Masa Mama Taqueria — Restaurant in Calgary

We were very excited to try a new restaurant for my birthday and to our disappointment our server was quite rude which made our experience awful. My friends and I were made well aware that despite us making a reservation for 5pm, we would have to vacate the restaurant and leave the table by 6:15pm for another reservation. They told us this over the phone and while we were seated. So we were very well aware.

At 6pm my friends and I were finished eating and paying for our bills. Our server Brooke was rushing us to pay and leave. At 6:06pm we requested if she could take a picture for us really quickly since it was my birthday. And I knew the time was 6:06 because we were aware of the time limit and respecting our agreement with the restaurant. However, she was very rude and told us we had to leave since they need to flip the table. At this point there was only a tissue and cups of water left on the table as the dishes have already been cleared. Then in the end she reluctantly agreed to take our picture after we asked her again if it would be okay for her to help us take a quick photo that would only take 5 seconds. However, she rolled her eyes at us and told us I'll be back. She never came back. She served another table and did some other things. Then she stood at the front counter staring at us and another staff had to help us take a picture.

After the other staff took our picture we were out by 6:15pm which was the time we agreed upon. This just shows that had she taken our picture sooner we wouldn't have had to waste time waiting for a staff to come take our picture and we would've been out of the restaurant much soooner. And the other guests that the table had to be flipped for had not even arrived yet by the time we were leaving. Honestly, I would understand her a bit more for rushing us out if the other table who had a reservation booked right after us had arrived already and or even waited a while past their reservation time but even in general.. To be rushed out of a restaurant like that? That's just ridiculous. I have never been rushed out of a restaurant before. It's just so shocking. And what's even more shocking was that there was another empty table available. For the service we received, a tip was so not worth it even if only a few dollars. What a terrible experience at a new restaurant for my birthday. Such a...

We had gone to Masa Mama Taqueria simply because we wanted to have some guac and chips, al pastor tacos, and a couple of margaritas.

When we arrived, we were greeted appropriately by the hostess, and seated. Our server was pleasant. The restaurant was a bit narrow, but provided sufficient seating for all the diners. The decor was appropriate, yet somewhat monotone with the color scheme.

The guac and chips were brought out in record time. This indicates that the guac was pre-made. When we tried it out, we found that it was way too creamy and lacked the bold flavor of freshly made guacamole that many competitors actually make in front of the dining guest.

Now, on to the al pastor tacos. These tacos had meat nuggets that had been cooked in an oven. The nuggets had a weird texture to them; almost as if they were a type of pressed and formed meat. The tacos' overall flavor profile could be described as "salty", lacked the flavors that al pastor tacos should really have. Definitely no flavor explosions with these tacos.

Finally, the margaritas. These drinks could be described as the type that are served at a typical all-inclusive resort. They tasted like they were made with a low brand of tequila. Nothing in writing on the drink menu indicated otherwise. Competitors that pride themselves with their margaritas will actually state the type of tequila that is to be used, such a "Patron Silver", or other top-shelf tequilas. They also tasted like they were prepared using a pre-bottled syrupy base. These drinks were tiny, and of low quality.

Overall, the quality of the food and drinks are below grade, but demanded a higher price point. The owners should invite Gordon Ramsay and Robert Irvine to intervene for a possible...

My wife and I just dinned here tonight, the food was great, and the atmosphere was very nice. It was our 3 year anniversary, and we were hoping to have an amazing dinner. We got there and were sat right away, got drinks right away, and same for our food. Which was great! But from there on… the waitress was HORRIBLE. My wife and I had finished our food and drinks and waited over 35 minutes for her to even come back over to get our tray. Let alone the additional 10 minutes to wait for her to actually come back to see if we were ready for the bill. We wanted another drink, and she seemed so mad about it? After she gave us a drink menu she immediately told us that we have exactly 25 minutes till they take our table??? Note: we’ve only been there not even an hour… Like? I’m sorry? I had made a reservation, and booked my table? Everyone else walked in. We stated on our reservation that it was our anniversary. The table to the right of us was there before we even sat down and they had food and drinks already before we even said hi to our waitress. She never even mentioned that they needed to leave/had a timeframe for their table. I’m sorry but that’s absolutely insane. I’ve worked over 5+ shitty and high end restaurant jobs and you NEVER rush a reservation or honestly anyone. Especially when we had done nothing, but wait for over 35+ minutes to even be checked on. You’re getting paid, tips and all. The food was good, but the service was terrible… This honestly was our first and last time going. Really unfortunate, as this place has a lot of potential! And I’m not trying to be a Karen, I’m 25 and I’m so tired of being disrespected by others around me. Also for $200+ for tocos and drinks you’d expect...