We have been to this place a few times and have never been disappointed. The place has a very authentic Mexican feel to it with the decor, lighting and all the various items that adorn the walls or shelves. First, these folks make some amazing salsa. Guess it must be grand ma's recipe :). The salsa with chips are lip smacking but we are not in here for that. I tried the salmon which was done to perfection and the mango in the salad added a completely new twist to the whole plate. Took me a while to figure what was making my palate go bonkers. My wife ordered a enchilada and son had a burrito... No complaints Good service, though they could be a little slow at times. But what the heck, it was Sunday and we had all the time in the world :) Would definitely go back when in the neighborhood
(5)
Jason R.
It's more of a 3.5, but I was very satisfied so I'll play nice and slap on a fatty 4. "Sonoran style" food... so for you peeps not familiar, think Arizona or New Mexico style mexican food. I went simple, a taco and enchilada combo. Knowing it was Sonoran, I knew they'd have the bomb red sauce and shredded beef fried tacos. My enchilada was carnitas. Very filling portion of pork in that puppy, like, a nice hunk of carnitas with good pull, not the most tender in the world, but highly satisfactory. The shredded beef taco (which is "roast beef' on the menu) was even better because it pulled away easily yet was very meaty. Only gripe was the taco wasn't fried to crisp, so the sides fell and wouldn't hold that fried taco form you'd expect. The rice was excellent with corn and some other green pea thingie..don't know the exact name of it...and was topped with the red sauce. Awesome rice. The beans are refried pinto, with a couple pintos not fully broken down. You get a basket of chips and salsa, which were good. You know, the good where you eat so much it's hard to believe you actually have a plate of food coming next. I have pics so check em out, you'll know what I'm talking about for each description. Service wasn't the best, but we were sitting at the bar so...go figure. But if you're in PV, this is the spot.
(4)
Jessica M.
Best Mexi food in PV. I've been eating her fro over 15 yrs. best Fajitas! Best everything. Love love the salsa!! Wonderful service! wonderful owner. I even had my graduation brunch party here. AMazing after all these yrs, it's still the same. LOVe!
(5)
Steve G.
This is a great Mexican place, love there chips and salsa. I recommend the red onion steak salad
(5)
SANDRA W.
The lack of non service became comical after awhile. We were the only ones in the dining room but the waiter never bothered to ask us did we want refills water anything. We finally found a guy cleaning and asked for a refill and he looked annoyed. The food was really good and I would have given a better score if we could have at least passable wait service.
(3)
Chrys T. M.
Holy Smoke! Lousy service! We were NEVER even greeted, just told to "follow him". Our waiter was a short, bad, small mustached man, who didn't even look at us. Said "Drinks?".... once we were finally able to order, he left us COMPLETELY for about 20 minutes until our food came. Someone else gave us our bill and took our money. When we left, we passed 3 people standing around the front and NO ONE said goodbye, or thank you, nothing! SO rude! Taco Bell treats it's customers better. Sad, we just moved here an thought it would be a fun place. Food is ok, not too salty, but the service makes this place below average.
(2)
Steve S.
Been coming here for over 40 years. Never had a bad experience. You can't go wrong with the standard fare like tacos and tostadas. Fajitas look good. My favorite these past few years has been the breakfast fillet mignon. I love their salsa. The place was remodeled in the past year or so. Always clean. Some complain that the service is slow, but it is a lot faster than in most places in Latin America, from what I've heard. Most of us need to slow down and relax a little.
(4)
Diane G.
I have been coming here my whole life when dad was away on business and mom didn't want to cook, to good grade dinners, and then whenever we had a craving for the best mexican food around! They have the best ground beef tacos around, and I enhale their chips and salsa! Glad they are still serving "the Hill".
(5)
Larry H.
I liked the service and location. PV is always a world away from Los Angeles, nestled to quietly in the south bay. However, the night I went, the crowd was skewed on the senior side. Food was good and we received a wonderful complimentary desert as we went out for a friends birthday. Good American style Mexican food, but not authentic.
(3)
Cole M.
I had the best chicken tamale there last week...THE BEST. The chicken was super moist and the corn was delicious. It was also a pretty good size - I would recommend this to anyone who loves tamales. Can't wait to go back and enjoy it with their delicious margaritas :)
(5)
T W.
Best. Tacos. Ever. Seriously only get their tacos. This is my husbands favorite restaurant and I never knew why. The crab enchiladas Are eh as is the chile relleno and the steak salad is pretty good but I just never saw what he saw in RO until I tried the tacos. I am not a taco lover so I never considered them even an option as something I might get until one fateful day when I moaned one more time about having to come here and decided to try what my husband loves to much about this place: the tacos. He likes ground beef but im not a beef lover so I got a shredded chicken and a guacamole taco. They were amazing. The guacamole didn't have any meat which I liked but most people probably wouldn't so I thought I should mention it. Seriously everything about these tacos from the shell to the cheese to be lettuce, is better than any other taco ive ever had. Honestly, I have no idea how this place has a low rating except for the fact that the staff isn't friendly and the decor is pretty old and terrible but expected for a mexi restaurant. The staff could use a cheering up, but I think the decor should stay its quite fitting with the food. This place is usually pretty full.
(5)
David S.
Our serious go-to for Mexican dining. Don't mistake this for traditional or authentic, it's American Mexican food and dining that is satisfying. Super fast service sometimes goes too fast. A PV/RH icon for so many years, and for good reason. A great crew that offers great service, hot chips and salsa that can't be beat, and endless refills that just "show up" mysteriously. Anyway, here's to you, Red Onion!
(5)
Alyssa G.
Very cute place with good mexican food and service. I want to say that it is kind of romantic, both inside and out. I'll definitely be coming here again.
(4)
Nicholas L.
So my Mother offers to take my bro, his gf and me to dinner for my bro's birthday. He loves this place. Let me just recap why I hate this place and why I wish no one ever wants me to eat here with them again *Wouldn't take a reservation for 4 on a thursday night *Waiter was unnatentive and rude *"The Special" sucked an enormous one *The waiter couldn't figure out how to take the pic *The waiter sucked *Did I mention that the waiter sucked? Will I again?...... I would prefer not to but if someone invites me, I'll always give them a 2nd chance. ps Did I mention the waiter sucked?
(2)
Mr W.
Not impressed with this place. Heard good things so I went and got a large carne asada mexican pizza. It was 14 dollars. It was loaded with raw onions and bell peppers that weren't cut small enough and weren't sauteed at all. Basically no meat and the amount of bell peppers and onions was ridiculous. Going to be hard to give this place another shot, I definately would never order the mexican pizza again.
(2)
Mary K.
My Hubby and I really enjoy eating at the Red Onion. My favorites are the carne asada and grilled chicken burritos wet style. Last time I was there I ordered the grilled chicken burrito wet style with guacamole for a few extra cents and it was delicious! I think you get more cheese when you order it this way, so if you don't like extra cheese, make sure to let them know. The tostadas are really good, too! They taste fresh, and they are ginormous! I have a bit of a sour note to add to this review. I am keeping the rating 4 stars, because we usually get good service when we go there. Not over the top friendly, but efficient and reliable. This past visit was good, but the one before that was terrible service. We had a server we never had before (I forgot his name, but I won't forget if I see him again)! It was the strangest thing! He seemed to ignore us and act rushed when I asked for anything, but continuously asked the other people around us if everything was okay. AWKWARD! It wasn't even busy! The only thing I did was request my burrito a certain way when I ordered it. That must have been such a crime, because the service was terrible after that. He was very unprofessional towards us and it put a dent in the good mood that I was in when I arrived. I don't know what he was thinking, but if I ever see him when I eat there I will refuse to sit in his section! I should have complained to the manager that night, but I probably was still shocked about how unprofessional and annoying he was. If i ever experience that again, I will definitely complain...until then I will continue to eat there from time to time.
(4)
Lily W.
Best restaurant on the hill! I've been going there for years and I've never had a bad experience. Best margaritas I've ever had! I have never been able to find one that even comes close to being as good as theres!
(5)
Jamie A.
This is place is a local spot for sure. It is across from the CVS/Bristol farms plaza and if there's no parking in the lot, there is always plenty on the street in front of it. Other than having quick and efficient servers, I love their warm and crunchy tortilla chips which is in a huge basket (not those tiny ones that need to be refilled 3 times ) and their spicy and flavorful salsa (even if it isn't a chunky salsa). Their sweet corn tamale is a personal fav. I have no issues with sweet and spicy foods mixed together, so this is my go-to dish. I usually get their chile relleno and although it is a hit or miss item, when it is great, its more like mmmm, mmmmm good! ...when its not - it is just a bland gooey mess.
(4)
El Cazador H.
A Palos Verdes Peninsula Icon for decades. The last remnance of the old "Red Onion" chain of mid-priced Mexican food restaurants, this flagship restaurant was "carved out" for the Earle family to own when the chain was sold years ago. It has been expertly owned and managed over the decades ever since by founder Bart Earle's son, our host: Jeff Earle. Folks, don't get discouraged by all the parked cars and the crowd in the waiting lobby when you arrive at dinner time; the staff processes diners through swiftly. The crowd and the wait can only mean one thing --- it's good food worth the wait. The food IS excellent and the service is very prompt and helpful. Need more water, BAM!, here's your water glasses. Need another Marguerita, BAM!, another Marguerita sitting in front of you. Need more chips, BAM!, another basket of chips appears -- are ya getting the point here?? Instant service; almost a staff 'pride and passion' thing at the Red Onion. The Red Onion has an amazing employee retention record regarding supervisors, servers and cooking staff loyalty; no one leaves for other jobs -- the staff is advancing into its third generation of young, able talent. So enjoy the food, ambience, and friendly staff. The Red Onion experience is on par with El Cholo's in central LA, but better, if you know your LA Mexican food restaurants. The Red Onion will be around a 100 years. Oh, and a bit of Red Onion trivia: The Ms. PacMan game in the lobby DOES work. It has been a kiddie favorite for 30 years. Jeff Earle makes sure it's always in working condition every day for the kids (and some parents who can't give it up). AND, another thing . . . I've been a regular weekly patron of the Red Onion for over 30 years . . . never had 'food poisoning' (two prior reviews) and left my wallet in a booth one night . . . our server literally ran down the street after us to return my wallet (no chance of ID theft at this restaurant -- another prior dis'ing reviewer who was surely mistaken). The Red Onion staff is hard working, honest, and made up of fiercely loyal and proud workers. Enough.
(5)
Matthew G.
I have been eating at the Red Onion since 1974 and I gotta say, it has not changed much. Sure it has expanded a bit, but the menu is relatively unchanged for the last 20 years and lots of the employees have been working there for many years. The Red Onion is Sonora style Mexican loaded with flavor. I love the ranchero sauce they drizzle on everything form enchiladas to burritos. My favorite is combo #3. Two enchiladas and a taco. The shredded beef is the best of all the choices. My next favorite is the Carnitas dinner. Our favorite server is Max. He is a really nice guy and remembers you and what you like. The Red Onion is great!!!
(5)
Amanda S.
Love their molè sauce! This is the only Mexican food restaurant in the Torrance/RPV area that has great Mexican food for a decent price.
(5)
Kristen M.
Mexican comfort food in the heart of PV. The Red Onion is a PV local favorite. I've been eating here for the last five years (and counting) and it never gets old. Parking is either on the street or in their parking lot that is shared with other business buildings. I'm usually here for dinner with one of my cousins so we can gossip/catch-up since it is also one of her all time favorite Mexican places to chow down. Decor is a mish-mosh of Mexican-American items/photos from ranchers and pueblos. The cantina-esque ambiance is a bit old school, but the food is legit and the service is prompt. You can't go wrong with any of the burritos, enchiladas, tacos, fajitas, taco salads, sopas (which can come in combos, your choice of meat and sides). Since this is a mexican joint you know you gotta order Mexican food. For those who are planning to stray away from that laundry list of options and decide to order a burger or some coconut shrimp skewers, you probably won't be impressed since this isn't their forte. Their mole sauce is delicious. Free chips and salsa at your table. You can request for guacamole (which is SUPERB!) and the fried ice cream is the best way to end your meal. Would I come back? Always!
(4)
Irina S.
Last time we went there were tons of large parties, the service was not up to par- our small glasses of water were empty in 2 sips- on one came and too our order for 10 minutes just gave us salsa and chips and our small water glasses. The food is amazing their tacos are to die for! My boyfriend got the machacca and he said that it was one of the best ones he has had. The salsa is really good too- it has smoked chilis in it and it just makes the salsa. Hopefully next time we go we get better service because we will be back for those taco's
(4)
Ken B.
A hilltop staple, good solid Mexican food and good chips and salsa. Service can be spotty at times and I would like to give it 3.5 stars and would consider 4 starts for what is available on the Hill.
(3)
Eda M.
Love this place! Been coming here for years! Great food, great prices and great ambiance! Service is great too! Best hot chips and salsa! Great place for family dinner, lunch or birthday party!
(5)
Stuart M.
The Red Onion is unfortunately one of the few full service restaurants left on the Hill. That's probably how they get away with their horrible service. Every time I come here the service is terrible. When I complained to the owner (a grouchy, angry looking old man) he made it look like I was the problem!! I told him that I'd been sat there for 20 minutes and no one had even looked at me! He gave me an angry look of "how dare I complain"!! It's not the first time we've had terrible service there. It's very rare that you get good service here. They need to hire more waiters. No doubt they keep the staffing levels down to increase their profits but thats counter productive and the owner needs to learn good customer service as well. Nasty unfriendly people greet you when you walk in and it's downhill from there! As far as the food goes, it's actually not to bad and the atmosphere is decent so it's a shame that the service is always so bad.
(1)
Max S.
This is the last red onion that I can think of. I love it here. Gotta have the strawberry margarita every time!
(4)
Jess K.
We do a monthly dinner with a couple friend, and we each take turns picking a new spot. Our couple friend chose this restaurant, and they were truly apologetic for taking us here! From the outside, looks like a cute cottage restaurant, then you go inside, and its very dark and stuffy. I don't mind bad decor as long as the food is good, however the food was not good! The tamales, had almost no stuffing and all masa, the meat was tough on my carne asada tacos/enchilada. I mean it wasn't the worst, but it definitely wasn't the best. The most annoying thing are their cups. They give child size cups, and I needed to have 5 refills, which probably equals 1 regular cup of water. And getting the 5 cups of water was no easy task. And the prices aren't that great. I don't want to be paying $20 for a decent Mexican food, when I can get an amazing plate of food for $10! Food - * * Price - * Ambiance - * * Services - * *
(2)
Taylor W.
A PV classic! My dad used to come here when he was my age to hang out at the bar. The food is good- authentic Mexican. The inside is dark, but that is to be expected given the age of this joint. I haven't had a bad meal here! I make it a point to stop by the RO whenever I'm in PV. As a side note, people have commented on the clientele being a bit older. My response...consider the location people. Go check it out!
(4)
J C.
we take any chance we get to get us some of the best mexican food around. we are regulars! ! shredded beef gorditas are my favorite. ..or the shredded beef tacos!! best beans!! and ask for avocado dressing to dip your tortilla chips in!!
(5)
Water B.
Old school! In a great way. This place hasn't changed in year. The food is wonderful and the staff is friendly. Pacman machine, Andes mints, low lights, deep booths- very 1980s. We go often and will continue to.
(4)
matt h.
Service was four starts--flexible, personable and timely. But the food....bleah. 1 or 2 stars. I had a veggie burrito. Salty, bland veggies, and sort of a mushie tasteless mess. The guac I ordered at extra cost was possibly the worst I've had in a Mexican (or should it be "Mexican" restaurant.
(2)
Crystal S.
Very good customer service here! All the waiters are pretty awesome! Come here for lunch often, the chips & salsa are soo good!
(5)
Ashlee H.
Loved the atmosphere at this historic restaurant, just wished the food lived up to the hype. I had a chicken enchilada which was good, but the chicken taco was dry & bland. The service was good & they didn't hesitate to serve the birthday cake & lit candles for my uncle's birthday. I'd give this place another try, but choose something else to eat.
(3)
Matthew S.
Been going here since I can remember. Best Mexican restaurant on the hill. Owned by a family n they really run the place well. Service is always fast and efficient. Great place for family and friends to come for lunch or dinner.
(5)
Nikki A.
This is a local restaurant. You go there cause you have to ! The food is ook, nothing special and the service does not add to it. The salsa does not taste fresh and it seems like it took them 3 mins to make. The Guac is just alright with no flavor what so ever ! The chips! Te chips is good (they got two stars not one ! ) Got the chicken supreme deluxe burrito; nothing special. They don't put anything in their normal burritos other than MEAT! eh can I have some beans with that please /.? or salsa?! anyhow, cool ambiance, but service and food suck
(2)
Kelley F.
When I first moved to PV about 2.5 years ago I loved this place. It was our go to place for mexican food with the whole family. I have to say the last two times we have gone to this establishment our service has been less than stellar. This last time we were barely attended to and the wait time for our drinks to start was near the 15 minute mark. By then we hadn't even ordered and the waiter brought our drinks and then hurried off without taking our order. If we hadn't had waited over 45 minutes for a table (they do not take reservations for parties of 4) I wouldn't have been so bothered, but trying to get two youngsters to wait that long for a table and then another hour for food is a bit trying . Service needs to be brought back up to speed. Food is good, nothing to really complain about there but we are in an area that has impeccable selections when it comes to mexican food, I'm sure you can find the same quality of food and better service elsewhere.
(2)
A K.
Delicious food, warm ambiance, it's like coming home! :) Chips and salsa.... Yum. Strawberry daiquiri.... Yum.... Grew up on this restaurant and it always tastes delicious every time! PS-- love the sweet corn tamales.
(5)
Jeoffrey M.
Service is HORRIBLE. We went at 4pm the day after Christmas and didn't have a reservation. They acted like we were an inconvenience and sat us at a table for 4 when we had 6. It was a very bad experience and we will not go back. Service has always been bad even with a reservation.
(1)
Kristan D.
This is only my second time here in about 10 years. The place was very clean, I didn't feel it was super dark and the food and drinks came out really fast! It still has a lot of the really neat ambiance with all of the historical pictures and tiles really enjoyed ourselves!
(4)
Scott S.
This is a great restaurant. One of the main things that most people don't realize about the Red Onion is that they are not just a Mexican food restaurant. They have a very expansive menu. Though I love their Mexican dishes, I really like some of their salads. They are really unique and well presented. This is good place to go. The food, the drink, and the service is great! Recommended!
(5)
Vern L.
Forty years ago, I ate lunch every day with my business partner at The Original Red Onion. When Bart Earle sold the chain, he kept this one because he lived in Rolling Hills, and was there every day at lunch. Flash forward, Bart is gone, and in his place is his son, Jeff, who serves the exact same pitcher of margaritas for $15 and my plate of cheese enchiladas or a wet roast beef burrito, yum !
(5)
Sasitorn O.
Personally, I am not familiar with Mexican Food. Every time my husband ask me about going to Mexican Restaurant, I would say "Maybe some other time" But Today, we are visiting the family and the brother in law just took all of us to this place. First, I wa a newer for this place and had no idea how to get/order for Mexican food. And I am not a bean and rice lover. when I first walked into this place. I felt like home maybe because of the great place with ambiance I looked up on the menu...there are so many interesting items including seafood. Yeah I am a seafood lover...I went straight order my coconut prawns with grilled vegetables and salad. This dish was so yummy, crispy and sweet. Also the free chips and salsa were very good too!. My godson got a kid menu which he got fish filets with fresh fruits. Fish filets were yummy too. The service was good, fast and attentive. It is a great place to visit if you are in this area for sure!
(4)
Debbie C.
I've been coming here for over 35+ years growing up. My favorites are the chicken tacoitos and the beef taco. I still eat there like I was a kid. LOVE!
(5)
Soly Z.
The taco was extra greasy and lacked spice or authentic flavor. The cheese enchilada was gummy and the quesadilla had a fried texture. I wanted to live the Red Onion, but I think the only people keeping this place afloat are PV resident devotees.
(2)
Christopher Y.
Wow...just unbelievable that a place like this even exists in Southern California. I believe the isolated location helps protect the business from real competition. We will not be coming back.
(1)
Michael M.
Where should I start? Hmmmm....oh right....the food. I know this place is suppsed to be on e of the original Red Onions but holy cow....they could at least update the food once in a generation. The Salsa...if you can call it that, is a water tomato paste with a few dry herbs and ZERO peppers. It's pretty close to water downed Ketchup. The Chips were good but didn't really taste like they were house made...nevertheless they were good. The shredded beef tacos tasted like a dirty old shoe that was dripping with oil. The best part of the taco was the lettuce and cheese. Next, we had a burrito, and yep...you guessed it ...that pretty much sucked too. It was overstuffed but not with quality ingredients...it had veggies that looked a day old, the ground meet tasted funky and they sauce was fresh out of a can. I realize there are not alot of options for Mexican on the hill but for god sakes people El Torito is better than this place. Oh by the way, I hate El Torito so giveing them even a meantion is a huge compliment compared to this place. Lastly, the servers were nothing special...I would have expected they would at least be attentive considering the food was not good but alas they were slightly better than a bored group of senior watching a shuffle board match on the love Boat. Ok I digress...all in all not a good place for Mexican. Sorry RO you need to step up yur game and get with program when there are so many better options available within 10 minutes of you down the hill.
(1)
Jenn P.
This is my FAVORITE Mexican food restaurant! with that said, I should point out that while I love the food ( I have never had authentic/home made mexican food) my boyfriend who is used to a home made version of the menu says that it is bland and does not come close to the authentic food. The service there is good, and their chips and salsa are my absolute favorite. One tip for trying this place for the first time is come during the week or not at peak hours because this is a place is usually packed, and I enjoy it when its more relaxed and less noise so I can enjoy the food the company.
(5)
Tim S.
The place is always busy with not a lot of places to choose from on the hill but the combination of the food, service, and ambiance leaves lots of room to improve. The food is authentic-ish but bland and offers nothing special. We go there about once a month and its consistently middle of the road. Not great, but not bad.
(3)
Chris B.
Been here many times in the past. Food is so-so. I like the location & ambiance. Not much to choose from around here.I just don't understand the service. Very efficient, almost to the point that i feel very rushed. Most of the wait staff need personality transplants. Emotionless service. Can't tell if they're mad or what.
(2)
DONNA P.
First time here horrible service "David " our waiter never came by to give us refills and the food wasn't that great!!! Won't ever come back here again
(1)
David a.
Yaesterday, July 16, my daughter got served a bean and cheese chimichanga with a dead insect inside. No matter how tasty the food is, it is hard to recommend a place that let's insects crawl into the food.
(1)
Cynthia B.
The ambiance is really cool. You just don't see places like The Red Onion any more. The bar is fun with loads of interesting wall coverings. More importantly the restaurant is really clean. No dust or funk. Food is old school South Bay Mexican and very good quality. Servers are excellent and attentive. Margaritas come from a gun but are pretty good quality. They are always busy so that is a sign of their years of success. Tacos are my favorite. Yes there are hundreds of Mexican Restuarants in SoCa but this place is special. You don't go there for the food alone.
(4)
Marissa M.
Red Onion catered my wedding last weekend and they went above and beyond the call of duty. The owner himself, Jeff Earle, served at the buffet, and he brought along 4 professional, polite, hard working employees with him. We opted to have him bring his own mesquite grill, which created the most wonderful smell at the wedding while the food was cooking. They set up the buffet beautifully, and brought all of their own equipment. I did not have one complaint from a guest. Everyone was raving about how amazing the food was! even the stuffier elderly guests that I was worried would complain about having a buffet went on and on about how delicious the food was. The provided chips and dip on every bar table for appetizers, and an appetizer station with fruit and cheese choices, and taquitos, etc. We had carne and pollo asada tacos with flour and corn tortillas, and all the toppings, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, lettuce, cilantro etc., along with cheese and beef enchiladas. They stayed late to help bus all of the tables, and even help cut and serve the wedding cake. I cannot say enough about how amazing the Red Onion Catering was. They also did my grandparents 50th wedding anniversary four years ago at their restaurant and that was amazing too. We will continue to use the Red Onion for any future catering needs. Simply amazing.
(5)
Valerie C.
The Red Onion has been around forever, and it used to be good. I hadn't been in a while and recently came here with family for dinner. In the end I had to apologize to everyone for choosing this restaurant, because the food was so bad. There is no shortage of good Mexican food in LA, so to those who enjoy good Mexican food, the sad fact of the matter is that the Red Onion can be considered faux Mexican food at best. Most of what we ordered was soggy, tasteless, and overcooked. On top of that, the dim and stuffy decor is in desperate need of updating. Do yourself a favor and eat elsewhere! I know there aren't that many restaurants in PV, but get a burrito at La Salsa and I guarantee you will enjoy it WAY more than anything at the Red Onion.
(1)
Brad B.
Ok, if you don't love the Red Onion, something is wrong? I love Mexican food. These guys have got it right for years. Keep up the great work RO! Don't change a thing!
(5)
Rick T.
I write this at the risk of having to enter the witness protection program. If you ask anyone that grew up around here...they will sing this place's praise. They'll tell you how many times they've been here, how great the food is, and the amazing memories they've had, etc, etc,.....that's where they should leave it, in the past. This place has some very dated decor, but it's kinda shabby chic. I didn't mind it. It was fun to look at. The part that I do mind is that the waiter treats you like you are bothering him, and moves at his own slow pace. However, perhaps others are better...I won't find out because... The food....that is the reason that I am not a fan. Everything is extremely greasy, and with old tasting oil. The chips were decent, but the salsa tastes like ketchup that the only spice they put in it was black pepper, and a lot of it. I brought the remainder of my tacos home, and both of my kids said it was not good either. They chose to eat Top Ramen instead!!!??
(1)
Eric F.
In some circles of old folk living on the hill, the Red Onion is a PV institution. My parents went here before I was born - so long ago that they had forgotten where this place was and made a wrong turn to get there. My grandmother took a menu from this restaurant and framed it for decoration in her house - this menu dates back to the sixties. She says that this place has had it's share of face lifts over the years, but the ambiance remains largely the same. This is the most authentic Mexican restaurant I've ever seen in the South Bay - nothing but dusty, cranky old white folks, hamburgers and an authentic Ranchero interior complete with a pristine Ms. Pac Man arcade table sitting in the waiting lobby. Okay okay okay, lets be real here - the Red Onion is what some may un-affectionately call "White people Mexican food," IE the Americanized, bastardized version of the authentic cuisine you might actually find down south. The interior is beautiful and gives off that romanticized, Pancho Villa vibe that may or may not be a little far from how Mexican restaurants actually look. The same crabby old folks have frequented this place for years - and by God the gall they have being so rude to the poor old waitstaff. Please and thank you is not in their vocabulary. The food was serviceable - "the tacos are terrible," my grandma warned - and ultimately this is the place people will return to for the ambiance alone. I ordered the chili verde platter. The pork itself wasn't simmered long enough for it to be ultra tender, and the tomatillo sauce lack any real kick. The salad I received with my meal was delicious and fresh. My water was refilled multiple times by habit, and you better believe I thanked the nice man each time he did it. The Red Onion isn't going anywhere anytime soon - the place gets packed on weekend evenings - and that's just fine by me.
(3)
Eli G.
I love eating here. It's a nice sit down restaurant with great atmosphere. I love Mexican food but not from most restaurants. I love everything they serve. There enchiladas are my favorite thing on the menu. It's always fun to top off a meal with a good old fashioned Shirley Temple. It's a great place to eat!
(5)
Christina F.
My family and I love this place. I have been going here since I was a little girl, and it has become a tradition. The food is great, service is great, and the feel of the restaurant is very authentic. If you are looking to build a relationship with a restaurant, I highly suggest it!
(5)
Patrice A.
This review is for January 2013, the last time I was here with my Dad, who was 91 years old and used a walker. We came in from the downstairs door because that is where handicapped are able to come into the restaurant. The problem is that there is no seating available for handicapped folks to sit on while you wait for a table unless you sit at a table that is made up for a meal. We did that and got chewed out by the owner at the end of our meal for taking over a table while we waited. We ended up staying at this table for the meal. A cousin was visiting from the East coast and wanted to have Mexican food. The owner/jerk made his feelings known in front of everyone in the restaurant and our table. I am giving this 2 stars because of all the good memories from eating here for 40+ years.
(2)
Greg P.
3.5 stars that gets bumped for locale and attentive service. This place is a highER end mexican joint. It's kinda pricey for what it is but the quality is very good and the service is always attentive. I like to get the fajita trio which comes out sizzling (a very look-at-me dish). I like the food but could do w/o the show. =-) It comes w/ chicken, beef/steak, and shrimp. The shrimp are huge and justify the premium price alone. The chicken is moist. The beef/"steak" is sometimes hard to chew and obviously a cheap cut which is to be expected for fajitas but maybe they could cut it into smaller pieces maybe then? Chips and salsa are good. The house salsa is a VERY mild red sauce w/o any black pepper which I like. I just wish it had a little more kick. Chips are never stale, sometimes warm, sometimes not and always full. I never wait on a refill of chips, salsa, or drinks here and I've been for lunch on the weekend and dinner on a weeknight. Believe it or not but parking can fill up on a Friday or Saturday night. This is the only time to be careful though. During the week or weekend day, it's never a problem. There is a big private lot and plenty of street parking.
(4)
Sandra M.
I had made reservations for six but two of our friends couldn't make it so when the four of us arrived the host was extremely rude and said we no longer had a reservation. I totally understand thier policy but don't accept their rudeness! !! Will never dine there EVER... we went to the Depot in torrance with NO reservations...Amazing! !!!
(1)
Tracy F.
You just have to love the Red Onion! I've been coming here since I was a kid and it is the ultimate in comfort food for me. The servers are attentive and friendly and the food is always tasty. Great for families. :) They do a nice job with catering as well!
(4)
Melvin M.
It's very dark inside. The food is average American style Mexican food. It's a fun place to go with friends. The drinks are great!
(3)
Shirley P.
I love the atmosphere and ambiance. Great food and a wonderful place to meet friends and family.
(4)
Kate L.
It is really a place where everyone knows your name. This Red Onion is kinda out of the way where only people in the area go. Therefore, regulars. The food was fresh and large volume for the price. Loved the drinks. We had a large party of 9 and the waiter was super cool to do seperate checks for us. Awesome!
(3)
Bob A.
What can I say about the world's BEST place for Mexican food? Well, it all started back in 1967, when my Dad got transferred from Nor-Cal to So-Cal, and we immediately discovered this great new restaurant near our new home in PV. We went there at least monthly, and the staff (especially the waitresses) knew us as if we were family, within the first year of our being steady customers. This went on until 1973, when my Dad got transferred out of the area, however, any time I've been back down there in Southern California over the years since, for either business or pleasure, I've always tried to make it there for lunch or dinner. Amazingly, nothing has really changed there in all these years... especially the style and variety of the food, thank you God! It's always a real treat when I can make it there for lunch, and in fact, I have ALWAYS used the food at the Red Onion as the "Gold Standard" by which I've judged any other Mexican food I've ever had. Long story short, I still love this place, and have many fond memories of our many family visits there. (In fact, I still have a couple of menus from the '60's, as well as a commemorative T-shirt, items that were given to me years ago by our most favorite waitress who worked there for it's first 30 years or so). Bottom line... if you love Mexican food, this is the ONLY place to go!
(5)
J B.
This is the best Mexican food I've ever eaten in a neighborhood as white as PV. Large portions, attentive staff, cozy dining rooms, fine experience.
(4)
Ap L.
Consistently good food, drinks and fast service. Owner and staff have years of experience making this a favorite of the peninsula.
(5)
Kandi H.
OMG!!! I can't believe that I've lived in PV for over 20 years and I've never eaten here until this week!! PV has never been known for fantastic restaurants...I think the restaurants up here only stay open because the residents here are too lazy to drive down the hill!! In the last couple of years, better restaurants have opened. With that said, this is an oldie but goodie. I agree with my fellow yelpers that this is not the best mexican in the south bay but it's pretty good. I ordered the tamale and taco plate. The pork tamale was delicious: masa was moist and pork was flavorful and juicy. The carne asada taco was yummy: beef was tender and moist and the taco shell was freshly fried (greasy). The plate came with 2 sides (choice of rice, beans, grilled veggies, etc.) I was disappointed with the sides I picked (grilled veggies and mexican potatoes) but the free chips and salsa made up for that. This place is rather pricey for mexican food but I think you are paying more for location/convenience than the food.
(3)
mandy s.
The atmosphere is alive and fun (not too loud though), the food is always amazing, and the waitstaff and support staff are incredibly helpful. I love coming here for Mexican food! It's as close as it gets to Mexican food in California.
(5)
Ren B.
Great place with ambience. Lots of seating and excellent food that is CONSISTENT. I always get the chili relleno and sweet corn tamale (#15). Tonight, I tried the coconut shrimp and it was heavenly! There's ALWAYS a wait. It gets crowded!
(4)
Louie B.
Had a dinner meeting here with my employer and coworkers. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was comfortable. I had the carne asada/filet mignon.. tasty! next time ill try something a little more mexi like a wet burrito..
(4)
Norvell T.
Oh Jeez...where do i even begin. I had a meeting in PV and was told the Red Onion was one of the best Mexican restaurants around. WOW, ok I'm down! Ambience is pretty cool, very dark inside but I didn't come for that. I came to chow down on some good grub. Ok, I usually judge an authentic Mexican restaurant by their guacamole. It was completely bland and must have been mixed days before. You can tell the real deal against imitation crap mixed with mayonnaise. Strike #1. The tap water wasn't doing it for me so I decided to try my hand at a house margarita. Seriously, it was the sugary crap I could get at my local grocery store. Strike #3. I was hungry so I ordered a carne asada chimichanga AND the crab enchiladas. WHY OH WHY do people not tell you if its Imitation crab!!! A serious pet peeve of mine. The whole dish was terrible, I took one bite and left it on the table. Strike #4 I ate half of the chimichanga and just couldn't take anymore of this nonsense. Completely flavorless, and looked like it was frozen before. Strike #5. Oh, and not once did the waiter come by and ask how my meal was, or ask if I needed a refill. I had an empty glass of water and the tiny margarita sat empty as well. Strike #6. I think I was in the restaurant a total of 20 minutes if that tells you anything. LA has so many Mexican restaurants available, I hope to God that PV has better options than this crappy establishment.
(1)
Lacey H.
I grew up in PV and this is my family's go to restaurant. We went here after every football game and when our kitchen was being remodeled, it was our second dinner table. Food: Delicious! Tacos, enchiladas, burritos, chips and salsa are all wonderful! Now living out of the state, I compare every mexican restaurant to this one. You can't find a better tostada anywhere. Try the avocado dressing. Amazing and so unique! Service: They are fast, attentive, very kind, and just wonderful. Many of them have been around for 20+ years. They know our family and are great to see familiar faces after so many years. After all this nostalgia and praise I have decided to take away one star because of the owner. Three generations of my family have dined at his restaurant weekly since it first opened. He can't seem to recognize us or jolt familiarity from our name. Our last name isn't that difficult and a family of 6+ is hard to miss. I hope it is just a case of bad memory and not bad business.
(4)
Joan S.
Well, after eating here for the first time, I waited a few weeks to write the review. Not a good idea, 'cause my old cobbwebby brain has fuzzied up the details. For example, I can't recall if my lunch dish was from the appetizer menu. I got a Mexican pizza, which was the perfect size for one hungry person's meal. The pizza had beans, cheese, and the typical nacho ingredients. There were chunks of green pepper on it that were were raw, however, not to my taste. There was also red onion (no surprise), and decent guacamole. See my photo. I scraped off the sour cream, don't like that on Mexican food, only on baked potatoes. Overall, it was pretty good, but not the best I've had. About a 3-star dealio. Another detail that is fuzzy is the price of the pizza. I think around 8 bucks. I do recall it was not overpriced. Red Onion is one of those old skool restaurants that it's fun to visit at least once. I love to learn the history of these places: Red Onion had multiple locations years ago, the first one being in Inglewood, in 1949....if my memory of what I read on their menu serves me correctly. The Palos Verdes hill location, at which I had my lunch, opened in 1963, and is the last remaining of the chain that was sold off. In the 60's, local residents rode horses to this Rolling Hills restaurant. Things have changed, but the area is still horse country. I see people on horseback all over the place, but these days not in the business districts. The recipes used at Red Onion are those of the current owner, Jeff Earle's, Mexican great-grandmother. Some of the servers who work at the restaurant have been there for 30 years. I wondered if my server, Carlos, was one of them. He did a fine job. Red Onion has multiple rooms, and I wandered around and took a few photos. The decor is rich, colorful, and includes landmark pictures & the customary celeb memorabilia here and there. I appreciated the oversized thick paper napkin. Skimpy napkins are a pain! And the complimentary chocolate mint patty, post meal, was a nice touch, too. Very old skool. I think there were other points I wanted to mention, but dang it.....I forgot.... I need a nap.
(3)
Brittany R.
This is my favorite restaurant! The food is fantastic! Everything I've ever ordered is absolutely delicious. I also love the decor! There are multiple rooms and every one is unique. I absolutely recommend this place!
(5)
Sean M.
I've been going to this place for years. It is always tasty and well made. The wait can be long on a Sunday night so I recommend calling in a reservation. One of my favorite things to eat there is the carne asada quesadilla. It is stuffed with very tasty carne asada, you will not be hungry after. Their salsa is a very nice mix with a little bit of kick but not so much that anyone is excluded from eating it from being too spicy. All in all this place is a winner. I've been coming here for years and will continue to for many more.
(4)
R S.
PV Institution. Our family has been eating there for over 40 years. Warm, cozy, yet spacious. Chips and Salsa...yum! 2 Chicken Tacos a la carte...yum! Don't forget the chocolate covered mint with the check...a must! (Do nor leave without it :) )
(5)
Sylvia P.
This place has been a PV classic since I was a kid, and way before. Peeps from Rolling Hills even used to ride here (horses, in case you were wondering). Although the owner can be somewhat stern and aloof at times, and the service a bit abrupt, this place is a PV fave and the cantina is cool (despite the "Mexican Justin Bieber" music, according to my son).
(3)
morgan m.
Oh Red Onion, how much I love thee. I come here a couple times a month and look forward to it the days leading up. Yes I am looking forward to the company and great conversations that come with it, but the food. Oh the food! Best Mexican restaurant I've ever been to. I usually get the chicken tostada salad. A crunchy tortilla on the bottom, a layer of yummy refried beans, shredded chicken, cheese, lots of romaine lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole... And the italian dressing is phenomenal with it! asdfn389iu3jbjk4 lkif9c Oh sorry, I was wiping the drool off my key board. I can honestly go on and on with the food but I'll spare you. The wait staff is AMAZING. I love them! AND a great wine list. I'm sold! I love the Red Onion.
(5)
Matthew P.
We attended a reception at Red Onion after a wedding. Good food and time. But I'm writing this review because of the generosity of the GM Jeff. I left my phone at the restaurant on a week I could not afford to be without by business phone. Jeff overnighted my phone to me within a few hours of me calling him. Hats off to his extra level of service and flat out doing the right thing. Thank you Jeff, that type of service is rare these days sir!!! -Barry
(5)
Maica D.
Tucked on top of the hill is the Red Onion. This place has amazing Mexican food. The environment is set to make you feel like you're eating inside an old villa. The service is very friendly and helpful. They start you off with water and chips and salsa. The salsa is pretty good and the best part is that you can get seconds, thirds, fourths, and fifths!!! But in all seriousness, if you're looking for a place to go celebrate, or even just have dinner this is a perfect place to go. They even reserve a special "love birds" section for those who reserve the spot in advanced. Side note: the place gets really busy during dinner time on the weekends so parking might be a problem. Other than that, eat, converse, and enjoy!
(5)
Albert K.
I have been to this restaurant many times. It has been few years since I have been to Red Onion. My friend wanted Mexican food, so i decided to go to Red Onion. Me and my friend went here last saturday. When we got there, it was full and people still waiting to get in. We waited about 30 mins before we got seated. Once we got seated, we got the menu and in about 10 mins, the waiter came and asked if we were ready to order. I ordered an appetizer which was two taquitos and a combination wet burrito. The food was really delicious. The service was great and the waited came by to check up on us to see if we needed anything else. I will definitely come back again.
(5)
Kris R.
I came here on a Thursday afternoon with my friend and her grandparents who have literally been coming here for over 20 years. After them always talking about it, I was dying to try it. From the very first moment we walked in the waiter was extremely rude. The place was EMPTY and we had asked if we could sit at a table in the corner because that's the table they always sit at. The waiter said no and that it was reserved for a bigger party. We then asked if we could sit at another table that had more light and he said that one was reserved too. We thought it was odd because the restaurant was completely dead but didnt say anything and just sat where he directed us to. Our waiter was very short and rushed and not very friendly. All of us are vegetarians and are very cautious about meat. I had ordered two cheese quesadillas with rice and beans. When they brought out the food, I saw and could taste meat in the enchilada. I politely asked if there was anyway I could get a new plate because they had accidentally put chicken or pork in my enchilada. The waiter said there was no meat and it was only cheese. We began arguing because I was in awe that the waiter would question me and think I was lying. He actually opened up the enchilada in front of me and pointing with the fork that there was no meat. I told him that I didn't want to argue about it. All i asked for was a new plate of cheese only. And if there's anyway I could get a different server or a manager because obviously he was acting like the food was coming out of his paycheck. He said "ill be happy to get you another server because this isn't working out for me either. That'd be great for me." When a manager arrived I explained the situation and he stated that there was no meat in the enchilada. He was arguing too! I asked politely if I could just get another plate. He brought me ONE enchilada. Not two like I had ordered or any rice or beans. Just ONE ENCHILADA on the plate. AND he had admitted that the sauce in the enchilada was pre mixed with pork so indeed there was MEAT in my CHEESE ENCHILADA. And he didn't even apologize. SO RUDE. Come the bill. We were charged for two enchiladas, rice and beans although I only got one enchilada. My friends grandparents had recognized the owner and mentioned something to him. He was so nonchalant about the whole situation. He did take my meal and my drink off the bill. When he retuned with the bill, he said that there was a discrepancy between my "story" and the waiters "story." I thought this was extremely rude as well. Why point this out to me? The customer is always right. And in this situation, I actually was right. I'm a server as well and am NEVER rude to waiters and never write yelp reviews but I had to in this situation.
(1)
David K.
My burrito was sitting in oil. The way it was, they had to pour some oil on the plate then place my burrito in it for it to come out like that. I would recommend the Mexican place next to Wells Fargo in the peninsula center for better Mexican food. Just kidding but you get the point.
(2)
Ruth A.
3 of my favorite meals here: Red Onion Steak Salad - thick sliced, tender strips of filet mignon, over mixed wild & baby greens, Mandarin oranges ( menu says tangerines ) glazed pecans, slice avocado, papaya slices, and excellent blue cheese ( or feta ) This salad is a delightful feast ! "Dieter's" Chicken Salad - tender, white meat chicken, on mixed greens, with thick sliced fresh mushrooms, large tomato wedges. This lovely salad takes on a delicious, non- dieter's spin for me: I add bacon bits and some of their salsa to the salad, get their green, avocado dressing and thousand island on the side, and use both for dipping the warm tortilla chips I have with along with the salad. Very enjoyable and satisfying ! Chicken Mole Dinner - half a very tender, falling off the bone, roast chicken with a great mole sauce ( mild, slightly sweet sauce made with chocolate, raisins, almonds and ancho chiles ) Served garnished with sprigs of fresh cilantro, and your choice of two sides: my top choices have been: Mexican Style Potatoes, Mexican Zucchini, Black Beans, Grilled Vegs. Recession Fighting Tip: All three of these entrees are generous enough to serve two or take home a good amount for another meal at home.
(4)
Stephanie v.
This is a great, Sonoran style and authentic Mexican restaurant in Palos Verdes. The food is really good, inexpensive and speedy. I deduct one star for a sometimes-Surly staff, but the restaurant is always packed, so it's hard to argue with its success.
(4)
Kevin S.
A very nostalgic place for me, been coming since we were wee tots. And you know what, very little has changed. I give them five stars, not for amazing cuisine or stellar service, but rather for solid consistency. Even the decor has remained largely intact. It's a place I can go any time I want some comfort food. I see that old wooden sign is still there and it sets my heart aflutter. It's your basic Ameri-style Mexican food. And it's very cheesy weezy ooey gooey '80s style too-much-dressing-on-the-salad solid. Mmm 'kay? Pssst - It's not on the menu but ask for an order of empenadas. It's been my dad's favorite secret menu item for years.
(5)
Vernon M.
I am a chef in the south bay area and have worked over ten years split between LA and SF in fine dining establishments. That being said there are many food trucks that serve better Mexican cuisine than the red onion, if you don't know well now ya know. Unless you are arriving to belly up to the bar to drown your sorrows with tequila then this is probably not the place for the aware consumer, "foodie" a term I use and loathe simultaneously. I had the fajitas and they were very bland and served with dry meat, my wife had tacos which were bland and tasteless as well. As for the margaritas they taste like bottled mix and cheap booze. Methinks not I will not be back.
(1)
Manny H.
Over hyped!!Service is good but the food is overly salty and always covered with melted cheddar goo. This place needs to go back to basics of Mexican food.fresh,savory,spicey.this place is better at appetizers and Booz than food.
(2)
Myra B.
I never thought I'd get so angry at a waiter but life can be surprising. My family and I came in to eat lunch on Sunday and ordered all our drinks, we and one other family were in the restaurant and it took them 20 min to return. We were already starving and finally were Order, apparently when ordering a ground beef burrito they don't put anything but the meat inside I asked if he could add rice and beans inside the waiter said no.....I say oook why? He said one either rice or beans and it would cost 3 dollars more because that would be a "combination" burrito ...I never heard of a Mexican restaurant deny me....rice and beans in my burrito that's just....unheard of.... He said they put it on the side though.... My boyfriend then asks for a wet chicken burrito and asked what came inside, he said just chicken.... So basically they want you to unwrap your wet burrito and put the ingredients inside yourself..... He then proceeded to ask if I wanted rice and beans on the side and said can I get both sides rice w cheese, and he repeated one side rice....it was as if he was trying to get a reaction from me....I felt my face heat up and I wanted to scream wth don't you understand his attitude was so crappy just really rude and inconsiderate. Each persons order was like a chore and there were 10 of us so you can only imagine the frustration... I know the refills are free but don't expect another one after the first cup because they literally try and avoid contact with you after you order. I've been coming here since I was a kid and it just seems like the place just hit the fan completely when the food came everything was soggy or just straight up dry. How is it even possible for a wet burrito to be dry? Blows my mind and my burrito was just straight of grease wrapped in a tortilla.... W rice and no cheese....I began to wonder if I was actually in a Mexicansrestaurant or not....if the waiter is an older male, whose English is terrible w a mustache, just ask for another waiter, even better maybe just go to a different restaurant.... Like Taco Bell, yeah I went there.....
(1)
Chris O.
This place was pretty spot on. Mexican food was good, margarita's good, service good. I have family that has been going there for over 20 years and the owner still doesn't greet them as though he has seen them before, I find that interesting! Regardless, I would return if I was local. O
(3)
D M.
I have been going to the Red Onion for years. It is a PV staple and I can remember going there once a week with my parents growing up. I can also remember going to the cantina after work with my coworkers. The servers have all been there so long that I think it's the one place on Earth where they don't ask for my ID. The food is pretty good. They have some great tostadas and chimichangas. I almost always get carne asada. Last time we went I did not like the salsa as much. It used to be chunky and fresh and now it's a little soupy. Parking is easy since there is a parking lot and plenty of street parking. The decor is pleasant, nicer than El Torito. It can get pretty busy at dinner time on the weekends.
(4)
John M.
The Red Onion has been a landmark in Palos Verdes for over 40 years. The atmosphere is excellent and the food is delicious. When my daughter was 5 the whole wait staff gathered in amazement to see her eat the chips and salsa.
(4)
Andreas R.
I've been here a hand full of times for both lunch and dinner. MAKES RESERVATIONS ! Especially Fri n Sat night. We did and also saw about 15 people standing in line. I got the wet taco burrito. Very good, 8/10. Fast service, and they always come back for refills on chips/salsa and drinks. We didn't have the friendliest service this time. A couple in our group ordered the guacamole sauce and it had a very odd color, looked alien like in fact. Prices are reasonable. Parking is plenty as you can park on the street.
(4)
Jeff R.
This restaurant does well because there aren't a lot of options in the immediate area. But the food and drinks are very average; in fact, although the food is not bad, it's probably below average for Mexican food in LA County. Service is uneven too. Tonight we ordered margaritas on the rocks; they came blended. We ordered beef flautas; we got chicken. It's an OK option, though, if you are in the neighborhood and don't want to go far afield. The servers are friendly, and the chips are nice and always served warm.
(2)
Emily D.
Red Onion's chicken tacos solved a lot of my problems throughout the 18 I spent growing up in this awful town. This D. family haunt is one of the 5 things I like about PV, and look forward to experiencing when I am forced to come and visit. Today, for probably the 19,000th time, the D. family returned to the Red Onion. We had a good meal. We always do. Those damn chips and that damn salsa.
(5)
Lisa S.
If there's ever a strong earthquake, I hope I'm not eating here. There's a shelf running along the sides of the walls above the tables and booths that is weighed down with various books, lamps, and other paraphernalia. Just looking at it all made me nervous! My experience here was probably closer to 3.5 stars. The waiter and servers were extremely attentive. They even directed me to three different restrooms when the others were full, just so I wouldn't have to wait. I ordered two tacos with beans and Mexican zucchini. The tacos were oily but tasty. The meat was tender and the flavor was good. The beans were average. The zucchini was gross, however. I wouldn't order that again. I even ordered two tacos to go, since they offered ground beef filling, and that's all my grandma can chew. It was a nice experience, and I wouldn't mind going back.
(3)
Robert F.
When I was a kid, I loved the Red Onion in Riverside. Specifically, I loved their chicken chimichangas, which were the ultimate in cheesy, sour creamy goodness. Sadly, the place closed down many, many years ago, along with the entire chain (or so I thought) So when my job took me to an office in Rolling Hills Estates, just before dinner time (and on a day when I had skipped lunch and was therefore starving), and I discovered a Red Onion right next-door, I was thrilled. I went in and, naturally, ordered a chicken chimichanga. And it was nothing like I remembered it. Gone was the gooey cheesiness. In fact, gone was the cheese entirely. It was just a fried tortilla stuffed with white meat chicken. That's it. The meat was pretty moist for white meat, but still, that's all it was. And it fell apart every time I cut into it, so I was basically just eating pieces of chicken, with an occasional piece of tortilla attached. What's the point? My waiter ignored me, and yet fawned over the table next to mine. Good chips and salsa, though, I will give it that.
(2)
Michael L.
The tacos here are AMAZING! Hand made crispy tortilla shells, lots of filling, excellent salsa, and great seasonings on the meat. The Machaca and Egg taco is my favorite by far. The Huevos Rancheros are good as well, and so are the Burritos. In fact I have been coming here for quite some time and I dont think I can recall when I have ever had a non-satisfactory meal here. This is easily my favorite mexican restaurant in town.
(5)
Syd N.
This place is always crowded & I don't get it. I've eaten here three times & my food was cold twice. I ordered a shredded beef burrito & it was totally cold (not luke warm) in the middle. And my nephew has had gastrointestinal issues twice. Not good...
(1)
Sayuri K.
Food was way too greasy. I wasn't very happy with the price for what I got. It's not an expensive place, but I was just very unhappy with the quality and size of the food.
(1)
Reecker M.
This place has a solid menu, but I have to tell you that the clientele is on the older side. If you want to enjoy a well prepared meal then this place is a solid choice, but I wouldn't suggest you bring a date here unless they like watching older folks gum their food. This place is far from hip, although definitively well portioned and tasty. Come on Pa!
(4)
Scott G.
Like most people I have been coming here for years. The food is good (not the best mexican in the south bay though). The quality of the service is very hit or miss. The wait staff seems to have a big chip on their shoulders sometimes.
(3)
Howard L.
Nice place to have Mexican in southern California. I was brought here by a colleague, and Red Onion has a nice ambiance to it. They have an extensive, albeit "Americanized" Mexican menu. I particularly enoyed their chili relleno, which was quite atypical in that it had a nice egg battered coating.
(4)
Nic N.
The Original Red Onion is a great place to eat. It is mexican and also has burgers and sandwiches. My favorite is the machaca taco. Fajita combinations are also good. Drinks are also good. However, there is usually a 15 minute wait to be seated for dinner. The place is huge and could host parties too. Servers are always super nice. This place is pretty family friendly too.
(4)
Jeremy L.
Wow, I have mixed feelings. The food was good. But our waiter David was a complete a** I recommend this place but this server is a complete prick.
(3)
Salmon H.
There are few dining choices on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. This place has been serving Sonora style (a milder variety of Mexican food) for many years in PV. I went there as a kid, and the place is still going strong. The food quality and quantity are decent, the food a little bland, but it is always served promptly and on a hot plate. The service is generally very good. The waiters are professional, and it's easy to get water, chips, coffee, tea refilled when you ask . . . Sometimes it gets busy and you have to wait, but the staff does their best to keep things moving. Pros: Consistent menu items, reasonably priced, nothing too exotic or spicy. Cons: the food is a little bland, but that's what salsa is for!
(3)
Nina I.
An all time favorite. We have loved the Red Onion for 30 years now. Employees are cheerful clean and fast. The food is always fresh and tastes wonderful. Great margaritas too. Try their sizzling fajitas.
(5)
Susan K.
Casual and fun and always comfortable. We love coming here after an evening walk. The servers are friendly and seem to anticipate what we want before we ask. Last night we sat at the bar because there was a 15 minute wait for a table & we were served in seconds. Better than a table or booth. The chips & salsa are always replenished and so tasty. we said we could live on chips & salsa & tequila. We each had a cheese quesadilla and loved it. No complaints at all. I like place where you feel at home & like you are remembered & people smile at you. Very happy with Bart Earle's Red Onion.
(4)
Janie S.
Used to be delicious and wonderful - but not anymore. It's a beautiful looking place but unfortunately the service and the food don't match up. Nothing is freshly prepared; the lettuce is bagged, the chicken tastes like prefab cut slabs of something that used to be a chicken breast and the chips are stale and taste like lard. It is the ONLY restaurant on the hill large enough to accommodate families and large parties and that's the ONLY reason it's busy. 2 stars for my watered down skinny girl margarita.
(2)
Kathryn R.
I guess that anytime you read a restaurant review you have to remember that food is a very subjective thing. If I was coming to the Original Red Onion looking for the best, or most authentic, mexican food in LA County, I am sure I would be somewhat disappointed. That said, I have never had a bad meal or bad service here. I should add that we tend to eat early--around 4pm--so we usually don't have to wait for a table. Between my husband come here about once a month and I we have eaten just about everything on the menu. We always start with a double Margarita on the rocks and they are very good--not too strong, not too weak. I usually gravitate toward the more traditional fare--ground beef taco (the seasoning on this beef is amazing IMHO), cheese enchilada, chili relleno or a delux tostada, but the real joy here are their non-tradtional menu items. The "carne asada" is actually filet mignon covered in a spanish-style sauce--it melts in your mouth like buttah. The blackened orange roughy is also delicious, as is the chili colorado. The little tamale they serve with the carne asada is a little gem. Our favorite server is Fidel.
(5)
Scott C.
Waiters are rude! Food is great! So I just I get it... to go! --- Update I love ground beef! The last time we went for my birthday was crazy. The place was almost empty, but we had to wait about 5 minutes to be seated. Then when I tried to order off the children's menu, for my little niece, there was a debate with the waiter on her age. I told her to show him her drivers license, but I was the only one laughing. Then my wife bumped the light switch. We didn't know it was on the wall. We thought it got a little darker. We got a stern talking.. "Sir, how about we NOT play with the lights... thank you". Well that just started my fun of the lights going up and down, for the rest of our dinner. When I complained about the service to the manager, he just looked at me and said ok... with a slow eye roll. He must have heard about the lights. Oh well we have moved out of PV, so we won't be back anyway. But I really like the food.
(2)
Jane L.
Yes, I've experienced better Mexican Food at trucks or stands. The food was a little too "westernized" for my taste buds. My husband ordered the tacos and enchiladas. I got the tostada. It's not that the food tasted bad. The tacos were glorified versions of Del Taco's taco supreme. The tostada was mushy with too much cheese. However, I'd like to insert that the carne asada meat was incredibly delicious. Maybe we were expecting too much after all the raving reviews. My husband and I like the tacos we ate at Mexico...Tortilla, meat, cilantro, onion, and some bomb salsa is all it takes.
(2)
Grace W.
I LOVE YOU RED ONION! Walk into this friendly, festive environment and work your way to the back of the restaurant. Plant down at the bar where Abel, Carlos, and the rest of the friendly staff will immediately give you a basket of warm, fresh chips and salsa. Order a Cadillac margarita, an appetizer platter, catch the game on the tube and enjoy your life. When you're here, you're family.
(5)
Pamela R.
The place was nice, but not what I was hoping for when I went. After reading such great reviews I think I had my hopes up to high. I ordered the fish tacos and they were okay but I think I learned that I don't like orange roughy, especially grilled. I can't help it when I want fish taco's I want them breaded. My husband got the carne asada plate and it was a mixture of old and fresh cooked meat. They have great guacamole though... really enjoyed that. We don't think we will be returning here, and I wouldn't highly recommend the place.
(3)
Michael B.
So like everyone has said, the building is neat. Lots of rooms. Lots of stuff on the walls. Makes it a cute place. The service was good. Waters were never emptied. The food though was the most boring "Mexican" food ever. Taco Bell has more flavor. I had a cheese enchilada, a beef taco, and a chili relleno. The taco was so greasy that the hard shell was soggy, the enchilada was pretty good but the sauce was really bland. The chili relleno was wrapped in egg rather than battered and fried. Again bland and boring. We went for a friend's birthday and any time she wants to go back, I will go. Other than that I wouldn't bother.
(2)
Carly P.
My family and I took my best friend here over the holidays b/c it is her fave restaurant. I had not been here since 1999, and I remember the food to be great. I was starving, and ordered a combination platter--which came cold. Our water was not refilled. We sat in the bar for happy hour and they did not seem to happy to serve us food, although there were other people dining in that area. I did not complain about the food because I was so hungry, but I probably should have. For the money and the awesome atmosphere, it was so not worth it.
(1)
Frederick S.
This place was good. Our waiter was mostly good - he was prompt but when I asked if the bill could be split, he refused. Nonetheless, the food was great -- I had fajitas and my friend had enchiladas. Would definitely go back when staying in Ranchos Palos Verdes again!
(4)
KIRK M.
The Red Onion. Been there a long time, I've been going there for almost 40 years - (since i was a kid). Had not been there for a long time, we moved away, and recenlty came back. The food is good, the nacho's are great. The pricing is average. I like the food, the personel and the seating. It is quiet inside, service is fast and friendly. There is a bar area in back, a library for seclusion,. I love this place.
(4)
Esther L.
Pretty good for mexican american food. Definately not authentic if thats what you're looking for. Enjoyed the huge basket of free chips and salsa. Good standard guacamole. The prices are reasonable. Tried the Enchilada, Pork tamale, Sweet corn tamale, and beef Rellenos. Everything was suppperrrr cheeeeezy... good if ur a cheese lover. I was excited to try to sweet corn tamale.. it was just OK. Service was good =D Ambience is super cute.
(3)
April V.
We finally visited the Red Onion after several recommendations. We waited about 15-20 minutes for a table which I didn't mind. The decor inside is really neat and I enjoyed looking around. The service is very fast, but very impersonal. The food is AWFUL though. Chips and salsa were just ok. I ordered the crab burrito with Mexican veggies and potatoes. The crab was unbearably salty and thick with cheese (I like cheese, but this was gross). The zucchini was bland and the potatoes were nothing special. I took one bite and couldn't stand to insult my palate anymore. My bf ordered 2 enchiladas and a relleno. The enchilada sauce was the grossest enchilada sauce I've ever tasted. It tasted like a sour black pepper tomato sauce. I don't think he was too impressed with his chile relleno either (it looked a little weird, wrapped in egg instead of a fluffy egg batter). We had ordered a couple of basic margaritas while waiting which were OK. Nothing special. Then with our meal we ordered a pitcher which was 99% sweet and sour mix. Gross. All in all, it was the grossest Mexican food I've ever tasted, which is why it went straight into the trash. We really wanted to like the place, but were sadly disappointed. Coming from southern New Mexico I feel like we really know what good Mexican food is (I understand this is Sonora style food, but I've had much better in Tucson, AZ). I would have much rather spent the $48 tab somewhere else; what a waste of money and a Friday night.
(1)
Raymond F.
Would you like some harsh tasting Mexican food? You've come to the right place! I don't understand why they are so popular. It's truly a mystery. The lines go out the door, even on weeknights. Maybe it is because the prices are very reasonable. But the food is so mediocre I can't see why people flock here. Servie is fair. It took forever to get a refill on my water. Don't go too late and order soup. It must be prepared early and then left there to stand for the rest of the night to get thick and doesn't taste good by about 8PM. Their beef tacos and cheese enchiladas are the best thing on the menu. Their chicken tacos taste like cardboard. The restaurant is noisy because it is so crowded and tables are packed together. Lunch time is a much better time to go there as they aren't crowded and the service is better. The food is the same though, not very good.
(2)
Michelle F.
I have been to this restaurant many many time with my friends and i have to say that this place is Amazingly Delicious! 1. The interior design of this restaurant is awesome. It has a very home/Mexican style to it. the lighting is perfect, not too bright but not too dim. it can set the mood for anything. 2. A good way to choose a good Mexican restaurant is by their salsa, and honestly nobody beats the salsa at the red onion. 3. The service is great. All the waiters are very attentive! 4. The Mexican food there is a bit Americanized but it is exquisite. I have tried different plates there and i have never been disappointed with any of them. -If you are a meat lover i definitely recommend eating Carne Ortega. - if you are there just to pick at food and have some drinks i recommend the combination platter which is under appetizers. you can never go wrong with that. All in all, this a good place for anything. To take your family or just hang out with your friends. I definitely do not recommend to go on a Friday night because it gets really crowded.
(5)
tavia l.
eat here all the time!!! I love this place!
(5)
Ana M.
I recently visited this restaurant with my family, and although the food is good. Our waiter "David" made this visit quite unpleasant! We haven't experienced this level of bad service in quite a long time. It was very disappointing, because I thought this was a great little place for Mexican food. It might be a while before we return or recommend it to friends. If you choose to dine here, please request to sit in Tony's section. He is quite the waiter!!
(2)
Bridgyn O.
Probably not the most authentic food but it is damn good, DAMN GOOD! Can you say sweet corn tamale, not if your mouth if stuffed with one, and mine usually is. I can say I have not had one bad thing of the menu yet. NACHOS ORNELAS get them, I mean NOW. Covered in chorizo and guac, they make the meal start out oh so right. Always a good day when a stop here is involved.
(5)
Nicole V.
This Palos Verdes institution offers a family friendly atmosphere and great takeout. I have found a salad here that makes it hard for me to order anything else - the "Red Onion Salad" with chicken. Granted, it's not Mexican, but it is SO GOOD. Mixed lettuce with strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, pear, mango, pineapple, apple, candied walnuts and avocado. The chicken that you can add to the salad is not overly seasoned and always very tender. No need to dressing here - the flavors of the salad are just that good. I've also had their steak salad with a funky neon-green avocado dressing. They give you a nice 6oz steak fillet, broiled to preference. Tender, moist, delicious. Chips & salsa are addicting, fajitas are sizzling, and prices are fair for the portions you get. The only knock I have on this place is the service. On more than one occasion, I have felt virtually ignored or given the impression I was wasting time for the waitresses (only when served by the older women waitresses).
(4)
Julie P.
NEVER go here, unless you are 90 years old. They seat who they want to seat, when they want to seat them- regardless of the time of your reservation. No thanks James Earl- entirely too rude. They also strongly discourage young children from eating there and cater to the 80+ crowd.
(1)
Scott W.
One work meh. I went here for lunch, after many years of not living in the area. I remember it from my childhood. Well to start the place is very dark, and I don't like the decor, years ago they had great pictures from the 1914 revolution now it's a bunch of sports crap on the walls, not very authentic in my opinion. The server spilled my margarita on my lap and the drink was not strong in the least. I ordered fish tacos and Carl's Jr. makes better ones, they use frozen fish, lettuce instead of cabbage and no spice sauce. Really bland and soggy. This place has gone down hill and I will not be returning.
(2)
Chris W.
I seem to be on a Mexican food review kick right now. I have been here a few times over the years. Food is passable...no horror stories or anything crazy to complain about but nothing stands out as a must have. Table salsa is good as is the service and ambiance. I can only find 2 complaints about this place, one is that the beverage glasses are super small requiring many refills and my second gripe is with the avocado ranch dressing...its bright green and a thick sour cream-like consistency...but it does taste good. Bottom line, its a bit kitchy but it delivers a decent product in an interesting and different dining setting for the area. The menu is expansive so you are bound to find something you like whether you are a carnivore or not.
(4)
Tom C.
The best Mexican food in PV. Really fresh chicken tacos and salsa. The margaritas are top notch as well. Gets busy on weekends even though the place is huge.
(4)
Todd L.
Only good place on the hill. If you are looking for quality and margaritas...this is the place.
(4)
Laurie W.
This place serves great Mexican food. It's also a great place to take people who don't like Mexican food because they also serve burgers. I love the atmosphere inside this restaurant. It's really cozy. The chicken tacos are pretty good. It's not my all-time favorite Mexican restaurant, but it ranks fairly high!
(4)
Mel B.
They have the best tamales on the planet. For serious. Some of the other patrons can be a little snooty, though. They tend to look at my bf and me like we're going to steal their wallet (we might not!). Also, the margaritas could be stronger. Still, they're pretty damn tasty. And I love the salsa. You should eat here.
(3)
Suzy B.
Once you try the Red Onion salad you will be hooked. It's different than any other salad I've had and healthy.
(5)
Vonnie S.
This review would have had one more star but I was so appalled by the service received I had to knock them down a notch. We had gone fairly late in the evening (8:30p) and had beat any dinner crowds on a Sat. night. The place was fairly empty although the parking lot seemed packed. The environment was cozy and it seemed like a nice place ot be for a family dinner. There seemed to be enough on the menu to satisfy everyone's appetites so you appreciated that they had a variety of dishes to choose from. The evening went downhill when the waiter showed up. I am not sure if he was upset that people were coming in at the end of the shift or if he was bothered by the fact that my companion and I were a mixed couple. Whatever the case, he was visibly rude to us and didn't seem to relay that same rudeness to the other guests. Our waiter (David) was a complete jerk. He barely opened his mouth to speak and provided little to zero eye contact. He served me a margarita that tasted like it had ZERO tequila in it. The crab enchilada on the menu only provides one (vs. the normal two). When I asked him for clarity, he seemed irritated that I had a question. When I asked him if I could add an extra enchilada for an additional fee, he rudely told me that he would have to charge me for the full price of the meal. After my eyes stopped glowing red, I kindly reminded him that he would do no such thing and that he would charge me just the a la carte price since I wasn't asking for double rice/beans. When he brought our food out, he literally tossed the plate infront of my bf and was just absent the whole time we ate. The icing on the cake, we were still speaking as we were putting the payment receipt on the table. Our waiter proceeded to come over and snatch the receipt off of the table asking, "Is this for me?" and walked away. It took every restraint in my body to not get up and snatch the receipt back out of his hand. It is too bad that the service was so horrendous since the food (not the drink) was actually pretty tasty. I've had great memories of the Red Onion as it was our family dinner spot on Sundays. This experience (one worth calling management about) has changed that.
(2)
Scott S.
The Red Onion has a great atmosphere, filled with all sorts of strange artifacts and things to look at through out the restaurant. It is also located in a great spot as it is one of the few if only Mexican sit down restaurants in the area. Too bad that's all it has going for it. The food is sub par. Their mole sauce was one of the worst and driest I have ever tried. Their chiming was mushy instead of being crisp. Everyone at my table complained how tart of the Sangria was. The service was unfriendly and did not come by even though I was dieing for a second drink. It is great that they are very well set up for big groups and large families. However, they are not will to break up checks or do anything extra to cater to their customers. Overall, I wouldn't run out of your way in order to try The Original Red Onion. I give them 2.5 stars.
(2)
Debbie T.
This is the greatest Mexican food on the planet, and I've tried them all. I always perform the salsa test: If the salsa is phenomenal, usually, the food will be too. This place gets crowded, so be careful about showing up without a reservation on weekend evenings after 5:00.
(5)
Robert A.
Go to the website bomb.com , click the tab mexican food, and at the top you will see the Red O. A true landmark and the best mexican food in the south bay. It is located on the hill which is perfect to keep flatlanders and undesirables away. The ambiance is great and the outfits the staff wears adds even more to the expercience. The chips and salsa are second to none. I recommend the chicken fajiatas, chicken tacos, enchilidas, and rick and beans. I can't wait to go to this place again. Anyone who gives this place less than 5 stars knows little to nothing about mexican food.
(5)
Nicolle B.
Do NOT go here. My mom was a victim of identity theft after using her credit card here for take out. Her credit card was copied and within 24 hours someone had charged $600 on her card around the Torrance area. We are positive this happened due to the charge at this restaurant and all of the charges were local to the restaurant. The food may be pretty good but not good enough to deal with the hassle of credit card fraud.
(1)
C L.
The food here is just not good. This is "Mexican" food circa 1955 -- heavy, greasy, processed cheesy. In a city like Los Angeles, there's just no reason to eat here if you truly like Mexican food. Plus, the decor is dated and dingy and the service is lackluster. But none of this is why people keep packing the Red Onion. If you are from PV (especially if you are a long-time native or have children), sooner or later you will end up at this restaurant, and when you do you will see half your neighbors there, too. If you are looking for good Mexican food nearby, I suggest Ortega 120 in Redondo Beach. The service can be hit or miss, and it is more expensive. But you get what you pay for. The quality of the ingredients is excellent (no processed cheese). The food is sophisticated and creative, but still authentically Mexican. The atmosphere is more adult, too. Try the street taco combo and a handmade margarita. If Ortega 120 sounds fancier than what you want, try Riveria Mexican Grill, also in Redondo. The Mexican food is much, much healthier and tastier than the Red Onion's. I love the shrimp tacos. The atmosphere is very, very family friendly with a definite low-key, beachy vibe.
(1)
C B.
This is a great local mexican fave. I'd give it 5 stars if it were cheaper, but it can get pricey. The margaritas are great, the food is yummy, the location is nice. All the locals go there- and often you will find people riding their horses to the place...YES, horses!
(4)
bran p.
The service here is awesome, and I'll give them props for it. Expect food somewhere in zombie land between Taco Bell, and El Torito. It ain't grand. But it's affordable. It's PV. The folks here seem to care about the patrons. The salsa is tasty. They give you options besides beans and rice. What more is there to say.
(4)
Lynn R.
I give this place 3 stars for the food, and a whopping 5 stars for the charm and ambiance! When you want to feel as though you've taken a trip to Puerto Vallarta, head here! Charming decor and cozy booths and various sized tables throughout the three dining area rooms. Avoid the back room straight ahead when you walk in the main door. A little dark and removed from rest of the restaurant. Food is good, with an incredible selection guaranteed to please the fussiest eaters (meaning....Meg-Ryan-me)! A wait for a table most of the time, but you can while away the time in the cozy bar sipping a margarita. Service can be hit or miss. I love this place and always look forward to my next visit!
(4)
Beelz D.
Sad, but true. Red Onion has been around for years and used to be a decent place to grab Mexican food. We've now had 3 bad meals in a row here, and bad to the point of not feeling good after the meals. The house marg is barely drinkable. They used to be pretty good! The service was awful. The last time, no one came to our table for the first 10 minutes. Unfortunately, it's your only choice for Mexican food in P.V. unless you want La Salsa. So if you're desperate: stick with chips/salsa/gaucamole, the fajitas, and a beer. I hate to give an old local place a bad review, but it has gone way down hill. If you feel like making a 10 minute drive, go to Ortega 120 in Redondo Beach. It's fairly new to the South Bay and it's really good.
(2)
Heather H.
Good stuff, the Red Onion. The best place on the hill to get Mexican food, for sure! I, of course, am spoiled in this area because I live in San Diego where the whole city is one big delicious place to get Mexican food, but I can't hold that against Red Onion. Good food, good service, good atmosphere, and not too expensive. We go here often when visiting friends and fam. in P.V.
(4)
Ron L.
The last few times we've been there the service has gotten progressively worse. I think the waiters have been there too long. It's like a union job - they don't care because nothing will happen to them. Last time I asked for water with lemon for my beverage. I got the water - once - and never got the lemons. Their beef tacos are atrocious! Greasy and bland doesn't begin to describe them. With the combination plate I ordered the taco was served in a puddle of grease. It's kind of sad. As someone else mentioned, it is a gorgeous place in a great area, but the food has become second rate. I sure hope they can fix it up. Thanks for looking.
(2)
Jennifer M.
Nice service and overall establishment. The fish tacos are excellent!!!
(4)
Scott M.
Good stuff and nostalgic for us natives.
(5)
Blanca N.
I'd been to this place a few times before but just for margaritas and an appetizer, but last night my dear husband and I had a full dinner. The meal started off well enough with the tasty salsa and the freshly fried chips. I ordered the combo #1 which consisted of a ground beef taco (crispy) and a chicken enchilada. Neither were bad, just rather bland and nothing to write home about, ya know? The chicken in the enchilada was shredded chicken and the ground beef was again, kinda flavorless. DH had a chicken quesadilla that looked like it was almost fried crisp...i don't know how they would do that, but anyway, it was a'ight. The chicken at least had a better flavor since it was grilled. Since I have had the margaritas before and liked them we decided to splurge on a pitcher (no we are not lushes, the waiter said it would serve four drinks and was a good value). Bad mistake. For some reason the single serving of margarita does not translate well to the pitcher of margaritas on the rocks. It was very sweet and syrup-ey. We had to add water to the glass just to be able to tolerate the sugar high we were getting. I only gave this place three stars because our waiter and bus boy were very good. They were attentive and friendly and made it a nice experience. Overall, the Red Onion has a nice ambience and average Americanized Mexican food. I would go back, but again only for a drink and an appetizer before crossing the street to my favorite movie theater.
(3)
Danny T.
This place is not good. My sister and I got food posing!! May look nice but the food isn't. What ever you do, do not go here, unless you want to get SICK!!!!
(1)
Grace K.
I've been here a few times. I mostly like their ambiance and service. Their chips and salsa are decent. I've tried a few things on their menu. I only like their chicken tacos. Everything else I've had is so so. As long as I get my tacos I'm fine.
(3)
Patrick C.
i hope this place will always be on the Hill. the interior is festive and cozy, the staff is friendly and helpful, and the prices are great too. i had the machaca burrito and it was tremendous... perfecto! this is one of those places that when you get there, you hope it will always be there... i got a lotta love for you red onion... hope to bring my kids here someday... you are hold a very special place in our hearts :) viva red onion :D
(3)
Christopher W.
#7 all the way. Best rice and margarita's around... Ohhh if I was back home right now I would be hitting up the Red Onion and taking down two beef tacos, rice and a margarita... It's a true hideaway!!!
(5)
Alex P.
This place is a local favorite - I've been going here since I was a kid and my review is undoubtedly biased on that account. But I love this place: the chips and salsa are top notch, the food is good, the staff is fine, the value is reasonable, and the ambiance is nice. I usually get a burrito of some sort, and I'm never dissapointed. It's not the same kind of authentic Mexican you can get elsewhere, but it's good. This is one of the places I always go back to when I'm in LA. That says something, methinks.
(4)
Chris K.
You know you're not at a good Mexican restaurant when you see no Mexicans or Latinos in the establishment besides the workers. Food is sub-par at sub-par prices. Service sucks. But they do give you chips and salsa. Also the drink glasses are way too small and the waiters don't come by too often to refill them. Good atmosphere though. Chris Kim doesn't feel the need to describe the food because it's not worth describing. This place was meant for white people who can't tell the difference( sorry if that offended anyone).
(2)
Kevin C.
I've been eating here since I was a kid. The mojitos are amazing. The food is always delicious, and the service is always prompt and friendly. Often times the owner, Jeff Earle, can be seen walking around and helping out. I love this place!
(5)
Matthew J.
I love eating here though I rarely seem to. Their salsa is nice and spicy and the food is great!
(5)
scott w.
I love this place. Such great food, such good service, very nice and traditional. I love going here with friends, and having great food!
(5)
L. G.
I've been eating here my whole life, and I enjoy it every visit. The food is good, and the atmosphere is just great. This place is huge but very cozy. It is dark inside and there are trinkets and a bunch of other crap all over the walls that really makes you feel at home. The chips and salsa are good here, and the staff all wear "authentic" Mexican getups (to complement the "authentic" Mexican food). Watching the ruffly shirts and occasional sombrero walk by your table is comforting albeit degrading. Prices here aren't bad at all, they give you a good amount of food. I always order a combination plate, for example a taco and tamale, that comes with two sides. After the chips and the combo I'm completely stuffed every time for about $10. Not bad at all. Sweet corn tamales and Albondigas soup here kick ass. Recommended.
(4)
Jesus H.
The food is pretty good, but a couple of my friend have gotten sick from eating here. I usually order the carnitas wet burrito, which is good. Although yesterday I started to get a stomach ache after a couple hours of eating the burrito. It's a nice place but don't know how well their food is prepared. It also took the waiter a couple times of passing by us to remember to get us a refill. They don't have great parking either, so you might have to walk a bit.
(3)
Paul F.
This is another place that I have eaten at repeatedly over the years. In fact, it's my favorite Mexican restaurant in the South Bay. I've ordered a number of things and the food is consistently good. I will say that the food here seems more authentic Mexican to me as opposed to what you get say at Acapulco, which to me seems "Americanized." I knocked it down one star because I am not a fan of their margaritas. I do like the bar area, something about the decor just makes it feel comfortable, but I don't consider it a good place to go watch a game. Parking can be a hassle, and we often end up parking on the street. The service is always great, and they have great chips and salsa. I am perplexed as to why the water and sodas are served in such small glasses. The wait staff have to make repeated trips to refill them. They do a great job, but they should just get bigger glasses.
(4)
Janet P.
This is a memory packed place since I've been going for the last 38 years. Nothing changes. I think even the servers are the same. Yikes! The food is consistently good (the refried beans are the best every) and unhealthy; the service consistently mediocre. They come to the table, say hi (on a good day), take your order, deliver it, clean the table. Honestly, that is it. I will always go back, it's just part of the memory trip.
(4)
Nic G.
I've been coming here since I was a kid, and it's always been a family favorite. Very classic Mexican dishes. While I've had just about everything on the menu, I always gravitate back to the Carne Asada hard shell taco. Paired with a Cadillac Margarita, it's really hard to beat. The salsa is great, and is thoughtfully delivered with a plastic spoon so that you can shovel it all over whatever you are eating. If it's busy, it can be a tad slow, but that just gives you time for another Cadillac...
(5)
Rick Jacuzzi s.
The Red O is always good. I enjoy the tacos and a margarita. They have a nice cantina where you can watch a game or just throw a few back. The employees are always friendly.
(4)
Dan H.
When I was a teen my best friend lived in the neighborhood right above this place, so we were frequent antagonists to the staff. Now neither of us lives anywhere near the South Bay, but every few years we make the slog up PV for a blast from the past. Since LA discovered "real" Mexican cuisine a decade ago, old fashioned Sonoran places like this (what your Grandma would've called "Mexican" - unless of course she actually was Mexican) have dwindled. It's nice to occasionally enjoy beefy, crispy, cheesy things pasted to the plate with good ole stick to yer ribs refried beans and rice, washed down with an extra syrupy Roy Rogers (or two.) They have a huge menu, and most everything comes prepared with a choice of ground beef, roast beef, chicken, carnitas, or shrimp. The ground beef is moist and spicy with none of the annoying "bits" the supermarket gb has been inflicting on us in the last few years. The roast beef and carnitas are both dense and mouthwateringly flavorful. Portions are big, prices are reasonable for where you are and what you get. Save room for sopapillas for dessert. $10-$20 per person. If your car sucks take Hawthorne instead of Crenshaw up the hill.
(4)
Melissa V.
Worst service I have ever experienced at a restaurant. My husband asked the waiter if they had Horchata, a traditional Mexican drink- the waiter looked at him disgusted and said: What is that? Obviously they did not carry Horchata. We got our food reasonably fast- late afternoon- decent. Not anything truly authentic. The topper: when the waiter brought us the bill he tossed it into our basket of chips- that we were still eating. Haven't been back since.
(1)
Shane and Kelly K.
By far, this is the greatest Mexican food ever. I've been coming here since I was a wee little one and the quality is always superb. Several years ago I introduced my husband to it and he fell in love. Since then we have moved away from the area but every time we are in town we stop by two to three times. We recommend the chicken soft tacos, cheese enchiladas, sweet corn tamales, the rice, guacamole, and of course the salsa. Stop by next time you're in the PV and fall in love.
(5)
Wynn S.
When we get down to Palos Verdes, we always make a point of eating here. We enjoy the restaurant and it's food. You won't be dissapointed with the Carnitas, but be prepard to be full!
(4)
Gina L.
Yikes. I stopped eating here when this place received a "C" grade a couple of years ago. Ok, it was a couple of years ago, but the place has been there forever & is in DESPERATE need of a good clean. The bathrooms are not clean & just peaking into the kitchen is a fright. This place is the premiere Mexican place on the hill because it is the ONLY mexican place on the hill. The food tends to be on the bland & greasy side. If that is the kind of food you like, go big.
(1)
Jason U.
Excellent Mexican food, especially the combos. Well priced, quiet atmosphere. and lots of cool artifacts from the old brown derby. It even has a table top Mrs pac-man in the lobby. how retro eh.
(4)
michele m.
When I heard there was still a Red Onion around I couldn't believe it. We had to have our Margaritas they were very tasty and the chips were so good they were gone in no time we had to stop ourselves before we spoiled our appetites. Not to mention the food was delicious.
(5)
Aly D.
this place has been here as long as i can remember. once extremely avoided because it got a big fat C from the health department, this restaurant now flourishes as the only decent mexican restaurant on the hill (well... it is the ONLY mexican restaurant. La Salsa does not count). 4 stars for the giant portions, burritos dripping with cheese, and the massive quantities of guacamole that they give you, not to mention that it tastes rather good. -1 star for the iffy service. sometimes you go and its great, other times you arrive and the waiter grunts at you and ignores you throughout your dinner.
(4)
Amy C.
When I have the craving for consistently good Mexican food, I usually head to the Red Onion. It's some of the better Mexican around that isn't found in one of those sketchy areas. Their menu is large and comprehensive, and has cuisine other than Mexican for those who aren't fond of it. I had a grilled cheese there one time and it was good as well...but I don't know how one can screw up cheese and bread! Anyway, great tacos, good enchiladas, but their margaritas haven't been up to my standard. They were almost too tangy for my tastes. Other than that, I haven't had a bad experience. Note that Friday and Saturday nights can be crowded. If you want a good family environment, head to the Red Onion! People have been going there for years, judging by the clientele (lots of senior citizens), and many families on my block in Pedro make the weekly trek up "the hill" to dine there.
(4)
Helen P.
Good food, with a twist, a few items done in an original way, Guac is a little bland, but salsa is tasty, though not chunky. The staff is great here, I was on a date and they led me to a table with a few loud children in the next booth. The host immediatly decided (without my input) that he would find us a quieter table....fantastic. It has a real local feel and there s a wonderful mix of patrons.
(4)
Alan P.
I love the food! I live almost walking distance. The service is to the point of being rude. I have tried many times. And we have never been able to leave much of a tip. So now I order the food to go, because it is that good. But they are even sometimes rude when I pick it up. It reminds me of good Tex-Mex. I'm from Dallas; But this place would never make it in Texas.
(2)
Kelly T.
The one reviewer was right, you always run into PV people you know here. And the other reviewer's right. This is what "Mexican food" meant in the 1960s.
(3)
Christian C.
this is another restaurant that i have been to off and on over the last 25 years or so, since i was a small child. this place has awesome decor. its got the white walls with dark wood and dim lighting. i dont know, this is just how envision a mexican restaurant to look like inside. this place has awesome chips and salsa. the chips are arguably the best i have had anywhere. i do think that Las Brisas in Redondo Beach has better salsa though. i always get the fajitas here. i think that they are delicious, and i usually end up comparing other restaurant's fajitas to these, but then that is probably tied to childhood nostalgia. the thing i remember not liking is the sauce that they put on top of the rice, but their beans are good. this is probably closer to a three star restaurant, and is not really athentic (authentic, shmauthentic....have you had authentic mexican food from mexico....most of it is pretty horrifying if you dont know where to go), but this place is so old school and established, you have to respect that.
(4)
Adrienne R.
I love this place. Traditional Mexican food. The chips and salsa are good (the first indicator the whole meal is going to be good). I like to get a combo plate since I can never decide. You really can't go wrong. And on the night I want a "lighter" meal, I like their salads that you can get with carne asada, chicken, or carnitas (my recommendation). The wait on a weekend night is insane though and prices aren't exactly cheap but you will not be disappointed by a meal here.
(4)
Johnnie J.
Bart Earle's Red Onion is an excellent restaurant. Not only is the price very fair for what is offered, the restaurant is a clean and comfortable place to eat. After you're seated at your table, you are immediately served chips and salsa! While looking through the menu, you'll find a whole plethora of Mexican dish offerings. These include but are far from limited to tacos, enchiladas, burritos, soups and fajitas. What's great about this restaurant is that you're able to order combination plates. Basically, you can order a burrito any style from a list. Then, you can choose a few side dishes with the burrito from another list. Reading the other reviews here on Yelp, I had no idea that this place once received a C. But, it appears to be clean now!
(4)
Tim c.
Sonoran Mexican food I've learned to enjoy from years in Arizona. But uninspired: nothing to get excited about or justify the price.
(3)
peter b.
We've not found any mexican restaurant to be better than this place. We eat there about once a week. Service is very good and prompt. We love their combinations and tostadas. The carnitas is the best around and the chili con carne and chili verde are perfect. The tamales are also very good. Sometimes just a beer and nachos fills the bill. The decor is warm and welcoming. They have a few areas with historic or sports memorabila on the walls, fireplaces etc. They have a cantina if that's what you want. I give this place the highest recommendation!!
(5)
J S.
I've always loved this place. The food is very consistant from visit to visit. It's very comforting to have familiar faces, patrons and employees, all around you.
(5)
Arturo M.
This is almost mexican food. The food is decent but not authentic nor a value nor special. The ownership is good and the staff is great but I doubt that the restaurant would be the first choice of the Mexican staff if they were holding an event.
(3)
Richard S.
If you've lived in PV for any length of time, you know this place has had its up and downs. It's been on an up-swing for the past few years, and offers one of the few authentic Palos Verdes dining experiences. What I mean is that you can come here on a Friday or Saturday night and actually see the different levels of PV just hanging out and enjoying their meals together. It's a shame so few people understand that underneath all the richy-rich stereotypes about PV, we really are just normal people looking for a decent place to eat. The food is good, on the same level as any El Torito or Acapulco, which means you know what to expect and there are no big surprises in either the positive or negative sense. And the bar's really nice too. You can get the basic Margarita or spend a few extra bucks and they'll put in the Patron for you. I find that I actually enjoy waiting for a table because the bar has such a nice vibe to it. Overall I'm really impressed with this place and my wife and I come here often.
(4)
Lucas F.
The food, while not truly authentic as some reviewers have noted, is good nonetheless. The service is pretty good, though they can be slow in refilling the drinks. Considering the fact that they serve water in glasses the size of shot glasses, you can become parched rather quickly. Aside from that, my only other beef is with the owner. We have a stroller that is on the large side, though it is certainly smaller than many of the double-wides that I see these days. We are regulars and the staff has always been very accommodating when it comes to seating us with this. One day, the owner was seating customers and nearly turned us away. He told us that they don't allow those in the restaurant. It must have been opposite day or something since it's usually the staffs that cause problems at restaurants and the owners that come to the rescue. After a few moments of reflection, he did the favor and seated us, though it was clear he still wasn't happy. Considering that this is PV and there are a lot of families with kids in the community and in his restaurant, one would think that the owner would want to be a bit more flexible since the "Coco's eating" generation which accounts for a fair amount of his business will be gone one day and he will need us. We still go there, but that incident left a bad taste in our mouths.
(3)
Juliet F.
Red Onion is my family's favorite place to eat. I love the home-cooked feel of the food and the cozy atmosphere. Lots of tables, so the wait is never too too long, and the service is usually fast and friendly. The menu has a large selection of everything you would expect from a Mexican restaurant, plus a good range of American items (burgers and fries, various sandwiches). The salsa is really yummy too--not too spicy. My favorite thing on the menu has to be the sweet corn tamale. The margaritas aren't bad either (there is a full bar). The only complaint I have is that the drink cups are too small, and you sometimes have to flag someone down and beg for refills.
(5)
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
Address :736 Silver Spur Rd
Rolling Hills Estates, CA, 90274
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
Abe K.
We have been to this place a few times and have never been disappointed. The place has a very authentic Mexican feel to it with the decor, lighting and all the various items that adorn the walls or shelves. First, these folks make some amazing salsa. Guess it must be grand ma's recipe :). The salsa with chips are lip smacking but we are not in here for that. I tried the salmon which was done to perfection and the mango in the salad added a completely new twist to the whole plate. Took me a while to figure what was making my palate go bonkers. My wife ordered a enchilada and son had a burrito... No complaints Good service, though they could be a little slow at times. But what the heck, it was Sunday and we had all the time in the world :) Would definitely go back when in the neighborhood
(5)Jason R.
It's more of a 3.5, but I was very satisfied so I'll play nice and slap on a fatty 4. "Sonoran style" food... so for you peeps not familiar, think Arizona or New Mexico style mexican food. I went simple, a taco and enchilada combo. Knowing it was Sonoran, I knew they'd have the bomb red sauce and shredded beef fried tacos. My enchilada was carnitas. Very filling portion of pork in that puppy, like, a nice hunk of carnitas with good pull, not the most tender in the world, but highly satisfactory. The shredded beef taco (which is "roast beef' on the menu) was even better because it pulled away easily yet was very meaty. Only gripe was the taco wasn't fried to crisp, so the sides fell and wouldn't hold that fried taco form you'd expect. The rice was excellent with corn and some other green pea thingie..don't know the exact name of it...and was topped with the red sauce. Awesome rice. The beans are refried pinto, with a couple pintos not fully broken down. You get a basket of chips and salsa, which were good. You know, the good where you eat so much it's hard to believe you actually have a plate of food coming next. I have pics so check em out, you'll know what I'm talking about for each description. Service wasn't the best, but we were sitting at the bar so...go figure. But if you're in PV, this is the spot.
(4)Jessica M.
Best Mexi food in PV. I've been eating her fro over 15 yrs. best Fajitas! Best everything. Love love the salsa!! Wonderful service! wonderful owner. I even had my graduation brunch party here. AMazing after all these yrs, it's still the same. LOVe!
(5)Steve G.
This is a great Mexican place, love there chips and salsa. I recommend the red onion steak salad
(5)SANDRA W.
The lack of non service became comical after awhile. We were the only ones in the dining room but the waiter never bothered to ask us did we want refills water anything. We finally found a guy cleaning and asked for a refill and he looked annoyed. The food was really good and I would have given a better score if we could have at least passable wait service.
(3)Chrys T. M.
Holy Smoke! Lousy service! We were NEVER even greeted, just told to "follow him". Our waiter was a short, bad, small mustached man, who didn't even look at us. Said "Drinks?".... once we were finally able to order, he left us COMPLETELY for about 20 minutes until our food came. Someone else gave us our bill and took our money. When we left, we passed 3 people standing around the front and NO ONE said goodbye, or thank you, nothing! SO rude! Taco Bell treats it's customers better. Sad, we just moved here an thought it would be a fun place. Food is ok, not too salty, but the service makes this place below average.
(2)Steve S.
Been coming here for over 40 years. Never had a bad experience. You can't go wrong with the standard fare like tacos and tostadas. Fajitas look good. My favorite these past few years has been the breakfast fillet mignon. I love their salsa. The place was remodeled in the past year or so. Always clean. Some complain that the service is slow, but it is a lot faster than in most places in Latin America, from what I've heard. Most of us need to slow down and relax a little.
(4)Diane G.
I have been coming here my whole life when dad was away on business and mom didn't want to cook, to good grade dinners, and then whenever we had a craving for the best mexican food around! They have the best ground beef tacos around, and I enhale their chips and salsa! Glad they are still serving "the Hill".
(5)Larry H.
I liked the service and location. PV is always a world away from Los Angeles, nestled to quietly in the south bay. However, the night I went, the crowd was skewed on the senior side. Food was good and we received a wonderful complimentary desert as we went out for a friends birthday. Good American style Mexican food, but not authentic.
(3)Cole M.
I had the best chicken tamale there last week...THE BEST. The chicken was super moist and the corn was delicious. It was also a pretty good size - I would recommend this to anyone who loves tamales. Can't wait to go back and enjoy it with their delicious margaritas :)
(5)T W.
Best. Tacos. Ever. Seriously only get their tacos. This is my husbands favorite restaurant and I never knew why. The crab enchiladas Are eh as is the chile relleno and the steak salad is pretty good but I just never saw what he saw in RO until I tried the tacos. I am not a taco lover so I never considered them even an option as something I might get until one fateful day when I moaned one more time about having to come here and decided to try what my husband loves to much about this place: the tacos. He likes ground beef but im not a beef lover so I got a shredded chicken and a guacamole taco. They were amazing. The guacamole didn't have any meat which I liked but most people probably wouldn't so I thought I should mention it. Seriously everything about these tacos from the shell to the cheese to be lettuce, is better than any other taco ive ever had. Honestly, I have no idea how this place has a low rating except for the fact that the staff isn't friendly and the decor is pretty old and terrible but expected for a mexi restaurant. The staff could use a cheering up, but I think the decor should stay its quite fitting with the food. This place is usually pretty full.
(5)David S.
Our serious go-to for Mexican dining. Don't mistake this for traditional or authentic, it's American Mexican food and dining that is satisfying. Super fast service sometimes goes too fast. A PV/RH icon for so many years, and for good reason. A great crew that offers great service, hot chips and salsa that can't be beat, and endless refills that just "show up" mysteriously. Anyway, here's to you, Red Onion!
(5)Alyssa G.
Very cute place with good mexican food and service. I want to say that it is kind of romantic, both inside and out. I'll definitely be coming here again.
(4)Nicholas L.
So my Mother offers to take my bro, his gf and me to dinner for my bro's birthday. He loves this place. Let me just recap why I hate this place and why I wish no one ever wants me to eat here with them again *Wouldn't take a reservation for 4 on a thursday night *Waiter was unnatentive and rude *"The Special" sucked an enormous one *The waiter couldn't figure out how to take the pic *The waiter sucked *Did I mention that the waiter sucked? Will I again?...... I would prefer not to but if someone invites me, I'll always give them a 2nd chance. ps Did I mention the waiter sucked?
(2)Mr W.
Not impressed with this place. Heard good things so I went and got a large carne asada mexican pizza. It was 14 dollars. It was loaded with raw onions and bell peppers that weren't cut small enough and weren't sauteed at all. Basically no meat and the amount of bell peppers and onions was ridiculous. Going to be hard to give this place another shot, I definately would never order the mexican pizza again.
(2)Mary K.
My Hubby and I really enjoy eating at the Red Onion. My favorites are the carne asada and grilled chicken burritos wet style. Last time I was there I ordered the grilled chicken burrito wet style with guacamole for a few extra cents and it was delicious! I think you get more cheese when you order it this way, so if you don't like extra cheese, make sure to let them know. The tostadas are really good, too! They taste fresh, and they are ginormous! I have a bit of a sour note to add to this review. I am keeping the rating 4 stars, because we usually get good service when we go there. Not over the top friendly, but efficient and reliable. This past visit was good, but the one before that was terrible service. We had a server we never had before (I forgot his name, but I won't forget if I see him again)! It was the strangest thing! He seemed to ignore us and act rushed when I asked for anything, but continuously asked the other people around us if everything was okay. AWKWARD! It wasn't even busy! The only thing I did was request my burrito a certain way when I ordered it. That must have been such a crime, because the service was terrible after that. He was very unprofessional towards us and it put a dent in the good mood that I was in when I arrived. I don't know what he was thinking, but if I ever see him when I eat there I will refuse to sit in his section! I should have complained to the manager that night, but I probably was still shocked about how unprofessional and annoying he was. If i ever experience that again, I will definitely complain...until then I will continue to eat there from time to time.
(4)Lily W.
Best restaurant on the hill! I've been going there for years and I've never had a bad experience. Best margaritas I've ever had! I have never been able to find one that even comes close to being as good as theres!
(5)Jamie A.
This is place is a local spot for sure. It is across from the CVS/Bristol farms plaza and if there's no parking in the lot, there is always plenty on the street in front of it. Other than having quick and efficient servers, I love their warm and crunchy tortilla chips which is in a huge basket (not those tiny ones that need to be refilled 3 times ) and their spicy and flavorful salsa (even if it isn't a chunky salsa). Their sweet corn tamale is a personal fav. I have no issues with sweet and spicy foods mixed together, so this is my go-to dish. I usually get their chile relleno and although it is a hit or miss item, when it is great, its more like mmmm, mmmmm good! ...when its not - it is just a bland gooey mess.
(4)El Cazador H.
A Palos Verdes Peninsula Icon for decades. The last remnance of the old "Red Onion" chain of mid-priced Mexican food restaurants, this flagship restaurant was "carved out" for the Earle family to own when the chain was sold years ago. It has been expertly owned and managed over the decades ever since by founder Bart Earle's son, our host: Jeff Earle. Folks, don't get discouraged by all the parked cars and the crowd in the waiting lobby when you arrive at dinner time; the staff processes diners through swiftly. The crowd and the wait can only mean one thing --- it's good food worth the wait. The food IS excellent and the service is very prompt and helpful. Need more water, BAM!, here's your water glasses. Need another Marguerita, BAM!, another Marguerita sitting in front of you. Need more chips, BAM!, another basket of chips appears -- are ya getting the point here?? Instant service; almost a staff 'pride and passion' thing at the Red Onion. The Red Onion has an amazing employee retention record regarding supervisors, servers and cooking staff loyalty; no one leaves for other jobs -- the staff is advancing into its third generation of young, able talent. So enjoy the food, ambience, and friendly staff. The Red Onion experience is on par with El Cholo's in central LA, but better, if you know your LA Mexican food restaurants. The Red Onion will be around a 100 years. Oh, and a bit of Red Onion trivia: The Ms. PacMan game in the lobby DOES work. It has been a kiddie favorite for 30 years. Jeff Earle makes sure it's always in working condition every day for the kids (and some parents who can't give it up). AND, another thing . . . I've been a regular weekly patron of the Red Onion for over 30 years . . . never had 'food poisoning' (two prior reviews) and left my wallet in a booth one night . . . our server literally ran down the street after us to return my wallet (no chance of ID theft at this restaurant -- another prior dis'ing reviewer who was surely mistaken). The Red Onion staff is hard working, honest, and made up of fiercely loyal and proud workers. Enough.
(5)Matthew G.
I have been eating at the Red Onion since 1974 and I gotta say, it has not changed much. Sure it has expanded a bit, but the menu is relatively unchanged for the last 20 years and lots of the employees have been working there for many years. The Red Onion is Sonora style Mexican loaded with flavor. I love the ranchero sauce they drizzle on everything form enchiladas to burritos. My favorite is combo #3. Two enchiladas and a taco. The shredded beef is the best of all the choices. My next favorite is the Carnitas dinner. Our favorite server is Max. He is a really nice guy and remembers you and what you like. The Red Onion is great!!!
(5)Amanda S.
Love their molè sauce! This is the only Mexican food restaurant in the Torrance/RPV area that has great Mexican food for a decent price.
(5)Kristen M.
Mexican comfort food in the heart of PV. The Red Onion is a PV local favorite. I've been eating here for the last five years (and counting) and it never gets old. Parking is either on the street or in their parking lot that is shared with other business buildings. I'm usually here for dinner with one of my cousins so we can gossip/catch-up since it is also one of her all time favorite Mexican places to chow down. Decor is a mish-mosh of Mexican-American items/photos from ranchers and pueblos. The cantina-esque ambiance is a bit old school, but the food is legit and the service is prompt. You can't go wrong with any of the burritos, enchiladas, tacos, fajitas, taco salads, sopas (which can come in combos, your choice of meat and sides). Since this is a mexican joint you know you gotta order Mexican food. For those who are planning to stray away from that laundry list of options and decide to order a burger or some coconut shrimp skewers, you probably won't be impressed since this isn't their forte. Their mole sauce is delicious. Free chips and salsa at your table. You can request for guacamole (which is SUPERB!) and the fried ice cream is the best way to end your meal. Would I come back? Always!
(4)Irina S.
Last time we went there were tons of large parties, the service was not up to par- our small glasses of water were empty in 2 sips- on one came and too our order for 10 minutes just gave us salsa and chips and our small water glasses. The food is amazing their tacos are to die for! My boyfriend got the machacca and he said that it was one of the best ones he has had. The salsa is really good too- it has smoked chilis in it and it just makes the salsa. Hopefully next time we go we get better service because we will be back for those taco's
(4)Ken B.
A hilltop staple, good solid Mexican food and good chips and salsa. Service can be spotty at times and I would like to give it 3.5 stars and would consider 4 starts for what is available on the Hill.
(3)Eda M.
Love this place! Been coming here for years! Great food, great prices and great ambiance! Service is great too! Best hot chips and salsa! Great place for family dinner, lunch or birthday party!
(5)Stuart M.
The Red Onion is unfortunately one of the few full service restaurants left on the Hill. That's probably how they get away with their horrible service. Every time I come here the service is terrible. When I complained to the owner (a grouchy, angry looking old man) he made it look like I was the problem!! I told him that I'd been sat there for 20 minutes and no one had even looked at me! He gave me an angry look of "how dare I complain"!! It's not the first time we've had terrible service there. It's very rare that you get good service here. They need to hire more waiters. No doubt they keep the staffing levels down to increase their profits but thats counter productive and the owner needs to learn good customer service as well. Nasty unfriendly people greet you when you walk in and it's downhill from there! As far as the food goes, it's actually not to bad and the atmosphere is decent so it's a shame that the service is always so bad.
(1)Max S.
This is the last red onion that I can think of. I love it here. Gotta have the strawberry margarita every time!
(4)Jess K.
We do a monthly dinner with a couple friend, and we each take turns picking a new spot. Our couple friend chose this restaurant, and they were truly apologetic for taking us here! From the outside, looks like a cute cottage restaurant, then you go inside, and its very dark and stuffy. I don't mind bad decor as long as the food is good, however the food was not good! The tamales, had almost no stuffing and all masa, the meat was tough on my carne asada tacos/enchilada. I mean it wasn't the worst, but it definitely wasn't the best. The most annoying thing are their cups. They give child size cups, and I needed to have 5 refills, which probably equals 1 regular cup of water. And getting the 5 cups of water was no easy task. And the prices aren't that great. I don't want to be paying $20 for a decent Mexican food, when I can get an amazing plate of food for $10! Food - * * Price - * Ambiance - * * Services - * *
(2)Taylor W.
A PV classic! My dad used to come here when he was my age to hang out at the bar. The food is good- authentic Mexican. The inside is dark, but that is to be expected given the age of this joint. I haven't had a bad meal here! I make it a point to stop by the RO whenever I'm in PV. As a side note, people have commented on the clientele being a bit older. My response...consider the location people. Go check it out!
(4)J C.
we take any chance we get to get us some of the best mexican food around. we are regulars! ! shredded beef gorditas are my favorite. ..or the shredded beef tacos!! best beans!! and ask for avocado dressing to dip your tortilla chips in!!
(5)Water B.
Old school! In a great way. This place hasn't changed in year. The food is wonderful and the staff is friendly. Pacman machine, Andes mints, low lights, deep booths- very 1980s. We go often and will continue to.
(4)matt h.
Service was four starts--flexible, personable and timely. But the food....bleah. 1 or 2 stars. I had a veggie burrito. Salty, bland veggies, and sort of a mushie tasteless mess. The guac I ordered at extra cost was possibly the worst I've had in a Mexican (or should it be "Mexican" restaurant.
(2)Crystal S.
Very good customer service here! All the waiters are pretty awesome! Come here for lunch often, the chips & salsa are soo good!
(5)Ashlee H.
Loved the atmosphere at this historic restaurant, just wished the food lived up to the hype. I had a chicken enchilada which was good, but the chicken taco was dry & bland. The service was good & they didn't hesitate to serve the birthday cake & lit candles for my uncle's birthday. I'd give this place another try, but choose something else to eat.
(3)Matthew S.
Been going here since I can remember. Best Mexican restaurant on the hill. Owned by a family n they really run the place well. Service is always fast and efficient. Great place for family and friends to come for lunch or dinner.
(5)Nikki A.
This is a local restaurant. You go there cause you have to ! The food is ook, nothing special and the service does not add to it. The salsa does not taste fresh and it seems like it took them 3 mins to make. The Guac is just alright with no flavor what so ever ! The chips! Te chips is good (they got two stars not one ! ) Got the chicken supreme deluxe burrito; nothing special. They don't put anything in their normal burritos other than MEAT! eh can I have some beans with that please /.? or salsa?! anyhow, cool ambiance, but service and food suck
(2)Kelley F.
When I first moved to PV about 2.5 years ago I loved this place. It was our go to place for mexican food with the whole family. I have to say the last two times we have gone to this establishment our service has been less than stellar. This last time we were barely attended to and the wait time for our drinks to start was near the 15 minute mark. By then we hadn't even ordered and the waiter brought our drinks and then hurried off without taking our order. If we hadn't had waited over 45 minutes for a table (they do not take reservations for parties of 4) I wouldn't have been so bothered, but trying to get two youngsters to wait that long for a table and then another hour for food is a bit trying . Service needs to be brought back up to speed. Food is good, nothing to really complain about there but we are in an area that has impeccable selections when it comes to mexican food, I'm sure you can find the same quality of food and better service elsewhere.
(2)A K.
Delicious food, warm ambiance, it's like coming home! :) Chips and salsa.... Yum. Strawberry daiquiri.... Yum.... Grew up on this restaurant and it always tastes delicious every time! PS-- love the sweet corn tamales.
(5)Jeoffrey M.
Service is HORRIBLE. We went at 4pm the day after Christmas and didn't have a reservation. They acted like we were an inconvenience and sat us at a table for 4 when we had 6. It was a very bad experience and we will not go back. Service has always been bad even with a reservation.
(1)Kristan D.
This is only my second time here in about 10 years. The place was very clean, I didn't feel it was super dark and the food and drinks came out really fast! It still has a lot of the really neat ambiance with all of the historical pictures and tiles really enjoyed ourselves!
(4)Scott S.
This is a great restaurant. One of the main things that most people don't realize about the Red Onion is that they are not just a Mexican food restaurant. They have a very expansive menu. Though I love their Mexican dishes, I really like some of their salads. They are really unique and well presented. This is good place to go. The food, the drink, and the service is great! Recommended!
(5)Vern L.
Forty years ago, I ate lunch every day with my business partner at The Original Red Onion. When Bart Earle sold the chain, he kept this one because he lived in Rolling Hills, and was there every day at lunch. Flash forward, Bart is gone, and in his place is his son, Jeff, who serves the exact same pitcher of margaritas for $15 and my plate of cheese enchiladas or a wet roast beef burrito, yum !
(5)Sasitorn O.
Personally, I am not familiar with Mexican Food. Every time my husband ask me about going to Mexican Restaurant, I would say "Maybe some other time" But Today, we are visiting the family and the brother in law just took all of us to this place. First, I wa a newer for this place and had no idea how to get/order for Mexican food. And I am not a bean and rice lover. when I first walked into this place. I felt like home maybe because of the great place with ambiance I looked up on the menu...there are so many interesting items including seafood. Yeah I am a seafood lover...I went straight order my coconut prawns with grilled vegetables and salad. This dish was so yummy, crispy and sweet. Also the free chips and salsa were very good too!. My godson got a kid menu which he got fish filets with fresh fruits. Fish filets were yummy too. The service was good, fast and attentive. It is a great place to visit if you are in this area for sure!
(4)Debbie C.
I've been coming here for over 35+ years growing up. My favorites are the chicken tacoitos and the beef taco. I still eat there like I was a kid. LOVE!
(5)Soly Z.
The taco was extra greasy and lacked spice or authentic flavor. The cheese enchilada was gummy and the quesadilla had a fried texture. I wanted to live the Red Onion, but I think the only people keeping this place afloat are PV resident devotees.
(2)Christopher Y.
Wow...just unbelievable that a place like this even exists in Southern California. I believe the isolated location helps protect the business from real competition. We will not be coming back.
(1)Michael M.
Where should I start? Hmmmm....oh right....the food. I know this place is suppsed to be on e of the original Red Onions but holy cow....they could at least update the food once in a generation. The Salsa...if you can call it that, is a water tomato paste with a few dry herbs and ZERO peppers. It's pretty close to water downed Ketchup. The Chips were good but didn't really taste like they were house made...nevertheless they were good. The shredded beef tacos tasted like a dirty old shoe that was dripping with oil. The best part of the taco was the lettuce and cheese. Next, we had a burrito, and yep...you guessed it ...that pretty much sucked too. It was overstuffed but not with quality ingredients...it had veggies that looked a day old, the ground meet tasted funky and they sauce was fresh out of a can. I realize there are not alot of options for Mexican on the hill but for god sakes people El Torito is better than this place. Oh by the way, I hate El Torito so giveing them even a meantion is a huge compliment compared to this place. Lastly, the servers were nothing special...I would have expected they would at least be attentive considering the food was not good but alas they were slightly better than a bored group of senior watching a shuffle board match on the love Boat. Ok I digress...all in all not a good place for Mexican. Sorry RO you need to step up yur game and get with program when there are so many better options available within 10 minutes of you down the hill.
(1)Jenn P.
This is my FAVORITE Mexican food restaurant! with that said, I should point out that while I love the food ( I have never had authentic/home made mexican food) my boyfriend who is used to a home made version of the menu says that it is bland and does not come close to the authentic food. The service there is good, and their chips and salsa are my absolute favorite. One tip for trying this place for the first time is come during the week or not at peak hours because this is a place is usually packed, and I enjoy it when its more relaxed and less noise so I can enjoy the food the company.
(5)Tim S.
The place is always busy with not a lot of places to choose from on the hill but the combination of the food, service, and ambiance leaves lots of room to improve. The food is authentic-ish but bland and offers nothing special. We go there about once a month and its consistently middle of the road. Not great, but not bad.
(3)Chris B.
Been here many times in the past. Food is so-so. I like the location & ambiance. Not much to choose from around here.I just don't understand the service. Very efficient, almost to the point that i feel very rushed. Most of the wait staff need personality transplants. Emotionless service. Can't tell if they're mad or what.
(2)DONNA P.
First time here horrible service "David " our waiter never came by to give us refills and the food wasn't that great!!! Won't ever come back here again
(1)David a.
Yaesterday, July 16, my daughter got served a bean and cheese chimichanga with a dead insect inside. No matter how tasty the food is, it is hard to recommend a place that let's insects crawl into the food.
(1)Cynthia B.
The ambiance is really cool. You just don't see places like The Red Onion any more. The bar is fun with loads of interesting wall coverings. More importantly the restaurant is really clean. No dust or funk. Food is old school South Bay Mexican and very good quality. Servers are excellent and attentive. Margaritas come from a gun but are pretty good quality. They are always busy so that is a sign of their years of success. Tacos are my favorite. Yes there are hundreds of Mexican Restuarants in SoCa but this place is special. You don't go there for the food alone.
(4)Marissa M.
Red Onion catered my wedding last weekend and they went above and beyond the call of duty. The owner himself, Jeff Earle, served at the buffet, and he brought along 4 professional, polite, hard working employees with him. We opted to have him bring his own mesquite grill, which created the most wonderful smell at the wedding while the food was cooking. They set up the buffet beautifully, and brought all of their own equipment. I did not have one complaint from a guest. Everyone was raving about how amazing the food was! even the stuffier elderly guests that I was worried would complain about having a buffet went on and on about how delicious the food was. The provided chips and dip on every bar table for appetizers, and an appetizer station with fruit and cheese choices, and taquitos, etc. We had carne and pollo asada tacos with flour and corn tortillas, and all the toppings, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, lettuce, cilantro etc., along with cheese and beef enchiladas. They stayed late to help bus all of the tables, and even help cut and serve the wedding cake. I cannot say enough about how amazing the Red Onion Catering was. They also did my grandparents 50th wedding anniversary four years ago at their restaurant and that was amazing too. We will continue to use the Red Onion for any future catering needs. Simply amazing.
(5)Valerie C.
The Red Onion has been around forever, and it used to be good. I hadn't been in a while and recently came here with family for dinner. In the end I had to apologize to everyone for choosing this restaurant, because the food was so bad. There is no shortage of good Mexican food in LA, so to those who enjoy good Mexican food, the sad fact of the matter is that the Red Onion can be considered faux Mexican food at best. Most of what we ordered was soggy, tasteless, and overcooked. On top of that, the dim and stuffy decor is in desperate need of updating. Do yourself a favor and eat elsewhere! I know there aren't that many restaurants in PV, but get a burrito at La Salsa and I guarantee you will enjoy it WAY more than anything at the Red Onion.
(1)Brad B.
Ok, if you don't love the Red Onion, something is wrong? I love Mexican food. These guys have got it right for years. Keep up the great work RO! Don't change a thing!
(5)Rick T.
I write this at the risk of having to enter the witness protection program. If you ask anyone that grew up around here...they will sing this place's praise. They'll tell you how many times they've been here, how great the food is, and the amazing memories they've had, etc, etc,.....that's where they should leave it, in the past. This place has some very dated decor, but it's kinda shabby chic. I didn't mind it. It was fun to look at. The part that I do mind is that the waiter treats you like you are bothering him, and moves at his own slow pace. However, perhaps others are better...I won't find out because... The food....that is the reason that I am not a fan. Everything is extremely greasy, and with old tasting oil. The chips were decent, but the salsa tastes like ketchup that the only spice they put in it was black pepper, and a lot of it. I brought the remainder of my tacos home, and both of my kids said it was not good either. They chose to eat Top Ramen instead!!!??
(1)Eric F.
In some circles of old folk living on the hill, the Red Onion is a PV institution. My parents went here before I was born - so long ago that they had forgotten where this place was and made a wrong turn to get there. My grandmother took a menu from this restaurant and framed it for decoration in her house - this menu dates back to the sixties. She says that this place has had it's share of face lifts over the years, but the ambiance remains largely the same. This is the most authentic Mexican restaurant I've ever seen in the South Bay - nothing but dusty, cranky old white folks, hamburgers and an authentic Ranchero interior complete with a pristine Ms. Pac Man arcade table sitting in the waiting lobby. Okay okay okay, lets be real here - the Red Onion is what some may un-affectionately call "White people Mexican food," IE the Americanized, bastardized version of the authentic cuisine you might actually find down south. The interior is beautiful and gives off that romanticized, Pancho Villa vibe that may or may not be a little far from how Mexican restaurants actually look. The same crabby old folks have frequented this place for years - and by God the gall they have being so rude to the poor old waitstaff. Please and thank you is not in their vocabulary. The food was serviceable - "the tacos are terrible," my grandma warned - and ultimately this is the place people will return to for the ambiance alone. I ordered the chili verde platter. The pork itself wasn't simmered long enough for it to be ultra tender, and the tomatillo sauce lack any real kick. The salad I received with my meal was delicious and fresh. My water was refilled multiple times by habit, and you better believe I thanked the nice man each time he did it. The Red Onion isn't going anywhere anytime soon - the place gets packed on weekend evenings - and that's just fine by me.
(3)Eli G.
I love eating here. It's a nice sit down restaurant with great atmosphere. I love Mexican food but not from most restaurants. I love everything they serve. There enchiladas are my favorite thing on the menu. It's always fun to top off a meal with a good old fashioned Shirley Temple. It's a great place to eat!
(5)Christina F.
My family and I love this place. I have been going here since I was a little girl, and it has become a tradition. The food is great, service is great, and the feel of the restaurant is very authentic. If you are looking to build a relationship with a restaurant, I highly suggest it!
(5)Patrice A.
This review is for January 2013, the last time I was here with my Dad, who was 91 years old and used a walker. We came in from the downstairs door because that is where handicapped are able to come into the restaurant. The problem is that there is no seating available for handicapped folks to sit on while you wait for a table unless you sit at a table that is made up for a meal. We did that and got chewed out by the owner at the end of our meal for taking over a table while we waited. We ended up staying at this table for the meal. A cousin was visiting from the East coast and wanted to have Mexican food. The owner/jerk made his feelings known in front of everyone in the restaurant and our table. I am giving this 2 stars because of all the good memories from eating here for 40+ years.
(2)Greg P.
3.5 stars that gets bumped for locale and attentive service. This place is a highER end mexican joint. It's kinda pricey for what it is but the quality is very good and the service is always attentive. I like to get the fajita trio which comes out sizzling (a very look-at-me dish). I like the food but could do w/o the show. =-) It comes w/ chicken, beef/steak, and shrimp. The shrimp are huge and justify the premium price alone. The chicken is moist. The beef/"steak" is sometimes hard to chew and obviously a cheap cut which is to be expected for fajitas but maybe they could cut it into smaller pieces maybe then? Chips and salsa are good. The house salsa is a VERY mild red sauce w/o any black pepper which I like. I just wish it had a little more kick. Chips are never stale, sometimes warm, sometimes not and always full. I never wait on a refill of chips, salsa, or drinks here and I've been for lunch on the weekend and dinner on a weeknight. Believe it or not but parking can fill up on a Friday or Saturday night. This is the only time to be careful though. During the week or weekend day, it's never a problem. There is a big private lot and plenty of street parking.
(4)Sandra M.
I had made reservations for six but two of our friends couldn't make it so when the four of us arrived the host was extremely rude and said we no longer had a reservation. I totally understand thier policy but don't accept their rudeness! !! Will never dine there EVER... we went to the Depot in torrance with NO reservations...Amazing! !!!
(1)Tracy F.
You just have to love the Red Onion! I've been coming here since I was a kid and it is the ultimate in comfort food for me. The servers are attentive and friendly and the food is always tasty. Great for families. :) They do a nice job with catering as well!
(4)Melvin M.
It's very dark inside. The food is average American style Mexican food. It's a fun place to go with friends. The drinks are great!
(3)Shirley P.
I love the atmosphere and ambiance. Great food and a wonderful place to meet friends and family.
(4)Kate L.
It is really a place where everyone knows your name. This Red Onion is kinda out of the way where only people in the area go. Therefore, regulars. The food was fresh and large volume for the price. Loved the drinks. We had a large party of 9 and the waiter was super cool to do seperate checks for us. Awesome!
(3)Bob A.
What can I say about the world's BEST place for Mexican food? Well, it all started back in 1967, when my Dad got transferred from Nor-Cal to So-Cal, and we immediately discovered this great new restaurant near our new home in PV. We went there at least monthly, and the staff (especially the waitresses) knew us as if we were family, within the first year of our being steady customers. This went on until 1973, when my Dad got transferred out of the area, however, any time I've been back down there in Southern California over the years since, for either business or pleasure, I've always tried to make it there for lunch or dinner. Amazingly, nothing has really changed there in all these years... especially the style and variety of the food, thank you God! It's always a real treat when I can make it there for lunch, and in fact, I have ALWAYS used the food at the Red Onion as the "Gold Standard" by which I've judged any other Mexican food I've ever had. Long story short, I still love this place, and have many fond memories of our many family visits there. (In fact, I still have a couple of menus from the '60's, as well as a commemorative T-shirt, items that were given to me years ago by our most favorite waitress who worked there for it's first 30 years or so). Bottom line... if you love Mexican food, this is the ONLY place to go!
(5)J B.
This is the best Mexican food I've ever eaten in a neighborhood as white as PV. Large portions, attentive staff, cozy dining rooms, fine experience.
(4)Ap L.
Consistently good food, drinks and fast service. Owner and staff have years of experience making this a favorite of the peninsula.
(5)Kandi H.
OMG!!! I can't believe that I've lived in PV for over 20 years and I've never eaten here until this week!! PV has never been known for fantastic restaurants...I think the restaurants up here only stay open because the residents here are too lazy to drive down the hill!! In the last couple of years, better restaurants have opened. With that said, this is an oldie but goodie. I agree with my fellow yelpers that this is not the best mexican in the south bay but it's pretty good. I ordered the tamale and taco plate. The pork tamale was delicious: masa was moist and pork was flavorful and juicy. The carne asada taco was yummy: beef was tender and moist and the taco shell was freshly fried (greasy). The plate came with 2 sides (choice of rice, beans, grilled veggies, etc.) I was disappointed with the sides I picked (grilled veggies and mexican potatoes) but the free chips and salsa made up for that. This place is rather pricey for mexican food but I think you are paying more for location/convenience than the food.
(3)mandy s.
The atmosphere is alive and fun (not too loud though), the food is always amazing, and the waitstaff and support staff are incredibly helpful. I love coming here for Mexican food! It's as close as it gets to Mexican food in California.
(5)Ren B.
Great place with ambience. Lots of seating and excellent food that is CONSISTENT. I always get the chili relleno and sweet corn tamale (#15). Tonight, I tried the coconut shrimp and it was heavenly! There's ALWAYS a wait. It gets crowded!
(4)Louie B.
Had a dinner meeting here with my employer and coworkers. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was comfortable. I had the carne asada/filet mignon.. tasty! next time ill try something a little more mexi like a wet burrito..
(4)Norvell T.
Oh Jeez...where do i even begin. I had a meeting in PV and was told the Red Onion was one of the best Mexican restaurants around. WOW, ok I'm down! Ambience is pretty cool, very dark inside but I didn't come for that. I came to chow down on some good grub. Ok, I usually judge an authentic Mexican restaurant by their guacamole. It was completely bland and must have been mixed days before. You can tell the real deal against imitation crap mixed with mayonnaise. Strike #1. The tap water wasn't doing it for me so I decided to try my hand at a house margarita. Seriously, it was the sugary crap I could get at my local grocery store. Strike #3. I was hungry so I ordered a carne asada chimichanga AND the crab enchiladas. WHY OH WHY do people not tell you if its Imitation crab!!! A serious pet peeve of mine. The whole dish was terrible, I took one bite and left it on the table. Strike #4 I ate half of the chimichanga and just couldn't take anymore of this nonsense. Completely flavorless, and looked like it was frozen before. Strike #5. Oh, and not once did the waiter come by and ask how my meal was, or ask if I needed a refill. I had an empty glass of water and the tiny margarita sat empty as well. Strike #6. I think I was in the restaurant a total of 20 minutes if that tells you anything. LA has so many Mexican restaurants available, I hope to God that PV has better options than this crappy establishment.
(1)Lacey H.
I grew up in PV and this is my family's go to restaurant. We went here after every football game and when our kitchen was being remodeled, it was our second dinner table. Food: Delicious! Tacos, enchiladas, burritos, chips and salsa are all wonderful! Now living out of the state, I compare every mexican restaurant to this one. You can't find a better tostada anywhere. Try the avocado dressing. Amazing and so unique! Service: They are fast, attentive, very kind, and just wonderful. Many of them have been around for 20+ years. They know our family and are great to see familiar faces after so many years. After all this nostalgia and praise I have decided to take away one star because of the owner. Three generations of my family have dined at his restaurant weekly since it first opened. He can't seem to recognize us or jolt familiarity from our name. Our last name isn't that difficult and a family of 6+ is hard to miss. I hope it is just a case of bad memory and not bad business.
(4)Joan S.
Well, after eating here for the first time, I waited a few weeks to write the review. Not a good idea, 'cause my old cobbwebby brain has fuzzied up the details. For example, I can't recall if my lunch dish was from the appetizer menu. I got a Mexican pizza, which was the perfect size for one hungry person's meal. The pizza had beans, cheese, and the typical nacho ingredients. There were chunks of green pepper on it that were were raw, however, not to my taste. There was also red onion (no surprise), and decent guacamole. See my photo. I scraped off the sour cream, don't like that on Mexican food, only on baked potatoes. Overall, it was pretty good, but not the best I've had. About a 3-star dealio. Another detail that is fuzzy is the price of the pizza. I think around 8 bucks. I do recall it was not overpriced. Red Onion is one of those old skool restaurants that it's fun to visit at least once. I love to learn the history of these places: Red Onion had multiple locations years ago, the first one being in Inglewood, in 1949....if my memory of what I read on their menu serves me correctly. The Palos Verdes hill location, at which I had my lunch, opened in 1963, and is the last remaining of the chain that was sold off. In the 60's, local residents rode horses to this Rolling Hills restaurant. Things have changed, but the area is still horse country. I see people on horseback all over the place, but these days not in the business districts. The recipes used at Red Onion are those of the current owner, Jeff Earle's, Mexican great-grandmother. Some of the servers who work at the restaurant have been there for 30 years. I wondered if my server, Carlos, was one of them. He did a fine job. Red Onion has multiple rooms, and I wandered around and took a few photos. The decor is rich, colorful, and includes landmark pictures & the customary celeb memorabilia here and there. I appreciated the oversized thick paper napkin. Skimpy napkins are a pain! And the complimentary chocolate mint patty, post meal, was a nice touch, too. Very old skool. I think there were other points I wanted to mention, but dang it.....I forgot.... I need a nap.
(3)Brittany R.
This is my favorite restaurant! The food is fantastic! Everything I've ever ordered is absolutely delicious. I also love the decor! There are multiple rooms and every one is unique. I absolutely recommend this place!
(5)Sean M.
I've been going to this place for years. It is always tasty and well made. The wait can be long on a Sunday night so I recommend calling in a reservation. One of my favorite things to eat there is the carne asada quesadilla. It is stuffed with very tasty carne asada, you will not be hungry after. Their salsa is a very nice mix with a little bit of kick but not so much that anyone is excluded from eating it from being too spicy. All in all this place is a winner. I've been coming here for years and will continue to for many more.
(4)R S.
PV Institution. Our family has been eating there for over 40 years. Warm, cozy, yet spacious. Chips and Salsa...yum! 2 Chicken Tacos a la carte...yum! Don't forget the chocolate covered mint with the check...a must! (Do nor leave without it :) )
(5)Sylvia P.
This place has been a PV classic since I was a kid, and way before. Peeps from Rolling Hills even used to ride here (horses, in case you were wondering). Although the owner can be somewhat stern and aloof at times, and the service a bit abrupt, this place is a PV fave and the cantina is cool (despite the "Mexican Justin Bieber" music, according to my son).
(3)morgan m.
Oh Red Onion, how much I love thee. I come here a couple times a month and look forward to it the days leading up. Yes I am looking forward to the company and great conversations that come with it, but the food. Oh the food! Best Mexican restaurant I've ever been to. I usually get the chicken tostada salad. A crunchy tortilla on the bottom, a layer of yummy refried beans, shredded chicken, cheese, lots of romaine lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole... And the italian dressing is phenomenal with it! asdfn389iu3jbjk4 lkif9c Oh sorry, I was wiping the drool off my key board. I can honestly go on and on with the food but I'll spare you. The wait staff is AMAZING. I love them! AND a great wine list. I'm sold! I love the Red Onion.
(5)Matthew P.
We attended a reception at Red Onion after a wedding. Good food and time. But I'm writing this review because of the generosity of the GM Jeff. I left my phone at the restaurant on a week I could not afford to be without by business phone. Jeff overnighted my phone to me within a few hours of me calling him. Hats off to his extra level of service and flat out doing the right thing. Thank you Jeff, that type of service is rare these days sir!!! -Barry
(5)Maica D.
Tucked on top of the hill is the Red Onion. This place has amazing Mexican food. The environment is set to make you feel like you're eating inside an old villa. The service is very friendly and helpful. They start you off with water and chips and salsa. The salsa is pretty good and the best part is that you can get seconds, thirds, fourths, and fifths!!! But in all seriousness, if you're looking for a place to go celebrate, or even just have dinner this is a perfect place to go. They even reserve a special "love birds" section for those who reserve the spot in advanced. Side note: the place gets really busy during dinner time on the weekends so parking might be a problem. Other than that, eat, converse, and enjoy!
(5)Albert K.
I have been to this restaurant many times. It has been few years since I have been to Red Onion. My friend wanted Mexican food, so i decided to go to Red Onion. Me and my friend went here last saturday. When we got there, it was full and people still waiting to get in. We waited about 30 mins before we got seated. Once we got seated, we got the menu and in about 10 mins, the waiter came and asked if we were ready to order. I ordered an appetizer which was two taquitos and a combination wet burrito. The food was really delicious. The service was great and the waited came by to check up on us to see if we needed anything else. I will definitely come back again.
(5)Kris R.
I came here on a Thursday afternoon with my friend and her grandparents who have literally been coming here for over 20 years. After them always talking about it, I was dying to try it. From the very first moment we walked in the waiter was extremely rude. The place was EMPTY and we had asked if we could sit at a table in the corner because that's the table they always sit at. The waiter said no and that it was reserved for a bigger party. We then asked if we could sit at another table that had more light and he said that one was reserved too. We thought it was odd because the restaurant was completely dead but didnt say anything and just sat where he directed us to. Our waiter was very short and rushed and not very friendly. All of us are vegetarians and are very cautious about meat. I had ordered two cheese quesadillas with rice and beans. When they brought out the food, I saw and could taste meat in the enchilada. I politely asked if there was anyway I could get a new plate because they had accidentally put chicken or pork in my enchilada. The waiter said there was no meat and it was only cheese. We began arguing because I was in awe that the waiter would question me and think I was lying. He actually opened up the enchilada in front of me and pointing with the fork that there was no meat. I told him that I didn't want to argue about it. All i asked for was a new plate of cheese only. And if there's anyway I could get a different server or a manager because obviously he was acting like the food was coming out of his paycheck. He said "ill be happy to get you another server because this isn't working out for me either. That'd be great for me." When a manager arrived I explained the situation and he stated that there was no meat in the enchilada. He was arguing too! I asked politely if I could just get another plate. He brought me ONE enchilada. Not two like I had ordered or any rice or beans. Just ONE ENCHILADA on the plate. AND he had admitted that the sauce in the enchilada was pre mixed with pork so indeed there was MEAT in my CHEESE ENCHILADA. And he didn't even apologize. SO RUDE. Come the bill. We were charged for two enchiladas, rice and beans although I only got one enchilada. My friends grandparents had recognized the owner and mentioned something to him. He was so nonchalant about the whole situation. He did take my meal and my drink off the bill. When he retuned with the bill, he said that there was a discrepancy between my "story" and the waiters "story." I thought this was extremely rude as well. Why point this out to me? The customer is always right. And in this situation, I actually was right. I'm a server as well and am NEVER rude to waiters and never write yelp reviews but I had to in this situation.
(1)David K.
My burrito was sitting in oil. The way it was, they had to pour some oil on the plate then place my burrito in it for it to come out like that. I would recommend the Mexican place next to Wells Fargo in the peninsula center for better Mexican food. Just kidding but you get the point.
(2)Ruth A.
3 of my favorite meals here: Red Onion Steak Salad - thick sliced, tender strips of filet mignon, over mixed wild & baby greens, Mandarin oranges ( menu says tangerines ) glazed pecans, slice avocado, papaya slices, and excellent blue cheese ( or feta ) This salad is a delightful feast ! "Dieter's" Chicken Salad - tender, white meat chicken, on mixed greens, with thick sliced fresh mushrooms, large tomato wedges. This lovely salad takes on a delicious, non- dieter's spin for me: I add bacon bits and some of their salsa to the salad, get their green, avocado dressing and thousand island on the side, and use both for dipping the warm tortilla chips I have with along with the salad. Very enjoyable and satisfying ! Chicken Mole Dinner - half a very tender, falling off the bone, roast chicken with a great mole sauce ( mild, slightly sweet sauce made with chocolate, raisins, almonds and ancho chiles ) Served garnished with sprigs of fresh cilantro, and your choice of two sides: my top choices have been: Mexican Style Potatoes, Mexican Zucchini, Black Beans, Grilled Vegs. Recession Fighting Tip: All three of these entrees are generous enough to serve two or take home a good amount for another meal at home.
(4)Stephanie v.
This is a great, Sonoran style and authentic Mexican restaurant in Palos Verdes. The food is really good, inexpensive and speedy. I deduct one star for a sometimes-Surly staff, but the restaurant is always packed, so it's hard to argue with its success.
(4)Kevin S.
A very nostalgic place for me, been coming since we were wee tots. And you know what, very little has changed. I give them five stars, not for amazing cuisine or stellar service, but rather for solid consistency. Even the decor has remained largely intact. It's a place I can go any time I want some comfort food. I see that old wooden sign is still there and it sets my heart aflutter. It's your basic Ameri-style Mexican food. And it's very cheesy weezy ooey gooey '80s style too-much-dressing-on-the-salad solid. Mmm 'kay? Pssst - It's not on the menu but ask for an order of empenadas. It's been my dad's favorite secret menu item for years.
(5)Vernon M.
I am a chef in the south bay area and have worked over ten years split between LA and SF in fine dining establishments. That being said there are many food trucks that serve better Mexican cuisine than the red onion, if you don't know well now ya know. Unless you are arriving to belly up to the bar to drown your sorrows with tequila then this is probably not the place for the aware consumer, "foodie" a term I use and loathe simultaneously. I had the fajitas and they were very bland and served with dry meat, my wife had tacos which were bland and tasteless as well. As for the margaritas they taste like bottled mix and cheap booze. Methinks not I will not be back.
(1)Manny H.
Over hyped!!Service is good but the food is overly salty and always covered with melted cheddar goo. This place needs to go back to basics of Mexican food.fresh,savory,spicey.this place is better at appetizers and Booz than food.
(2)Myra B.
I never thought I'd get so angry at a waiter but life can be surprising. My family and I came in to eat lunch on Sunday and ordered all our drinks, we and one other family were in the restaurant and it took them 20 min to return. We were already starving and finally were Order, apparently when ordering a ground beef burrito they don't put anything but the meat inside I asked if he could add rice and beans inside the waiter said no.....I say oook why? He said one either rice or beans and it would cost 3 dollars more because that would be a "combination" burrito ...I never heard of a Mexican restaurant deny me....rice and beans in my burrito that's just....unheard of.... He said they put it on the side though.... My boyfriend then asks for a wet chicken burrito and asked what came inside, he said just chicken.... So basically they want you to unwrap your wet burrito and put the ingredients inside yourself..... He then proceeded to ask if I wanted rice and beans on the side and said can I get both sides rice w cheese, and he repeated one side rice....it was as if he was trying to get a reaction from me....I felt my face heat up and I wanted to scream wth don't you understand his attitude was so crappy just really rude and inconsiderate. Each persons order was like a chore and there were 10 of us so you can only imagine the frustration... I know the refills are free but don't expect another one after the first cup because they literally try and avoid contact with you after you order. I've been coming here since I was a kid and it just seems like the place just hit the fan completely when the food came everything was soggy or just straight up dry. How is it even possible for a wet burrito to be dry? Blows my mind and my burrito was just straight of grease wrapped in a tortilla.... W rice and no cheese....I began to wonder if I was actually in a Mexicansrestaurant or not....if the waiter is an older male, whose English is terrible w a mustache, just ask for another waiter, even better maybe just go to a different restaurant.... Like Taco Bell, yeah I went there.....
(1)Chris O.
This place was pretty spot on. Mexican food was good, margarita's good, service good. I have family that has been going there for over 20 years and the owner still doesn't greet them as though he has seen them before, I find that interesting! Regardless, I would return if I was local. O
(3)D M.
I have been going to the Red Onion for years. It is a PV staple and I can remember going there once a week with my parents growing up. I can also remember going to the cantina after work with my coworkers. The servers have all been there so long that I think it's the one place on Earth where they don't ask for my ID. The food is pretty good. They have some great tostadas and chimichangas. I almost always get carne asada. Last time we went I did not like the salsa as much. It used to be chunky and fresh and now it's a little soupy. Parking is easy since there is a parking lot and plenty of street parking. The decor is pleasant, nicer than El Torito. It can get pretty busy at dinner time on the weekends.
(4)John M.
The Red Onion has been a landmark in Palos Verdes for over 40 years. The atmosphere is excellent and the food is delicious. When my daughter was 5 the whole wait staff gathered in amazement to see her eat the chips and salsa.
(4)Andreas R.
I've been here a hand full of times for both lunch and dinner. MAKES RESERVATIONS ! Especially Fri n Sat night. We did and also saw about 15 people standing in line. I got the wet taco burrito. Very good, 8/10. Fast service, and they always come back for refills on chips/salsa and drinks. We didn't have the friendliest service this time. A couple in our group ordered the guacamole sauce and it had a very odd color, looked alien like in fact. Prices are reasonable. Parking is plenty as you can park on the street.
(4)Jeff R.
This restaurant does well because there aren't a lot of options in the immediate area. But the food and drinks are very average; in fact, although the food is not bad, it's probably below average for Mexican food in LA County. Service is uneven too. Tonight we ordered margaritas on the rocks; they came blended. We ordered beef flautas; we got chicken. It's an OK option, though, if you are in the neighborhood and don't want to go far afield. The servers are friendly, and the chips are nice and always served warm.
(2)Emily D.
Red Onion's chicken tacos solved a lot of my problems throughout the 18 I spent growing up in this awful town. This D. family haunt is one of the 5 things I like about PV, and look forward to experiencing when I am forced to come and visit. Today, for probably the 19,000th time, the D. family returned to the Red Onion. We had a good meal. We always do. Those damn chips and that damn salsa.
(5)Lisa S.
If there's ever a strong earthquake, I hope I'm not eating here. There's a shelf running along the sides of the walls above the tables and booths that is weighed down with various books, lamps, and other paraphernalia. Just looking at it all made me nervous! My experience here was probably closer to 3.5 stars. The waiter and servers were extremely attentive. They even directed me to three different restrooms when the others were full, just so I wouldn't have to wait. I ordered two tacos with beans and Mexican zucchini. The tacos were oily but tasty. The meat was tender and the flavor was good. The beans were average. The zucchini was gross, however. I wouldn't order that again. I even ordered two tacos to go, since they offered ground beef filling, and that's all my grandma can chew. It was a nice experience, and I wouldn't mind going back.
(3)Robert F.
When I was a kid, I loved the Red Onion in Riverside. Specifically, I loved their chicken chimichangas, which were the ultimate in cheesy, sour creamy goodness. Sadly, the place closed down many, many years ago, along with the entire chain (or so I thought) So when my job took me to an office in Rolling Hills Estates, just before dinner time (and on a day when I had skipped lunch and was therefore starving), and I discovered a Red Onion right next-door, I was thrilled. I went in and, naturally, ordered a chicken chimichanga. And it was nothing like I remembered it. Gone was the gooey cheesiness. In fact, gone was the cheese entirely. It was just a fried tortilla stuffed with white meat chicken. That's it. The meat was pretty moist for white meat, but still, that's all it was. And it fell apart every time I cut into it, so I was basically just eating pieces of chicken, with an occasional piece of tortilla attached. What's the point? My waiter ignored me, and yet fawned over the table next to mine. Good chips and salsa, though, I will give it that.
(2)Michael L.
The tacos here are AMAZING! Hand made crispy tortilla shells, lots of filling, excellent salsa, and great seasonings on the meat. The Machaca and Egg taco is my favorite by far. The Huevos Rancheros are good as well, and so are the Burritos. In fact I have been coming here for quite some time and I dont think I can recall when I have ever had a non-satisfactory meal here. This is easily my favorite mexican restaurant in town.
(5)Syd N.
This place is always crowded & I don't get it. I've eaten here three times & my food was cold twice. I ordered a shredded beef burrito & it was totally cold (not luke warm) in the middle. And my nephew has had gastrointestinal issues twice. Not good...
(1)Sayuri K.
Food was way too greasy. I wasn't very happy with the price for what I got. It's not an expensive place, but I was just very unhappy with the quality and size of the food.
(1)Reecker M.
This place has a solid menu, but I have to tell you that the clientele is on the older side. If you want to enjoy a well prepared meal then this place is a solid choice, but I wouldn't suggest you bring a date here unless they like watching older folks gum their food. This place is far from hip, although definitively well portioned and tasty. Come on Pa!
(4)Scott G.
Like most people I have been coming here for years. The food is good (not the best mexican in the south bay though). The quality of the service is very hit or miss. The wait staff seems to have a big chip on their shoulders sometimes.
(3)Howard L.
Nice place to have Mexican in southern California. I was brought here by a colleague, and Red Onion has a nice ambiance to it. They have an extensive, albeit "Americanized" Mexican menu. I particularly enoyed their chili relleno, which was quite atypical in that it had a nice egg battered coating.
(4)Nic N.
The Original Red Onion is a great place to eat. It is mexican and also has burgers and sandwiches. My favorite is the machaca taco. Fajita combinations are also good. Drinks are also good. However, there is usually a 15 minute wait to be seated for dinner. The place is huge and could host parties too. Servers are always super nice. This place is pretty family friendly too.
(4)Jeremy L.
Wow, I have mixed feelings. The food was good. But our waiter David was a complete a** I recommend this place but this server is a complete prick.
(3)Salmon H.
There are few dining choices on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. This place has been serving Sonora style (a milder variety of Mexican food) for many years in PV. I went there as a kid, and the place is still going strong. The food quality and quantity are decent, the food a little bland, but it is always served promptly and on a hot plate. The service is generally very good. The waiters are professional, and it's easy to get water, chips, coffee, tea refilled when you ask . . . Sometimes it gets busy and you have to wait, but the staff does their best to keep things moving. Pros: Consistent menu items, reasonably priced, nothing too exotic or spicy. Cons: the food is a little bland, but that's what salsa is for!
(3)Nina I.
An all time favorite. We have loved the Red Onion for 30 years now. Employees are cheerful clean and fast. The food is always fresh and tastes wonderful. Great margaritas too. Try their sizzling fajitas.
(5)Susan K.
Casual and fun and always comfortable. We love coming here after an evening walk. The servers are friendly and seem to anticipate what we want before we ask. Last night we sat at the bar because there was a 15 minute wait for a table & we were served in seconds. Better than a table or booth. The chips & salsa are always replenished and so tasty. we said we could live on chips & salsa & tequila. We each had a cheese quesadilla and loved it. No complaints at all. I like place where you feel at home & like you are remembered & people smile at you. Very happy with Bart Earle's Red Onion.
(4)Janie S.
Used to be delicious and wonderful - but not anymore. It's a beautiful looking place but unfortunately the service and the food don't match up. Nothing is freshly prepared; the lettuce is bagged, the chicken tastes like prefab cut slabs of something that used to be a chicken breast and the chips are stale and taste like lard. It is the ONLY restaurant on the hill large enough to accommodate families and large parties and that's the ONLY reason it's busy. 2 stars for my watered down skinny girl margarita.
(2)Kathryn R.
I guess that anytime you read a restaurant review you have to remember that food is a very subjective thing. If I was coming to the Original Red Onion looking for the best, or most authentic, mexican food in LA County, I am sure I would be somewhat disappointed. That said, I have never had a bad meal or bad service here. I should add that we tend to eat early--around 4pm--so we usually don't have to wait for a table. Between my husband come here about once a month and I we have eaten just about everything on the menu. We always start with a double Margarita on the rocks and they are very good--not too strong, not too weak. I usually gravitate toward the more traditional fare--ground beef taco (the seasoning on this beef is amazing IMHO), cheese enchilada, chili relleno or a delux tostada, but the real joy here are their non-tradtional menu items. The "carne asada" is actually filet mignon covered in a spanish-style sauce--it melts in your mouth like buttah. The blackened orange roughy is also delicious, as is the chili colorado. The little tamale they serve with the carne asada is a little gem. Our favorite server is Fidel.
(5)Scott C.
Waiters are rude! Food is great! So I just I get it... to go! --- Update I love ground beef! The last time we went for my birthday was crazy. The place was almost empty, but we had to wait about 5 minutes to be seated. Then when I tried to order off the children's menu, for my little niece, there was a debate with the waiter on her age. I told her to show him her drivers license, but I was the only one laughing. Then my wife bumped the light switch. We didn't know it was on the wall. We thought it got a little darker. We got a stern talking.. "Sir, how about we NOT play with the lights... thank you". Well that just started my fun of the lights going up and down, for the rest of our dinner. When I complained about the service to the manager, he just looked at me and said ok... with a slow eye roll. He must have heard about the lights. Oh well we have moved out of PV, so we won't be back anyway. But I really like the food.
(2)Jane L.
Yes, I've experienced better Mexican Food at trucks or stands. The food was a little too "westernized" for my taste buds. My husband ordered the tacos and enchiladas. I got the tostada. It's not that the food tasted bad. The tacos were glorified versions of Del Taco's taco supreme. The tostada was mushy with too much cheese. However, I'd like to insert that the carne asada meat was incredibly delicious. Maybe we were expecting too much after all the raving reviews. My husband and I like the tacos we ate at Mexico...Tortilla, meat, cilantro, onion, and some bomb salsa is all it takes.
(2)Grace W.
I LOVE YOU RED ONION! Walk into this friendly, festive environment and work your way to the back of the restaurant. Plant down at the bar where Abel, Carlos, and the rest of the friendly staff will immediately give you a basket of warm, fresh chips and salsa. Order a Cadillac margarita, an appetizer platter, catch the game on the tube and enjoy your life. When you're here, you're family.
(5)Pamela R.
The place was nice, but not what I was hoping for when I went. After reading such great reviews I think I had my hopes up to high. I ordered the fish tacos and they were okay but I think I learned that I don't like orange roughy, especially grilled. I can't help it when I want fish taco's I want them breaded. My husband got the carne asada plate and it was a mixture of old and fresh cooked meat. They have great guacamole though... really enjoyed that. We don't think we will be returning here, and I wouldn't highly recommend the place.
(3)Michael B.
So like everyone has said, the building is neat. Lots of rooms. Lots of stuff on the walls. Makes it a cute place. The service was good. Waters were never emptied. The food though was the most boring "Mexican" food ever. Taco Bell has more flavor. I had a cheese enchilada, a beef taco, and a chili relleno. The taco was so greasy that the hard shell was soggy, the enchilada was pretty good but the sauce was really bland. The chili relleno was wrapped in egg rather than battered and fried. Again bland and boring. We went for a friend's birthday and any time she wants to go back, I will go. Other than that I wouldn't bother.
(2)Carly P.
My family and I took my best friend here over the holidays b/c it is her fave restaurant. I had not been here since 1999, and I remember the food to be great. I was starving, and ordered a combination platter--which came cold. Our water was not refilled. We sat in the bar for happy hour and they did not seem to happy to serve us food, although there were other people dining in that area. I did not complain about the food because I was so hungry, but I probably should have. For the money and the awesome atmosphere, it was so not worth it.
(1)Frederick S.
This place was good. Our waiter was mostly good - he was prompt but when I asked if the bill could be split, he refused. Nonetheless, the food was great -- I had fajitas and my friend had enchiladas. Would definitely go back when staying in Ranchos Palos Verdes again!
(4)KIRK M.
The Red Onion. Been there a long time, I've been going there for almost 40 years - (since i was a kid). Had not been there for a long time, we moved away, and recenlty came back. The food is good, the nacho's are great. The pricing is average. I like the food, the personel and the seating. It is quiet inside, service is fast and friendly. There is a bar area in back, a library for seclusion,. I love this place.
(4)Esther L.
Pretty good for mexican american food. Definately not authentic if thats what you're looking for. Enjoyed the huge basket of free chips and salsa. Good standard guacamole. The prices are reasonable. Tried the Enchilada, Pork tamale, Sweet corn tamale, and beef Rellenos. Everything was suppperrrr cheeeeezy... good if ur a cheese lover. I was excited to try to sweet corn tamale.. it was just OK. Service was good =D Ambience is super cute.
(3)April V.
We finally visited the Red Onion after several recommendations. We waited about 15-20 minutes for a table which I didn't mind. The decor inside is really neat and I enjoyed looking around. The service is very fast, but very impersonal. The food is AWFUL though. Chips and salsa were just ok. I ordered the crab burrito with Mexican veggies and potatoes. The crab was unbearably salty and thick with cheese (I like cheese, but this was gross). The zucchini was bland and the potatoes were nothing special. I took one bite and couldn't stand to insult my palate anymore. My bf ordered 2 enchiladas and a relleno. The enchilada sauce was the grossest enchilada sauce I've ever tasted. It tasted like a sour black pepper tomato sauce. I don't think he was too impressed with his chile relleno either (it looked a little weird, wrapped in egg instead of a fluffy egg batter). We had ordered a couple of basic margaritas while waiting which were OK. Nothing special. Then with our meal we ordered a pitcher which was 99% sweet and sour mix. Gross. All in all, it was the grossest Mexican food I've ever tasted, which is why it went straight into the trash. We really wanted to like the place, but were sadly disappointed. Coming from southern New Mexico I feel like we really know what good Mexican food is (I understand this is Sonora style food, but I've had much better in Tucson, AZ). I would have much rather spent the $48 tab somewhere else; what a waste of money and a Friday night.
(1)Raymond F.
Would you like some harsh tasting Mexican food? You've come to the right place! I don't understand why they are so popular. It's truly a mystery. The lines go out the door, even on weeknights. Maybe it is because the prices are very reasonable. But the food is so mediocre I can't see why people flock here. Servie is fair. It took forever to get a refill on my water. Don't go too late and order soup. It must be prepared early and then left there to stand for the rest of the night to get thick and doesn't taste good by about 8PM. Their beef tacos and cheese enchiladas are the best thing on the menu. Their chicken tacos taste like cardboard. The restaurant is noisy because it is so crowded and tables are packed together. Lunch time is a much better time to go there as they aren't crowded and the service is better. The food is the same though, not very good.
(2)Michelle F.
I have been to this restaurant many many time with my friends and i have to say that this place is Amazingly Delicious! 1. The interior design of this restaurant is awesome. It has a very home/Mexican style to it. the lighting is perfect, not too bright but not too dim. it can set the mood for anything. 2. A good way to choose a good Mexican restaurant is by their salsa, and honestly nobody beats the salsa at the red onion. 3. The service is great. All the waiters are very attentive! 4. The Mexican food there is a bit Americanized but it is exquisite. I have tried different plates there and i have never been disappointed with any of them. -If you are a meat lover i definitely recommend eating Carne Ortega. - if you are there just to pick at food and have some drinks i recommend the combination platter which is under appetizers. you can never go wrong with that. All in all, this a good place for anything. To take your family or just hang out with your friends. I definitely do not recommend to go on a Friday night because it gets really crowded.
(5)tavia l.
eat here all the time!!! I love this place!
(5)Ana M.
I recently visited this restaurant with my family, and although the food is good. Our waiter "David" made this visit quite unpleasant! We haven't experienced this level of bad service in quite a long time. It was very disappointing, because I thought this was a great little place for Mexican food. It might be a while before we return or recommend it to friends. If you choose to dine here, please request to sit in Tony's section. He is quite the waiter!!
(2)Bridgyn O.
Probably not the most authentic food but it is damn good, DAMN GOOD! Can you say sweet corn tamale, not if your mouth if stuffed with one, and mine usually is. I can say I have not had one bad thing of the menu yet. NACHOS ORNELAS get them, I mean NOW. Covered in chorizo and guac, they make the meal start out oh so right. Always a good day when a stop here is involved.
(5)Nicole V.
This Palos Verdes institution offers a family friendly atmosphere and great takeout. I have found a salad here that makes it hard for me to order anything else - the "Red Onion Salad" with chicken. Granted, it's not Mexican, but it is SO GOOD. Mixed lettuce with strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, pear, mango, pineapple, apple, candied walnuts and avocado. The chicken that you can add to the salad is not overly seasoned and always very tender. No need to dressing here - the flavors of the salad are just that good. I've also had their steak salad with a funky neon-green avocado dressing. They give you a nice 6oz steak fillet, broiled to preference. Tender, moist, delicious. Chips & salsa are addicting, fajitas are sizzling, and prices are fair for the portions you get. The only knock I have on this place is the service. On more than one occasion, I have felt virtually ignored or given the impression I was wasting time for the waitresses (only when served by the older women waitresses).
(4)Julie P.
NEVER go here, unless you are 90 years old. They seat who they want to seat, when they want to seat them- regardless of the time of your reservation. No thanks James Earl- entirely too rude. They also strongly discourage young children from eating there and cater to the 80+ crowd.
(1)Scott W.
One work meh. I went here for lunch, after many years of not living in the area. I remember it from my childhood. Well to start the place is very dark, and I don't like the decor, years ago they had great pictures from the 1914 revolution now it's a bunch of sports crap on the walls, not very authentic in my opinion. The server spilled my margarita on my lap and the drink was not strong in the least. I ordered fish tacos and Carl's Jr. makes better ones, they use frozen fish, lettuce instead of cabbage and no spice sauce. Really bland and soggy. This place has gone down hill and I will not be returning.
(2)Chris W.
I seem to be on a Mexican food review kick right now. I have been here a few times over the years. Food is passable...no horror stories or anything crazy to complain about but nothing stands out as a must have. Table salsa is good as is the service and ambiance. I can only find 2 complaints about this place, one is that the beverage glasses are super small requiring many refills and my second gripe is with the avocado ranch dressing...its bright green and a thick sour cream-like consistency...but it does taste good. Bottom line, its a bit kitchy but it delivers a decent product in an interesting and different dining setting for the area. The menu is expansive so you are bound to find something you like whether you are a carnivore or not.
(4)Tom C.
The best Mexican food in PV. Really fresh chicken tacos and salsa. The margaritas are top notch as well. Gets busy on weekends even though the place is huge.
(4)Todd L.
Only good place on the hill. If you are looking for quality and margaritas...this is the place.
(4)Laurie W.
This place serves great Mexican food. It's also a great place to take people who don't like Mexican food because they also serve burgers. I love the atmosphere inside this restaurant. It's really cozy. The chicken tacos are pretty good. It's not my all-time favorite Mexican restaurant, but it ranks fairly high!
(4)Mel B.
They have the best tamales on the planet. For serious. Some of the other patrons can be a little snooty, though. They tend to look at my bf and me like we're going to steal their wallet (we might not!). Also, the margaritas could be stronger. Still, they're pretty damn tasty. And I love the salsa. You should eat here.
(3)Suzy B.
Once you try the Red Onion salad you will be hooked. It's different than any other salad I've had and healthy.
(5)Vonnie S.
This review would have had one more star but I was so appalled by the service received I had to knock them down a notch. We had gone fairly late in the evening (8:30p) and had beat any dinner crowds on a Sat. night. The place was fairly empty although the parking lot seemed packed. The environment was cozy and it seemed like a nice place ot be for a family dinner. There seemed to be enough on the menu to satisfy everyone's appetites so you appreciated that they had a variety of dishes to choose from. The evening went downhill when the waiter showed up. I am not sure if he was upset that people were coming in at the end of the shift or if he was bothered by the fact that my companion and I were a mixed couple. Whatever the case, he was visibly rude to us and didn't seem to relay that same rudeness to the other guests. Our waiter (David) was a complete jerk. He barely opened his mouth to speak and provided little to zero eye contact. He served me a margarita that tasted like it had ZERO tequila in it. The crab enchilada on the menu only provides one (vs. the normal two). When I asked him for clarity, he seemed irritated that I had a question. When I asked him if I could add an extra enchilada for an additional fee, he rudely told me that he would have to charge me for the full price of the meal. After my eyes stopped glowing red, I kindly reminded him that he would do no such thing and that he would charge me just the a la carte price since I wasn't asking for double rice/beans. When he brought our food out, he literally tossed the plate infront of my bf and was just absent the whole time we ate. The icing on the cake, we were still speaking as we were putting the payment receipt on the table. Our waiter proceeded to come over and snatch the receipt off of the table asking, "Is this for me?" and walked away. It took every restraint in my body to not get up and snatch the receipt back out of his hand. It is too bad that the service was so horrendous since the food (not the drink) was actually pretty tasty. I've had great memories of the Red Onion as it was our family dinner spot on Sundays. This experience (one worth calling management about) has changed that.
(2)Scott S.
The Red Onion has a great atmosphere, filled with all sorts of strange artifacts and things to look at through out the restaurant. It is also located in a great spot as it is one of the few if only Mexican sit down restaurants in the area. Too bad that's all it has going for it. The food is sub par. Their mole sauce was one of the worst and driest I have ever tried. Their chiming was mushy instead of being crisp. Everyone at my table complained how tart of the Sangria was. The service was unfriendly and did not come by even though I was dieing for a second drink. It is great that they are very well set up for big groups and large families. However, they are not will to break up checks or do anything extra to cater to their customers. Overall, I wouldn't run out of your way in order to try The Original Red Onion. I give them 2.5 stars.
(2)Debbie T.
This is the greatest Mexican food on the planet, and I've tried them all. I always perform the salsa test: If the salsa is phenomenal, usually, the food will be too. This place gets crowded, so be careful about showing up without a reservation on weekend evenings after 5:00.
(5)Robert A.
Go to the website bomb.com , click the tab mexican food, and at the top you will see the Red O. A true landmark and the best mexican food in the south bay. It is located on the hill which is perfect to keep flatlanders and undesirables away. The ambiance is great and the outfits the staff wears adds even more to the expercience. The chips and salsa are second to none. I recommend the chicken fajiatas, chicken tacos, enchilidas, and rick and beans. I can't wait to go to this place again. Anyone who gives this place less than 5 stars knows little to nothing about mexican food.
(5)Nicolle B.
Do NOT go here. My mom was a victim of identity theft after using her credit card here for take out. Her credit card was copied and within 24 hours someone had charged $600 on her card around the Torrance area. We are positive this happened due to the charge at this restaurant and all of the charges were local to the restaurant. The food may be pretty good but not good enough to deal with the hassle of credit card fraud.
(1)C L.
The food here is just not good. This is "Mexican" food circa 1955 -- heavy, greasy, processed cheesy. In a city like Los Angeles, there's just no reason to eat here if you truly like Mexican food. Plus, the decor is dated and dingy and the service is lackluster. But none of this is why people keep packing the Red Onion. If you are from PV (especially if you are a long-time native or have children), sooner or later you will end up at this restaurant, and when you do you will see half your neighbors there, too. If you are looking for good Mexican food nearby, I suggest Ortega 120 in Redondo Beach. The service can be hit or miss, and it is more expensive. But you get what you pay for. The quality of the ingredients is excellent (no processed cheese). The food is sophisticated and creative, but still authentically Mexican. The atmosphere is more adult, too. Try the street taco combo and a handmade margarita. If Ortega 120 sounds fancier than what you want, try Riveria Mexican Grill, also in Redondo. The Mexican food is much, much healthier and tastier than the Red Onion's. I love the shrimp tacos. The atmosphere is very, very family friendly with a definite low-key, beachy vibe.
(1)C B.
This is a great local mexican fave. I'd give it 5 stars if it were cheaper, but it can get pricey. The margaritas are great, the food is yummy, the location is nice. All the locals go there- and often you will find people riding their horses to the place...YES, horses!
(4)bran p.
The service here is awesome, and I'll give them props for it. Expect food somewhere in zombie land between Taco Bell, and El Torito. It ain't grand. But it's affordable. It's PV. The folks here seem to care about the patrons. The salsa is tasty. They give you options besides beans and rice. What more is there to say.
(4)Lynn R.
I give this place 3 stars for the food, and a whopping 5 stars for the charm and ambiance! When you want to feel as though you've taken a trip to Puerto Vallarta, head here! Charming decor and cozy booths and various sized tables throughout the three dining area rooms. Avoid the back room straight ahead when you walk in the main door. A little dark and removed from rest of the restaurant. Food is good, with an incredible selection guaranteed to please the fussiest eaters (meaning....Meg-Ryan-me)! A wait for a table most of the time, but you can while away the time in the cozy bar sipping a margarita. Service can be hit or miss. I love this place and always look forward to my next visit!
(4)Beelz D.
Sad, but true. Red Onion has been around for years and used to be a decent place to grab Mexican food. We've now had 3 bad meals in a row here, and bad to the point of not feeling good after the meals. The house marg is barely drinkable. They used to be pretty good! The service was awful. The last time, no one came to our table for the first 10 minutes. Unfortunately, it's your only choice for Mexican food in P.V. unless you want La Salsa. So if you're desperate: stick with chips/salsa/gaucamole, the fajitas, and a beer. I hate to give an old local place a bad review, but it has gone way down hill. If you feel like making a 10 minute drive, go to Ortega 120 in Redondo Beach. It's fairly new to the South Bay and it's really good.
(2)Heather H.
Good stuff, the Red Onion. The best place on the hill to get Mexican food, for sure! I, of course, am spoiled in this area because I live in San Diego where the whole city is one big delicious place to get Mexican food, but I can't hold that against Red Onion. Good food, good service, good atmosphere, and not too expensive. We go here often when visiting friends and fam. in P.V.
(4)Ron L.
The last few times we've been there the service has gotten progressively worse. I think the waiters have been there too long. It's like a union job - they don't care because nothing will happen to them. Last time I asked for water with lemon for my beverage. I got the water - once - and never got the lemons. Their beef tacos are atrocious! Greasy and bland doesn't begin to describe them. With the combination plate I ordered the taco was served in a puddle of grease. It's kind of sad. As someone else mentioned, it is a gorgeous place in a great area, but the food has become second rate. I sure hope they can fix it up. Thanks for looking.
(2)Jennifer M.
Nice service and overall establishment. The fish tacos are excellent!!!
(4)Scott M.
Good stuff and nostalgic for us natives.
(5)Blanca N.
I'd been to this place a few times before but just for margaritas and an appetizer, but last night my dear husband and I had a full dinner. The meal started off well enough with the tasty salsa and the freshly fried chips. I ordered the combo #1 which consisted of a ground beef taco (crispy) and a chicken enchilada. Neither were bad, just rather bland and nothing to write home about, ya know? The chicken in the enchilada was shredded chicken and the ground beef was again, kinda flavorless. DH had a chicken quesadilla that looked like it was almost fried crisp...i don't know how they would do that, but anyway, it was a'ight. The chicken at least had a better flavor since it was grilled. Since I have had the margaritas before and liked them we decided to splurge on a pitcher (no we are not lushes, the waiter said it would serve four drinks and was a good value). Bad mistake. For some reason the single serving of margarita does not translate well to the pitcher of margaritas on the rocks. It was very sweet and syrup-ey. We had to add water to the glass just to be able to tolerate the sugar high we were getting. I only gave this place three stars because our waiter and bus boy were very good. They were attentive and friendly and made it a nice experience. Overall, the Red Onion has a nice ambience and average Americanized Mexican food. I would go back, but again only for a drink and an appetizer before crossing the street to my favorite movie theater.
(3)Danny T.
This place is not good. My sister and I got food posing!! May look nice but the food isn't. What ever you do, do not go here, unless you want to get SICK!!!!
(1)Grace K.
I've been here a few times. I mostly like their ambiance and service. Their chips and salsa are decent. I've tried a few things on their menu. I only like their chicken tacos. Everything else I've had is so so. As long as I get my tacos I'm fine.
(3)Patrick C.
i hope this place will always be on the Hill. the interior is festive and cozy, the staff is friendly and helpful, and the prices are great too. i had the machaca burrito and it was tremendous... perfecto! this is one of those places that when you get there, you hope it will always be there... i got a lotta love for you red onion... hope to bring my kids here someday... you are hold a very special place in our hearts :) viva red onion :D
(3)Christopher W.
#7 all the way. Best rice and margarita's around... Ohhh if I was back home right now I would be hitting up the Red Onion and taking down two beef tacos, rice and a margarita... It's a true hideaway!!!
(5)Alex P.
This place is a local favorite - I've been going here since I was a kid and my review is undoubtedly biased on that account. But I love this place: the chips and salsa are top notch, the food is good, the staff is fine, the value is reasonable, and the ambiance is nice. I usually get a burrito of some sort, and I'm never dissapointed. It's not the same kind of authentic Mexican you can get elsewhere, but it's good. This is one of the places I always go back to when I'm in LA. That says something, methinks.
(4)Chris K.
You know you're not at a good Mexican restaurant when you see no Mexicans or Latinos in the establishment besides the workers. Food is sub-par at sub-par prices. Service sucks. But they do give you chips and salsa. Also the drink glasses are way too small and the waiters don't come by too often to refill them. Good atmosphere though. Chris Kim doesn't feel the need to describe the food because it's not worth describing. This place was meant for white people who can't tell the difference( sorry if that offended anyone).
(2)Kevin C.
I've been eating here since I was a kid. The mojitos are amazing. The food is always delicious, and the service is always prompt and friendly. Often times the owner, Jeff Earle, can be seen walking around and helping out. I love this place!
(5)Matthew J.
I love eating here though I rarely seem to. Their salsa is nice and spicy and the food is great!
(5)scott w.
I love this place. Such great food, such good service, very nice and traditional. I love going here with friends, and having great food!
(5)L. G.
I've been eating here my whole life, and I enjoy it every visit. The food is good, and the atmosphere is just great. This place is huge but very cozy. It is dark inside and there are trinkets and a bunch of other crap all over the walls that really makes you feel at home. The chips and salsa are good here, and the staff all wear "authentic" Mexican getups (to complement the "authentic" Mexican food). Watching the ruffly shirts and occasional sombrero walk by your table is comforting albeit degrading. Prices here aren't bad at all, they give you a good amount of food. I always order a combination plate, for example a taco and tamale, that comes with two sides. After the chips and the combo I'm completely stuffed every time for about $10. Not bad at all. Sweet corn tamales and Albondigas soup here kick ass. Recommended.
(4)Jesus H.
The food is pretty good, but a couple of my friend have gotten sick from eating here. I usually order the carnitas wet burrito, which is good. Although yesterday I started to get a stomach ache after a couple hours of eating the burrito. It's a nice place but don't know how well their food is prepared. It also took the waiter a couple times of passing by us to remember to get us a refill. They don't have great parking either, so you might have to walk a bit.
(3)Paul F.
This is another place that I have eaten at repeatedly over the years. In fact, it's my favorite Mexican restaurant in the South Bay. I've ordered a number of things and the food is consistently good. I will say that the food here seems more authentic Mexican to me as opposed to what you get say at Acapulco, which to me seems "Americanized." I knocked it down one star because I am not a fan of their margaritas. I do like the bar area, something about the decor just makes it feel comfortable, but I don't consider it a good place to go watch a game. Parking can be a hassle, and we often end up parking on the street. The service is always great, and they have great chips and salsa. I am perplexed as to why the water and sodas are served in such small glasses. The wait staff have to make repeated trips to refill them. They do a great job, but they should just get bigger glasses.
(4)Janet P.
This is a memory packed place since I've been going for the last 38 years. Nothing changes. I think even the servers are the same. Yikes! The food is consistently good (the refried beans are the best every) and unhealthy; the service consistently mediocre. They come to the table, say hi (on a good day), take your order, deliver it, clean the table. Honestly, that is it. I will always go back, it's just part of the memory trip.
(4)Nic G.
I've been coming here since I was a kid, and it's always been a family favorite. Very classic Mexican dishes. While I've had just about everything on the menu, I always gravitate back to the Carne Asada hard shell taco. Paired with a Cadillac Margarita, it's really hard to beat. The salsa is great, and is thoughtfully delivered with a plastic spoon so that you can shovel it all over whatever you are eating. If it's busy, it can be a tad slow, but that just gives you time for another Cadillac...
(5)Rick Jacuzzi s.
The Red O is always good. I enjoy the tacos and a margarita. They have a nice cantina where you can watch a game or just throw a few back. The employees are always friendly.
(4)Dan H.
When I was a teen my best friend lived in the neighborhood right above this place, so we were frequent antagonists to the staff. Now neither of us lives anywhere near the South Bay, but every few years we make the slog up PV for a blast from the past. Since LA discovered "real" Mexican cuisine a decade ago, old fashioned Sonoran places like this (what your Grandma would've called "Mexican" - unless of course she actually was Mexican) have dwindled. It's nice to occasionally enjoy beefy, crispy, cheesy things pasted to the plate with good ole stick to yer ribs refried beans and rice, washed down with an extra syrupy Roy Rogers (or two.) They have a huge menu, and most everything comes prepared with a choice of ground beef, roast beef, chicken, carnitas, or shrimp. The ground beef is moist and spicy with none of the annoying "bits" the supermarket gb has been inflicting on us in the last few years. The roast beef and carnitas are both dense and mouthwateringly flavorful. Portions are big, prices are reasonable for where you are and what you get. Save room for sopapillas for dessert. $10-$20 per person. If your car sucks take Hawthorne instead of Crenshaw up the hill.
(4)Melissa V.
Worst service I have ever experienced at a restaurant. My husband asked the waiter if they had Horchata, a traditional Mexican drink- the waiter looked at him disgusted and said: What is that? Obviously they did not carry Horchata. We got our food reasonably fast- late afternoon- decent. Not anything truly authentic. The topper: when the waiter brought us the bill he tossed it into our basket of chips- that we were still eating. Haven't been back since.
(1)Shane and Kelly K.
By far, this is the greatest Mexican food ever. I've been coming here since I was a wee little one and the quality is always superb. Several years ago I introduced my husband to it and he fell in love. Since then we have moved away from the area but every time we are in town we stop by two to three times. We recommend the chicken soft tacos, cheese enchiladas, sweet corn tamales, the rice, guacamole, and of course the salsa. Stop by next time you're in the PV and fall in love.
(5)Wynn S.
When we get down to Palos Verdes, we always make a point of eating here. We enjoy the restaurant and it's food. You won't be dissapointed with the Carnitas, but be prepard to be full!
(4)Gina L.
Yikes. I stopped eating here when this place received a "C" grade a couple of years ago. Ok, it was a couple of years ago, but the place has been there forever & is in DESPERATE need of a good clean. The bathrooms are not clean & just peaking into the kitchen is a fright. This place is the premiere Mexican place on the hill because it is the ONLY mexican place on the hill. The food tends to be on the bland & greasy side. If that is the kind of food you like, go big.
(1)Jason U.
Excellent Mexican food, especially the combos. Well priced, quiet atmosphere. and lots of cool artifacts from the old brown derby. It even has a table top Mrs pac-man in the lobby. how retro eh.
(4)michele m.
When I heard there was still a Red Onion around I couldn't believe it. We had to have our Margaritas they were very tasty and the chips were so good they were gone in no time we had to stop ourselves before we spoiled our appetites. Not to mention the food was delicious.
(5)Aly D.
this place has been here as long as i can remember. once extremely avoided because it got a big fat C from the health department, this restaurant now flourishes as the only decent mexican restaurant on the hill (well... it is the ONLY mexican restaurant. La Salsa does not count). 4 stars for the giant portions, burritos dripping with cheese, and the massive quantities of guacamole that they give you, not to mention that it tastes rather good. -1 star for the iffy service. sometimes you go and its great, other times you arrive and the waiter grunts at you and ignores you throughout your dinner.
(4)Amy C.
When I have the craving for consistently good Mexican food, I usually head to the Red Onion. It's some of the better Mexican around that isn't found in one of those sketchy areas. Their menu is large and comprehensive, and has cuisine other than Mexican for those who aren't fond of it. I had a grilled cheese there one time and it was good as well...but I don't know how one can screw up cheese and bread! Anyway, great tacos, good enchiladas, but their margaritas haven't been up to my standard. They were almost too tangy for my tastes. Other than that, I haven't had a bad experience. Note that Friday and Saturday nights can be crowded. If you want a good family environment, head to the Red Onion! People have been going there for years, judging by the clientele (lots of senior citizens), and many families on my block in Pedro make the weekly trek up "the hill" to dine there.
(4)Helen P.
Good food, with a twist, a few items done in an original way, Guac is a little bland, but salsa is tasty, though not chunky. The staff is great here, I was on a date and they led me to a table with a few loud children in the next booth. The host immediatly decided (without my input) that he would find us a quieter table....fantastic. It has a real local feel and there s a wonderful mix of patrons.
(4)Alan P.
I love the food! I live almost walking distance. The service is to the point of being rude. I have tried many times. And we have never been able to leave much of a tip. So now I order the food to go, because it is that good. But they are even sometimes rude when I pick it up. It reminds me of good Tex-Mex. I'm from Dallas; But this place would never make it in Texas.
(2)Kelly T.
The one reviewer was right, you always run into PV people you know here. And the other reviewer's right. This is what "Mexican food" meant in the 1960s.
(3)Christian C.
this is another restaurant that i have been to off and on over the last 25 years or so, since i was a small child. this place has awesome decor. its got the white walls with dark wood and dim lighting. i dont know, this is just how envision a mexican restaurant to look like inside. this place has awesome chips and salsa. the chips are arguably the best i have had anywhere. i do think that Las Brisas in Redondo Beach has better salsa though. i always get the fajitas here. i think that they are delicious, and i usually end up comparing other restaurant's fajitas to these, but then that is probably tied to childhood nostalgia. the thing i remember not liking is the sauce that they put on top of the rice, but their beans are good. this is probably closer to a three star restaurant, and is not really athentic (authentic, shmauthentic....have you had authentic mexican food from mexico....most of it is pretty horrifying if you dont know where to go), but this place is so old school and established, you have to respect that.
(4)Adrienne R.
I love this place. Traditional Mexican food. The chips and salsa are good (the first indicator the whole meal is going to be good). I like to get a combo plate since I can never decide. You really can't go wrong. And on the night I want a "lighter" meal, I like their salads that you can get with carne asada, chicken, or carnitas (my recommendation). The wait on a weekend night is insane though and prices aren't exactly cheap but you will not be disappointed by a meal here.
(4)Johnnie J.
Bart Earle's Red Onion is an excellent restaurant. Not only is the price very fair for what is offered, the restaurant is a clean and comfortable place to eat. After you're seated at your table, you are immediately served chips and salsa! While looking through the menu, you'll find a whole plethora of Mexican dish offerings. These include but are far from limited to tacos, enchiladas, burritos, soups and fajitas. What's great about this restaurant is that you're able to order combination plates. Basically, you can order a burrito any style from a list. Then, you can choose a few side dishes with the burrito from another list. Reading the other reviews here on Yelp, I had no idea that this place once received a C. But, it appears to be clean now!
(4)Tim c.
Sonoran Mexican food I've learned to enjoy from years in Arizona. But uninspired: nothing to get excited about or justify the price.
(3)peter b.
We've not found any mexican restaurant to be better than this place. We eat there about once a week. Service is very good and prompt. We love their combinations and tostadas. The carnitas is the best around and the chili con carne and chili verde are perfect. The tamales are also very good. Sometimes just a beer and nachos fills the bill. The decor is warm and welcoming. They have a few areas with historic or sports memorabila on the walls, fireplaces etc. They have a cantina if that's what you want. I give this place the highest recommendation!!
(5)J S.
I've always loved this place. The food is very consistant from visit to visit. It's very comforting to have familiar faces, patrons and employees, all around you.
(5)Arturo M.
This is almost mexican food. The food is decent but not authentic nor a value nor special. The ownership is good and the staff is great but I doubt that the restaurant would be the first choice of the Mexican staff if they were holding an event.
(3)Richard S.
If you've lived in PV for any length of time, you know this place has had its up and downs. It's been on an up-swing for the past few years, and offers one of the few authentic Palos Verdes dining experiences. What I mean is that you can come here on a Friday or Saturday night and actually see the different levels of PV just hanging out and enjoying their meals together. It's a shame so few people understand that underneath all the richy-rich stereotypes about PV, we really are just normal people looking for a decent place to eat. The food is good, on the same level as any El Torito or Acapulco, which means you know what to expect and there are no big surprises in either the positive or negative sense. And the bar's really nice too. You can get the basic Margarita or spend a few extra bucks and they'll put in the Patron for you. I find that I actually enjoy waiting for a table because the bar has such a nice vibe to it. Overall I'm really impressed with this place and my wife and I come here often.
(4)Lucas F.
The food, while not truly authentic as some reviewers have noted, is good nonetheless. The service is pretty good, though they can be slow in refilling the drinks. Considering the fact that they serve water in glasses the size of shot glasses, you can become parched rather quickly. Aside from that, my only other beef is with the owner. We have a stroller that is on the large side, though it is certainly smaller than many of the double-wides that I see these days. We are regulars and the staff has always been very accommodating when it comes to seating us with this. One day, the owner was seating customers and nearly turned us away. He told us that they don't allow those in the restaurant. It must have been opposite day or something since it's usually the staffs that cause problems at restaurants and the owners that come to the rescue. After a few moments of reflection, he did the favor and seated us, though it was clear he still wasn't happy. Considering that this is PV and there are a lot of families with kids in the community and in his restaurant, one would think that the owner would want to be a bit more flexible since the "Coco's eating" generation which accounts for a fair amount of his business will be gone one day and he will need us. We still go there, but that incident left a bad taste in our mouths.
(3)Juliet F.
Red Onion is my family's favorite place to eat. I love the home-cooked feel of the food and the cozy atmosphere. Lots of tables, so the wait is never too too long, and the service is usually fast and friendly. The menu has a large selection of everything you would expect from a Mexican restaurant, plus a good range of American items (burgers and fries, various sandwiches). The salsa is really yummy too--not too spicy. My favorite thing on the menu has to be the sweet corn tamale. The margaritas aren't bad either (there is a full bar). The only complaint I have is that the drink cups are too small, and you sometimes have to flag someone down and beg for refills.
(5)