Chalupa's — Restaurant in Kauai

I walked to the counter and clearly ordered the “California burrito” which was supposed to have “cream, pico de gallo, guacamole, fries, cheese, and STEAK.” The woman in the window replied “which kind?” I paused for a moment confused because the contents of the “CALIFORNIA burrito” were already listed including the steak… I then asked “which kinds do you have?” wondering what that question could mean about a clearly described item. She looked at me like I was stupid and said nothing. At this point I assumed she was asking which protein I wanted even though it was clearly listed. I replied with “steak please?” I was then served a basic steak burrito which literally only had rice, guacamole, onion, and steak in it. After two bites I noticed the burrito was not the one I ordered. I went back to the counter asking if it was indeed the “California burrito” I had clearly ordered initially. The woman once again looked as me like I was stupid and said “no, steak burrito.” I told her I had ordered the California burrito hoping she would fix her mistake and start the order I actually asked for. She instead pointed at the piece of paper she wrote the order on which simply said “steak burrito.” I said “well I had ordered the California burrito…” Once again, all I got was a blank stare and shut the window. I just walked away because she was obviously not interested in correcting her mistake.

Being a server, I understand that people make mistakes. I do think it’s a little ridiculous that they would not make what I had actually ordered when I pointed this out, especially when it was their fault for taking my order wrong. The quality of the food itself was not bad but also nothing exciting. Maybe it’s because the burrito I ended up with had four ingredients in it. I would still be interested in trying some of their other more exciting items but I wouldn’t want to deal with the person at the window again. Very dismissive and unhelpful. Not exactly the Aloha attitude I’ve been experiencing from everyone else on the island. Cute little food truck area though! It’s worth a visit but maybe try the sushi or Thai trucks next door to this...

I’m not one to complain, my partner and I both work in restaurants and hospitality and know mistakes can happen. Partner ordered a California burrito, woman at the counter asked which meat, he said steak, she then clarified the order she wrote before punching it in. Received a regular steak burrito which, no big deal, just not the filling he requested. Very kindly approached the window and was told no, he ordered a steak burrito. He clarified he just wanted the California and that’s what he ordered. She shut the window on him rudely.

He’s a server himself. No malice, was kind, no tone, she’s just SEVERLY lacking in customer service. If you own the place ma’am, recommend you put some one else at the window. You aren’t meant to deal with people. Also recommend fixing mistakes and being more understanding with your customers.

That being said, food itself was great. Just make sure the lady with an attitude hears you, then actually rings you for what you ordered because she won’t offer to make it right. Or even ask if you’d like to place another order lol. Didn’t get a receipt either so we didn’t even know she rung it up wrong 🤷‍♂️ would recommend the sushi truck next door where everyone was raving about the food and the girls behind the window were...

Chalupa's was DELICIOUS! I ran into it while waiting for my food at the truck next door and decided to get a couple kids options for my kid for dinner. They had the meat and chicken quesadillas and tacos. I commuted home (over an hour) and when I got home the kids inhaled their food! Now when you can get toddlers to eat all their food and after an hour drive; I'm not sure what I else I can say to explain how good the food was. If you are looking for authentic Mexican food this is the best place on the island. There are certainly other great Mexican restaurants but none come close to this gem! Check them out, you will not be disappointed! Great flavor, fresh food and mouth watering...