El Patron — Restaurant in Corvallis

I haven't left a review for a place in a very long time, but I feel compelled to give this one a rave review because I'm still thinking about it a week later. This is, hands down, the best customer service I've ever experienced in the entire city of Corvallis, and I've lived here for a long time. Our waiter went above and beyond. He was clearly service-oriented, charming, and extremely professional. If I didn’t know better, I’d say he has a bachelor’s degree in customer service. I'm still impressed with him and I wish he would train all wait staff in this county. He's clearly a native Spanish speaker and he helped me properly pronounce words in such a charming and charismatic way. He was attentive but not intrusive. He was charismatic but not overbearing. I left the restaurant feeling like I had a real experience, which I haven't felt in a very, very long time. This place is great.

I went here about a week ago on an "accidental date" with my mother. The atmosphere of the restaurant is very nice — low lighting, electronic torches, and a genuine lit candle on our table. It made my mom and me start joking about it being date night.

The food is delicious. The plates themselves are huge, so at first, it might not look like a lot of food, but don’t be fooled — one meal fed me for three days afterwards. (And the leftovers were just as delicious as the first day I got them)

PS did you check out the size of that...

Buyers beware, huge rip off on drinks at El Patron.

The restaurant itself is fine, nothing special, basically a worse version of the other Mexican style restaurants in town, but with worse service, and also with a caveat...

Ordered a margarita and asked them to upgrade with a better tequila than well...there was no mention that a tequila upgrade would double the cost of the drink. So we were charged $13 for a shot of Altos (lol rip off enough) but then also charged 15.50 for a "margarita." Total cost for a one shot margarita using Altos, $28.50. I'm not getting a poor of Tequila Ley.

When we received the bill I asked if they mistakenly added a shot to an existing drink, the server explained that, no, it was 13 for the tequila and 15 for the lime juice and ice. LOL

I mean if they made a well drink that would be 15 that included the booze and then an extra shot at 13, or does a well margarita come without it? So goofy.

He said he doesn't like to explain the scam to customers ahead of time because they usually balk, or complain. Instead I guess it's easier to disguise it and hope no one notices?

Then he blames the owner, although it's supposedly a family operated establishment. Super goofy.

Sorry ownership, poor training, poor execution, complete rip off 30 bucks for a one shot margarita at a very not high end restaurant is beyond laughable.

There will be no repeat visit,...

I can't express here in a few comments what a great experience dining here was, but I will try. First off, walking in we got the old town mexico feeling with the decor, next we were greeted and kindly shown options for seating. Next our waiter, son number 3 I believe, was pleasant and knowledgeable of anything we asked. He was intentive to our needs the entire meal. I got the fajitas which came on a sizzling skillet..yummy! The tortillas were great and the beans as well. I liked the chips and salsa and the avocado salsa was something I've never seen at a Mexican restaurant. My friends food was exceptional too. They finished ever last bite. We had the pleasure of seeing someone celebrating their birthday and the staff gave a little parade and song for them. fun fun!! The best part of the time there was the owner coming over to greet us, ask if all was good, and chat a bit from our silly questions. He also checked in towards the end of our meal. Friendly man knowledgeable, and very charismatic and charming. His boys are as well and all work there as the waiters. Any place would pay big bucks for costumer service as wonderful as theirs. ONE OF THE BEST MEXICAN FOOD JOINTS I'VE BEEN TOO. Can't wait to drive back through from California to stop again. Until then,...