Dawn P.
Yelp
This is painful as I've had one great, fantastic experience, but this is my second HORRIBLE experience at this locally owned hole in the wall, that also uses locally sourced ingredients (my favorite kind of place!)
Before I begin, let me tell you that my personal goals in life are to be joyful, happy and kind. I firmly believe in the three rules of communication: Is it TRUE, is it NECESSARY, is it KIND? While my complaints weren't untrue, unnecessary or unkind, I did speak tersely and had steam rolling out of my ears and it was painfully obvious I was VERY upset.
At 12:20 PM, I ordered two shrimp soft tacos, expecting three ingredients (four if you count tortilla): SHRIMP, ONIONS and CILANTRO, as the on-line and in restaurant menus clearly list.
At 12:35, my order was delivered along with the meals of the folks I was dining with. Immediately I noticed a milky white substance and cabbage dominating the plate. Because of severe allergies, had I consumed the watery, milky liquid (turns out it was lime crema), I'd be in the ER right now with anaphylaxis.
At 12:37, I went to the counter where an unfriendly, unapologetic staff member told me repeatedly that is how the soft tacos are served. I pointed out the menu and what it lists and asked for my order to be prepared properly. She didn't say one word to me, just glared at me, obviously irritated.
At 12:50, I STILL hadn't received my meal. My co-diners had finished and were ready to go. I went to where the other staff member was standing- at the pick-up window- and asked what the problem was and why such a delay? She asked "Oh, are you the lady who returned the tacos" just as the cook is handing her my plate which was EXACTLY the same as the first go-around.
I admit I was angry. I must've repeated a dozen times that I wanted SHRIMP, CILANTRO AND ONIONS only! She asked the cook to try again, but I was not happy or satisfied at this encounter and stated I'd skip the meal and would like my money back. She refused, offering to make it to go. I said "NO", I want a refund. She then asked the cook to prepare them immediately. Now, while I was indeed angry, clearly PO'd, her attitude and demeanor were completely inappropriate and quite snarky.
I sat down, and at 1:07, I was served what you see in the attached picture: shrimp and onions. I huffed and sighed and asked her to please get the cilantro. She complied without a VERBAL exchange, but her face and body language spoke volumes.
I thanked her and apologized for being bi**hy. She didn't really seem to care, but did mutter that they were understaffed and had new employees. This sentence was the final coffin nail. Business owners: if your staff and establishment can't operate at 110%, then lock the doors. This excuse drives me up the wall! If you're only able to provide HORRIBLE service and food, you have no business being opened.
My final contribution to this review is about the quality, or lack of, the tacos were. The shrimp was cold, smelly and super rubbery. I choked one down as I was starving after waiting a total of 47 minutes.
I'm sure if the business owner reads this, the rebuttal might be that I was rude, loud and inappropriate. That's fine, as I already admitted I wasn't Suzy Sunshine. However, teach your staff to respond kindly and apologize sincerely when they have obviously messed up! Mistakes happen and are forgivable; their attitudes and response are not.
There will not be a fourth experience for this reviewer at Woodys Tacos.