Review: Life's A Beach in Highland Village

[Common Sense Al]

We finally made it over there yesterday (Saturday). I had not seen the inside before. We sat outside so our son could enjoy the sand pit. It was nice to be able to sit down while he played in the sand pit. Too bad he didn't play in there for the entire time.

My wife and I expected the food to be just average from what we had heard but we were pleasantly surprised. My wife had the "Enchilada Monterey" for $11.99 and I had the "Fish Tacos" for $8.99. We both enjoyed the meals - they were tasty and better than what we were expecting. Portion wise, I would have liked 3 tacos instead of 2 but 2 turned out to be about the right portion size so I don't overeat like I usually do when I go out (but I had to eat all the rice and beans to "fill up").

The unique environment is nice, but I'm sure it raises the food prices.

The sand pit was nice, but we should have brought some toys for him to play with, like shovels.

Some negative aspects were that there was some trash in the sand pit and by the waterfall that should be cleaned up. My wife also said the bathroom (outside I think) could have been cleaner.

Service was very good & friendly.

Unfortunately I did not bring my camera but should have! We will most likely go back and next time we'll bring some toys for our son to play with in the sand pit as well as my camera.

Fish Tacos (4.25 out of 5):
1/4

Rice & Beans (3.5 out of 5):
1/2

Service (4.25 out of 5):
1/4

Environment (4 out of 5):


Update 2009-09-29

After our first pleasant experience, we went back Tuesday for lunch (it wasn't very busy). This time we had a 50% off coupon for a lunch when you buy one at full price. We both had the Chicken Enchilada Monterey and this time it was only $8.99 (probably the lunch price). I also had a Zeigen Bock beer for $2. With the coupon, I only paid $21 for my wife and I, including the beer, tax, and a good (>20%) tip! Again the enchiladas were very good+ and we got to enjoy our visit while our son played in the sand pit... unfortunately he did get in the mud at the end and had to be cleaned up a bit though! We'll definitely be back.

I was also able to take a few photos this time.











Chicken Enchilada Monterey (4.25 out of 5):
1/4

Rating Scale

: 1 - poor (rarely given)
: 2 - fair
: 3 - good
: 4 - very good
: 5 - excellent (rarely given)

-- Ratings of Various Food Places I've Tried --

[Uther]

My observation is that the sand has deteriorated over the relatively short time the place has been open. The management needs to replenish the sand more often. The waterfall also seems to be problematic.

We like to go when they have live music (Thursdays?) and on hot days I like the Sangria or the Beach Lemonade. The bucket of bait kinda fits my inclination on those days.

The outside restrooms are sub-par due to the loads of sand carried in there. Try the inside restrooms for better cleanliness.

It is a really nice place that fills a particular nice market IMHO. THe prices are a tad on the steeper side, but if they can keep the sand in better shape then i fyou have young kids that easily bore in a typical restaurant setting, then this is ideal if you want to spend a few hours whiling away some time imbibing a cooler-type drink and chilling out to some music.

As an aside, Fred Placke, one of the LISD trustees is a part-owner in this venture.

[love Lantana]

it is closing and reopening under a different concept...thats all I know. wish i knew what the new concept is

[Bacchus2b]

The menu was so tired! Everyone in casual dining does Hot Wings, Cheese Fries, Nachos, and Calamari for appetizers, and the rest of the menu tried to be "Beach Casual, Tex-Mex, and yes even Pizza!

Based on the name, I expected it to be seafood focused when they opened, but it was just more of the same old stuff. My kids liked the sand, but it was not enough to keep us coming back.....

[Common Sense Al]

Update 2009-09-29

After our first pleasant experience, we went back Tuesday for lunch. This time we had a 50% off coupon for a lunch when you buy one at full price. We both had the Chicken Enchilada Monterey and this time it was only $8.99 (probably the lunch price). I also had a Zeigen Bock beer for $2. With the coupon, I only paid $21 for my wife and I, including the beer, tax, and a good (>20%) tip! Again the enchiladas were very good+ and we got to enjoy our visit while our son played in the sand pit... unfortunately he did get in the mud at the end and had to be cleaned up a bit though! We'll definitely be back.

Chicken Enchilada Monterey (4.25 out of 5):
1/4

I also took pictures this time and will try to get them up later.

[Common Sense Al]

Photos are up!

Note: It wasn't very busy when we went, which was Tuesday at around 1 PM. But we weren't the only ones there even though it may seem we were from one of the photos.