Wow. That's the word that comes to mind when I think of my experience at Cisco's this evening. And it isn't a good wow either.
I bought a "Double Take Offers" ($15 for $30) a few weeks back and headed over tonight for dinner. My family of four arrived at 5:10PM. The hostess was overwhelmed and "had to" take calls before seating people. The front area filled up quickly. When she returned to a full waiting area, she lost track of the order of arrivals and just took who was standing closest to her. After being overlooked three times, my husband stepped up and said we were next. She got all defensive and rattled off a bunch of excuses, not apologetic or professional at all. Next time, just have a sign in sheet available. Simple, clear, and easy.
We were seated at 5:25 and when our server arrived I inquired about the twilight specials I had read about on my way in. He said we didn't have those menus on our table so we couldn't order one. I said, "it ends at 5:30 and it's 5:28". So, he said "fine" walked away in a huff & got the menus and then immediately asked "what would you like to order?" Upon his return. I said we needed time to look at the menus, to which he replied, "you only have one minute". Off to a great start.
My husband explained the hold up @ the front and he said "fine" and took our drink orders. He hurried back with our drinks and we ordered. We hoped he didn't spit in my husband's beer. We all had to order $3 tea & lemonades in order to be privy to their special deal. No complaints there, just a note.
After our nacho appetizer arrived the waiter said they were out of what my husband ordered, chili relleno. So, he switched to fish tacos. Seems kinda weird to be out of such a staple on a Sunday night at 5:30.
Food arrived: (2) fish tacos (1) tostada (1) chicken chimichanga.
Fish tacos: 5/10. Not bad, not good. Just there. The sauce was kinda heavy.
Tostada: 4/10: bland. Nothing really remarkable. I've made better at home.
Chimichanga: 1/10. Way to salty and ate one bite and left it alone. The beans & rice tasted overly processed. In fact everything tastes processed and canned.
Nachos: 5/10. Barely any toppings. Greasy.
Chips and salsa: 7/10
The waiter came by and asked how the food was when we were ready for the check (20 min into meal). I explained my chimichanga was way to salty to eat, to which he replied, "ok" and walked away to get a to go box my daughter asked for. (Before you get too excited and ask why we'd get a box if we didn't like it, it was because my daughter wanted to bring the chicken home for our dog). No apology, no question on how he could make it right. Nothing. Just "ok". He couldn't have cared less.
He brought the bill & the box. He charged us for the chili relleno, not fish taco- c.r. Was more expensive. He also deducted $24 instead of $31 for the 50% off. So, we brought this to his attention, to which he argued, to which the manager came out and argued further. Finally the manager understood and fixed the tab. We decided to pay cash, because honestly we didn't trust them with our credit card info. And, I almost never use cash, so this says a lot.
So, here's the deal. If you mention a coupon or ask about the specials, expect to be treated sub-class. Expect overly processed food that will bloat you like a blowfish when you're done. Expect to be argued with, overcharged, and treated pretty crappy overall. And whatever you do, don't expect them to make your meal right if it's disgustingly salty or if anything else is wrong with it. They're clearly comfortable with mediocrity at best and really don't give a rats azz about your experience.
Hey, I have a tip. Quit offering coupons, fire your manager, and use the extra money to hire someone who can get a handle on this place! You can discount all you want, but when you treat people this horribly, and do nothing to even try to rectify it, your business will go down.
The only thing I can think of is that they count on a drinking crowd who won't notice or care how they're being treated (or what they're eating) once they've had "one too many" margaritas.
Our family has never eaten here before and We likely won't again. Now I'm stuck with a damn Coupon I bought, because I couldn't use it in the twilight specials, which I totally understand. I made the choice once the waiter informed me of the rules. But now I'm thinking of who I can give it to. Only problem is, I actually like my friends and want to keep them.
Sad, because I live within walking distance and this could have been such a sure thing. read more