Paul R.
Yelp
Well, that was disappointing. The single star is because a zero star option isn't available.
Had friends coming up from the valley and wanted to pick up food from El Chubasco for everyone on a Sunday around 530.
Called, no answer. VM said mailbox full. Called a couple more times (minutes apart to make sure I had the right number). I did. Gave up after a while and just drove over and figured I'd wait there -- it's close.
Mentioned to the person at the counter that I tried to call, no answer, and mailbox was full. Blank stare. No, "Oh gosh, I better check that." No mention of it to any of her co-workers either -- there were 3 nearby. Maybe that's standard protocol?
Ordered about $80 worth of food, left a 15% tip (even though it's take out), and waited about 20 minutes -- fine and expected. Right after ordering and tipping, I asked if I could get a little larger container to take salsa back for my group (they only have the tiny plastic things that serve one mouse at a time) and was told they could give me one but would have to charge me for it. Oh ok. Assembled 7 or 8 mouse salsas to bring back and of course, spilled at least half of them on myself and the counter.
Got home and several things were missing that I paid for (pint of rice, pint of beans, flour tortillas, etc.). Could have driven back but friends had car blocked and by the time r I waited in line and then for my order, I'd be gone at least 40 minutes with friends at my house.
Food was mediocre at best -- this place has gone downhill over the years. The house speciality I ordered, their shrimp dish was unacceptable. Shrimp were fine, sauce was terrible. No flavor, except salt. A lot of salt. Like a salt mine ruptured and invaded my food. I've had this dish before and it used to be good. Anomaly? Maybe.
Lessons learned? 1. Make the time to go through the bag and make sure everything you ordered is there before you drive away. 2. Stop tipping for poor service and unacceptable responses. 3. Consider skipping El Chubasco entirely and give your business to one of the other Mexican food places in PC (Alberto's, Taramuhara, etc.). 4. If you do go to EC, plan on taking your blood pressure several times over the next 48 hours and do not hike Silver Spur.