VEN AQUI COCINA LATINA — Local services in Dallas

I really wanted to like this place, but the service was disappointing. I made a reservation for a party of five, which the host confirmed upon arrival. However, we were seated at a booth that could barely fit four people. Not wanting to make a fuss, we didn’t say anything.

Once seated, I noticed the table was only set for three. The waitress went to the back and returned with just one extra set of dining ware when we clearly needed two. Again, we let it slide and continued with our evening. When one of my friends ordered her steak well done (no judgment here), the waitress immediately responded that it would take longer to prepare. We found this odd—especially since we were clearly enjoying our appetizers and drinks and in no rush.

Later, the waitress brought fresh silverware since they had cleared the originals after our appetizers. However, when setting mine—while I was seated in the middle of the table—she placed the fork and knife pointing directly at me. Maybe it’s just me, but that seems like common sense to avoid. At this point, we were starting to get annoyed.

To make matters worse, the music was way too loud, making it hard for us to hear each other and have a conversation.

As for the food, the ribeye was excellent, the filet mignon was average, and the chicken was very good. However, the so-called “mamposteado rice” was really just rice and beans. Throughout the night, our waitress checked on us only a few times, making the lackluster service even more apparent.

The final disappointment came with the check—we noticed they charged my friend an extra dollar just for ordering her steak well done. I’ve never seen that before. It felt as though they treated it as an inconvenience rather than just a personal preference.

Overall, the service was poor, as if they had just opened and were still figuring things out. Unfortunately, we won’t...

Our recent quarterly Happy Hour at Ven Acqui was nothing short of exceptional, and I cannot recommend this establishment highly enough. From the moment our large group arrived, the experience was truly five-star, solidifying Ven Acqui as our top choice for future events.

The staff at Ven Acqui were, quite simply, impeccable. Every team member we encountered was attentive, professional, and genuinely dedicated to ensuring our comfort and satisfaction. Despite the size of our group, the service was remarkably smooth and efficient. Drinks were promptly refreshed, and food orders were delivered with precision, allowing everyone to fully relax and enjoy the evening without any hitches. It's rare to find such seamless service when accommodating a large party, and Ven Acqui exceeded all expectations.

Stepping into Ven Acqui, you are immediately enveloped in an ambiance that masterfully blends the classic elegance of a 5-star steakhouse with a vibrant, sophisticated Latin flare. The decor is tasteful, the lighting is warm, and the overall atmosphere is one of refined comfort. It struck the perfect balance for our corporate gathering, feeling both luxurious and welcoming.

One of the highlights that truly set Ven Acqui apart was their ability to perfectly accommodate our large group at the bar area. This thoughtful arrangement was absolutely ideal for our happy hour, fostering a dynamic and relaxed environment that allowed our team to freely mingle, connect, and network. We had ample space to move around, enjoy delightful conversations, and still easily access the fantastic array of drinks and delicious food offerings. It truly facilitated the perfect social setting we...

I am writing to express my disappointment regarding a recent experience at your establishment. My boyfriend made a reservation three weeks in advance for a Valentine's Day dinner, and we were looking forward to a special evening. However, upon our arrival, we were informed that a "special Valentine's dinner" was being offered, which consisted of a four-course menu priced at $125 per person. This change was only communicated to us after we were seated.

Unfortunately, my boyfriend did not receive any prior notification, either by email or through a post, about this change to the dinner offering. As a result, we felt misled and disappointed, particularly since he had made his reservation with a specific budget in mind. We also overheard other guests being informed of this situation, which further added to our frustration. We were so excited to try this new restaurant, and the lack of transparency almost ruined our night.

Additionally, we had driven an hour to your restaurant specifically because I had mentioned wanting to try the "queso frito with guayaba," only to find out that it was not included in the four-course meal. At that point, we seriously considered leaving, but we were concerned about finding another restaurant at 7:30 pm on Valentine's Day without a reservation.

Although this was a disappointing experience and we feel that the owner's decision to implement the special menu without adequate notice detracted from the overall experience, I must mention that Amaury, the chef, was the only positive aspect of our visit. His efforts did not go unnoticed and were much appreciated.

Unfortunately, this will be our first- and last-time dining at...