Sierra Madre Cantina (Kalaveraz) - Bar Rescue Update (2024)

In this week's episode ofBar Rescue, Jon Taffer and crew are in Escondido, California to rescue Kalaveraz. Kalaveraz is a Mexican restaurant owned by Juan Magana. Juan is a defiant owner who needs to take responsibility for his own failures to save himself from closing the restaurant. Juan tells Jon Taffer he's failing because he is surrounded by turkeys, meanwhile he is behind on their paychecks.

During theBar Rescuemakeover, Jon Taffer decided to change the name of Kalaveraz to Sierra Madre Cantina and they have kept the name. Let's take a look at some information, reviews, and updates for Sierra Madre Cantina sinceBar Rescuecame and made all of the changes to the bar (All reviews are post-Bar Rescue):

Positive Reviews:

• "What a great and relaxing place to chill and drink one. The food and service is perfect! I highly recommend this place for a clam weekend vibe."
• "I met with several clients two days in a row at SMC. The management/owner is very accommodating as I requested some privacy. Our server "Claudia" was on point and provided great service! Food was great and priced just right. I will definitely be coming back, and I highly recommend this restaurant!"
• "Good food, friendly staff, good drinks and reasonable pricing. Used to come in when it was Añejos, and came only a few times when it was Kalaveraz. Now 2nd time in here as Sierra Madre Cantina. Bartenders are knowledgable and great service. I appreciate service and good food, and like to acknowledge that. Will be back."
• "MUST TRY!!! I had their Bacon wrapped shrimp and Enchiladas and it was super yummy! Best of all that makes the experience is the Service, SERVICE IS THE BEST BESIDES THEIR DELICIOUS FOOD!"
• "Amazing food, amazing staff! MUST TRY if you're ever near Escondido! Best Margaritas in the area, GREAT tacos, friendly staff, great place for parties, large groups, etc!"
• "This review is for Sierra Madre Cantina. Since remodeling this place is worth a second chance. New menu and drinks as well as modern clean decor."
• "The food here is amazing. Way better then the place that use to be here. Also the owner is supper nice. I'm so glad that a place with amazing mexican food opened up around the corner from my house"

Negative Reviews:

• "I'm sad to see that a Mexican restaurant can't get real fried beans and the rice right. Beans taste like can beans, and rice were so dry. I had the ceviche and I don't like getting big chunks of tomatoes in it. The tostada at the bottom was bad. Just like the chips, they were old. I got a slice of avocado on my plate. Tamarindo margarita was okay. I hope that the owner can get better chefs to actual make beans and real Mexican rice. I really want this place to succeed. Service was great!"
• "This place is ok, but it was better before bar rescue showed up. The review below is for Kalaveraz not whatever bar rescue did to the place. Before bar rescue I gave this place 4 stars now it just isn't as comfortable and some drinks are in fancy cups and overpriced. Just a meh..place. Maybe I came on a bad day I'll try again and update my review if needed"
• "We were regulars at Anejo, in fact I even held my business lunch meetings there. Wasn't so happy with the food and drinks when the new owner took over, and stopped going there entirely. When we heard "Bar Rescue" had come to their aid we decided to give it another try. Called in an order for two dinners. When I arrived to pick them up they had no record of the order. Waited while they prepared my order, took it home and discovered that BOTH dinners were wrong. I called and was told they would make new dinners for me, but I would have to bring the incorrect ones back first. No thanks!!! Two trips for bad service and mediocre food? I don't think so!"
• "Horrible customer service & food! I placed an order of 8 items over the phone for pick-up, and they messed up up on all the orders! No attention to detail whatsoever. They forgot to give me the tortillas for the menudo. I asked for no beans on another order, & they gave me beans. They completely forgot one of the salad orders. When I asked and they did give it to me, they forgot the dressing. Tortilla chips were hard and burnt. The rolled tacos on the menu said chicken and I got beef. They charged us $10 for a handful of chips. Portions for the food is overall too small for the price. Not impressed at all with the overall quality of the restaurant. I will not be returning, nor do I recommend this restaurant for good quality Mexican food. Save your money!"
• "Literally waited an hour just for them to take our order. Once we did order, they brought us an incorrect order twice. We left without eating."