Tony's Mexican Grill — Restaurant in Los Angeles

I have been a loyal customer of Tony’s for over 14 years. In fact, when I first moved into the area, Tony’s was the very first meal I had in my new home. Over the years, I’ve ordered countless times for pickup and delivery and always believed I was supporting a local business that valued its customers. Unfortunately, after my most recent experience, I will never order from Tony’s again.

Today, I decided to place an online order directly through their website—a first for me, since I usually use Uber Eats or DoorDash. I assumed ordering directly would help support the restaurant. Instead, it turned into the most appalling customer service interaction I’ve ever had.

Thirty minutes after placing my order, I received a call from a woman at the restaurant who introduced herself as being “in charge.” Rather than apologizing for the inconvenience, she curtly informed me that they couldn’t fulfill my order because they “didn’t have a driver.” I was about to suggest just canceling the order when she launched into an unnecessarily rude lecture about how my order “didn’t meet their $20 minimum.” When I pointed out that my total was nearly $24, she snapped back that it had to be $20 in food and insisted that “all their customers know that.” I referenced the website, which clearly states a $15 minimum—not $20—and she continued to argue with me, dismissing me as if I didn’t know how to read.

At that point, I asked her to cancel my order and refund me. Shockingly, she told me that wasn’t possible, because they “don’t have the money” and I would need to call the delivery company myself. She made it clear that this was “not her problem.” The tone was condescending, dismissive, and frankly insulting.

After more than a decade of loyalty, this is how Tony’s treats its customers—like an inconvenience. It’s disheartening, because I go out of my way to support small, local businesses. But I won’t support one that treats people this way. I’ll be taking my business to places like La Fogata, where they actually value customers and know how to provide basic respect and service.

The woman who handled my call should be absolutely ashamed of how she represents this business. Tony’s lost a long-time, loyal customer today—and I will make sure others know to think twice before...

This place is bad and here's why.

The salsa that was brought to the table was very bland and insanely watered down, you couldn't hardly find solids to scoop up with your chips. It was the worst salsa I've ever had at a restaurant. Period. 1/10

Ordered a Chile Relleno plate w beans and rice. The sauce on the Relleno was not great, it tasted overcooked and brown. I like a more fresher tasting tomato sauce for this dish, some brightness, some spice. There was none of it here. This just tasted like tomato puree w seasoning added. 3/10

The steak tacos came next. The amount of steak was generous, the steak itself had nice char flavor. The problem I had with the dish was it there was no salsa or sauce served with it. They didn't even offer a bottled hot sauce. Who's eats tacos without any toppings? At this point it was either I chewed this people out or took it to go and just made it better at home. 4/10

In the end, I was brought 4 tiny pieces of chopped melon w crema on it. I didn't ask for it, and I appreciate the gesture, but what is this. You're pouring thick cream all over some fresh fruit that would have cleaned my pallet? I didn't eat it so not rating it.

The thing I have to say here is, I get it, if this was some fast food place I don't expect waiting on me. But they asked me to be seated to order. Fine. They wanted to bring food to the table. Cool. When you run a restaurant this way, you need to be more hospitable. You need the ask and offer things? You need to bring things up like sir would you like this or that. The people here just cared as little about me as they did the food was served.

BTW I was charged $26 and some change for this experience. Hope it helps them out until inevitably the awesome pop up corner/street vendors put them out of their misery. FYI riverside near the el pollo loco and rip rite aid, go see the young mex crew serving up KILLER tacos. When you order the taco they make your tortillas fresh from scratch in front of you. I get the Al carbon on the GYRO type rotisserie grill they have w the pinneaple on top, i swear you will lose your mind and never step into shops like...

Both of the ladies that worked there today (9/30/2015 4:30-5pm) were rude and left a bad taste in my mouth with their zealous attitude. They were talking back and acting very unwelcoming.

I ordered my meal and after about 15 minutes I had to go back clock in at work and I saw my food was ready on the table there. I said can you please pass it to me so I can go? (because the meal was already paid for) All of the sudden both of the ladies with an angry tone and bug-eyed said WAIT!!! I was like what the hell... Am I in a ghetto restaurant....

I said: listen don't even start with me right now... I really have to go the food is right there, and pointed at the counter... By that time one of them grabbed the food and placed right in front of me... They both yelled at me: IT'S RIGHT THERE pointing it that it's not at the counter but next to me...

My point was to tell both imbeciles that the food was ready on the counter... but they don't cogitate well enough and replied that I'm wrong food is right next to me %)))

I was shocked at their limited cognition... I then said don't be tripping please.... and then they yelled back at me saying BECAUSE YOU'RE RUSHING US!!! and again trying to make me guilty... I didn't even rush them I asked them PLEASE to pass the ready food if could... I ran out of the place because such stupidity drives me crazy...

I don't recommend this place... I guarantee their food is as dirty as...