We've been coming to Yolanda's in Ventura for over a decade because the restaurant, both inside and on the patio, is a relatively nice place to eat. They have very friendly and attentive service. Though the location makes parking tricky, more often than not the food is worth it. Sadly, however, the last time we went the albondigas (meatball soup) was particularly poor. It was over-oily, not very well-seasoned, green and watery rather than rich and brothy, with plenty of tomato and cumin, as it should be. They have crayons and coloring pages for little children while you wait, and they are generous with their chips and salsa. Next time you go, be sure to ask for the virgin margarita/smoothie (it comes with whipped cream on top).

I have been a Yolanda's customer for more than 20 years. When I tell you that I've seen the good, bad, and everything in between at the Ventura location, you can believe it. You're probably reading this cause you want to know about the food, beverages, and the experience. For starters, their crispy chicken tacos, cheese enchiladas, nachos, and chicken wings are A++. Seriously the best chicken tacos in town. I love the albondigas soup and have been begging them for the recipe forever. Next level up is their New York steak combo. OMG... can these guys cook a steak - it's excellent. The Villa dishes (especially the chicken) are so savory and awesome you can't go wrong with any of them. And you know what? Their cheeseburgers are straight bomb. One bite of the burger and you'll see what I mean. There's a really good salsa bar that has 5 or 6 different selections but my favorite is their habanero salsa. That stuff is for real. If you like cocktails, especially margaritas, you can't beat this place. Generous pours of all the top-shelf brands, great beers on tap (sometimes Corona!), and I especially recommend that you try the Bill Burke margarita. TVs are everywhere in the bar so if you're looking to catch a game this is a good spot. The good people who work there are like family to my wife and I. They have always taken great care of us and are very kind. The restaurant is clean. I've seen the kitchen and it's spotless. The bathrooms are also well taken care of, I've never gone in and been grossed out before. Sometimes it can get pretty crowded and nearby parking can be hard to find. Try to get there early if you can!

We can count on this family owned business that has been at this same location forever and a day to handle large groups with attentive service. We had a family birthday dinner here with 11 adults and 3 toddlers, all arriving at different times, with crayons to color place mats waiting at three places. We were all seated quickly and had drinks in hand right away, including margaritas and a cosmopolitan. We had plenty of room at our table to stand up and get to the salsa bar, plus swap baby holding, since there are several separate rooms all festivals painted, making for bright, cheerful family photos. The menu is solid traditional Mexican with everything from soft tacos to street tacos to taquitos to enchiladas to steak and more. My salad was flavorful and fresh. Oddly, the guacamole is market price and premade, but my avocado slices on my salad were fresh. Everyone enjoyed their food with not a glitch in the service commented upon. To-go boxes were provided since serving sizes are large on the combos.

Eating here since 1993, hubby since 1982, this family owned restaurant still rocking it out at 2008 prices! Still excellent authentic mexican food and equal excellent service. Get a 3 combo dinner with a wonderful $3.00 aboundagas soup add on. Skinny spicy margaritas spot on. Chicken Enchillada great white meat. Taco's chicken and beef crispy and authentic. Merlot $9.00 large pour glass of house wine perfect! Did I mention hot fresh taco chips with hot bean (some days) and homemade red salsa free? Coming back again.

Had lunch with the family on a Sunday afternoon. Service was great we had amazing waiters and a waitress. We were greeted with smiles and seated quickly. The restaurant was beautiful art work and layout is very nice and clean and calm. Not too quiet so our big party of 10 does not disturb others. The drinks were delicious got a margarita flight with their spring special flavors and the food was delicious didn't wait long at all for our main meals and chips and salsa here are always delicious and served quickly. I recommend.