Fresh-Mex & Co. — Restaurant in Fruit Cove

Visited the St. John’s location for a New Year’s Eve dinner with family. From the moment we walked in, we were confused about what the system was here. We walked up to the counter/register and the hostess/server/busser/bartender (not sure) told us that “right now”’we could get full service if we sat at the bar, or sit at a table, and use the QR code to essentially “Door Dash” in. We wanted to sit at a booth. So, we scanned the code, and the menu was less than clear. There were no descriptions for the specialty cocktails, and other than having to get up and chase someone down-no one was around to help us understand. We ordered food and drinks from the code. We get half of our drinks, and every time we were trying to get someone to help us, it was like we were annoying them. We received our food, and were still waiting for some of our drinks after eating half our entrees- finally had to get up and chase someone down to understand where the fountain drink was we ordered ?! Employee gave us a cup, and said you had to go to the back of the place to fill up. Oh yeah, and we got our food with no silverware- no one told us we had to go to the bathroom area to pick up forks. What? And the roll of paper that is on the table to provide us “napkins,” may as well have been a roll of non absorbent toilet paper, that also you had to work hard to tear off a poorly designed holder. Chips were extremely salty, the chicken tacos were bland, and the carne asada tacos included the fatty and bony parts of the meat- healthy? No. Will say that the Bloody Marias were strong and good. And the shrimp Life Bowl was tasty- although when you got to the bottom of the bowl, the dish must have been overcooked in the dishwasher and there were scrapes and worn scratches- like a child’s overused dollar store plate. The place itself was beautiful. But a shame that the disorganization, lack of communication, and not quite “as advertised” food gives this location an “all hype, no...

Fresh-Mex and Co. offered an overall disappointing experience. While the staff was friendly and attentive, which made for a welcoming atmosphere, the food left much to be desired. The salsa, a key component of any Mexican meal, was bland and mediocre at best. It lacked the bright, tangy flavors that should characterize a fresh salsa, and instead felt flat with no depth of flavor. The only hot sauce available was Cholula, which, while a fine option, did not add the level of spice and heat that one might expect at a Mexican restaurant.

Additionally, a glaring oversight was the missing guacamole. Despite specifically ordering it, the guac was never delivered, which was particularly frustrating. Guacamole, a classic side dish, should complement any Mexican meal, but instead, it seemed like an afterthought.

What stood out the most was how the food did not taste authentically Mexican. Instead of the vibrant, zesty flavors typical of Mexican cuisine, the dishes came across as bland and overly simplistic, with a Texan flavor profile that lacked any real depth or spice. Overall, the meal felt lackluster and uninspired. While the service was commendable, the food failed to meet expectations, leaving me questioning whether I’d return for another visit.

Edit: to add to the owners response. Having been to authentic tex-mex establishments in California, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Your salsa tastes just like you said. Canned salsa. There is no depth or flavor. Since the owner doesn't understand that spice does not equal flavor, I take it this chain-restaurant doesn't actually know what...

Where are these 5 stars coming from? Lol. The Linda review is Fake as it was posted that she visits a couple times a week when they had their grand opening the week it was posted - we know as we drove there and it wasn't open yet.

Initially excited to try this new place when it did open, but they've got a lot to iron out. Waited about 15min in a line at a register to order our food and get a number for our table. We ordered a draft at the register but no-one said how to order another or offered get us another drink while we waited 45 minutes for our food to arrive which included the appetizer and one entree delivered first, then the other entree delivered 10 minutes after that.. During our sit waiting and watching, we heard other patrons having problems getting their food and weren't sure they'd be back again. One table was seated before us but didn't get there food until after we got ours - an hour waiting! Another table sat after us but received all their food before us within 15 minutes of them sitting! All the while we're sitting and waiting, the staff is carrying around platters of food looking for numbers letting the food cool off walking in circles nearly. This appeared to be very unorganized service. Fountain drinks, silverware, and some condiments are located around back of the dining area for self-serve. They were out of forks at the time.

We may try this place again after a couple of months, but we're in no hurry to. I'll update review later in hopes of it getting better....