Ma'Coco — Restaurant in Austin

ma’coco needs improvement

Where do I start? We had a reservation for 2 for our anniversary. The restaurant is just a room more suited to be a bar.

Ambience: Ma’Coco has natural lighting and charming decor with Clase Azul accents that give it a high-end feel, but the metal seating and atmosphere are casual, more like a pizza parlor. High ceilings and fans couldn’t keep the room cool, and while the Latin music was enjoyable, it grew overwhelming, on top of a large, lively party being seated centrally. With little sound absorption, the noise level became unmanageable, making conversation difficult by the end.

Service: Although we had a reservation, we were initially seated at an awkward high-top for six, then moved. Unfortunately, my dress snagged on a chair. Our server was inattentive, avoiding our table for up to 15 minutes at a time even as she tended to others. While the host-in-training checked in and offered water, He seemed unable to address issues directly. The time between ordering and receiving food was unusually long, and by the time dessert was offered, we were ready to escape the noise and our server’s disinterest.

Food: The food quality didn’t match the higher-end pricing. The quesadilla was decent, and the al pastor taco had good flavor, but the enmoladas were disappointing: the chicken was dry and tough, and the mole tasted store-bought. The house-made tortillas were a letdown—undercooked and gummy on the inside, which ruined both the enchiladas and quesadilla.

Suggestions for Improvement: A floor supervisor could help manage service flow and customer experience, there were up to 4 front of house staff in view at any point behind the bar so this should be easy to implement. while soft vintage rugs and hanging foliage would absorb noise and add warmth to the atmosphere. Lowering the music when the room grows loud could subtly encourage guests to be mindful of their volume. The staff’s mixologist attire suggests a refined experience, yet service was inconsistent and casual. A refresher in service standards and kitchen quality control would go a long way. Overall, Ma’Coco has potential, but the experience doesn’t currently justify the prices. I hope the owners come around to oversee these improvements or rethink the...

Since opening in summer of 2021, Ma’Coco has completely transformed the corner of 5th and Comal to provide an upbeat, friendly, and social dining experience for many locals and out of owners looking to explore the new generation of Austin’s east side. While many of the breweries and eateries in the neighborhood may be representative of the gentrification taking place over the past few years, Ma’Coco maintains its authenticity while expectations are being raised.

The owners are a young brother and sister duo who named the restaurant after their grandmother and are serving items inspired by their mother’s recipes. The decor and design of the space pays tribute to their San Diego/Baja California upbringing with fresh ingredients, handmade corn tortillas, and many iconic dishes like California burritos, carne asada, fish tacos and ceviche. The margaritas are beautifully prepared, delicious, and a refreshing break from the scorching Austin heat. What I love most is the friendly service that shows very genuine appreciation for my business with a welcoming atmosphere created by the staff. It’s why I’m not surprised to regularly see the same groups and couples who often come back on a weekly basis to dine or stop by for a quick drink on the patio.

I felt compelled to write this review because Austin is changing so fast and these owners have the best of intentions to contribute something positive to this community. If you felt the food was “Amazing” but were disappointed by something else during your experience, was it really worth a 1-star review? Doesn’t seem fair while they are still a new small business and I’ll continue to support them because those that actually live and work in this neighborhood appreciate what...

Oh wow, talk about a terrible experience. Our server, Sade C, had the worst attitude ever. Just because she knew she was getting the gratuity tip doesn’t mean she had to be rude. Honestly, she didn’t even deserve a dollar. She was unfriendly, unhelpful, and had an attitude that made the entire dinner uncomfortable. Every question we asked was met with annoyance, and she clearly had no interest in providing decent service. We just wanted to enjoy a nice dinner and celebrate, not deal with a miserable server who made the experience unpleasant.

What made it even worse was when we asked to substitute chicken for avocado. She snapped at us, worried we were getting a full avocado—when in reality, we just don’t eat chicken. Nor does your very tasteless menu have avocado on the ingredients for the salad. She was in the wrong for doing that.Then, as if nothing had happened, she proceeded to ask if I wanted a drink. No, I wanted a server without the attitude.

The place has a limited menu and terrible service, which completely ruins the dining experience. I wouldn’t go back unless Sade C or the girl with the slicked-back bun who waited on us at 6 PM on Friday, 2/27 with a bad attitude, gets proper training or a serious...