour - too bad because this is their 'specialty' according to the servers
d)Not enough items & very little in terms of healthy choices
Hoping that La Libre gets their sea legs and goes on to be amazing food-wise...for now I am only going for drinks...