Judi B.
Yelp
This had to be one of my most disappointing visits. We were 5 minutes early to our reservation, but seated immediately. We waited at our table for 18 minutes, watching several other tables be seated with immediate service, before our server appeared...but that was only after I stopped another server and asked if anyone was available. We ordered everything at this time since we had more than enough time to review the menu. We ordered the finger steaks to open. I ordered the Tres Amigo Tacos, hubby ordered the Flat Iron Steak, daughter had the Chicken Fried Chicken and my friend visiting Idaho for the first time (and I had spent so much time raving about 830 Common to her) ordered the Flat Iron Steak Salad.
Finger steaks were quite good as they were tender and lightly breaded. The cocktail sauce was great to me, but everyone at the table was not a fan. Dinner took longer than usual to come out, but we assumed it was due to pacing since we ordered an appetizer. Food arrived and looked amazing. My hubby loved his medium flat iron steak, fingerling potatoes as everything was tender and juicy. Daughter raved about the chicken fried chicken, which I tried, and it was perfectly cooked with crispy batter and fork-tender fried chicken. My friend thought her steak was deliciously cooked to order, but the salad roasted garlic dressing was not her favorite. Also the "salad" was more a steak plate with a side of lettuce. Luckily the server switched out to blue cheese dressing and she was happy. The biggest and most outrageous disappointment was my dinner - I ordered one of each taco, the fish, carnitas and chicken verde. The fish taco was a shining star; crispy and flaky with a lovely cream sauce and fresh vegetables. However, the carnitas adobo taco was so dry, even after adding lime and even borrowing my friend's uneaten garlic dressing, that I could barely swallow the food. I was trying to take smaller bites so I wouldn't have to chew so long before swallowing, but the flavor and dryness just was too much so I gave up. I started with the chicken verde next, taking a bite with eager anticipation, only to be met with a flavorless bite of chicken sawdust. I literally had to chew a solid 5 minutes before I could swallow. I tried again, dousing the taco with lime and more dressing, took a smaller bite and it was horrible. I couldn't make it even 1/2 way through. It was my birthday dinner and I was so disappointed.
I was genuinely concerned for other patrons, as I figured the carnitas and chicken were not prepared to order, so anyone else would have the same experience. I walked over to the host station and politely asked if I could talk to a manager to let them know. I was met with rolling eyes and asked, "Why? What's up?". No professionalism, concern or care. I politely explained that I had some concerns about my meal and would appreciate the opportunity to talk to the manager. The host went to my server and let them know I needed to talk to someone and my server uncomfortably came over. I asked for a manager and was told no manager was on duty and only a shift lead was available (concerning). I went on to explain that I could not finish my meal as both the carnitas and chicken tacos were inedible. My server was very understanding and explained that several customers had the same experience, then offered to remove the meal from my bill. I don't believe in this practice as the meal was prepared and I ate 1/3rd of it...not to mention, that was not the reason for the complaint.
I am hesitant to return as a place that used to be great, should also be consistent. It was disappointing to be so excited to only have 1/2 of our party satisfied 100% with their meals. Not to mention, the host's flippant demeanor was unjustified. I would have given one star based on my meal alone, but my daughter and hubby genuinely loved their meals. It was also pretty distracting to see heavy clumps of dust spread across the top of the back booth seats, which stretched from end to end...made me question the cleanliness. They really need to bring back their fried Mac and cheese balls!