View Full Version : Ay! Jalisco Mexican Restaurant
Indy-Guy
11-07-2009, 09:17 PM
Ay! Jalisco Mexican Restaurant is now open at 1152 Main St in Spanish Springs. We ate there tonight and will go back. Ate at the bar and service was ok and food was very good. Just my opinion. Worth the try!
cashman
11-08-2009, 09:49 AM
Do they have a decent draft beer?
Ay! Jalisco Mexican Restaurant is now open at 1152 Main St in Spanish Springs. We ate there tonight and will go back. Ate at the bar and service was ok and food was very good. Just my opinion. Worth the try!
Saw it on The Villages Gourmet Club Website a few days ago. Place was not crowded last night at all.
Skip
zcaveman
11-08-2009, 04:00 PM
Do they have a decent draft beer?
I did not know there was such a thing. If it does not come in a red, white and blue Budweiser can it is not a beer.
But that is just my opinion.
Z
Russ_Boston
11-08-2009, 04:55 PM
Oh Z - you need to broaden those horizons!:)
2catsmeow
11-08-2009, 08:21 PM
Had dinner there tonight and enjoyed it. Had a nice crowd but the word hasn't gotten out yet that they are open so were able to get right in. Very attractive inside, the service was good and so was the food. Thought it was reasonably priced also. Will definitely return.
uujudy
11-08-2009, 09:02 PM
Cashman & Caveman, it's a Mexican restaurant! lol I hope they have Dos Equis or Pacifico!
katezbox
11-09-2009, 05:57 PM
Judy -
Like those, but if you haven't tried it, try a Modelo Negro.... yum
uujudy
11-09-2009, 06:46 PM
Katezbox, thanks for the reminder! I couldn't remember the name. I like Modelo Negro very much. Maybe we should have a field trip to Ay Jalisco to check out the beers they have? :icon_wink:
DDoug
11-09-2009, 07:59 PM
The new mexican rest. is ok but is really mexican they said the water was no good. I've been in mexico and that is the way so drink alk e hol. No music from mex service alright not great. Will try one more time in about a month if they are still here.First impression not really good and I love mexican food it makes me sad I was hoping for something great.
chuckster
11-09-2009, 08:41 PM
Ate there sunday, food and service both good. Will return........:beer3:
Barefoot
11-09-2009, 09:49 PM
Ate there sunday, food and service both good. Will return........:beer3:
We also ate there Sunday. I was underwhelmed.
dfn8tly
11-09-2009, 10:36 PM
I had lunch at Ay! Jalisco today. I lived 25 years in Southern California which has a huge Latin population. I have also owned vacation residences in Puerto Vallarta and Cancun. If you are expecting authentic Mexican or even TexMex food in The Villages you will be disappointed. Most residents are unfamiliar with the cuisine and the culture. In addition, the traditional spiciness, corn, rice and beans are not conducive to the American palette.
Ay! Jalisco has the potential to be the best "Mexican Style" restaurant in the area. If this is what you want, give them a chance to settle in. My only negative observation today was when the table next to mine ordered a pitcher of beer and were told, after consultation, that the pitchers hadn't come in yet. If they are not fully ready, they should wait. First impressions, as demonstrated here by a couple of people, are critical.
I wish them good fortune and success.
vitacr
11-09-2009, 10:56 PM
We've tried every Mexican restaurant in the tri-county area - the only one we prefer is El Taxco on Rt 40 in Ocala (near Silver Springs - in Six-Gun Plaza). You can order off the menu, or they have a buffet. They have a Marachi band on a couple of nights. They are VERY reasonable in price. We go often. Good luck!:smiley:
Bonny
11-10-2009, 09:44 AM
A few years ago they had a Mexican restaurant where Seafood Galley is. They
didn't have tacos or anything. No Tex Mex type of food. :shrug: They said they were a true Mexican restaurant. It really wasn't good at all. Well alot of you know, they didn't last long.
Okay, Taco Bell, here I come. LOL :icon_hungry:
golf2140
11-10-2009, 10:12 AM
We dined there last night. Food was good, but they must improve on their service. I'm still not sure who our waiter / waitress was. I always give a new restaurant a few tries before I write it off. I heard the table next to us complaining among-est themselves, "were not coming back". It opened Saturday, give em a break!!!!!! :beer3:
uujudy
11-10-2009, 10:36 AM
... If you are expecting authentic Mexican or even TexMex food in The Villages you will be disappointed. . .
I think that's true for most of the East coast. . .
But with plenty of Mexican beer and margaritas, who cares? :beer3:
Barefoot
11-10-2009, 10:40 AM
We dined there last night. Food was good, but they must improve on their service. I heard the table next to us complaining among-est themselves, "were not coming back". It opened Saturday, give em a break!!!!!! :beer3:
In my humble opinion, opening prematurely is a mistake. It isn't an excuse for poorly-trained staff.
Hopefully they'll work their problems out and the restaurent will be a success.
borisj
11-10-2009, 11:06 AM
A few years ago they had a Mexican restaurant where Seafood Galley is. They
didn't have tacos or anything. No Tex Mex type of food. :shrug: They said they were a true Mexican restaurant. It really wasn't good at all. Well alot of you know, they didn't last long.
Okay, Taco Bell, here I come. LOL :icon_hungry:
Perhaps I didn't get enough sleep last night. Would you mind explaining how this is at all relevant to the topic of this Thread, namely the opening of the new Restaurant "Ay! Jalisco"?
2catsmeow
11-10-2009, 06:59 PM
I had lunch there today with a coworker and it was good yet again. The chips/salsa arrived right after we were seated. Our waiter was prompt and polite. I mentioned we were on our lunch hour and our food arrived in a very timely manner. I had the shredded beef chimi - it was hot, tasty, and was only $5.95. When you think that our lunch included the free chips/salsa (which I think has a nice bite to it) beans, rice, and 'salad' including guacamole and sour cream that is a deal for a town square lunch. Okay, it might not be 'authentic TexMex' but when you consider that we have a choice of El Ranchito (which I also like well enough), Moe's and Taco Bell - I like Ay! Jalisco. I wish we had a larger variety of authentic ethnic food - but I am just glad that we have another Mexican option in golf cart range.
chuckster
11-10-2009, 07:50 PM
I agree 2cats, we again experienced the same as you. In my humble opinion not a lot of tex-mex spots that are golf cart accessible.....this far east of the lone star state. :beer3:
Bonny
11-11-2009, 09:20 AM
Perhaps I didn't get enough sleep last night. Would you mind explaining how this is at all relevant to the topic of this Thread, namely the opening of the new Restaurant "Ay! Jalisco"?
dfn8tly made a comment that if you are looking for authentic Mexican food in the Villages, you will be disappointed. The restaurant I was talking about said they only served authentic Mexican food.
dfn8tly
11-11-2009, 10:14 AM
Bonny;
Thank you for quoting me. It's always nice to be noticed. However, if you are going to restate my words please include all that are relevant. I also said in the next sentence "Most residents are unfamiliar with the cuisine and the culture." This sentence justifies your statement that the "real" Mexican restaurant was unable to find a financial niche in The Villages.
Enjoy Taco Bell if you must but I'm sure you certainly would never confuse it with "real" Mexican food.
Bonny
11-11-2009, 10:31 AM
Bonny;
Thank you for quoting me. It's always nice to be noticed. However, if you are going to restate my words please include all that are relevant. I also said in the next sentence "Most residents are unfamiliar with the cuisine and the culture." This sentence justifies your statement that the "real" Mexican restaurant was unable to find a financial niche in The Villages.
Enjoy Taco Bell if you must but I'm sure you certainly would never confuse it with "real" Mexican food.
Sorry. :cryin2: I only quoted part of it because I assumed that person would go back to read it. I just wanted him to know which thread it was so he/she could find it. I definitely don't confuse Taco Bell with real Mexican Food. That remark was made in jest. Didn't think anyone would take that seriously.
BobKat1
11-11-2009, 10:42 AM
Sorry. :cryin2: I only quoted part of it because I assumed that person would go back to read it. I just wanted him to know which thread it was so he/she could find it. I definitely don't confuse Taco Bell with real Mexican Food. That remark was made in jest. Didn't think anyone would take that seriously.
FWIW, I took your Taco Bell comment in jest.
borisj
11-11-2009, 04:29 PM
Had dinner at Ay Jalisco last night. Thought the Salsa was very good and the chips that accompanied it were OK. The rest of the meal was nothing to write home about. Bland and tasteless for the most part. By the way, didn't realize until now this is a Chain. Don't think I've seen that referenced here. Bottom line is I'll wait for the next "Mexican Restaurant" to open in hopes it will significantly improve on the track record of the last few.
wesmin
11-11-2009, 04:47 PM
My wief and I ate lunch today OK I would have liked more sauce on burrito and was told to ask for extra in future extra charge maybe.
MMC24
11-12-2009, 01:21 PM
I did not know there was such a thing. If it does not come in a red, white and blue Budweiser can it is not a beer.
But that is just my opinion.
Z
P L E A S E!!! Caveman you need to expand your horizons
Try a bottle of Sam Adams, it will rock-your-world.
jazzy48
11-16-2009, 06:48 PM
Had dinner there tonight. We liked the interior and our waiter could not have been more friendly and efficient. We liked the chips and salsa. The salsa is very fresh. As for our meals, they were very good. Not great, but very good. We will probably stick with El Ranchito, although if a group of friends wanted to go there, we wouldn't hesitate to join them. I'd certainly recommend that you give this new restaurant a try.
texasfal
11-18-2009, 09:42 AM
Had lunch there yesterday. Not too impressed. I ordered the fajita burrito. I took it apart when it was delivered. There were 3 small strips of steak and the rest of the burrito was onions, green peppers and lettuce. No flavor either. The rice and beans were good and the margarita was stout.
golferling
11-20-2009, 12:10 AM
First trip there was Tuesday. Nice decor. Pleasant help. Menu looked fine. Then it HAPPENED....they brought out the chips and the horrible SALSA. I have been to many Mex restaurants with good salsa, and had even MADE my own salsa in the past, and this stuff was VERY VERY BAD. It was like ketchup and v8 mixed together, throw in some chili powder, stir, and add a few chopped tomatoes. Horrible. Chips were acceptable. HAd to order the verde sauce on my burrito, as the red sauce was like red dishwater,and it was fine , but skimpy.Hey Owners! Get yourself some decent salsa. Chopped tomatoes, onions, tomato sauce,hot sauce or peppers, lime juice and cilantro.
There are many of us that won't go back because of the salsa, a staple on almost all their entrees. Word here for returning......NO.
chuckinca
11-20-2009, 01:05 AM
Had dinner there tonight. We liked the interior and our waiter could not have been more friendly and efficient. We liked the chips and salsa. The salsa is very fresh. As for our meals, they were very good. Not great, but very good. We will probably stick with El Ranchito, although if a group of friends wanted to go there, we wouldn't hesitate to join them. I'd certainly recommend that you give this new restaurant a try.
El Ranchito gets my vote - have been there every year for nearly the past 15 years and, tho not outstanding, is a better than most.
.
BritParrothead
11-21-2009, 09:55 AM
We had dinner here on Thursday, and will not be rushing back! My son waited about 10 minutes to book a table, while the girls were chatting and paying in bills. By the time they got round to asking how many? The line was out the dor and down the street. Acouple in fromt of us said how rude they thought the staff were.
We ordered our food, it took a long time, the chips were very nice and fresh, the salsa was very poor and very runny, tasted like tomato juice.
Grilled chicken salad was ok. Nothing else could be said about it. Husband and son had steak and chicken fajitas, nothing special. Both said that we could have had better at home!
uujudy
11-21-2009, 11:31 PM
We had dinner there tonight, and I promised to report which Mexican beers they carry:
Modelo, both Especial and Negro
Tecate
Corona
Dos Equis
:beer3:
Lou Card
11-22-2009, 05:52 AM
:oWe were down for a visit two weeks ago and had dinner with 4 other friends. Not good at all. Bad taste and Would not be able to compete with Taco Bell. Sorry, But that was the one an only visit under current management. We love Mexican food, but this is not even as good a frozen from the store.
downeaster
11-22-2009, 06:16 PM
Mexican, Tex Mex, Authentic Mexican, Mexican style, etc., etc. I have dined "Mexican" in Mexico, Texas, Old Town section of San Diego, El Ranchito, and many other places. I haven't a clue how to describe "real" Mexican. I do know what I like and having had lunch and dinner at Ay! Jalisco we will return. We have also dined at El Ranchito many times over the years. We will also return there.
BTW, I picked up their card while there and they advertise seven locations. They are reputed to be family owned and the owners are from Mexico.
Minor point, I like the salsa at El Ranchito better of the two.
downeaster
12-01-2009, 12:26 PM
Had our third meal there Sunday. I don't care for the salsa but it is passable. It seemed slightly improved over our prior visits. Our guests thought the salsa good.
Salsa aside, we were all very satisfied with the meals. The service was good. Price was acceptable. We will go back.
skip0358
12-08-2009, 03:49 PM
Wife and I went last night for dinner. Place was packed. Got seated, chips and salsa arrived quickly were very good. Drink order was taken meal ordered all very good. Reasonable price would deffinatly go back.
tpop1
12-08-2009, 04:11 PM
After stopping there the other night and being uable to find anyone who understood me when I asked about MSG in their food, I called today in anticipation of trying it again tonight.
When I asked, the gentleman who answered the phone said without a hesitation that they DO HAVE MSG in their food.
That's too bad, as I was looking forward to a good Mexican meal. But I'd rather have them tell me the truth up front, than for me to suffer the concequences of having a good dose of MSG!!!:grumpy:
charlie49
12-08-2009, 04:50 PM
We went there to eat for the first time last night. Many people had complained about the salsa; we found it was a bit watery, but very good tasting. Perhaps earlier comments helped to improve the salsa? The service was great, we were there early, about 4:30. The fajitas for two, meat-chicken combo, was very good in taste and serving size. The menu looked interesting, we will return again instead of going to El Ranchitos.
Charlie
mrdills
01-10-2010, 10:51 AM
My wife and myself went out last night to Ay Jausco restaurant and we were pleasant surprised to have some good Marxian food and conversation with the bartender " Jake" they do have happy hour from 4-7 PM and prices were very completive but you have to buy the drinks at the bar, if you set at a table you won't get 2 for 1, but to me that wasn't a inconvenience. If you haven't tried it I suggest to give it a try. :smiley:
Russ_Boston
01-10-2010, 11:29 AM
I love Mexican - I'll make sure I give it a try.
(FYI: I think it is Ay! Jalisco)
PS> Is that your golf cart in your avatar? If so what type is it?
mrdills
01-10-2010, 11:41 AM
No I just saw it at Lake Sumter Landing and took a picture, I wanted to buy it from the guy and he didn't want to sell it, I thought it would good for when I go out and play golf. LOL :D
Burnerboy
01-27-2010, 10:51 AM
Wife and I along with visiting daughter and son-in-law stopped in for dinner on a not too busy night last week. We were told by a firendly hostess we would have to wait for a table in the bar room area, which was fine. We said we would wait at the bar, which only had 2 other people at. We sat down and waited for friendly bartender service. He was occupied on the cell phone, had he acknowledged our presence it would have not been too disturbing so we sat there. After 3or4 minutes our hostess said we could be . We still had not been acknowledged by the bartender. I asked to speak to the manager.
A manager, I would have thought she was a senior waitress came to the table. I explained my concern and that I was only advising since I hoped they would be sucessful and I felt better bar service would help.
Otherwise the meal and food service were fine, except that partway through the meal the bartender came over to "appologize". He said he was very sorry that he received a phone call from his aged mother who was in an auto accident. And by the way he did see us for the "120 seconds" we had been waiting. So my assumption is this place is not managed at all and I wont return at least as long as this idiot is the bartender.
Mallory
02-19-2010, 10:40 PM
Finally made it to Ay! Jalisco twice this week. Couldn't have been happier on both visits. Short wait (5 minutes) tonight on a busy Friday night in SS. Chips and salsa were tasty, plentiful, and refilled without asking. Been there with two different visiting couples and had 6 different entrees. All were excellent.
This place deserves a chance to succeed so if you haven't been there I'd say try them out and if you have been and weren't satisfied it would be worth your while to try them again.
bilcon
04-04-2015, 11:41 AM
Was good when it first opened. It is terrible now, and they couldn't care less.
Bonny
04-04-2015, 11:44 AM
My goodness, this thread is 5 years old !!
Johnd
04-04-2015, 12:40 PM
Disagree with bilcon. Was there a week ago and found the usual good food and service. Well worth a visit. Nice atmosphere.
JayDo
04-11-2015, 01:21 PM
went for a late lunch on Sunday, service was very poor and also was the food had to wait 15 mins for a table no one at the front desk, he was outside talking on his phone
Indy-Guy
04-12-2015, 04:38 PM
Ay! Jalisco Mexican Restaurant is now open at 1152 Main St in Spanish Springs. We ate there tonight and will go back. Ate at the bar and service was ok and food was very good. Just my opinion. Worth the try!
I started this thread back in November of 2009. I had been a regular customer of Ay! Jalisco for over five years. I usually would eat lunch there once or twice a week and when friends would visit I would take them to dine there.
A couple of months ago was my last visit there. When I was there for lunch I was told that since I only order a side order burrito and diet coke that they would have to charge me for chips and salsa. I said you do know that I have been coming here for many years and was told yes they were aware that I had been coming there for a long time. Not even a we appreciate your business. In fact I felt that they acted like I have been taking advantage of them by doing business with them.
My bill for the side order burrito and diet coke with chips and salsa was around $6.80. More times than not I would leave a $10.00 bill. I would order the side order burrito and diet coke because that was plenty of food for me for lunch not because of the price. I eat lunch out about 5 times a week and yes that is the least I spend but again that is plenty for me to eat.
Recently I also found that the meat used in the burrito was very bland and not as spicy as it had been for a long time which is the main reason I would drive there rather than go to the Mexican restaurant at Colony which is much closer to my home.
I hope El Ranchito in Lady Lake and Leesburg appreciate my business more.
Bonny
04-13-2015, 07:18 AM
I started this thread back in November of 2009. I had been a regular customer of Ay! Jalisco for over five years. I usually would eat lunch there once or twice a week and when friends would visit I would take them to dine there.
A couple of months ago was my last visit there. When I was there for lunch I was told that since I only order a side order burrito and diet coke that they would have to charge me for chips and salsa. I said you do know that I have been coming here for many years and was told yes they were aware that I had been coming there for a long time. Not even a we appreciate your business. In fact I felt that they acted like I have been taking advantage of them by doing business with them.
My bill for the side order burrito and diet coke with chips and salsa was around $6.80. More times than not I would leave a $10.00 bill. I would order the side order burrito and diet coke because that was plenty of food for me for lunch not because of the price. I eat lunch out about 5 times a week and yes that is the least I spend but again that is plenty for me to eat.
Recently I also found that the meat used in the burrito was very bland and not as spicy as it had been for a long time which is the main reason I would drive there rather than go to the Mexican restaurant at Colony which is much closer to my home.
I hope El Ranchito in Lady Lake and Leesburg appreciate my business more.
So you quit going here because they no longer appreciate you and give you free chips and salsa on the big lunch bill of a whole $6.80. :ohdear:
gerryann
04-13-2015, 11:02 AM
I think chips and salsa should be offered, even if just sitting at the bar having a drink. I thought that was just fairly normal when going to a Mexican resturant. Guess I'm behind the times.
texasfal
04-13-2015, 11:41 AM
I agree with gerryann, especially for a repeat loyal customer.
TomOB
04-13-2015, 01:11 PM
If it's not FREE, Villagers will not come! I feel a demerit in my future! I happen to like Ay Jalisco and won't mind a nominal fee for chips and salsa.
parthree
04-14-2015, 03:59 PM
I've eaten there many times and always enjoyed the food. My bills were well over $6.50, so I would never have experienced this. I do think, that the restaurant should have acknowledged her patronage over the years.
SALYBOW
04-14-2015, 10:17 PM
Since Mexican food is one of the foods I can tolerate (g0 figure,) I eat there often. I always get chips and MILD Salsa (I request it) I only order a side order and a drink and have never been treated rudely or charged extra. Having a grand daughter and a Son who are putting themselves through school as servers, I always tip generously.
bilcon
07-09-2015, 09:12 AM
Ate there several times, but it only gets worse. Sorry! Food was cold, service was lousy. Try the Mexican Restaurant at Colony Plaza. Much better.
Happygal7
02-03-2016, 05:27 PM
I was there this week for the first time. The price was right, less than $7.00, so how can you complain about anything at that price. But if I was not price conscious, I would say that the salsa was watered down, as well as the refried beans. It is a great meal for the price though.
Ray Roberts
02-03-2016, 06:30 PM
If you really want Mexican Food go to Abuelos in Orlando. About 50 miles.
spring_chicken
02-03-2016, 08:38 PM
Gave them 3 tries, horrible service every time. Twice, I left before being waited on because I'd been there 20 minutes without service.
I go to El Ranchito once or twice a month, and FYI, there are numerous items on the lunch menu that are in the $5-6 range and all come with chips and salsa. I order a la carte because I don't like beans or mexican rice. Never been denied my chips and salsa.
Johnd
02-04-2016, 04:38 PM
Was there last week and got the usual good service and decent food. Like El Ranchito a little better primarily due to the atmosphere.
chuckinca
02-04-2016, 10:10 PM
Love their tortilla chicken soup!
And the Tecate Beer ain't bad either.
.
bbbbbb
11-06-2016, 07:45 PM
The new mexican rest. is ok but is really mexican they said the water was no good. I've been in mexico and that is the way so drink alk e hol. No music from mex service alright not great. Will try one more time in about a month if they are still here.First impression not really good and I love mexican food it makes me sad I was hoping for something great.
From bbbbbb regarding Jalisco
Had lunch there today, 11/6, Enchiladas and beans with Rice, very good and prices were great. Did not have beer but they did have beer, we did not check on the brands. Service was very good.
Their chips and sauce were very good, the coffee was excellent.
At about noon, not really crowded, eat inside or out.
bbbbbb :wave:
bbbbbb
11-06-2016, 07:51 PM
Duplicate
gpkk_2000
12-04-2016, 08:40 AM
We love Mexican food...do not like this place...just saying.
Trayderjoe
12-04-2016, 08:46 AM
We love Mexican food...do not like this place...just saying.
We feel the same way, but friends and relatives of ours like it. Just goes to show that it is personal preference. I like to find out about service and cleanliness and if good, will try out a place for the first time-unless the food quality reviews are so heavily negative.
yesi3putt2
01-09-2017, 12:22 PM
My favorite restaurant in TV...great lunch bargins...pitcher of beer with a center tube of ice cubes and a draft spigot and handle...$6,,,cold glasses..service has always been terrific..never had a bad meal..I''l go back
toto7119
02-28-2017, 04:58 PM
Ay! Jalisco Mexican Restaurant is now open at 1152 Main St in Spanish Springs. We ate there tonight and will go back. Ate at the bar and service was ok and food was very good. Just my opinion. Worth the try!
I love this restaurant I eat there a lot and bring guests from out of town they always want to go back before going home. The food is great the prices are great the flan is awesome and you must try the guacamole and the sangria. I have never had a bad meal.
tophcfa
03-04-2017, 06:58 PM
Never had a bad meal here. Good food at a very reasonable price. One of our go to restaurants.
golf2140
03-04-2017, 09:11 PM
We hadn't been there for a few years. Went there last Wednesday. Great service, good food and a great drink menu Monday / Thursday. Will be taking our golf group there soon.
vBulletin® v3.8.11, Copyright ©2000-2025, vBulletin Solutions Inc.