Don Carlos — Restaurant in Houston

TWO REVIEWS: REVIEW #2: - Rated less than 1 star. On Friday May 24, 2019 3:15pm we returned to Don Carlos. Service was horrible... We were immediately seated by the Hostess - and that was all the 'service' we received. There were only 2 other tables of guests in the restaurant and one gentleman at the bar. The servers glanced our way several times but never approached the table. No greeting. No water. No salsa & chips.

After 15 minutes of nothingness, we left. The hostess (older lady) saw us walking out and did not ask 'why'?

Once in the car and driving away, I called the restaurant and informed of exactly why we left.

The first visit was memorable because of the server, Shantel... but she was not there. We will never patronize this establishment again.

REVIEW #1: Rated: Perfect 5 Great experience and great value! We frequently pass by Don Carlos on our way to Hobby Airport and decided to try them for Mothers Day. Upon walking in the restaurant, we were immediately greeted and seated in a booth. The restaurant was busy - as expected for mothers Day - but not overwhelmingly crowded. Our server was Shantel and service was flawless! The complimentary chips and salsa was deliciously fresh and warm! The flavor of the salsa is perfect but not too spicy. I ordered Beef Enchiladas, Tamales and a Tostada. The meal was served ultra fast and it was truly authentic. Ther serving portions were huge. (The photo shows everything I packed in a To-Go container!)

We also noticed bar area located to the immediate right on the hostess stand. We will return and enjoy their beverages.

The highlight Don Carlos: SHANTEL She made our dining experience very enjoyable and pleasant. Her personality is perfect for the service industry and she made sure we were well taken care of. (She works everyday except Thursday....and has been with the establishment for 21 years) We look forward to visiting Don Carlos - Shantel -...

For the sake of constructive criticism:

[service]: I was pleased with the pleasant hostess, and with the very nice bartender. So I gave them 2 of the 3 stars for the service. Let's talk about everything else...

[chips & salsa]: chips are what you expect from just about anywhere; nothing special. But the salsa was well done. Just note: it's a tad on the spicy side for regular salsa you find anywhere else. Which 'I' like, so I'm not complaining; but since I'm known as a "spicy freak" I've learned that if I 'notice' it then I better give others a heads up.

[queso]: it was very well done (we ordered it with the meat and guacamole). I suggest it. That's where the 3rd star comes from.

[margaritas]: my brother and I ordered their house margarita... I said nothing of my opinion and asked my brother "what do you think?" - his immediate reply: "tastes like I'm just drinking limeade." Which is EXACTLY what I was thinking: we couldn't taste any alcohol so it was a let down. HOWEVER, I decided I'd just order one of their premium margaritas, sure I'd enjoyed it if I paid more for it: SAME RESULT, weak... very weak. Very disappointing. As a note: given the size of the glasses weren't large, if a 'shot' of tequila was in it, you'd have tasted it. Soooo it leaves one...

Poor customer service. My waitress was extremely rude and ill-mannered. I was accompanied by my friend who repeatedly tried to get the waitress attention, however, all he got was a pat on the shoulder and an "Hold on." She proceeded to tend to her other tables which were directly behind ours, yet she didn't come back to our table for another 20minutes. My friend wanted sour cream and cheese for his food, by the time he got it his food was cold. At that point he asked for the check and a to-go box.... while he filled out the receipt, she hovered over him and when she saw that he didn't tip her, she laughed and said "baby I don't care." As we proceeded to the exit we stopped to let the manager know the service was poor and my friend let her know he wasn't able to even eat his food and while talking to the manager our waitress walked up to her waving the receipt laughing and proceeded to speak in Spanish. My friend asked them to talk in English and the manager told him it was their right to speak in Spanish. These are two Hispanic ladies well over 30 displaying this child like behavior. Being Hispanic myself I was extremely embarrassed by the way they treated my friend and will never return to this establishment again. Also, I noticed on the receipt,above the $2 charge for the sour cream and cheese, she put that she gave us water. We ordered Margaritas and never received a glass of water. I'm not sure if it's the law to serve water with alcohol but I do know it's...