Santi’s Restaurante Mexicano — Restaurant in Charleston

So I read the reviews and wanted to like this place. I walked in and sat at the bar. When I sat down there was only I couple at the bar and they had paid out. I had to ask for a menu and at the 7 minute mark, I had to say to the two bartenders, I’m ready when you are. 12 minutes in, I didn’t have any water, no one had taken my drink order and I was feeling incredibly ignored. By 14 minutes in, I picked up my purse to leave and it was only then the one of the bartenders asked what I’d like to drink. Bu then it was too late. The only reason I hung in that long was because up until 4 years ago I worked in hospitality and have experience working in every part of the FOH. I understand being busy or making drinks for servers but there wasn’t a board of drink tickets to clear and no one else was seated at the bar. In fact, the only other person in the bar area was a woman who was waiting on her date—her 1st date. I hate being annoyed by a dining experience but I didn’t even get that far. This was a fail. Maybe I’m old school but greet times and first round times still...

This is a great local spot in North Charleston to grab a meal with your co-workers or friends. The facility is fairly small & offers indoor & outdoor seating. If you have a group larger than 4 people, you will be sitting at a table intimately close & with little room to move. The outdoor seating is a little more open but again, if you have more than 4 people, you will have no choice but to eat on a picnic bench--- unless they push tables together, but they are usually fairly busy. Their lunch specials are great! It ranges from $3- $9 lunch specials. They have delicious meals---steak, Chicken, seafood, vegetarian, etc. They don't just serve tacos; they also serve burritos, chimichongas, soup w/ your choice of meat, etc. The dinner meals are delicious as well. I reccommend getting the chips & queso as well as a shrimp entree. They provide you with free salsa & chips as you order (continuously refilled). The decorations fits it's theme but if there is music, it is very soft. The lighting inside is dim & the bathrooms are one stall. The staff is usually friendly &...

The food and atmosphere was decent. The waiter on the other hand was disrespectful by taking a lunch as he took us as a table. I am the person that understands mistakes and was going to let it slide. My wife and I were here in Charleston because our child had an appointment at MUSC. The waiter did apologize, but made me feel like he was talking down to me as he said he couldn’t give a discount and not to worry about a tip. I was taken back because we didn’t ask for any discount just because we had to wait longer. Manager didn’t even try to rectify the situation as I did go to him and explain that the situation was disrespectful. Disappointed in the experience. I still tipped because I understood, but be better as a restaurant. Attitude causes much gratitude in any situation if handled properly. Right now, I know it was not. I felt like just because my wife and I were not dressed for Charleston, we were treated differently. Any place that doesn’t do right by their customers should think twice...