Walking into Valdez is automatically relaxing and the food is so, so good. I cannot believe this place only has a 3.5-star rating average. Lived for a decade in New York so I have a spoiled palate and this place delivers...
Everything is fresh and ripe from the ceviche (El Tipico) to the empanadas to the chaufa. I am gluten intolerant but risked the pain to try the chaufa (which has soy) and it was well-worth it. Also, the empanadas are delicious. Since going gluten-free a year ago I haven't experienced the chewiness offered by their GF empanadas.
The cocktails are insanely good too, especially the El Pepino. This drink seemed to balance out the effects of the alcohol, alkaline with basil, lemon, chili-lime syrup and cucumber like a green juice.
Our server was sweet and accommodating; the cooks seemed relaxed in the open kitchen. I will definitely be going back and highly recommend this place for a chill dining experience.