Las Iguanas - Reading — Restaurant in Reading

Having waited several months to return to one our favourite restaurants, tonight brought back so much nostalgia but with a heavy dose of rustiness, too.

We arrived 5 minutes early for our 6:30 table but we were greeted and seated in good time. Being avid ‘iguanas’ we knew what drinks we wanted and promptly ordered via the new QR code and website on offer, hoping to avoid unnecessary contact with the staff and equally speed up the process.

However, after 15 minutes of watching our drinks fizz away at the edge of the bar, regrettably we caught the attention of our waitress and asked whether she might bring them over seeing as we were not allowed during current restrictions. All of the subsequent drinks were delivered promptly and without issue.

The food ordering experience, however, is where I must deduct a star. Having been seated, we order our starter and mains 18:35 - nachos and 2x chicken fajitas. After about 30 minutes we were asked whether we had ordered our food and confirmed that we had. After another 15 minutes we were told that our ticket had been lost and were asked to provide evidence of our order whilst I promptly did via the email confirmation.

Still no food.

We quizzed our waitress again who informed us that the manager was looking in to it and would come to speak with us imminently. Again, after some time this didn’t materialise and we spoke to the waitress again. At this point we were willing to accept a refund for the food we had paid for but hadn’t enjoyed but expressed that we would far rather have the food as long as the issue was sorted out.

Eventually, the manager, Emma, did come over and was totally brilliant. She immediately cleared up the confusion and alleviated the frustration by offering a refund and free drinks, which we were more than happy to accept.

Emma then took over service of our table for the remainder of the cover to check that everything was OK and even topped things off with a complementary dessert. Again, top marks for brilliant customer management!

Apparently there have been some issues with orders through the app, so bare that in mind. But we shall be returning… if...

Google Maps Review: Las Iguanas

⭐☆☆☆☆

We went to the cinema and then to Las Iguanas. Unfortunately, the experience was far from enjoyable. The music was as loud as in a nightclub, making it extremely difficult to have a normal conversation. I even asked the barman for a quieter spot, explaining how the noise level was overwhelming, but there was no solution offered.

My partner and I looked at the menu and ordered drinks. However, behind me, a man who ordered after us was served first by another server. To make matters worse, the barman struggled to hear my drink order due to the deafening music.

The lady who served the other customer had a strange object, which looked like a mixing spoon, constantly in her mouth. It seemed highly unhygienic and inappropriate for someone handling food and drinks. Out of curiosity, my partner asked her about it, and her response was baffling. She couldn’t hear what was said because of the noise, and when my partner mentioned the music was “bloody loud,” she misinterpreted it as an insult. Her reaction was unprofessional, making faces and acting offended, which escalated the confusion.

I tried to address the situation calmly, but the environment was chaotic. When I asked, “Why are you so cranky?” she immediately switched to a forced happy face and denied any issue. The entire experience felt awkward and unnecessary, with everyone left confused—all due to the excessively loud music and the poor handling of customer interactions.

In addition, the hygiene standards need serious attention. The object in her mouth, touched repeatedly, does not belong in a setting where food and drinks are served.

The atmosphere here is chaotic, the staff lacks professionalism, and the loud music creates a hostile environment. Definitely not a place I’d recommend or...

Updated Update: we have been several times since my last update and not really had a good time due to many things not being on the menu. It had gotten so bad that last night I decided it would be my last night for a very long time if many dishes and drinks were unavailable on the menu again. Luckily last night we had a great time. Everything was on the menu, food and drinks, the staff were lovely and explained what had been happening with the place and why things hadn't been great before on our previous visits. We celebrated the ribs and the fried chicken coming back and we left very full and very happy. Will definitely be back sooner than initially anticipated.

Update: we came back as soon as we could after we were allowed back inside and were not disappointed. The food was still delicious and we had a lovely waiter. Had lovely chicken to begin with again and a great burger for main.The burger was so delicious I forgot to take a picture.Then my partner and I shared a lovely dessert of brownie, ice cream and dulce de leche shortbread. We also had lovely cocktails. Definitely can't wait for the sharing ones back as those are awesome. Had a great night and definitely will be coming back.

Well my partner and I braved it and went out even though been told not to due to the coronavirus. Even though it was obviously quiet, it was a lovely place to be and dine in. The food was delicious and the cocktails are awesome. There is so much choice for both food and beverages. The food was quick and the service was warm and welcoming from all the staff. I hope the place stays open through the coronavirus jazz as we would definitely like to...