Hernandez’ Hideaway

Reviews

• Kimberly W.

  star star star star star 13 June 2026

  Had a celebration dinner for my in-laws 61st wedding anniversary here. I can not express enough how friendly the hostess/waitress Monica was! She was amazing, attentive and so nice! The Margarita's were delicious (our table of 7 went through 3 pitchers of them :)
  The food was very good, we all had a variety of different entrees. Chicken Chimichanga needed a little more flavor in the chicken but it was still yummy! Great place for a fun evening.

• Bill P.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 9 June 2026

  SERVICE IS THE WORST I'VE ENCOUNTERED IN THE PAST FEW YEARS. AVOID AT ALL COST!
  
  That being said, I used to love this place back in the old days. It's got location, location, location going for it.
  
  And that's it.
  
  Food was extremely mediocre... and that's being kind.
  
  The place was once cute... could STILL be cute... but it's simply not. Couldn't decide if it's the age of the place or the fact it wasn't very clean. Probably both. "Withered" is how I'd describe it... which is the same adjective I'd use to describe the down-and-out-lookin' waitress who served us. Withered by age, yes, but also dry 'n' shriveled by a lifetime of negativity.
  
  My gal asked for a dollop of sour creme for her mundane burrito and this old mare brought out a small ramekin. Good so far, but after we suffered through some of our food, I asked for the check. There was a $3 charge for the dollop of sour creme. Reacting to the look of astonishment on my face, she immediately knew why I was taken aback. I didn't need to say a word. She wheezed out a chuckle like the dry whispering of a mausoleum and said, "Ain't nuthin' for free here". I kid you not.
  
  Her evident mirth at our concerned-faces bothered me to the point where I left a 9% tip off our too-expensive meal. Notice, I should have left her nothing, but since I used to wait tables as a struggling college student, I determined to leave SOMEthing, but at the same time have her understand her behavior was not ok.
  
  As we were leaving I glanced over at her as she was tabulating our check at her station. Maleficent has nothing on this crone. If she WAS a witch... which I considered a distinct possibility... she would have stopped me dead in my tracks with her glare. The evil-est of evil eyes did she cast at me.
  
  As we walked out she croaked in a foul, acid manner borne of a lifetime of inhaling cigarette smoke and exhaling cynicism, "I hope your day gets better".
  
  "It will", I replied, "as soon as we set foot outside".
  
  The owner plainly doesn't care if this once-nice restaurant dries up and blows away.
  
  You decide.

• Jessica B.

  star star star_border star_border star_border 29 May 2026

  I was so excited when we got to this place. Such a charming area by lake Hodges. It is really a hideaway. The place itself is super cute and intimate. Cute Mexican Decore.
  
  They food was So mediocre. Think about you regular chain Mexican food place. Nothing special. More tex mex than real Mexican. Salsa was very bland. Chips were ok.
  
  I got the carnitas plate. ($17) Carnitas were very dry and tough.
  My eating partner got the enchiladas and Chile relleno (17) it was just ok.
  
  Now for the drinks. The margarita was so bad. Very strong but extremely sweet and had a pronounced artifice flavor. Couldn't drink it
  
  Service was not super friendly. Our server forgot half of our Order, never checked on our table.
  
  Overall cute location. So much potential but definitely not worth for me to go back.

• Christel L.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 28 May 2026

  We had not been to Hernandez Hideaway in 15 years and decided to have lunch on the way to Del Mar.
  
  Sat at the bar and watched the margaritas come out of the same dispenser that water and sodas are put in glasses, a place that is supposed have "great margaritas".
  
  I asked for a skinny margarita and was shown a plastic bottle with margarita mix from the fridge. No thanks, had a vodka & soda.
  
  Can' make a margarita from a slice of lime and orange, muddle, add tequila and triple sec, add ice.....
  
  Ordered the cheese crisp with beef. The beef is out of a can, I know because I have bought it at Costco. The food looked awful, cheese only on one side of the plate, beef chunks on top of a greasy tortilla. Shredded lettuce on the side with 5 black olives on top.
  
  Maybe try again in 15 years.

• Sylvain B.

  star star star star star_border 23 May 2026

  Whaaaaaat? I never reviewed Hernandez?
  
  ok 4 stars "for what it is":  a very mediocre Mexican restaurant with a super nice and fun staff, strong drinks, located in a beautiful area and offering a nice patio, interior decor, let's say "great location" and "setting".
  
  Food? meh. I don't recommend, more like a 2 stars Mexican. Now I give it 4 because the vibe is so nice that I will always keep going to Hernandez for a quick drink, a good laugh with the staff and interesting conversations with local patrons.
  
  I love their margaritas (they claim that margaritas were invented there? yeah?). Order an half pitcher, it's cheaper than 2 margaritas.
  Warning: You only need 1 glass or you'll end up seriously toasted.
  
  Biker friendly. Plenty of parking.
  Recommended for a drink or a quick brunch!