I've been coming to Yolanda's in Oxnard for over 20 years, and I can honestly say this was the…read moreworst experience I've ever had here. The lack of service, poor communication, and complete disregard for customer concerns were extremely disappointing.
We arrived as a party of four and were seated promptly. Our waiter took our drink order, and we also ordered bean dip. We received our drinks and placed our food order, but that's where the service ended. One of the beers was incorrect, and our waiter essentially disappeared.
After approximately 30 minutes of waiting, we still hadn't received our food or bean dip. The patio was half empty, yet our drinks were empty, our chips were gone, and not once did our waiter return to check on us or offer refills.
To make matters worse, we asked about changing the channel on one of the patio TVs. We were initially told they would need to ask a manager. However, we watched another customer ask a different staff member, who accommodated their request on another TV. When we approached that same staff member, we were first told the TV didn't work, despite it being on. Then we were told the two patio TVs were synced and couldn't display different channels, even though they were already showing different channels. The employee then proceeded to change the TV to match the other one. The explanations made absolutely no sense.
When I voiced my frustration and requested a manager, an employee named Benny gave me an angry look after learning that I had complained about the situation. That type of reaction to a customer raising legitimate concerns is completely unprofessional.
Eventually, we spoke with a manager named Frank. Unfortunately, his response was just as disappointing as the service itself. Rather than acknowledge the issues or show any genuine concern, he simply handed us our receipt and made a point of telling us he had removed the bean dip from the bill, as though he were doing us a favor.
We never received the bean dip in the first place. Removing something we were never served isn't a courtesy. It's the bare minimum.
After more than 20 years of being a loyal customer, I expected far better. Mistakes happen, and I understand restaurants get busy, but ignoring customers, providing conflicting explanations, and showing little concern when problems are brought to management is unacceptable.
What bothered me most wasn't just the missing food or lack of refills. It was the attitude of the staff and management when we tried to address the situation.
Yolanda's has been a place I've supported for over two decades, which makes this experience especially disappointing. Unfortunately, this visit left me questioning whether I'll return.
