El Barrio Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Carlsbad

I tried emailing the management as well as message them on Facebook but I haven't heard back... I don't really like posting negative feedback. But really the service was out of this world bad... and since management hasn't taken an interest I feel like I should share my experience. Below my messages:

I sent an email yesterday, there's been no response. I figured you may be more active on this media form. Please see my original email below. Thank you.

Hi there, I'm emailing you because of the service I received at lunch today. My server made me really uncomfortable, even though she was nice. While waiting for my food I had to ask for the complimentary chips and salsa... which isn't a big deal. Then I had to endure a conversation between three employees that included learning that my server just recently broke up with her boyfriend that she just invested $100 with on ammo. She was bummed because he and his family were up in Rainbow shooting and I guess she wanted to be there instead of working. I also learned that her coworker has an overwieght dog that has to wear a pedometer because she doesnt want the vet to have to perscribe a special diet food. These conversations, although not appropriate, aren't that big of a deal.

When my food came out, she handed me a dripping wet fork that came out of a beer bucket, no biggy... just gross. I wiped it off a napkin I grabbed off the corner of the bar.

THE thing that made me not only feel bad, but also insulted... was when the waitress walked over to me and asked "do you even eat at home?".... Im sure she was just trying to be funny... but it was insulting and completely inappropriate to say to someone eating at a restaurant. I still had more than half of my tortilla/taco salad on the plate and she had asked me if I was done... I felt rushed, embarrassed, and really...

We found this place just walking by, and decided to stop in to try one of the many tequilas. There are more than 100 tequilas, and what's especially unique is they offer half pours of several! We sat at the outside portion of the bar and service was prompt. Looking over a food menu, we saw that Barrio offers a dog menu, which we loved, so we decided to return for brunch the next morning.

We brought our dog back for brunch, and were immediately won over by the chips and salsa. They are house/scratch made and sooo good! Our margarita and sangria were great also, and we were happy with the huevos rancheros and quesadilla.

This place is pretty small and really cute, and we will definitely be back! Although we didn't get to try them on this visit, the happy hour specials and tequila tastings...

Food was good, location is great, service is okay I had the chile relleno and it was one of the best I've ever had. The guacamole was really tasty (other than needing salt) and their house salsa is respectable. The chips were thick and not very flavorful--not my favorite but okay. The location is fun--you're out on the sidewalk in Carlsbad Village so there is lots of people-watching. Our service was okay. The server was rushing around so much that she wouldn't listen to us unless we blurted it out really fast as she ran past. If we hesitated for a moment, she'd leave the table. I understand she was busy but it left us feeling like our server wasn't there for us. We had to track down stuff on our own or ask the lady serving...