Since I'm vegetarian I had been avoiding Hacienda Real...I had been told there was nothing on the menu that I could eat. However, the place looked cute, so I was curious, and when a friend suggested we go there for a drink and a late snack, I agreed.
It is true that the mains are meat-oriented, but there was still enough to make this vegetarian happy (and full). We had guacamole with soft tortillas, queso fundido con hongos (flavorful, yummy) and a "brick" of refried black beans that was also yummy. The guacamole seemed very overpriced at nearly $9, but when we got our final bill (under $30 each with tip), we were satisfied with the cost/quality, especially considering we had several good mojitos. For veggies there were a couple other dishes: a black bean soup (may or may not have chicken broth, I didn't ask) and sauteed mushrooms.
The waiters bring you a platter of hot sauce, tomato relish, and escabeches at the beginning of the meal, so we ended up making little yummy tortilla bites (or soft tacos) with cheese, guacamole and beans, and then piling on the sauces and pickles. We ended up veeeery full...there were two of us, and we could have easily shared with one more person (so the prices are quite reasonable for all you get).
Our waiter, a tall, reedy fellow, rushed us a bit toward the end (but just a bit, and we did get there very late, so we didn't complain), but the service was pretty efficient. The gentlemen/hostess who sat us and took our drink orders were welcoming. (Tall and reedy was either having a bad night or could stand to learn a thing or two from his coworkers).
Didn't get to see the terrace and upstairs areas as there were big reservations/private parties occupying those areas. The downstairs bit where we sat didn't have what I'd call the greatest ambiance but it had a good feel (rustic, but not in a bad way).
Bottom line, I'll be glad to go back anytime...
