10835 West Colonial Drive
Ocoee, FL 34761
Orange County
Phone: (407) 656-4770
Fax: unknownWebsite: no website on fileEmail: no email on fileHours: unknown
by Andru K. on Wow. I went to McFadden's 4 nights ago and I was still amped to blast them on here. But after reading all the other negative reviews I see I was just another victim of their standard operating procedure. I went there twice in the last few weeks(Coyote's games) and I'm done. On the first visit I ordered a Black and Tan. After receiving what looked like a Guiness with powdered sugar in it and waiting 10 mins for the bar tender to acknowledge, I was informed that they don't have Bass and use something else in their Black and Tans. Naturally, I asked why this wasn't brought to my attention at the time the drink was ordered. To which the bartender offered no apology, but replied: "It's on the menu" Really!?! First of all a Black and Tan should have separation whatever you use, and second, who uses a menu to order a beer at a bar!? On the second visit my buddy was told he had won a free happy hour for ten people, but it was actually a reduced price in drinks. I don't know what caused the miscommunication but after the way they treated me the first time, they're not getting the benefit of the doubt. I had about 15 people come from the East side and ended up picking up several rounds to make it worth their trip. That was just the main peanut in a pile of poor treatment. The customer service at this place is miserable. I have no idea how they are staying in business. That being said, I can concur that the Turkey Club was quite delicious. That's why I'm giving the place 2 stars. I suggest getting it to go....
by Shawnna Gaytan on Disclosure - I've been going to Cocomo for years and am friends with many of the staff, DJs, instructors and bands there, so this might be a little biased. :) Cafe Cocomo used to be called the "Salsa Church" because everyone in the Bay Area salsa scene would show up in their salsa finest without fail every Thursday and Saturday. Those days have passed and there are a lot of other salsa venues all over, but Cafe Cocomo still preserves its place as the #1 salsa venue in the Bay Area without a doubt. The regular prime-time nights are Thursday and Saturday, with a smaller but still hopping night on Monday and occasional parties on Sunday and possibly soon on Wednesday. Parking - the area is a remote stretch of Potrero Hill, basically off the Mariposa 280 exit. The earlier you arrive the closer you can park to the club - there really is nothing else besides the club, warehouses and some loft apartments. Leave nothing valuable in your car, lock and club it! If you are a single lady arrive early, and when you walk back to your car, ask one of the security to escort you back - they would be more than happy to. Cover - $10 Thursday, $15 Saturday, $7 Monday, $10-$12 Sundays (depends on the event). There is an ATM machine and they accept credit cards on Thursday/Sunday, but Sundays and Mondays are usually cash only. Security/Dress Code - Thurs/Saturday they are pretty strict on carding. Also strict on tennis shoes. They used to be very anti-blue jeans for guys but have recently let up on it. In general guys wear jeans and button down/polo shirts/guayaberas, and the ladies wear jeans and tank tops/cute tops. Saturdays you might see more people in suits and dresses but it's definitely not the same as before. Sundays and Mondays are usually casual, with tennis shoes allowed. Lessons - If you are new to salsa, there is a relatively relaxed and beginner-aimed class on Thursdays and Saturdays at 8 PM led by Jake. He usually keeps it pretty simple but the best part is meeting all the other beginners so you have someone to ask to dance once the lights go down. On Mondays, Fernando and Mimi teach the beginner class and Orlando teaches the intermediate class. At $7 for 2 hours of lessons plus social dancing, this is a great deal. Dancers - you really get a multi-ethnic swatch of San Francisco at Cocomo. Even though salsa has Latin roots, it has broken out into all different groups. You really don't have to worry about not fitting in - there is almost definitely someone else just like you there. In addition you get dancers at all levels, from beginning to top instructors/performers, and all styles from Mexican to Cuban to LA to NY style. Tip for out of town dancers: most of the (self-styled) advanced dancers dance in the "Dancers Corner" in front of the sofa area next to the stage. People Watching - there is an upstairs level. The stairs are usually lined with people watching the dance floor and band - this is a good place to either take a break from dancing or scout out your next dance partner. Drinks - ok. My buddies Will, Wilita and Grace take care of me behind the bar. There is the main bar, then one in the back "Lava Room" and one upstairs. Sometimes the main bar can get crowded with standing drunkies. They do not have Flor de Cana! Food - they usually offer either enchiladas OR a roast chicken/ribs dinner plate. It's not bad but not really the greatest either. Unfortunately there aren't really any other food options close by. I will eat an enchilada if I'm really desperate for food. Dance Floor - it's an ok wood floor. They redid it a few years ago, and at least it isn't sticky. Bands - almost all of the top salsa bands in the Bay Area play at Cocomo. There are a few exceptions - in general you will hear less Cuban salsa bands here (e.g. Rumbache, Anthony Blea y su Charanga, Ritmo y Armonia etc.). If you are more into the Cuban sound, you should check out the Elbo Room and Jelly's. My favorite band that plays at Cafe Cocomo would have to be Tito Garcia y su Orquesta Internacional, which plays mostly old school mambo. Dancing to a live salsa band is HOT! Warning, the songs can get long especially if you are stuck with someone you don't want to dance with. DJs - Monday nights are DJ Mendy and DJ Orlando, Thursdays with DJ Fab Fred and Saturdays with DJ Ivette Fuentes and DJ Chata Gutierrez. Special note - in most salsa clubs you will also hear different forms of music like chachacha, bachata, and merengue. However, on Saturday, they do NOT play bachata and merengue (or at least I have yet to hear it), in case
