Tocaya Modern Mexican - San Diego

This restaurant has changed a lot since the first time I visited more than 3 years ago and loved the food, the nice patio and service. Now the quality of food and service is way below average and the only nice thing is their decor and furniture which is showing some wear and stains. In our latest visit, the food came very late and was mediocre at best (chicken did not seem very fresh, there was barely any guac and pico de gallo and the kids burrito was just awful) and service is non existent. There is just one food runner who is clearly overwhelmed and unfriendly. We enjoyed our agua fresca though!

I ordered online the taco trio, a chicken fajita bowl and a burrito. The tacos were soo cold and carne asada one was stale. The rice on bolt were super undercooked and were hard to chew on. Plus the quantity was really less. I have had their food before in other location, but this one really led my expectations down.Food: 1/5

Enjoyed the Grilled Pineapple Al Pastor Bowl which was pretty spicy. The Street Corn Bowl was okay. Portions were perfectFood: 4/5

I forgot what bowl I got but it was the one with the pineapple in it. Although a majority of the reviews say the service was poor, personally I didn't have an issue with the service. A gentleman helped my boyfriend and I and was very kind and helpful explaining the orders esp since it was my first time I was eating there. Ambiance was cute and looked very clean. The food however.... I personally would not eat here again. The bowls sound so good on the menu. But the refried beans, pineapple, and guacamole were pretty good! For some reason the chicken and the sauce on the chicken I wasn't a fan of and it was pretty spicy, (and I can handle spicy foods) made me not want to finish it. I wish they added more rice! Although I didn't really like it here, I could see why people would like the food because it does taste somewhat authentic and the flavor profile is different than what you think a chicken bowl would taste like.

Super passionate staff. They love the food and we're very friendly. They hired very well. These two guys were so helpful and complimentary to the food.