Cha! Cha! Cha!

I’m gonna be very honest .
The reason for the one star is that the last 5 times I’ve been here they have completely messed up my food. I ask every time please no avocado anything I’ll have to go to the hospital.
I’m always very nice about it.
But they without a doubt always put it on.
I can’t understand why it’s so hard to write down on a ticket no avocado or guacamole.
It will put me into an analytic shock coma.
I just can’t go here anymore .
Sorry not sorry
Get your shit together.

I used to love coming here! They had the best cook and literally everything tasted heavenly, especially the tacos! But two weeks ago they changed everything. They completely changed the menu so that everything was less tasty and then made it more expensive. They used to have these amazing veggie tacos and now they just taste blah and I could make better ones at home. Not going back unless they change back to the old menu. I hope they bring my favorite restaurant back and make it worth the hour long drive again!

I used to get their tempeh burrito all the time, and it was great. NOW, however, they have updated their menu, and not only is the one item I consider pretty good at this place a full $ 1 more, they changed the recipe so that it is packed with rice and has about ¹⁄₃ of the tempeh. Total fail. Won’t be getting it again.

My partner and I came here yesterday around 7:30pm for a quick drink and a bite to eat. A friend highly recommended Cha Cha Cha (not this location, but another), so we were excited in the beginning. We should’ve read the other reviews first. Sounds like we’re not the first to have this kind of experience.
The overall experience we had left me fuming, so I’ve given myself some time to cool off and reflect.
Let’s start with the customer service:
We walked in and walked slowly to the register. There were two employees at the register, a guy with a beard and a woman with dark hair. They were busy talking about something, just joking around, story telling kind of stuff. They didn’t bother to even say so much as a «hi.»
There wasn’t anyone in line and so, since it was our first time, we stood back a little to look at the menu. We obviously didn’t know what we were doing. The two were still talking and still hadn’t acknowledged us, which bummed me out because we had a few questions.
Ready to order the margarita of the day, I walked closer to the register. The first acknowledgement we got was the guy asking me, «so do you know what you want?» in a slightly flat, annoyed and sarcastic tone. I was so caught off guard at his tone that I was literally rendered speechless. Stuttering and trying to gather my thoughts, I started trying to order. All I could say was, «Yeahhh… Um…» He followed with, «Is your order a secret, or???»
My partner and I didn’t know what to say. The guy was being really passive aggressive. The girl didn’t say anything, just kept joking around laughing with the guy. I started getting really embarrassed and pissed. I was about to walk out but my partner was so so so hungry and damn, their prices looked reasonable. Eventually my partner ordered a carnitas burrito and I ordered my margarita. The dude’s gruff attitude persisted.
The food:
We took a number and sat down. Burrito came out and low and behold, he ended up getting a steak burrito — NOT what he ordered. It was grey and kind of bland. Thank god for that green hot sauce.
We didn’t bother taking it back because at that point, we felt so unwelcomed and honestly, I didn’t want to deal with the passive aggressive dude any more.
In summary:
I can’t speak for the other employees, but our experience with those two left us feeling embarrassed, angry, and so so unwelcomed. My partner and I have been (and he currently still is) in the food and service industry, so we make sure to be polite and honest. When ever it’s my first time somewhere, I’ll tell them it’s my first time and/​or I’ll let people go in front of me. We’re not picky because we know how annoying customers can be. These two though… I just couldn’t stand that bullying passive aggressive tone from that guy.
The food is just your average Americanized Mexican food. Nothing special, good if you’re in a rush or just need something to fill your belly.
Needless to say we will never be back. Especially not with ¿Por Que No? and Pepino’s (which wayyyy cheaper and much more flavorful) so close by.

I never give an establishment one star. Never. But this review comes after anywhere from 8 – 10 visits (if it were up to me I wouldn’t go here but my sister craves it.) Each and every time I’ve been here, something comes out of the kitchen either wrong or missing. And that goes for takeout, too. After a couple of these instances, I wrote to the manager and never got a response. Then I called and was told the manager wasn’t in but that I’d get a call back. That never happened. I work in the service industry as well, and I take pride in keeping my customers happy and coming back. These days, people have a LOT of choices when it comes to dining out and I don’t think anyone should spend their money at a restaurant where they don’t even give the courtesy of a response for their own mistakes.

I get the Stuffed Chile Relleno Burrito every time. It is so GOOD!!! They have the best guacamole as well; it is creamy and full of flavor. You do have to pay for the chips and guac, but you will have no regrets. It is seriously so good! I did order a margarita ONCE. I thought it was going to be a regular Lime margarita but it was dark pink and super sweet. I love tequila and unfortunately I couldn’t taste any. Maybe they forgot the tequila? I asked the waiter who brought me my drink why it was pink and he pretended like he didn’t hear me. I only know this because he smiled awkwardly after I asked and walked away quickly. Oh well, the food is great, but I wouldn’t bother getting a mixed drink.

I used to work nearby on Hawthorne, and I would pop in here for lunch 2−3x a week. As a vegetarian, I can’t speak for their meats, but for a quick takeout «beans & cheese & more w/​guac» burrito, you can’t beat the price!
The customer service in here is great, and I really enjoyed building a bit of rapport with the staff. The overall consensus about Cha! Cha! Cha! among our staff is that the salsas are a spicier than you’d expect from a fast & fresh Mexican restaurant, but it’s a good value for a work lunch.

Tried some tacos at the Cha! Cha! Cha! on Hawthorne Blvd. today. Previously, I was unimpressed with a different location of theirs, so I thought maybe their restaurant on Hawthorne might be better. Well, the results were mixed. I ordered three different kinds of tacos, and two of them were OK, but the other one was yuck. The Mama Beef Taco had a satisfying touch of spiciness, and the Pastor Taco had that bit of pineapple taste that good al pastors have. Those two were the good ones. Meanwhile, the Pollo Taco consisted of random chunks of chicken of various odd shapes and of widely different sizes, but that, in itself, wasn’t the bad part. The bad part was that all the pieces had SKIN and CARTILAGE. Definitely not appetizing at all! This gets my vote for the grossest chicken taco I’ve ever seen. OK, so I’m not necessarily going to totally write off Cha! Cha! Cha!, but in the future, «Just Say NO to Their Pollo».

If you are looking for a kid friendly restaurant that serves really really bland food this is where you want to eat.

Food: I had a pork tomatillo burrito that was to die for. The meat was cooked to perfection and very savory, the rice and beans were fresh and its one of those moments where you begin to eat and think I’ll always remember this for its that good.
There was also alcoholic beverages available if one wanted to order.
Service: I went in 30 minutes prior to closing, everyone was cleaning up shop, but it was quick service none the less.
Ambiance: Okay, standard tables no booths, a little small, but overall it was fine.
Review: If you want Mexican food that is REALLY GOOD go to Cha Cha Cha!

I stop in here for lunch often. The food is great and the employees here are very friendly. I usually get their chimichanga, but have ordered many other things if their menu and never been disappointed. The one downside if you’re here for more then just dinner and one drink is that you have to go up to the counter each time to order something else. Otherwise, a great place for food and people watch on Hawthorne.

As sad as I am to take away a 5-​star rating, I’ve been here a few more times since my review 5 years ago, and it just really hasn’t stood up. The margaritas are still pretty great, but the food is definitely overpriced for what you get. The breakfast burritos are severely disappointing (especially for the hangover-​infused), the chips are usually stale/​hard, and the service is lackluster. Honestly, I’d say it’s worth trying the margarita of the day for $ 6, but seriously, just go somewhere else for food.

The worse cha cha cha of the bunch:
They keep closing early. They always say it’s only for a week, but its been happening for several weeks. Either they have a lot of cleaning, or they’re just clicking out early.
They’re always rude. I came in 5 minutes before their «temporary» closing time and they wouldn’t serve me. I just wanted an order to go, but they wouldn’t serve me. They said they closed the kitchen even earlier. Even when I’ve come in 30 minutes before closing, they’ve acres like it’s an imposition. Sorry I made you do your job.
When I left, I saw a bunch of rat droppings in the hallway. Sounds like they really do need to clean. But sound alike they need to be shut down by the board of health.
When I have eaten there before, they’ve skipped on so many things. Their margaritas are always watered down. They never put enough sauce on the burritos.
Yeah, just do yourself a favor. Go through the Broadway location instead.

I had their poblano pepper and cheese enchiladas for dinner tonight. The «cheese» inside was more like a strip of rubber and the sauce had this weird sour taste to it.
I lived in Portland like 10 years ago and this place used to be THE place to get Tex-​mex. Guess it went downhill after I left. I don’t feel so good :-(

Surprised by all the great service remarks. This place just made me and others wait 10 minutes before announcing they’d be closing an hour early today, taking no more orders, and that anyone standing in line should have seen the sign they posted somewhere outside.
Just tell people «sorry we’re closing soon» and save all the passive aggressiveness.

Great service and delicious food! The Carne Asada tacos are on point!

Quick and basic Tex-​Mex food. A step up from Taco Del Mar, priced reasonably. A great spot to go solo or in a hurry!

The service, seems a little bit slow, but they completely make up for it with how nice they are, how attentive when they are around and the food is fantastic! It’s not too pricy but the portions are huge so you’re surely getting what you pay for!
The drinks are stiff and delicious and well priced as well.
The establishment is spacious and nice and super cute inside!

Now I know why the pozole is only served on the weekends, people, like myself, would want to eat it every. damn. day. Yes, it was that good.
Pieces of hominy, avocado, radishes and chunks of pork all in a beautiful broth along with onions and cabbage. It comes with a palette cleansing tostada with sour cream and queso fresco. I also had a house made horchata that was simply amazing. I got a cup of soup, but could have easily put away a bowl of the steaming goodness. Everything was tender and moist with the crispness of the radishes and cabbage just added great texture to the pozole. Apparently I can’t wait till the weekend comes back to find a Cha! Cha! Cha! to go order it again.
To be honest, I’m sure the rest of the menu is great, but I don’t know if I want to order anything else. It’s some good stuff.
The staff was friendly, even if it was a quiet and rainy Saturday. Like rain stops anyone in this town. Go enjoy some good home made food here. Enjoy.

Great combo of a good environment and killer food. Clean, well prepared meals that are filing. And a decent price.
It’s not completely fast food but not slow either. Great when you have a few minutes to hang out and enjoy a good meal.
Enjoyed our experience.