Obie Tric
Google
Flores Cocina & Bar offers an enticing atmosphere and flavorful dishes that transport you straight to Southern California or Mexico. However, the poor service left much to be desired, overshadowing what could have been an exceptional dining experience.
The Atmosphere
The ambiance is warm, inviting, and thoughtfully designed, capturing the essence of upscale coastal dining. It’s the kind of place that immediately sets the tone for a relaxed, enjoyable meal. From the decor to the layout, Flores nails the aesthetic.
The Food
The food itself was the highlight of the evening—well-prepared, flavorful, and generously portioned.
• Chips and Guacamole: Served with three distinct sauces, each offering its own unique flavor profile. From smoky to tangy, the variety added a great start to the meal.
• Carnitas (Single Serving): The portion of pork was substantial and flavorful, served with three small corn tortillas, black beans, vegetables, and rice. The issue? Three tortillas were nowhere near enough for the generous portions of sides and meat. While I would have requested more, it was nearly impossible to get the attention of our server.
• Euforia Tropical Cocktail: A refreshing and well-balanced mix of rum, Giffard orgeat, Ancho Reyes, pineapple, and lemon. It was light, tropical, and perfect for the setting.
• Coqueta Cocktail: My companion swapped vodka for gin in this drink, which was an excellent choice. The flavors of raspberry, ginger liquor, and lemon blended beautifully, making it one of the standout drinks of the night.
• Enchiladas Rojas de Pollo: This dish featured poached chicken, Oaxaca cheese, sour cream, spicy tomato sauce, shaved lettuce, avocado, and rice. My companion was thoroughly impressed, finishing every bite.
The Service
Unfortunately, the service was where Flores failed, badly. Despite the restaurant not being overwhelmingly busy, we found ourselves consistently ignored. Water glasses sat empty for far too long, and we had to flag down other staff members just to request basic refills or additional chips. Service like this is a huge miss for any dining establishment.
Adding to the discomfort, nearby patrons allowed their children to run around unsupervised, creating unnecessary chaos. While this isn’t the restaurant’s fault, it certainly contributed to the less-than-relaxing dining atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
Flores Cocina & Bar has everything it needs to be an exceptional dining destination: delicious food, a great atmosphere, and reasonable pricing. But none of that matters if the service is so lacking that guests feel neglected.
It’s frustrating when you’re forced to chase down staff for basic necessities like water, especially when the food is as good as it is here. Until Flores improves its service standards, it’s hard to recommend this spot fully.
If you’re willing to gamble on service, the food is definitely worth trying. But for me, the experience left much to be desired, and it’s likely to be awhile before I’ll return.
⭐⭐☆☆☆