Mariscos El Rincon Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Athens

1st impression...no music, super quiet...the waitress calls from her throne in a booth across the room to sit wherever we want. She brings us menus and asks what we want to drink...while giving us the worst look because we were going over the drink menu instead of immediately answering...so I order us waters and tell her we will order when she gets back. Someone else brings us the waters with chips and salsa that was no where near fresh or good and the waitress never comes back. A new waitress enters the building and goes to work, her first stop is our table and I watch as our 1st waitress leaves the building while shooting us another super mean stare. The new waitress is nice with a nice smile...but that didn't help the food or the drink. Top shelf margaritas were the worst top shelf that I have had in about 20 years.. Shrimp cocktail was ok. Carne Asada was Grey, lifeless, thin and tough..tasted soured and absolutely way overpriced for the dog food that we were served. Offered cheese dip because of the hot sauce issue and was given melted Velveeta. The best item we received was the charro beans and was charged for another tiny bowl.

I don't know where the positive reviews for this place comes from..because I can promise you that it was less than positive.

We choke down everything because we were starving and get the ticket...each item is charged out over the menu price.. every item.. 4.11 for the melted Velveeta not 3.95 for the queso menu item that we did not receive. We paid over $72 for this poor quality. I woke up this morning sick and puked this food that just sat in my stomach and...

So last night I go to Mariscos El Rincon in athens to eat. I always eat here and drink margaritas. I sat down and ordered a margarita when it gets to the table I take one drink and it is Warm and horrible. So I call the waiter over and explain to him. He goes and tells the owner Karla. He comes back says that she states I can either pay for it or get another one. By that time I wasn’t even wanting one after the first experience so I told him no thank you I’ll take a water. He goes back to the owner and tells her what I said. He then comes back and says she said you still have to pay for it. I asked to speak to her and as she is rolling silver ware looking at me she tells him she has no time and is busy. So I straight up tell him I’m not paying for a drink that was horrible and I didn’t even drink. The owner Karla then stands up tells me since I can’t pay for the drink I’ll never be able to order another alcoholic drink there. I don’t know where customer service has gone but I will never eat there again. It amazes me that something just as simple as fixing a problem has went out the window. As we sat there she served many people took orders checked people out on the register but refused to come to my table. WORST EXPERIENCE IVE HAD IN...

What a hidden gem! We've lived in the area for 11 years and we had not ever been here, until our visit a several months ago. Now, 4 months later...we are still enjoying lunch and dinner here at Mariscos. We've had the pleasure of eating here about a dozen times and each time, I am still impressed...with the excellent, "authentic" Mexican food, well made drinks and service. I recommend either the Carne Asada or the Brisket Plate as your first choice. As far as drinks, try the Pina Caloda (it's a real one!). Their chips are great and their regular salsa can be hit or miss for some, however I enjoy it. They have two other "secret" HOT sauces, if you ask for them. The prices are fair for what you receive and it seems that they have not raised their prices through the pandemic, unlike most.

Lastly, one thing to note...it is a family owned business. With that, there will be times where they may run out of a product, particular sauce, etc. Make it OK by trying something different and new!

I can't wait until we go back. In short, give...