El Farol Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Midvale

This restaurant used to be pretty good. Not outstanding, but definitely good. But it is no longer even passable. The salsa is like water, and speaking of water, it was never refilled, even though it was my only drink. The cheese in the bean and cheese burrito was just a glob that had the appearance of being reheated several times. I picked my burrito apart but it literally wasn't edible. I took a few bites of the beans, but they weren't hot. The tortilla seemed old and tough. I sent it back and didn't get anything else because as a vegetarian, there aren't many choices. I told the server the food wasn't good, yet when I got up to pay the bill, I was still charged. I questioned why and he said I ate more than half which was absolutely not the case. I picked thru the burrito and dug out the gross cheese and tried to find a soft part of the tortilla. I had asked for enchilada sauce but it came with another HUGE wad of cheese on top of the sauce. I removed all that cheese and put it on another plate. My mom's chili Verde was okay, but she said it seemed different than it had in the past. She had to order a side of rice to make it better, which was sad because she has always liked it before. However, she vomited her dinner up prior to even leaving the restaurant. We went to this place because the last time we had been there, it was with my dad. He passed away less than 2 months ago, so it was a little nostalgic and bittersweet for us.

i used to love this place. In addition to going there MANY times in years past, I brought 40 people there for a dinner group a couple of years ago. I went to the restaurant to make arrangements about 2 weeks in advance so they world be properly staffed. They were excited to have our group. However, when we got there, they were completely unprepared. There was one server for our huge group. The people who ordered first got their food and were done long before the people at the end of the table ever got theirs. The server was also the cashier. You have to pay at the front rather than at the table, So the line to pay wound around from the front desk back into the party room. Couples had separate tickets, which the restaurant said was fine when we made the arrangements originally. It took an additional 45 minutes to get everyone checked out. They hadn't split ANY of the checks up, despite the previous arrangements and the fact we gave the instructions for splitting checks at the ordering time. The server/cashier was checking off dinners from one long receipt as people's turn came to pay. She was hand writing and hand figuring each total. It was a terrible experience, but our group tipped her heavily because we felt bad she had been put in this situation. It certainly wasn't her fault the owner/manager didn't properly plan despite all the pre-planning that went into the event. Our dinner group goes to a different restaurant every month, and has done so for several years. We always make arrangements well in advance so servers aren't overwhelmed and are prepared for a group. It is usually 15 people, but that time was a special event because everyone knew of, and liked the restaurant. It also has a great large group/party area indicating they encourage large parties. Most of the people from our group have never been back. I have as I always thought it was great. But this time, with just my mom and I, the food was terrible, the service was extra terrible, it's the last time I'll ever go, and I'll never recommend it again. The server, who was again the cashier, was very snippy. I'm a 20 - 25% tipper, but this time, for the first time in my entire life, I didn't tip. You tip for service, and he didn't provide ANY. What a...

Excellent!! I wish we lived closer, this was an absolute treasure of a find and is a new favorite!! Before we even started our main course, El Farol was speaking my language. The bright colors and art were stylish, fun, and beautifully done. There was a cute chalkboard at the front that said our dining was supporting xyz number of employees and family members down to the pet gecko. Many restaurants are locally owned, but this made it hit home. I think we all know a restaurant supports someone, but this created a sense of family and community - something I think we could all use more of. The music was also fantastic and created an ambiance of modern Spanish hits with low key classics that subtly enhanced the meal without distracting from it - it was a perfect soundtrack for dinner. The team was so warm, welcoming, and responsive. From the chips and salsa to the main course, the food was delicious. As mentioned, I was enamored with the playlist, so I asked them if I could find it online and sure enough, Lolita said she had custom made the playlist herself, carefully selecting just the right mix -- I knew someone had thoughtfully put it together, it showed! I also mentioned loving the art and she said some of the main larger pieces were from a relative in LA who is starting to make a name for herself there, and I can understand why, it was vibrant and modern, but with a traditional touch - I loved the overall low key yet distinctive vibe. We knew nothing about El Farol prior and just happened to see it while driving, and it was the most delightful hidden gem of a surprise! Thank you for a...

So I don’t really share my opinion like this but I am really sad. I have been going there for 22 years I remember my first time going there. My dad looked over and told me that the person over there was Larry H Miller And it was lol. I walked over and asked for his autograph lol. But my dad and I sat at the same table we always do all 22 years. And I love - loved this restaurant. 1/2 and 1/2. Always. Is what I got. But I went there with my dad and my two kids tonight Friday 8:30 at night And we was the last ones to leave. I asked my dad. “ hey Dad remember when this place was packed up to closing time”. He said yes. And I said. It’s really sad how things change from generation to generation. I am going to be honest I will always come back cuz I will always remember the old days. But everything there has gone down hill. And the worst thing is my dad who is 80 who has a hard time walking. Was that we were not done eating they had 40 min till closing time and the moped the floor all the way up to our feet. Before we were done eating. It’s really sad. I wish the old man was still around to run it right. I guess the kids don’t have the same passion that the...