Ashly J.
Yelp
One of the Worst Dining Experiences I've Ever Had
Let me start by saying -- I don't complain lightly. I worked in restaurants as a server and bartender for over 10 years, so I fully understand the demands of food prep, bar service, and customer care. I dine out often, I'm a generous tipper (always over 20%), and when I find a place I like, I become a loyal regular.
I was genuinely excited to try Azoteca Mexican Restaurant in the Southern Post plaza. I've been watching for their opening and had reviewed the menu in advance. I arrived right after they opened (11:01 AM), and the hostess mentioned the bartender would be happy to open the windows to the outdoor bar patio. That's where the experience immediately soured.
When I relayed the hostess's message to the bartender, she rolled her eyes and seemed visibly annoyed that I'd asked. Still, I approached the situation kindly and mentioned this was my first visit -- an opportunity I'd expect any bar staff to take with a bit of enthusiasm. Instead, I was met with silence and cold, clipped answers.
I asked if chips and salsa were brought out, as is typical with most Mexican restaurants. Her response? "If you look at the menu in front of you, you'll see that you can order salsa." Not exactly warm or inviting.
I asked for recommendations and again reminded her this was my first time. She said, "Well, as you can see on the menu, we serve tacos. So tacos are our specialty." When she finally mentioned she liked the nachos, I asked how big the portion was so I could decide whether I needed to order something else. Her response? "Umm... they're nachos." When I asked for a little more clarity, she replied, "I can't go get you a plate... they come in our salad bowl." I had no idea how large their salad bowls were -- hence my question. It was clear that any inquiry from me was irritating to her.
I still ordered the nachos (with no cilantro), though I was now uneasy. When they arrived, they looked unappetizing -- the chicken was swimming in a heavy sauce, something not mentioned on the menu. That's something a staff member might flag when someone orders for the first time.
I asked if I could get some diced tomatoes -- not an unreasonable request, especially since their pico de gallo clearly contains them. The bartender reacted as though I was speaking a foreign language. After several minutes and a long explanation, she yelled to the chef across the restaurant asking for diced tomatoes. He asked "why," and then both turned to look directly at me -- the only customer there -- and rolled their eyes before disappearing into the kitchen together.
When she returned with the tomatoes, I apologized for being a bother and explained again that most Mexican restaurants I've been to in the metro Atlanta area serve nachos with lettuce, tomato, sour cream, salsa, etc. She replied, "We weren't rolling our eyes -- we just had never heard of anyone asking for diced tomatoes before."
Are you serious?
The attitude and passive aggression were undeniable. I felt belittled, judged, and completely unwelcome. I was so upset I couldn't even eat the food. My hands were shaking. I felt physically sick. I've never been treated so poorly in a restaurant -- especially for simply being curious and asking reasonable questions.
Without me even asking, the manager comped the nachos -- which tells me they knew something was wrong. But the manager never came over to check in or hear my side of the story. That's disappointing. I paid for my drink, tipped $2 on a $6.36 tab, and left -- heartbroken by how I was treated in a place I had looked forward to trying for so long.
I ended up going to another restaurant in the same plaza -- one where I'm treated with kindness and respect. They were shocked by what I described and immediately made me feel welcome.
Final Thoughts:
This could have been such a different experience. All I was looking for was a warm welcome, a little guidance on the menu, and a chance to enjoy a new local spot. Instead, I left feeling humiliated and shaken. I will not return, and I truly hope Azoteca takes this feedback seriously -- because no one should feel this way for simply asking questions and trying to enjoy a meal.
