Good Luck Cafe — Restaurant in El Paso

I have been a server for 5 years. Therefore, I know how the food service industry works. I am aware that certain protocols have taken place upon Covid occurring, as I have also served during those times. I had a horrible, more specifically, the most uncomfortable experience eating here. I can here a long time ago, and after my grandmothers doctors appointment today, I wanted her to try it out. Going in, we were approached and told that there were only 2 tables available, which is understandable due to its 50% capacity. We had the option of 2 tables, both big tables with about 8 chairs, located at the corners of each end of the restaurant. I didn’t mind because my grandma was hungry after fasting for 12hrs before her doctor’s appointment. I noticed after sitting down, that a table left, as the busser was cleaning the table. I also thought it would be more comfortable for my grandma given her age and medical issues, that she would be better sitting somewhere where she is more supported. I asked our waitress if we could possibly move, as I know sections could make it impossible sometimes. She gave me an annoyed look and just walked away. This tall man, who she referred to as the “manager”, came up to us and said, “you might as well stay here. “ and proceeded to tell us repetitively , “you’re better off here, just stay here “ over and over again. Almost like he was persisting or convincing us that we are comfortable here. His next response was very odd because he said “people will get mad.” I’m not sure which “people” he was referring to because I wasn’t asking to sit at a table that was restricted. As he’s saying that and standing there lecturing us for the longest time on how we’re better off there, they sit someone on that table and he says, “ look it’s too late anyways cause we’re sitting someone there right now”. Another table then got up and left, and I asked once it was clean, if we could move to that one . Our waitress then tell us that she needs to ask him first. She took about 10 min to come back and they ended up sitting someone there. Keep in mind, more of the tables that people had been sitting at when we walked in, had already left. She then leaves our food and says “sorry he gets mad.” We felt extremely uncomfortable given the tone, unaccomadating, and unprofessional service. When we were leaving, our waitress gives us our check and says, “Thank you, and I’m sorry for the insults that you took from that man.” Most uncomfortable and unpleasant experience I’ve ever had. I have worked with many managers and servers, and I have never seen anything so weird and arrogant. Do better or don’t work with others. It’s that simple. (If I could give it 0 stars I would, but Google is making...

So an article from Taste Atlas brought me here. This website named the menudo at Good Luck Cafe the #1 best menudo in the world. That's quite a title to bestow and an exceedingly high expectation to set up for this restaurant that in my opinion, did not deliver. Here is how it went for me: I called ahead and asked if take out was an option, the woman that answered said yes and then hung up on me. I went in person to order my menudo to go, the same woman was at the register. Her 3 inch nails and rude attitude definitely did not give me good vibes about visiting in the future. I decided to order a Chile relleno and Chilaquiles along with my menudo to test out their menu. Neither the Chile relleno or Chilaquiles came with rice and beans, it also wasn't offered to me. The Chile relleno was ok, not as fluffy as I like mine. The chilaquiles were ALL HEAT no flavor. THE MENUDO: the caldo had a good consistency and the meat was cooked well. But alas, no heat and no flavor. By far the most bland menudo I have ever had. My brother said it was "mid". My dad said "no flavor, the caldo tastes like water."

I've tried menudo at about 100 restaurants in Los Angeles, Chicago, Albuquerque, El Paso, Durango Mexico and Chihuahua. I'd place this Menudo at about #90 on my list. The best menudo I've ever had of course, was home made by a talented neighbor.

There was a gentleman that checked in on us while we were waiting for our order, he was kind and gracious, otherwise I would've given this review 1 star.

EDIT: I hear there is usually a long wait with a line out the door. Def not worth waiting in line. But if you want to try for yourself, go on a week day before the lunch rush and...

When I travel to El Paso Texas I make it a point to eat at this family owned Restaurant. The food is always great, and for the most part the service is to. However this last week I was there and I took my 92 year old parents to eat the Caldo De Res because it's super delicious 😋. Unfortunately they made them stand for quite a bit, and one waitress was rude. This happened while I was outside parking, they were told that the section to the Left ( where the bathroom is) was closed and that they had to sit in one of the booths. There was 6 adults and we would of had to sit in separate booths. In My opinion it's rude to tell the customer you can't have your party of 6 sit at the same table. I hope when I go back to El Paso in October I won't have the same issue. Because that would mean I will Not be going back or recommending this awesome restaurant to my friends and family. I've been there when the owners are present and they are great with the customers. I believe that waitress wouldn't of been rude to my parents if the owners would of been there. I remember the cashier was a gentleman with black and blonde hair, he was wearing glasses 🕶️, I think he is related to the owners as well. But he didn't correct the waitress...