improved lime cafe shoots for july 17 reopening
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UPDATE: Lime Cafe is now closed indefinitely. Lime Cafe, a hip and healthy Mexican dining concept molded by community input since its inception back in February, decidedly got off to a bad start during its maiden run last month.
After some early criticism from angelenic commenters about the quality and taste of the food, owner Michael Franz chimed in with his own critique, “We seemed to get positive feedback initially…maybe a lot of people were just being nice though. But by the end of the [opening] week our quality control went out the window.”
He continued by pointing out, “We are not trying to be totally authentic Mexican food, as there are probably a dozen of those within a mile of us. However, we need to execute our version better.”
With that, Lime Cafe went on a short hiatus to expand the menu, retool the service, and find ways to keep that brown rice from clumping up.
Operations should be back online by Thursday, July 17.
The basic three-pronged menu of tacos, burritos and tostadas will be supplemented with hot plates such as enchiladas and several “small plate” options to be changed seasonally and with the chef’s culinary inspirations.
Citrus Marinated Seared Ahi Skewers in Ancho Chili Sauce, Heirloom Tomato Salad, Gaspacho, Prawns in Garlic and Chili Sauce, and Ceviche and Salsa Flights are some of the new servings.
For those of you who complained about dry meat, all food is now cooked to order in the kitchen, utilizing a table numbering system during the day and waiting service at night — the hours between which will be bridged by a daily happy hour from 4:00pm to 7:00pm.
Six more beers have been added to the tap, bringing the total to over 20 available Mexican brews for those three hours where drink and food discounts can be had on the already affordably priced menu.
Other improvements, Franz says, are still being formulated.
UPDATE: Lime Cafe is now closed indefinitely.
Lime Cafe
118 W 5th St
Los Angeles, CA 90013
213-627-1133
15 comments
How about you make a Margarita with TEQUILA. I know, crazy idea for a Mexican-themed restaurant to make a drink without a Korean liquor, but I think it will catch on.
I glad to see that they are making strides to improve. My first impression was that they were unorganized and slow to make even a pre-prepped burrito. The bar seemed like what someone would have in the corner of their own kitchen at home. The bartender didnt seem like she knew what she was doing when I ordered a mojito…then once I got it, there was barely any alcohol in it.
Everything was bland. The tortillas were not very good, and cold on the burrito’s. I hope he gets it together. Downtown need a place for cheap and cheerful mexican. Just copy Baja Fresh, they have it down.
I’m up for giving Lime a chance but wouldn’t mind Baja Fresh in downtown. There was a rumor many moons ago Baja would be opening at Wells Fargo Center but I don’t think anything came of it. La Salsa sucks!
Shawn, try Qdoba at 7th/Hope. It’s pretty damn good…
There’s also Chipotle on Figueroa near USC.
I know, I know, it’s not really DT, but close enough to mention.
I had the vegetarian tostada and it was pretty good actually so was the sangria. The music was pretty awkard I guess. Everyone downtown seems to think that raw interior spaces require hokey abstract beats. Nonetheless, we need to keep Lime filled with customers! There are so few inexpensive places down here.
I’ll definitely try Lime a couple more times- I was pretty happy with the carne asada (but the slow execution, in front of me, was not good). Of course, a full liquor license would help as Margaritas require tequila, like Bob said. And finally, they need some great chips and sausa- that is a staple of every good Mexican restaurant, and I can do better buing Tostita’s and Pace Picante sauce then the weak offerings that they had.
It’s a nice venue and deserves some good food and service to go along with it.
I liked the carne asada taco, but the only downside was the messiness.. the free range chicken burrito I had opening day was excellent. I think that giving a place a 2nd chance is always a good idea. I had good experiences when I was there but for the speed thing (I think they are better suited for table service really or what Disney World calls scramble service maybe.. you order and they bring you your meal to the table like Pitfire or Weeneez does).
I’m looking forward to their re-opening, as I am Julie’s Sunday Brunch at Weeneez. I hear the sausage & gravy will be yummy!
Yeah I held my tongue previously, but now that we’re being honest: the one day I tried it I just felt that I paid too much for a smaller version of a Chipotle burrito (and I agree with the above posting saying the food tasted bland/stale). Plus the service was extra slow and lazy in attitude. I’ll wait until I hear some good reviews before going back to try again..
Bob - Serving tequila requires a full liquor license which is not required if you serve beer and wine. Since soju is considered a wine, I am guessing they use soju so they can serve margaritas at all. I think we all know how difficult it is to get a full liquor license.
I look forward to the re-opening. The food just needed a flavor tweek and more heat. The owner seems willing to do what is required to make it work. I’ll definately go back.
John,
Lime Cafe should ask Chipotle how they get their liqour licenses. And also Panini Cafe - which gets theirs in a month.
Has anyone been since the “reopening”? Any updates? I haven’t had a chance to swing by yet and I dont even know if the reopening happened..
Veronica: I tried to go around 9:30 on Monday. They were closed, though I did see the owner doing paperwork. I have no idea what’s going on over there.
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