Had the MOST horrible experience at this restaurant earlier today at lunch. We were met at the door by the manager named Raul who happens to be the RUDEST restaurant staff I have ever encountered in my life. I went with my husband and two children - both toddlers. When we were seated at the table, I asked Raul if there was a separate menu for Kartel. He said, "Ayan o. Nasa likod." And flipped the menu over. My husband then asked him for food recommendations. He answered by saying, "Ano bang gusto nyong pagkain? Pastrami o beef brisket. Lahat naman yan masarap." Despite being talked to this way, we just let it pass as we didn't want to stoop down to his level as he's obviously uneducated and ill-mannered. We then just proceeded to place our orders.
I walked around the restaurant to entertain my children and we were greeted so politely by the bartender and other servers. I then saw a couch table in front of the bar and asked the girl server if we could transfer here instead, as our current table was seated next to a big family. The girl server said, "Wait lang po ma'am. Confirm ko lang po." After a few minutes, she did not get back to us and so I went to Raul to ask regarding the table. To my surprise, Raul raised his voice and pulled his mask down and said in the most haughty way, "Hindi pwede dyan. Bar yan o. Pang function yan. Consumable yan 25,000." This was when I called him out and said he has been so rude the moment we walked in the door. I said he isn't welcoming and this is not the proper way to answer customers. And of course, instead of apologizing, he said "Hindi po. Sinasagot ko lang po tanong nyo." When I was seated back at our table, he even had the guts to stare me down! After this confrontation, I saw him leave the restaurant seeming so pissed. He came back a few minutes after that.
I don't have negative comments on the food. The brisket sandwich, pastrami sandwich and house blend iced tea were all good. But if it would be the same guy serving me, then sadly it's not worth coming back to. If you want a pleasant dining experience, please by all means avoid Cartel. Especially if you're dining with your children! Que horror! read more