El Nuevo Veracruz

So We were going to go to a different mexican restaurant down the street, but the last time we were there the service was terrible. So I thought we’d try Veracruz. Walked in and it was empty. It was 4:30 on a Saturday so that made me a bit nervous.
Our waiter Luis, was very nice. It was just me and my son and he made it a pleasant experience. I ordered the Chicken Fajitas. It was great! Still hot and sizzling as expected, and the plate of toppings was quite large. Everything looked great and fresh. I ordered a lemonade, and I have to say it was nice to see it was made fresh. The only negative is that it was done with luke warm water so when they put the ice in it it melted pretty quick. It was a bit pricy for us considering the kids meal was only $ 1.95. $ 20 for one adult and a child. Other than that, I’m very satisfied. I’m confused as to the horrible reviews!

I am always saddened when we show up to Veracruz and we’re the only patrons in the place, and we then drive by Azteca on the way out and the parking lot is packed –Azteca doesn’t hold a candle to Veracruz.
We have been regular customers of this place since we discovered them in more than 10 years ago. The food is mostly consistent, the service is very warm and inviting, and the prices are more than reasonable. Admittedly, Veracruz excels best in the staple items; tacos, enchiladas, burritos, etc. Most people find the salsa they serve with chips to be a bit on the warm side, but I find it to be flavorful with the perfect amount of heat. Their house specials are great, but you can tell where corners are cut in the ingredient quality; they do use packaged tortillas and canned ingredients; I am not expecting fresh-​grown wood-​fired tomatillos from an organic garden here… This is cheap Amerimex food, and you can’t beat it.
Recently, Veracruz received a cosmetic facelift and toned down the lighting a bit; a welcome change if you can overlook the exposed Romex wiring. The food is still delicious, cheap, and the service is great.
Overall, before you have to fight another minivan for a parking spot at Azteca, head into downtown Burien where there is ample street parking and support a local business.

On two different occasions (about 2 years apart), I have stopped into Veracruz for lunch by myself. Both times, I was the only patron in the restaurant & both times the server was a sweet lady.
But unfortunately… both times the food was not good at all. The salsa is very meh and the chile relleno is embarassing. It was not a chile stuffed with cheese, egg battered, etc. It was a chile open faced on the plate with a bunch of sauce and who knows what else on it. Worst one I have ever had. Ever. The time before, several years ago — I had ordered a burrito. Also mediocre.
No more veracruz. The friendly service cannot save the bad food.

I’m not sure what that gal complaining of racism is talking about, I’m whiter than a polar bear in a snow storm and I’ve always gotten excellent service at this place no matter what size my party is.
My family and I have been going here since I was a kid, and every experience has been good. Are there better places around food-​wise? Absolutely, this is pretty basic stuff. But it’s also cheap (a plus in this economy) and the portions are huge, and the atmosphere is welcoming.

Let me spare you the trouble: Don’t bother trying Veracruz.
I was really disappointed with this place. My quesadilla was mediocre at best and hubby’s burrito was gross.
For good (really good, actually) Mexican food in Burien, try El Rinconsito or La Estacion — both on Ambaum. Neither of those places have a real sit-​down-​to-​supper atmosphere (you order at a counter), but once you taste their food you won’t care.

Oh Snap!
So, this review would have something to do with the food had we been served!
Some friends and I walked in deciding that though we’ve passed this place a gazillion times, it might be worthwhile to actually check it out. We waited to be seated for about 6 minutes, while there were maybe two tables seated in the joint. No one had food so we were under the impression that everyone arrived right before us.
Ten minutes later, we were sort of thirsty. Fifteen minutes later, we got some chips and salsa but were still parched. Eighteen minutes later, we did get some water but had yet to order as our waitress skirted out before we could get a «could I hava…». One table left. Politely, we sat there for almost thirty minutes until I finally looked around at my people and said, ok… we’ll give them 4 minutes! If they do not come to take our order by then, we’ll leave. We left.
Sad. The confusing part of the whole encounter was this: The other table had been fully serviced throughout our entire visit. I had made eye contact with the server several times, only to be looked past. It was a Mexican family with a child and three adults. They were served soda, a drink, their chips and dip, and while we were walking out, out came their complete meal. It made me feel sated. The other table left on our heels. All of the tables of people who left without any service were racially mixed, though none of the patrons leaving were of Spanish decent. Not sure if this issue is appropriate to include in my review but I’m just sayin’…my group and the table that left on our heels talked when we walked out and we all felt like someone pulled an invisible race card on us. I wonder why there aren’t any other reviews…