EX-VOTO — Restaurant in Durham

This Spicy Shrimp Crunchwrap is a Thursday Treasure (But Shhh!)

Look, I'm torn. Here I am, about to sing the praises of Ex-Voto’s Spicy Shrimp Crunchwrap from the rooftops, but a selfish part of me wants to keep this gem a secret. Because let me tell you, people, this isn't your average fast-food crunch wrap. This is a flavor fiesta that explodes in your mouth with every bite.

The star of the show? The cornmeal-crusted fried shrimp. Crispy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, it's a textural and tastebud party. Then there's the "angry cheese seal" – grilled Hoop Cheese with sneaky little jalapeños hiding in there. It adds a delightful kick that lingers without overwhelming the other flavors. Garlic aioli, herby slaw, radish, cucumber – everything is fresh, bright, and complements the shrimp beautifully. Oh, and don't forget the pico de gallo and that oh-so-good carrot-habanero hot sauce. It's a symphony of taste and spice that'll have you wanting more.

Now, here's the catch (and maybe my ulterior motive for this review): This beauty is only available on Thursdays, and let me tell you, they SELL OUT. I've been frequenting Ex-Voto for this bad boy for 33 straight Thursdays (except for that one heartbreaking week they ran out). The customer service is fantastic too, always friendly and helpful.

So, here's my dilemma. Do I share this culinary masterpiece with the world and risk competition for my Thursday crunchwrap fix? Ugh, the struggle is real. But the deliciousness deserves to be recognized. Ex-Voto, you've got a loyal fan here, and this Spicy Shrimp Crunchwrap? It's a must-try (especially on Thursdays... maybe). Just don't tell...

The delicious food at this location is ruined by an awful service experience. Ordered online today for lunch and waited about 15 minutes before stopping by their counter. food was not out to be grabbed. Asked the counterworker if we were in the queue or if the online order might have been overlooked. They grabbed a worker from the kitchen who didn't know that there was an online order was placed, cut me off and gruffly said would be another 15-20 min. stopped in a second time 15 min later, kitchen worker just jumped down my throat when i tried to tell them we had been waiting 30 min and that all the other people that had ordered at the counter were all gone. this kitchen worker went full scolding mode that the system was just accounting for the other orders placed and that nothing was wrong, and that it would be another 5-10 min. Went back to the counter 5 min later, still not ready. waited as they put it in the bags, an the kitchen worker starts screaming at me that they don't appreciate having customers tell them how to do their job. To the kitchen worker.... a simple yes or no it was/wasn't overlooked. We will get this out asap would have done. by the way, you actually messed up the order. We didn't come be to have you address it cause we figured you'd start yelling again and tell us it was our fault. We will miss your food. but definitely will not...

You can either charge an exorbitant 20% service fee for basic counter service or you can beg for tips on the tablet. Doing both is beyond the pale and truly shameful behavior. The food is good, but scamming your customers by pressuring them to essentially tip 40-50% (if they tip in addition to the outrageously high fee) is disgraceful. It should be illegal. Edit: Calculating it out, it's around 15% before taxes, so I assume you also charge an insanely high credit card fee. Include the cost of paying your employees and credit card company in the price of the food if it's not an optional cost. You know, like every real restaurant already does.

You still aren't telling the truth here. I was charged $17.15 for a $14 crunchwrap. That is not a 10% fee + taxes. That is a full 23% more than the advertised price. Last time I checked we don't have a 13% sales tax in Durham. You need to just charge what it costs and stop trying to pretend your food isn't overpriced. Do you like it when Ticketmaster lies about the prices on their tickets? Of course not. But you're doing the exact same thing and taking advantage of...