Apulo’s Beach

I live near this restaurant and its colorful sign, and breezy, tropical décor — at least seen from outside — is what attracted me to finally venture inside. Looked like it might be a little hidden gem here in Canoga Park. Think Rubio’s, but privately owned and with more authentic food. Or, rather, that’s what I *WAS* thinking.
I went inside and it smelled of old mop water. And despite an overall, vaguely dirty odor, the place was pretty spartan. Seems all the decorations are up by the front windows. Behind the counter it was even more desolate. No one there. But I walked up to the menu board anyway, studied it, figuring, well, maybe I’ll try it anyway, and by the time I make up my mind, the counter staff will get back from the storage room or from out back or from the office or wherever they were. So I stood there for a few minutes, and, still, no one shows up. Finally, I noticed that the only other people in the restaurant — two women in a booth, talking quietly in Spanish over their meal since I’d come in, had stopped chatting, and one of them was looking at me. I smiled. She continued looking, with no change in her expression. Finally, «Do you want something?» she asked, not altogether friendly. It was clear I was a distraction and annoyance, standing there, hoping to be served. «No. No thanks,» I replied before walking out.
I was particularly surprised by this because it’s such a tiny little hole-​in-​the-​wall place, and likely whoever is working there is probably one of the owners or at least has some sort of financial stake in the restaurant’s success, and given the dearth of business when I went in, they likely would be more welcoming to potential customers. Wow. Really lousy customer service.
Forget this place and walk across Topanga Canyon Boulevard for great sushi at 2 Die For instead.