Taqueria Jalisco — Restaurant in Lubbock

Review for Jaliscos Restaurant – A Wake-Up Call from a Former Proud Hispanic Patron

I’ve visited Jaliscos twice in the past year (and numerous times over the last twenty) and both times I left feeling disrespected—not by the food, but by the atmosphere and treatment. As a Hispanic Texan, Navy veteran, homeowner, and social scientist, I’m no stranger to subtle microaggressions. But what I experienced here wasn’t subtle—it was a pattern.

During my recent visit with my husband, we were greeted pleasantly by a waitress wearing a yellow star sticker on her face. We initially spoke to our waitress in English, and everything seemed fine. Midway through our meal, she switched to Spanish—only with my husband. I tried to join the conversation in Spanish, despite growing up speaking mostly English, but was ignored. Moments later, a white family arrived and she immediately reverted to English with them, engaging warmly and attentively.

When it came time to pay, I handed my platinum card—yes, a Latino with a platinum card—to the waitress. She returned, handed my husband my card, thanked him in Spanish, smiled, and walked past me without a glance or a word. Then she went straight to the white family behind us to continue chatting in English.

I’m leaving this review because I had intended to tip her $100 for what I initially thought was great service. I believe in rewarding good service—especially as a Latino looking out for fellow Latinos. But respect is part of that service. Being overlooked, misread, and dismissed—especially in a space that should feel familiar and welcoming—is unacceptable.

This isn’t just about one server. It’s about the culture you allow to persist. When your clientele openly joke about race and politics in ways that alienate others—especially Latinos—and your staff unconsciously reinforce those divides, it sends a message: some patrons matter more than others, even though we drove from Lubbock-Cooper just to show our support for Jalisco’s.

At this point, I’m taking my business elsewhere—not because I expect perfection, but because I expect dignity. I would expect that kind of treatment at Abuelos, for example. It may not be flawless, but at least I know what to expect. Jaliscos, you had a chance to be better. Maybe nobody wants to ruffle feathers, but after being treated that way, as a tax-paying Lubbockite who served his country, I have no problem calling out your business. I hope you take this review seriously and reflect on how you treat all your guests—not just the ones who fit a certain mold.

Signed, A well-to-do Latino who’s earned his place at the table—and won’t be...

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