Lechonera Orlando — Restaurant in Alafaya

Not a friendly atmosphere if you’re not of Hispanic descent. I’m an African American woman who discovered this place on my way home and figured I’d stop by and grab dinner. I wasn’t aware that the line is buffet style so I stood at the register thinking that I should order first and the workers would gather the food after payment. No one greeted me. I was at the register while a young man was behind me. The cashier decided to cash him out before me. I politely moved out of the way and let him proceed thinking that the cashier would greet me next to discover that I probably didn’t understand where the line started. Nope. She left me standing there and walked away. No, “hello ma’am” or “hi are you looking for the start of the line” nothing. I actually had to wait until another worker walked by to asked where the line for carry out officially started. Luckily, I found one and upon our conversation, she rolled her eyes as if she had a problem with informing me of where the lien started. I politely walked out and have no plans of returning. This spot may be great for Hispanic people, However, if you are of African decent, please do not step foot in this establishment. I hate to say that, as we are now in 2024, and you’d think that things like this wouldn’t happen but unfortunately it still does. Find another Latin restaurant who is willing to treat every customer they encounter (especially new ones)...

I see an abundance of food but NO Menu/Labels . I seen Google pictures of what looks like the screens w menu n pricing but apparently not today . Also if you want perhaps a bakery item or fried item no real direction as to if you can bypass the long lines. I asked and they said look up the menu online . Really? how is the customer supposed to know this before going ? If your are not familiar with the food you are really screwed here you will be lost . I stood in the long lines only to be told what I wanted was not available . I didn’t want to hold up The line so I went with fried items since I hadn’t a clue what all the other food was. It was Frustrating ,it all looked yummy but I have to keep it moving . I was going for what I knew and recognized and asked minimal questions. You Feel the pressure to keep it moving . I was Trying quickly to stumble on any new item i could try . I ended up trying a plantain stuffed with meat which he mentioned. It was black but I figured they would not sell it if it that was burnt maybe it’s a wrapping as I could not see it close up . Took it home and BURNT it was . Wasted money . The other item were fine . Pros : an abundance of choices /decent prices Cons : No direction ,no menu and long lines make it for a frustrating experience .

It’s a get in get out and out of the way...

I had rated this place very well previously, but on our last visit, we encountered an extremely aggressive panhandler at the door that was intoxicated and was even complaining about the amount of $ he was given from generous people. We tried to call the establishment to let them know but had no answer. After my wife and 6 year daughter were inside, my wife let an employee know as well, but nothing was done. I understand this person doesn't work for the company, but if it continues unaddressed, many patrons will not return as we will not. I've never had such a horrible experience that had obviously been going on for some time. I had to scream at this person and warn him to leave me and my family alone or else... He was indifferent to words as how intoxicated he was and encouraged me to a fight and argued stupidly.

Please take this serous, the entire reason I spoke up was because he was aggressively asking a family of 2 women and 2 children for $ while they were eating outside.

Mind you women and children alone trying to eat food like normal people. I almost went to jail for what??????? If any doubt, we can visit the store for the employees to verify that we've been long time patrons but no...