AJ’s Diner - Colony Cove 2 At Mesa Street — Restaurant in El Paso

AJs isn't what it used to be all those years ago. Burgers were ordered to be cooked as "medium", but came out "well done" and were a bit on the dry side. There were a total of 4 patties, and not one of them was cooked "medium". Didn't want to return them to hopefully get burgers cooked the way we paid for them, so we ate them. The chile con queso was of low quality. Very runny/watery, and the chilies must've came straight from the fridge because they were cold. So it was... interesting.. to eat hot soupy cheese with cold chilies. Burgers were not worth the price in our experience. Chile con queso is not worth it. Honestly, we should have gone to Five Guys for a tastier experience and at the same price point. Also, when we were getting ready to leave, the waitress took one of our plates without asking if we wanted a to-go box. It had 1/4 of a double patty burger and plenty of fries on that plate. We didn't notice that she took that plate because we were talking. Our bad, I guess? But still, there was plenty of food that should have warranted a "would you like a to-go box?" or something. So that was like $5 in food that got taken away from us. Another thing, in the beginning you have to pay for your food (when you first walk in), why do you do that? Your payment system asks for a tip before we have even sat down.. That's bad user experience in my opinion. Let us order food first and then we can tip appropriately (like a regular restaurant). I gave a 15% tip but wouldn't have given that tip after our experience there. It's supposed to be kinda like a 50s diner but it felt... soulless. Like, a restaurant that dressed up in a 50s diner costume and came to your door saying "trick-or-treat". You can see that the aesthetic is there, but it felt generic or something. After all that, I do want to say that the bathrooms were clean. P.S. Your website is a bad experience to use. There's no menu to see what you have before coming. And your "Order Online" button is broken. Please update/fix...

I ordered a "plant-based" burger. What I received was a strange 'yellow or chicken colored looking something' that was definitely NOT a plant burger. I asked the server/hostess to please confirm this was a plant-based burger. The server took it back to the kitchen because the server didn't know what it was either. The server came back and said the kitchen told her it was a plant burger. I told the server, I have no idea what it is, but it is definitely NOT a plant-based burger. I eat these all the time at many other restaurants, and this isn't one. Plant based burgers "look" like a regular burger, they aren't 'yellow or chicken colored'! If you don't know what you're serving people, you probably shouldn't be telling them you do! I walked out the door and will never be back.

Update: Thanks for your response, I appreciate it. I am glad that you offer multiple plant based items for those of us cutting down on meat. Based on what you mentioned, it's pretty obvious I was served a plant based "chicken" patty. The fact that the server/hostess had no idea the difference between a plant based burger and a plant based burger is troubling. Lastly, I can't think of anyone in the world, when they order a 'burger' expects to receive a chicken patty, plant based or not. I think your servers/hosts need more training to clarify when someone orders a plant based item. I may try again sometime.

Update: I did try them again. This time, when I ordered a plant based burger, the host did ask if I wanted to "plant based chicken", or the "plant based burger". I said a "plant based burger", like "beef", but plants, no meat! I did get the right burger this time. It was good. Hopefully, the same experience will...

Took a group of kids for lunch. Arrived with 40+ mins to at least receive food - which didn’t happen before we had to leave. Our table in addition to another table, were seated and told their orders would be taken. However the one server continued to take the take out orders first. Both tables decided to take their orders directly to her. Our table ordered first, however, the second table was served their food to go as we all were leaving. I returned after dropping kids off at school and the order was incorrect and still not ready. The server did nothing to fix the incorrect order or help resolve the issue. I asked for the manager’s number and was told she didn’t have a number for me. Apparently, if the restaurant has an emergency, somehow the manager will know and call the restaurant to help resolve it. But she could not/would not help me in any way. She gave me a sweet “good luck” smile as I left. The food is always great here, but cannot say the same about the costumer service. The kids I took spent their own money, did not get their correct orders, and since the school does not allow food to be delivered- did not get...