Cafe Red Onion

08/16/09

Dissapointing Visit

by erinhuston at Citysearch

Red Onion is a favorite of my fiancee and I. We have frequented both Kirby and 290 locations. We had a very poor experience this weekend at the Kirby location.

As we came in we were excited about a special posted with our fave entree for only $7.77 (usually $14). We were seated and then waited for 15 minutes, in the abnormally hot dining room, for the water we ordered because there were no clean glasses available in the kitchen. Upon our suggestion our waitress got glasses from the bar, and finally we got water! Before we ordered I asked the waitress if the Mayan Chicken was indeed included in the special, pointing to the poster at the front of the restaurant. She replied yes, it was on special, so we both ordered it. Our cocktails then arrived...sub par. Our entrees arrived and then we had to wait to ask for silverware setups. Food was ok.

Check arrived and the entrees were regular price. When we pointed it out to the waitress she told us the special was only offered at the Northwest location. Information that would have been useful when I asked her about it as we ordered...

We asked her to speak to the manager. He never came out to speak to us but told her that he couldn't do anything for us. Not a good day for Kirby Red Onion!

• Pros: Other locations available
• Cons: poor service at this location

07/21/09

Unique cuisine

by chuebinger at Citysearch

I went to dinner here with a bunch of my girlfriends and the overall opinion was good. I had the pupusas which aren't as good as the ones I had in Belize from a true El Salvadorian but tasty nonetheless. I think this is a good place to go when you want to try something with different flavors and have a different experience. I would recommend trying it.

• Pros: Menu variety

08/10/08

Worth another visit

by florida63 at Citysearch

On my first visit I can't say it was the transformational dining experience others seem to think it was but it was a solid performance that will warrant another visit. Great service and a refreshingly original approach to Latin food. They borrow nicely from authentic Mexican and Carribean preparations. They go crazy with side items though. I had the coffee crusted beef filet which was very flavorful (a bit undercooked) but the side items were: a mound of french fried onion rings on a pool of queso, roasted corn, grilled zuchini and yellow squash, and limp fried plantains. The sides took up most of the plate. My dining companion had a chicken relleno special which was very tasty but also came with a flotilla of unneccesary side items.

Not sure what the fuss is about regarding the pinapple salsa. Ours had no heat at all...it tasted like pureed pinepple. Having said all of this, their menu, drinks and service deserve another visit.

• Pros: Menu variety, drinks, service
• Cons: bizarre and overwhelmingly large portions of side items