Nestled by the water, Hacienda On The Lake offers more than just a meal; it offers an experience. True to the saying in real estate, 'location, location, location,' this establishment proves that where you dine can elevate your dining experience to new heights. The food, a delightful array of Tex-Mex cuisine with a sophisticated twist, earns a solid three-star rating. It's tasty and satisfying, though it might not leave you astounded. However, the service steps up to fill in any gaps left by the culinary offerings, achieving a commendable four stars thanks to the attentive and friendly staff.But the real gem of Hacienda On The Lake is its unparalleled location and atmosphere. With a perfect score of five stars, the breathtaking view of the lake complements your meal, making every bite a bit more special. It's this serene backdrop that truly sets the restaurant apart, providing a feast for the eyes as much as for the taste buds. In summary, while the food is good, and the service is great, it's the atmosphere and location that you'll come back for. Hacienda On The Lake is a testament to the power of a beautiful setting, making it a must-visit for those who believe dining should be an experience to remember.
Always a delight to enjoy the view of the lake here along with great chips and salsa. The meals are good and the service is always attentive.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Madison Arnett
Mauricio Rosales Was the best waiter ever! Great service, and had a wonderful humor, Me and my boyfriend had the best time!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
WeonJun Lee
We can have meals beside a beautiful lake.Ducks come to near you and ask to feed them.I ate chicken fajitas, and it was tasty.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Chips and Salsa, Guacamole, Fajitas
David Salahi
Lovely waterfront dining (Mission Viejo Lake). Nice place for a wedding reception except if it's a large group some people may need to be seated outdoors while others are seated inside.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Danielle
Always consistent. First time having breakfast at Hacienda and was not disappointed. :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
GUSU
What an amazing time at Hacienda on the Lake. The new chef and manager,Miguel, have made vast improvements. The food and drinks are all amazing and a step above what they used to be. Hacienda has an amazing view and ambiance, and now the food and drinks are top-notch. There were 4 of us, and we all had Don Julio tequilla shots and champagne. The calamari was delicious and the chips were fresh, and salsa was perfect. My wife had the caleta, I had the Las Brisas, and our friends had the carnitas and brunch chile Verde omelet. Marco provided amazing service, and Miguel and his amazing team checked in on us regularly. They even sang happy birthday to our dear friend Julie with a complimentary desert. Great time, food, and people. Highly recommended.
Foodie
There were 10 couples with 7pm reservations still waiting to be seated at 7:15pm. Our reservation was for 7:15pm and it looked like there would be an hour wait. We ended up sitting in the bar. The drinks were good and fast but the food was a long wait and barely cooked. I ordered the steak fajitas and the plate didn't come out sizzling and looked like the meat and veggies were microwaved. No char marks and rubbery. I know it was Valentine's Day but they need to prepare a little better with their availability and servers. The ambiance would have been great but we had to sit in the bar.
MattB
Normally the food is excellent. We both had chicken enchiladas. Usually the cooks use moist flavorful shreaded chicken. Today the chicken seemed to be frozen chicken breasts cut into little pieces. The chicken was dry and bland. We also had to wait about 45 minutes to get our food. It wouldn't have been so bad if you didn't charge $26 for this dish. I wouldn't have a problem paying a premium price so long as the food quality and service was equal, but this time, it wasn't. We go there often, but now, I'm not so sure. This is the first time we had a bad experience there.
Jonn
Not a good experience, won't be coming back unfortunately. Food was so bad we had to send both entrees back. Server completely forgot about us. Waited 30 minutes to get our drinks. Will not be back.
Food was average, view was outstanding. Service was adequate until we stopped ordering. We had to wait at least 20 minutes to get our check. We will comeback again for brunch mainly because of the view. If the service is still as bad we will not give it another try.
darelene1129
The food was delicious! We took an inside table because it was quite cold outside, but it turned out, the inside was cold too and we had to leave our coats on during dinner. There was a wedding reception going on and perhaps some doors were left open to accommodate that. Service was good but would have appreciated it if the server had checked on us a bit more. The food is so good and nice portions; it's really lovely when it's warm enough to sit on the terraces.
Angelica Velazquez
My friends and I came here after work for a little after work tea session.We asked for a seat with a view, and the view did not disappoint one bit. I will admit, it was cold even with a heater near us, but the view made it worth suffering through the cold.The food here is on the pricier side just so you're aware. Be prepared to spend around $30 if not more per person. I spent well over that, and I'd say the food wasn't as amazing as I expected but I get with places like these, you're paying more for the view and the ambiance than the food itself.For dinner, I ordered some taquitos to share with my friends and a blueberry milkshake. The taquitos were good but nothing to write home about. They're your average taquitos.The blueberry milkshake was honestly my favorite thing I ordered when we went. Even more so than the fried ice cream. Shocking, I know, but it was honestly the best part of my whole meal because it was a unique flavor, easy to drink, and just plain good. Don't get me wrong, the fried ice cream was good too, but the caramel and chocolate sauce was not my favorite addition. Personally, I would have loved it more if it had been coated in cinnamon and sugar, so it tastes more like a churro. But like I said, it was good, and I would eat it again, but I wish they offered a "churro" version. *hint, hint. Wink, wink.* And yes, before anyone comes for me, I know they have churros, but they're just not the same as fried ice cream. Fried ice cream just hits different. IYKYK.Overall, this place is a really nice spot for an after work tea session or any casual lunch or dinner, and I would happily go back and would recommend it. Especially if you want your lunch or dinner with a beautiful view. Just maybe skip the taquitos unless they're an absolute must-have for you. If they are, treat yourself. Otherwise, order something more unique. They have a lot of options, I just went with something that was easy to share, but on my next visit, I'll definitely be trying something different.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Fried Ice Cream
helia
Wondeful view but food wasnt so
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
West Coast Girl
Nice view of Lake Mission Viejo. Restaurant was not busy, but service was painfully slow. Food was basic and not flavorful. But the biggest problem for us was lack of cleanliness in outside dining area.
Nestled by the water, Hacienda On The Lake offers more than just a meal; it offers an experience. True to the saying in real estate, 'location, location, location,' this establishment proves that where you dine can elevate your dining experience to new heights. The food, a delightful array of Tex-Mex cuisine with a sophisticated twist, earns a solid three-star rating. It's tasty and satisfying, though it might not leave you astounded. However, the service steps up to fill in any gaps left by the culinary offerings, achieving a commendable four stars thanks to the attentive and friendly staff.But the real gem of Hacienda On The Lake is its unparalleled location and atmosphere. With a perfect score of five stars, the breathtaking view of the lake complements your meal, making every bite a bit more special. It's this serene backdrop that truly sets the restaurant apart, providing a feast for the eyes as much as for the taste buds. In summary, while the food is good, and the service is great, it's the atmosphere and location that you'll come back for. Hacienda On The Lake is a testament to the power of a beautiful setting, making it a must-visit for those who believe dining should be an experience to remember.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Carnitas Plate, Chips and Salsa, Guacamole Dip, Taco, Guacamole
Always a delight to enjoy the view of the lake here along with great chips and salsa. The meals are good and the service is always attentive.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Mauricio Rosales Was the best waiter ever! Great service, and had a wonderful humor, Me and my boyfriend had the best time!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We can have meals beside a beautiful lake.Ducks come to near you and ask to feed them.I ate chicken fajitas, and it was tasty.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Chips and Salsa, Guacamole, Fajitas
Lovely waterfront dining (Mission Viejo Lake). Nice place for a wedding reception except if it's a large group some people may need to be seated outdoors while others are seated inside.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Always consistent. First time having breakfast at Hacienda and was not disappointed. :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
What an amazing time at Hacienda on the Lake. The new chef and manager,Miguel, have made vast improvements. The food and drinks are all amazing and a step above what they used to be. Hacienda has an amazing view and ambiance, and now the food and drinks are top-notch. There were 4 of us, and we all had Don Julio tequilla shots and champagne. The calamari was delicious and the chips were fresh, and salsa was perfect. My wife had the caleta, I had the Las Brisas, and our friends had the carnitas and brunch chile Verde omelet. Marco provided amazing service, and Miguel and his amazing team checked in on us regularly. They even sang happy birthday to our dear friend Julie with a complimentary desert. Great time, food, and people. Highly recommended.
There were 10 couples with 7pm reservations still waiting to be seated at 7:15pm. Our reservation was for 7:15pm and it looked like there would be an hour wait. We ended up sitting in the bar. The drinks were good and fast but the food was a long wait and barely cooked. I ordered the steak fajitas and the plate didn't come out sizzling and looked like the meat and veggies were microwaved. No char marks and rubbery. I know it was Valentine's Day but they need to prepare a little better with their availability and servers. The ambiance would have been great but we had to sit in the bar.
Normally the food is excellent. We both had chicken enchiladas. Usually the cooks use moist flavorful shreaded chicken. Today the chicken seemed to be frozen chicken breasts cut into little pieces. The chicken was dry and bland. We also had to wait about 45 minutes to get our food. It wouldn't have been so bad if you didn't charge $26 for this dish. I wouldn't have a problem paying a premium price so long as the food quality and service was equal, but this time, it wasn't. We go there often, but now, I'm not so sure. This is the first time we had a bad experience there.
Not a good experience, won't be coming back unfortunately. Food was so bad we had to send both entrees back. Server completely forgot about us. Waited 30 minutes to get our drinks. Will not be back.
Restaurantji Recommends
Food was average, view was outstanding. Service was adequate until we stopped ordering. We had to wait at least 20 minutes to get our check. We will comeback again for brunch mainly because of the view. If the service is still as bad we will not give it another try.
The food was delicious! We took an inside table because it was quite cold outside, but it turned out, the inside was cold too and we had to leave our coats on during dinner. There was a wedding reception going on and perhaps some doors were left open to accommodate that. Service was good but would have appreciated it if the server had checked on us a bit more. The food is so good and nice portions; it's really lovely when it's warm enough to sit on the terraces.
My friends and I came here after work for a little after work tea session.We asked for a seat with a view, and the view did not disappoint one bit. I will admit, it was cold even with a heater near us, but the view made it worth suffering through the cold.The food here is on the pricier side just so you're aware. Be prepared to spend around $30 if not more per person. I spent well over that, and I'd say the food wasn't as amazing as I expected but I get with places like these, you're paying more for the view and the ambiance than the food itself.For dinner, I ordered some taquitos to share with my friends and a blueberry milkshake. The taquitos were good but nothing to write home about. They're your average taquitos.The blueberry milkshake was honestly my favorite thing I ordered when we went. Even more so than the fried ice cream. Shocking, I know, but it was honestly the best part of my whole meal because it was a unique flavor, easy to drink, and just plain good. Don't get me wrong, the fried ice cream was good too, but the caramel and chocolate sauce was not my favorite addition. Personally, I would have loved it more if it had been coated in cinnamon and sugar, so it tastes more like a churro. But like I said, it was good, and I would eat it again, but I wish they offered a "churro" version. *hint, hint. Wink, wink.* And yes, before anyone comes for me, I know they have churros, but they're just not the same as fried ice cream. Fried ice cream just hits different. IYKYK.Overall, this place is a really nice spot for an after work tea session or any casual lunch or dinner, and I would happily go back and would recommend it. Especially if you want your lunch or dinner with a beautiful view. Just maybe skip the taquitos unless they're an absolute must-have for you. If they are, treat yourself. Otherwise, order something more unique. They have a lot of options, I just went with something that was easy to share, but on my next visit, I'll definitely be trying something different.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Fried Ice Cream
Wondeful view but food wasnt so
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
Nice view of Lake Mission Viejo. Restaurant was not busy, but service was painfully slow. Food was basic and not flavorful. But the biggest problem for us was lack of cleanliness in outside dining area.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 1