El Patron Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Gastonia

Rating a 1 because of the service not the food. When this place first opened they were on target with everything, the food was great and the service was great. I use the “3 strives rule” so I will now take my business elsewhere not because of horrible food but due to horrible service. Strike 1- I go in there to eat, no one at register so I assume seating others customers. Wait several minutes then notice what I believe are 4 employees sitting at one of the booths wrapping utensils in napkins. 2 make eye contact with me but say nothing. I few minutes later several more customers enter and after we all have been waiting a few minutes... yes you guessed it one if the people wrapping utensils get up and comes to seat us. Finally seated at our table, several employees walk by without acknowledging us. by the time someone comes to take our drink order we have already decided what we want to eat. Waitress said I will go get your drinks and I’m like no we are ready to order so you can take our drink and food order all at same time so we don’t not have to wait additional time to place our order. Orders come out pretty quick, however waitress never asked if we wanted anything else or refills and we finally had to ask for our check! Mind you the place wasn’t busy but this was not the norm for us here so we chalked it up to just an off night or new employees.

Strike #2 call to place a to go order, placed on hold for what seemed like forever so I hung up and called back. Went in to pick up my order, somewhat busy with a few customers waiting to be seated. 2 employees at register, no one acknowledges that I have entered the place. I can see a bag sitting on the counter with my name, so I wait a few minutes then say to them I believe that is my order can you take care of me?? They give me a strange look say something to each other in Spanish they take care of my order.

Strike 3 I call today to place a to go order, placed on hold so I decide to just play it out and see how long they leave me on hold. At 6 minutes I knew I wasn’t going to order from them and have already had my family place a call in order somewhere else. Unfortunately my phone disconnected the call at 15 minutes! I guess this place cares nothing about its customers and I for one will never be back! If you enjoy good food but don’t care out lousy service then this is the place to go and if you expect good food as well as good service you better go...

I’ve had worse service but it’s been a while. When you go into a restaurant in order from the top of the menu ordering drinks you think the management would provide service you would expect. It’s not like we ordered ice water heating free chips and salsa. Our waitress who was an older, nothing against older people, with grey hair she was thin but she kept ignoring us. Passing by our table many times never to ask if anything was needed. We were out of salsa chips and drinks for over 10 minutes. Who is happened more than once with this same server. They were not busy, the croup had cleared out. Finally a manager came by and asked if we needed something or anything as if she could not see herself. Our bill was $61 for two people and I did not know they automatic and 10% OK your bill before they hand it to you for a gratuity. So if you tip 15 or 20% then they’re receiving more than what’s fair. I know people have been here with same comments about their rude servers. I live in the neighbourhood and I will not go here again so you have a lost a...

This was my boyfriend and I’s second time at El Patron and I ordered the Enchiladas Supreme both times the first time they loaded it with ENTIRELY TOO MUCH lettuce and sour cream the first time. I couldn’t even see the enchiladas underneath. They come with 4 different kinds, (1 cheese, 1 beef, 1 bean and 1 chicken) they’re seasoned well and taste good too! This experience I asked for NO lettuce, NO sour cream and NO tomatoes hoping for a better experience. To my pleasure it was! I had them add a red sauce on top to add more flavor (I love smothered enchiladas haha!) also a side of mexican rice and refried beans. It was all SO DELICIOUS unfortunately I could finish in 1 sitting but be sure I definitely got a to go box! Great customer service and the entrees came out very quickly I’d say less than 15 minutes. I enjoyed the meal both occasions but especially this time. I highly recommend and they’re...