Fiesta Méxicana Bozeman — Restaurant in Bozeman

We have been here several times as it is one of our regular stops. The food quality was fine, as usual, but the new atmosphere ruined our experience.

Problem 1: They implemented a new 90 minutes rule where they ask you to finish eating in 90 minutes.

This new rule felt odd - but it became a problem when after about 45 - 60 minutes a guy (not our server) came and asked to take our trays. I told him we were still eating and he took them anyway.

I was a bit stunned. But right after this, a lady (also not our server) came and asked to take the last dish we had and we said no. She picked up our food, anyway, but put it back down when we said no again and simply stood there staring at us for about a minute. It felt like she was going to wait until we finished, but she eventually left.

Once she left, our server immediately came by and put the bill on the table. Normally I like this, as it helps us get out quicker. However, combined with the previous encounters it made us feel unwelcome.

She also did not ask if we wanted dessert. Again, not a problem since we didn't want any - but it added to the feeling of getting kicked out.

I checked the restaurant as we were leaving and 1/3 of the restaurant was empty. The parking lot did not look full (which was a contributing factor to us choosing this restaurant) so it seems like the new policy has trained staff to be abrasive and pushy.

Problem 2: They implemented a $2.50 charge for additional chips

This one is not as big of deal, so I list it second. You are given complementary chips and salsa when you arrive. However, we ordered cheese-dip with our meal and the original chips were nearly gone by the time it arrived.

We were informed that we would be charged $2.50 for the additional chips. This means that when you order cheese-dip, it does not come with chips...you pay extra for them.

I am not against this new rule, but it does not feel very well implemented. It also adds to the 'pay us money and get out' vibe that the restaurant is cultivating

Overall:

I would say our meal was ruined by rude actions of the restaurant staff. Our primary server was mostly fine, but we definitely felt unwelcome.

My wife joked that, 'at least they did not put an egg timer on the table set to 90 minutes.' However, that would have given us much more time to eat and a little bit of warning before having our plates...

Horrible. I've eaten there several times and never expect anything but mediocre but this was far worse. First, the assistant waitress brought salsa/chips/water and did not say one word to us, no eye contact, no hello or welcome and was wearing headphones. We gave her the benefit of the doubt, perhaps she didn't speak English? But no, she spoke fluent English to the next table. Our party of three ordered one soft drink and two skinny margaritas and we were never offered refills on soft drinks, water, or margaritas, all drink glasses were empty half way through our meal. We were never offered more chips or salsa either. My fajitas came out raw, a giant pile of onions and green peppers with a tiny bit of tough cooked chicken. I sent them back and asked them to cook them more and said normally they come out charred, sizzling and steaming. They brought them out more cooked, but still no steam or char, still undercooked veggies, chewy tough chicken and absolutely no flavor or aroma. The waiter was polite but never asked how our food was, didn't offer more drinks, dessert, to go box, or anything except finally the check. My daughter's tacos were greasy and my other daughter's food was bland but she ate it. Our check was $100 and I normally tip 20%+ for mediocre food/service but this time I left $10 tip. It was terrible....

The food is very nice- standard Mexican food choices. However it gets a 3stars based solely on service today. Walked in, 3 men working on the POS system- didn't acknowledge us for over 3min. I saw many staff walking around, it wasn't busy- many open tables, yet it took 3 min of us standing in the entry to be seated. Then my 4yr and I were seated in the bar- again lots of open seating, so.seemed an odd choice to place a child, even if it wasn't busy. We got chips and salsa and menus almost immediately, but it took 6min before the server came over to take our order- no water was offered or drinks. I had to call her back for those. Food came out quickly, well presented and hot. Good taste. I was finished, pushed the plate to the edge of the table, and sat, with an empty water cup for 20min waiting for my check. I saw no less than 5swrvers, 2 cooks, and an older lady who finally asked if I needed the check (she only spoke spanish). She called to the server, who still didn't acknowledge or speak to me directly. The older lady eventually brought my ticket herself. Overall, it was unsatisfactory service but...