Cherylynn N.
Yelp
"This is the most exciting thing to open in Willow Glen!", said a guy in line.
No joke because the line was wrapped around the block...at 5 pm.
Nightclub?
Down.
Because this geriatric millennial is usually in bed by 9 pm.
But nope, it's for celebrity chef and James Beard Award Winning Joanne Weir's new Copita Tequileria y Comida location (first location is in Sausalito).
Copita is open for dinner only at the moment.
R E Z Z I E S
Currently, walk-in only with rezzies to come. We got there 15 minutes before 5 pm opening (10th in line) and was seated within minutes.
Rezzies will be available on Resy for indoor dining and ground floor patio dining (dog-friendly). Rooftop bar will remain first come, first serve.
M E N U
Modern Mexican Fare driven by seasonal ingredients. There's different menus for downstairs (full dinner) and rooftop dining (small plates). The entire menu is gluten-free.
Full bar (one on each level). Hope they add a spirit list in the future.
D R I N K S
* Fortaleza Blanco for $10/shot? Hell yea, keep it comin'!
F O O D
* Complimentary Jicama + Cucumber w/ chile de árbol, lime, flake salt
Crisp and refreshing with a citrusy tang.
* Chips & Salsa ($5.50)
A handful of hearty, crunchy chips served with a tomatillo salsa (tangy) and guajillo & roasted tomato salsa (bland). Both mild with no heat.
* Hamachi Crudo w/ finger lime, parsley lime marinade, watermelon, serrano chile, crispy garlic ($17): https://tinyurl.com/bdzzs2ba
Looked and sounded better on paper than it tasted. While a light refreshing starter, it was overpriced. Two thin slices of hamachi halved served over a bland green sauce that didn't enhance the dish.
* Carne Asada Tacos: Flank steak w/ charred tomatillo salsa, caramelized red onion, cilantro (2 pc - $15): https://tinyurl.com/bp8btpfs
Generous cuts of tender asada (temp: well-done) but it was woefully underseasoned with no char/sear. And, one taco was missing the tomatillo salsa. The housemade corn tortillas were fine - uniform, pliable, and chewy.
* Trompo Tacos: Achiote Marinated Spit Roasted Pork w/ caramelized pineapple salsa, cilantro, onion (2 pc - $13): https://tinyurl.com/bp8btpfs
The tender, savory sweet al pastor fared better tho the spices were subtle compared to the street tacos at a traditional taqueria or taco truck. Def could have used more salsa to amp up the flavor and moisture.
* Enchiladas En Mole Oaxaqueño w/ roasted chicken, oaxacan mole, corn tortillas, sesame seeds ($21): https://tinyurl.com/3cpzkn75
Best item of the night! The chicken enchiladas (shredded white meat) were smothered in deliciously rich, earthy, and complex mole with chocolate-y bittersweet notes. Get this!
* Churros w/ chocolate + caramel sauce ($10): https://tinyurl.com/4scnu2en
The churros were hot and crunchy, soft interior with a slight corn flavor. The dark chocolate sauce was the highlight...rich and bittersweet. The caramel sauce was missing.
S E R V I C E
The staff were all very kind and well-intentioned. There were a lot of staff walking around refilling water glasses. But, service was spotty and unorganized. Food runners were confused on where to bring drinks and food. Unfortunately, our apps went to another table who came after us. When our entrees arrived, we told the runner that we never received our apps. He brought our entrees back to the kitchen, only to bring them back again with the apps. By then, our entrees were cold and there was no room to place everything. We had to follow up two times on our first round of drinks which arrived after our food.
A M B I A N C E
Lively two-level space with a spacious ground level indoor dining area and side patio. The rooftop bar has fire pits, couches, and a bar.
Music genre jumped around but luckily transitioned and stayed with Latin pop midway through our meal.
P A R K I N G
Street and free garage parking.
Overall, Copita has potential but like any new resto, has kinks to work out. Mole aside, the flavors were bland/too toned down for my preference but I'm obvs in the minority. Our entrees probably would have tasted better if they weren't cold.
Def come to Copita for drinks and the vibes! Esp if you're looking for The Row vibes (i.e. Zazil, El Jardin, etc) without the scene-y crowd.