Pure Taqueria

05/09/2008 Posted by SUNSHINELOVE

One phrase: Got violently ill after eating here. Yes, I ate at this establishment and within 1-2 hours I started to feel very awkward and uneasy. This was the only meal I ate (it was lunch time). I experienced severe diareah and throwing up the day of, and then 48 hours after, still experienced cramping, headache, and overall sickness. I contacted the manager of the restaurant and she immediately denied that this could have been her food, because "she has been open for over 2 years". I asked her at a minimum for a refund of the meal I paid for and she advised that she would have to look into it and call me back the next day. Still no phone call. Also, she'd had to confirm if "anyone else" called in and said they got sick. So, the message to me was that if nobody else called in to say they too got sick, then I was just sh** out of luck. Needless to say, I will NEVER eat there, nor recommend the place, and will be sure to let others know my horrible customer service experience and illness experience. I will also be filing a complaint with the Health Dept.

Pros: none

Cons: food, service, parking, ambience

08/08/2007 Posted by m3initaly

We are lucky to have such a hip joint so far outside the Perimeter. Pure, named "Pure" because it used to be a gas station / garage, has been ingeniously converted to a trendy, little restaurant near old-town Alpharetta. Unless you get there before 5:00 on any weeknight, expect to wait before you're seated and expect to have to pay the valey guy or walk a long distance from a nearby parking lot. I went there on a Friday night and had to wait 2 hours for a table. The Texas margaritas are serious - I've never been able to drink more than two. The food menu is quite original. If you're willing to try different meats such as black forest ham or tongue, there are plenty of options for you. I usually get the sauteed fish to stay on the lighter side (it's listed on the daily specials, but it's consistently there), but the chicken and cheese quesadilla in corn-masa turnover is oh-so-good (it comes out looking like it's deep-fried). And if you really feel like splurging, order the queso fundido (melted chihuahua cheese & poblano peppers With chorizo) for an appetizer. And if there's any way to save room for dessert, do yourself a favor and order the pastel tres leches with sliced strawberries. It goes down like water. The food and drinks will not disappoint. Just don't get your hopes up for a quiet evening. The music is extremely loud - too loud for me and I'm in my early 20's. Expect a wait and to have to pay the valet guy unless you don't mind walking from the city lot. I've tried all of Chris and Michele Sedgwick's restaurants (Pure Taqueria, VG Bistro (formerly Van Gogh's), Vinny's on Windward, Aspens Signature Steaks, and Theo's Brother's Bakery), and they're all top-notch.

Pros: atmosphere, food, drinks

Cons: parking, noise, wait

08/08/2007 Posted by alphalady

This restaurant is excellent and absolute fun! Very casual, set in a "converted garage" atmosphere. The menu is small: great soft tacos, contemporary versions of tostados and taquitos. Check out the pork stuffed masa cakes....wonderful. The fresh guacamole is a treat as is the shrimp appatizer. The margaritas are wonderful, they have a variety of fruity choices and all the high end tequilla choices. Don't miss this! Service is good and attentive. Outdoor patio is a blast if you have a group or kids. Because of decor, it can get a little too loud inside when they have a big crowd. We asked them to turn down the music last visit and they were quick to respond. Don't miss this one!

Pros: Food, fun decor, drinks, service, indoor / outdoor seating

Cons: parking, sometimes a wait, loud when they have a big crowd

07/22/2007 Posted by k11guy

I'm absolutely stunned by some of the bad reviews posted here. Pure is NOT your typical run-of-the mill 'american' styled mexican joint that you find in local strip malls. If you want booster chairs (i.e., kid friendly), sub-standard beans, salsa, and cheese dip, stay away! If, however, you are looking for truly fresh and authentic food, go to Pure. Nowhere else have I been able to order Pozole, Ceviche, fish tacos, or Torta's with the right zest/style/flair that one actually might find IN Mexico. Pure does it! My favorite is the green Pozole (soup/stew) with charros (cowboy beans)! I'd love to see mole' on the menu soon. Yes, the place is small and it's always busy which lends itself to some 'service' issues once in a while. So either prepare to wait or plan your trip for mid-afternoon. Either way, it's worth it.

Pros: Food!

Cons: Parking is minimal.

07/08/2007 Posted by inkedbrain

If you are looking for bad food, worse service, and a over rated vibe then this is the place. Meal started out with a bad crab cake, (could smell ammonia before it got to the table) server was unimpressed that the actual crab was bad. A manager never came by to say hello, in fact only saw the manager when we left - she was outside the entire meal (45 minutes). Food took a long time, people were seated next to us on either side orderer ed received and ate their food prior to ours coming out. Had to ask for everything, our server was more of an order taker then an actual server, and not even very good at that - ordered water no ice - got plenty of ice. Pleasant but indifferent and uncaring to the fact we were seated there. Chips were over cooked, fish was dry, mussels were old. Heard other tables joking about their meals telling themselves that it is usually better then todays offerings. This is not my first time there, but it will definitely be my last.

Pros: none -

Cons: Food, Service, Vibe, Room

05/27/2007 Posted by bikerchicksf

I'm visiting from SF, and my friend took me here. The food was great, service average and drinks stunning. This is definitely not the place for high maintenenence people!! It's low key, small, busy and fun. If you don't want to wait then don't go, or go on off times. I'm heading back for round two!!!

05/25/2007 Posted by cliff75

1. Lunch on Friday is obviously very busy. Hostess called in sick and manager didn't have anyone fill in for her. Abslute nightmare getting seated as no one was working the seating list. 2. At noon on a Friday, they had no chicken. That's right, ablsolutely NONE. They could not serve a single chicken dish. 3. Ketchup wouldn't be a big deal at most Mexican restaraunts, but this one boasts a very popular hamburger. If you have a burger on your menu, you shouldn't run out of ketchup. Food was decent (what they had anyway).

Pros: Nice atmosphere

Cons: service, price, parking

02/23/2007 Posted by schluh

This is the type of place you would find in Mid Town or the Highlands. True...Parking is miserable and the seating cramped but that is why there is free Valet during rush times and if there were less seat the wait would be longer (and it is long enough!). The food is worth the hassle. Not sure if it is worth a 30 minute drive but for the younger crowd in the burbs this is wonderful. If I wanted bland, basic and easy I would go to On the Boarder. I don't have kids so not sure how they deal with little ones but I think they are trying to create an escape. Escape from the traditional suburban fare and I think they did a great job. Going here is an event...not just a meal. The only negative is that the sodas are in cans but you should be ordering the Margaritas anyway!

01/06/2007 Posted by cf16000

Come here if you like a trendy little place with AWESOME fish tacos! Fun place for people to hang out.

12/17/2006 Posted by shannijones

The food in this place is good but if you are a family they don't want to have you there. They have ONE high chair and by reading the reviews below they don't seem to care because this has been the case for almost a year. I think we should donate some to them. We went and complained to the manager who I guess really doesn't want children in the place. If you don't like walking to your car then this place REALLY is not for you. Parking is literally up the hill and around the corner. Sorry tooooo many choices on places to spend my money. My son comes first and his safety in a HIGH chair is VERY important

Pros: good food, good drinks

Cons: very many - one high chair, one booster seat and NO parking