Went for dinner with our niece's family and they suggested we try El Tapatio for dinner. The menu has a number of great options so we ordered a burrito tapatio, burrito fajita, regular combo, and the san cabo. We all enjoyed the flavors of our meals until we tasted the re-fried beans. The beans were awful and likely from a burned batch of beans. The chef needs to taste the food before serving.
There were very few in the restaurant, it took 3 servers to get the order (*there was confusion on a quesidilla & rice order, not sure why), it took the same 3 to get the drink order (the were out of Sangria & was confused about Moscato). The "supposed to be chilled" wine was finally served, hot out of the bottle, the margaritas was extremely weak. Our meal drinks were never refilled & the food was... ok. We didn't see our server at our table again... Observation was the staff standing art the bar talking. We had to wave someone to bring the ticket. I recognize now why it was empty. Not a place I would visit again.
Mostly, the food was tasteless. No seasoning in the refried beans, or the chicken in the burrito and tamale. The chicken enchilada did have a green pepper in it so it at least had that for flavor. The salsa served with the chips was the most flavorful thing we had. I'll give the server the benefit of the doubt that she may have been new, but service was not good. I always give a new restaurant at least two chances, so I'll go back for a second visit. But if the food hasn't unproven, I'll say so in a further review.
It is a cute restaurant. The complementary salsa that come with the chips is amazing. The home made guacamole dip was really good. They make it when u order it. The food was good. Service was good. Nothing really spectacular. I would go again.
Food used to be great, and flavors are still there. However, it seems that the food has gotten much saltier. I could be sensitive, but I could hardly taste the tomato in the salsa over the salt or differentiate the taste between the rice and beans. The server I had was exceptionally nice, but not perfect, even though they were busy. I'll try to remember to update this if I go back. The only thing keeping me from a 5 is the salt.
First and last time at El Tapatio. No only was the server rude but the food was horrible. I ordered a taco salad that went in the trash after I took this picure. It was only to have beef, cheese and lettuce but I think the gray looking stuff is beans. The beef had a very strange and unpleasant taste. Even the salsa was horrible. It tasted spoiled or something. The taste is was something unexplainable. I simply couldn't believe how bad the food was and how rude the server was. I tried to eat it but I couldn't. That was $11 wasted. I informed the server that was my first time there and how rude he was and he said NOTHING. NEVER AGAIN is an understatement.
Spinach and chicken enchiladas looked great and had plenty of spinach. Service however was slower than expected.
I've been here many times on this visit to Raleigh. Most of the dishes I've tried are amazing. If the food was merely adequate, I'd give them a one star. The staff seriously needs training on customer service. And the restaurant is completely disorganized. It's as if no one has a clearly designated job. You'll be waiting for at least five minutes to get a table even when they're not busy. The staff will ignore you when you come in. Occasionally someone will walk to the front to seat customers. It's a different person seating guests each time which is why I think they don't have defined roles. Your waiter or waitress will visit your table once to take your order, then once again to deliver your check. Someone else will deliver your food. And no one will ever come to check on you. On top of all this, it's clear that they don't want you there and that they hate their jobs. I feel bad for them. However, I give a four star because some of their dishes are truly amazing.Edit: My last night here, my waitress Nancy checked on me several times. She even talked to me a bit like a normal human. Definitely check this place out.
Yum. Traditional Mexican food we all know and love, but with a little extra something. Margaritas on point, and not too pricey. They got my besties very custom order right, which had never happened up until this point. So thank you! we have loved this place for a long time and will be back soon!
El tapatío has been my FAVORITE restaurant for over 6 years now. But lately I have to say the service is terrible, tables are dirty and there is just no attention to the customers. I came on a Tuesday it was very slow and the service wasn’t good. I had to ask other waitress for help ? that’s how bad it was.If Nancy is there I know my service will be good. I mean WE customers understand when the staff is busy and you can’t get the service 100% but come on! It was Tuesday, the restaurant literally had only 5 customers when I was there. I feel very disappointed because per my understanding this has been brought up to the management attention but still see no progress.