A few weeks ago, the coworkers and I went to the end of the year party for our union. The bash was held here:
I first noticed this place last year when we ate at the Broken Yolk, when there was an "Opening Soon" sign where the Brigantine used to be...
For many folks in the South Bay, Karina's name is synonymous with mariscos (seafood) with multiple locations on the West side of Chula Vista as well as National City.
This particular Karina's restaurant was a bit more upscale, since it was in the Eastlake Village Walk shopping center in Eastlake (which is anchored by Trader Joe's, Sprouts (formerly Henry's), and TJ Maxx (formerly Borders). They do offer some of the same items as their lower prices locales, but conversley, they also offered other entrees available only here.
I've heard and seen Karina's being referenced as, ahem, "The Mexican Hooters", due to their waitresses wearing short and tight skirts/dresses. The yelp reviews were pretty damn funny. T Reviewers were either vicious about this place (bad service, mediocre and overpriced food, but hot waitresses) or totally into the whole atmosphere as well as the food. One review was especially vitriolic and seemed to have drunk some "haterade". She said, "I came here to EAT Fish Tacos, not SEE fish tacos" (in reference to the waitresses short skirts)." In all fairness, their skirts aren't THAT short, but I'm sure she was just jealous, ha ha.
You can't please 'em all, of course. Some of my colleagues have told me that their waitresses at the other restaurants all wear super short and tight dresses, which they did here. I didn't think the skirts were "skank-ho"-up-to-the-coochie" short. My gay colleague Mr. TJ thought the women were hot.
Anyhow, I have to say their decor is quite beautiful and colorful...
As nice looking as it was inside, our group was seated outside where the gathering was at...
I thought this tree with heart ornaments was striking...
On to their beautiful patio which had lots and lots of seating...
There was a buffet station that wasn't quite ready yet. Here we have some crisp tostadas...
followed by ceviche and calamari strips. The next two chafing dishes were empty, but were later replaced with beef and chicken fajitas.
There was also some rice studded with multicolored bell peppers, along with beans and cheese.
At the end of the table was a huge green salad with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocadas, and topped with some sort of spicy and crunchy strips.
La Ley got enjoyed her tostada topped with ceviche along with the salad.
I was more of a nibbler. You see, we had all eaten a big breakfast earlier that day for our yearly planning meeting. I won't even bother posting on that place since the food was not that great (i.e. not 'post-worthy'). Here were my bits and pieces - fried calamari strips, a tiny dollor of rice and beans, as well as ceviche and one chocolate covered strawberry.
One of the servers (male) came by offering everone freshly made quesadillas, so we all had a slice. I didn't want to eat too much. La Ley and I were joking with each other that we wouldn't fit into our dresses later on for Awards nights.
It's funny, reading all those bad reviews of this place complaining about the service. When we went here, everyone was super nice. The owner was out greeting everyone. The waitresses were everywhere refilling our iced teas, or taking drink orders and busboys were cleaning up meticulously. One of my other co-workers (who didn't go that night) said when she went with her husband and three kids, they were ignored and treated like they weren't wanted there. She said they were treated with contempt and that the atmosphere during dinner time was like that of a night club. I can only base my experience on this one visit and thought the service was really good.
Before we left, we had one of the mini red velvet cupcakes as our dessert.
We admired the star shaped metal lanterns.
The other view from our table...
Their seats were really nice and comfortable here. We were under some heat lamps which was a bit too hot though.
Karina's Enamorada
866 Eastlake Parkway, Suite 110 (@ the Village Walk in Eastlake)
Chula Vista, CA 91914
(619) 591- 9800
www.karinasseafood.com (when you go to the website, you can click on the video and see more of their decor and the food they offer)
I'd give this place another chance since we didn't really have an "actual" meal that we ordered, just the buffet which I liked. I can't really compare their prices since we didn't order from a menu. I think I'd like to try one of their margaritas here too. Come this summer, I'll have more time for a revisit.
4 comments:
Methinks some derogatory Yelp posts are from competitors. The El Cajon Karina's has waiters (at least on weekday afternoons) who are dressed normally. I'm so disappointed in myself for never having considered ceviche as an all you can eat buffet item...that's something I would totally enjoy.
There are a lot of trolls on yelp, but then i don't really take those reviews too seriously. I didn't know there was a Karina's in El Cajon. Yes, I was surprised to see ceviche at the buffet. That was a nice touch.
Ohhh I've wanted to try this place for their ceviche for sooo long! But the drive is kinda far for me. Do you think it's worth the trip? Is their buffet offered every week? Nice post!
Hi Faye, Thanks. I'm sure there are other places with ceviche that are just as good or even better.
I don't think it would be worth the trip for you. Also, the buffet was a special thing just for our union's end of the year party. I don't think it's a daily offering.
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