some updates. some thoughts on the new valencia, now that it moved down the block, litterally about 100 yards. some good, some bad.
on the good side, they do have a new outdoor eating area. sure if overlooks main street, but its outdoors. its designed to be true to valencia's roots as beach food. its an oversized sandbox with some picnic tables and other odd furniture. they also now have a full bar and take credit cards.
they also now have an attitude, a bad one. similar complaints to those regarding bodega taco in fairfield (which they also own). their seating policy is bizarre. i went on a tuesday night, place is only half full at best and they did not want to seat me because the whole party was not there yet. we wanted to sit outside. no one was outside at all. though when they gave me static about the rest fo the party not being there, i basically just sat down anyway.
i dont mind this policy on busy nights, especially weekends, but mid-week in the middle of the summer, give me a break. even when the rest of party got there (only another 5 min or so) the waitstaff was so busy setting up the outside for latter service. i got there about 6:30, left about 7:45, only two other parties ended up sitting outside and the inside never got full.
oh, and they still have their simple menu of arrepas and empanadas, but you have to ask for it. they would rather you order from the full dinner menu, which is much more expensive.
guys, if you want to go full upscale, that is your right. but the whole "we have another menu but you have to ask for it" thing is bs. you were popular because you were fast, personable, with great food at a great price and everyone like the little joint vibe. if you want to go big time and charge 25 for an entree, you have to have the service that goes with it. and you don't. not here, and not at bt.
-----11 jun, 2012-----
moved down the street. valencia has moved, just down the block. now has some parking in back, but its a pretty small lot.
much bigger, more comfortable place, with a big bar for waiting, or you can eat at the bar.
they have expanded their menu as well, with very appealing (and much more expensive) dinner specials. they were outstanding however. and you can still eat cheap on arepas and empanadas.
-----01 aug, 2011-----
i need to get here more often. i dont because its kind of a pain. there always seems to be a long wait, and with no place to stand except in the sun on the sidewalk (faces west, so there is no shade, no trees, not even a bench) for 45 minutes.
but the food is absolutely worth it. the black beans and rice are incredible. great variety of breakfast/brunch items. an arrepa with eggs, chorizo and cheese is all you need to start your day.
-----18 oct, 2009-----
what else can be said. that the other reviews already haven't. yes the food is dirt cheap. yes its excellent. yes its a tiny cramped place and you have to stand online, though the post ddd crowd is starting to fade. i suggest takeaway if you can.
they also have a sunday brunch menu with lots of egg dishes. they open early on sundays, so go beat the rush.
i am highly envious of the guy who lives within walking distance. if i did i would be there all the time.