Cotton Grill — Restaurant in Cartagena

Delicious food, but boring chips. Nice atmosphere but TV way too loud. Soccer was on the TV - not exactly a problem but ruined the atmosphere for me.

However, the service left a very bad taste in our mouths. We came here at 8pm on a Wednesday, and were the only customers for 90% of our time. There were 5-6 staff members as well. So there is no excuse for what happened.

Despite having nothing else to do the staff were very uninterested in any interaction. When trying to get attention to pay the bill one waiter straight up ignored me, walking past me to speak to a waitress. Then they both ignored me when I spoke to grab their attention. I had to go to the counter, where the waitress was head down. Again I had to say hola 2-3 times before she bothered to take my payment. No basic niceties were exchanged either.

There were communication issues during ordering which we all laughed off. Nothing wrong with that. Afterwards I observed that waitress and others walking past our table laughing and looking at us. The laughing suddenly stopped when I made eye contact - so seems obvious to me we were the butt of the joke. I expect this in other countries but Spainairds are usually much nicer, so I was unpleasantly surprised, especially since this is an american themed restaurant.

To the manager who served us at the beginning and then left - your service was great. But please speak to your younger staff from tonight as they are far from reaching...

I am always a bit skeptical about cafes, restaurants etc in Europe or anywhere outside the US claiming to be an "American" grill. The words and concepts may be the same but the style and preparation generally leave much to be desired. Not so here.

I rarely feel a need to engage in American cuisine since I live in Spain and find widespread choices and styles of food to suit my palate. However, on this occassion while visiting Cartagena I took a look and decided to give it a shot. The menu presentation was too tempting. I elected a jalapeno burger complete with guacamole and pico de gallo. I wasn't disappointed. The jalapenos had some heat (not as much as I am accustomed to but more than you typically find in Spain/Europe), the guacamole was superb and the meat cooked to perfection. We also tried a plate of ribs. Wow.

Excellent wine and beer selection along with juices and the usual carbonated drinks. Full liquor bar as well.

There is ample outdoor seating which allows for people watching and enjoying the al fresco environment.

Give this one a try. It is as close to authentic as...

30/9/24 Sadly think this place going down hill.. service they are not very attentive anymore ..charge for mayo for one dish but free on another ?? Waited 15 mins on quiet night for more drinks .. decided not to stay for dessert ... Shame as used to think this place was great .. ..Went in March with 3 friends twice in a week and twice in May with 2 friends.. couldnt fault the food or service .. Went tonight..Tues 20th June.. quiet night ..had chops again..again chef had a bad night 1 was raw others ok..No coleslaw not a big thing (asked but they said they had none, offered beans though, but declined) but adds to the dish and usually you get potato slices which are nice and different but tonight was just tasteless chips, which i left most...again a let down plate looked boring 3/5..

Update... went last week and chops where perfect , thick and well cooked Last time I was there I had the chops they where thick juicy and cooked to perfection, this time I had again, but they were thin dry and over cooked... hopefully an off night for the chef... service...