I was visiting Milwaukee from Chicago and had time to kill before my train ride home so I decided to pop into Margarita Paradise for a quick bite. I've been before and the service is quick, tacos are decent and it's conveniently right near the train station.
I ordered a steak taco and a tilapia taco. The food came out fast and I took a big bite out of what I thought was the fish taco. The texture seemed off because it was a bit crunchy but it was covered in cabbage and onion so I didn't think anything of it. I didn't like it much so I ate my steak taco, which was pretty good. I had another bite of the tilapia taco and it just seemed off so I took all of the cabbage and veggies off of the top of it to discover it was shrimp. I'm allergic to shellfish. I immediately spat the remainder of what I was I was eating into a napkin. I sat there shocked for a second trying to figure out what to do. I called the bartender, Amezquita, over and told her that she accidentally gave me shrimp. I explained that I was allergic and I asked for water so I could wash my mouth out. She casually poured me some water and without apologizing or seeming at all concerned said "How did you not notice when you were eating it?" EXCUSE ME?? First of all, your immediate response instead of concern is to attempt to blame me for not noticing YOUR mistake? You screwed up and gave me something I specifically didn't order. Should I have mentioned my allergy when I saw shrimp on the menu, probably, but slight cross contamination isn't a huge deal and I usually just get hives or a little dizzy from that. I also wasn't expecting to get something completely other than what I ordered. I didn't notice the shrimp because the tacos are small (taking one bite is basically half of the taco) and they're covered with cabbage, onion, cilantro and a spicy sauce. I mistook my lips and throat tingling for the spicy peppers on the steak taco. I also don't normally open up my food and inspect when I specifically order something that should simply be what I ordered. I finished one bite and spat out the second bite once I discovered it was shrimp. After being basically dismissed by the bartender, I asked for a manager. Apparently she is the manager. The fact that I had to justify accidentally eating part of what she served me and then explain the severity of allergies in general to a manager is insane.
I asked if there was another manager because she didn't seem to care in the least but of course she said there wasn't. In a rude tone, she then asked "What do you want me to do?". As a manager shouldn't you know what to do?? First off, at least pretend to be sorry for your mistake and perhaps apologize for the potentially fatal screwup. You should also ask the person how serious the allergy is and if they need medical attention, and perhaps at the VERY least take the item they didn't order off of the bill lol. When I mentioned this she told me I didn't have to pay for my meal, lol, like "oh thank you ma'am, for allowing me not to pay for the incorrect order that could seriously harm me". Maybe she didnt understand the severity of the situation because I was speaking calmly and trying not to make a scene, but when I said she wasn't taking it seriously, she angrily told me to go to the hospital and send her the bill (as if visiting the ER is a super easy task when I don't live here and needed to be back in Chicago in hours for work). She seemed more irritated by the situation she created than concerned, she was rolling her eyes and speaking to me like I did something wrong.
Everyone makes mistakes but to double down on your mistake, NEVER apologize and blame the customer that could potentially die is crazy. This woman has no concept of customer service or safety. Luckily, I didn't have anaphylaxis and I was able to get out of there fast, throw up most of what I ate and take meds. I only have hives, an itchy throat and a stomach ache but this carelessness caused me to to miss my train to Chicago, ultimately making me miss work. I also had to get a hotel for...
Read moreMargarita Paradise is my absolute favorite taco spot. It is how I treat myself for any reasons. Good day? M.P. Bad day? M.P. Just an ok day? M.P. will make it a great one.
This is one of the only places in the city I would call myself a "regular". I go there about 3-4 times a month. Any time I have a lunch date/meeting, I suggest Margarita Paradise. Every single person I've taken there has loved it and has gone back.
The food is so delicious its hard to even think about it without drumming up a fierce craving. The spicy piña taco and barabacoa are my go to, however the chorizo is a close third. ALWAYS get a tamale. They are fresh and delicious, never dry. To die for.
The owner personally greets me when I sit down, as well as the lovely ladies who work there. The service has never been anything but exemplary. Always fast, always friendly. They take your order and give you your check right away so you're free to go as soon as you're finished eating, making it the perfect spot if you're looking for a quick bite for lunch. No waiting for the server to come back around with the bill, which I really enjoy. I am normally able to get in and out in time to be under 30 minutes for the parking lot, making it free parking.
Everything is fresh and made in house including the best hot sauce I've ever had. (PROCEED WITH CAUTION though because it has some real kick to it. Not for the faint of heart. I've had to order emergency horchata for a friend who underestimated the intensity)
The last thing I'll rave about is how reasonably priced the food items are. My usual order is 2 specialty tacos, 2 regular tacos, pork tamale, side of rice, and a coke. A massive plate of food with generous portions for about $25.
I've never had a margarita there, but I've seen plenty of them made and they look dynamite. The drink menu is substantial and they're all made by hand.
If you're still reading this review, you should really just go there right now. I'm probably there scarfing down 4 tacos and a tamale with a huge...
Read moreI work in the area so I always stop in the market on break. I’ve grown to develop a hi and bye relationship with the owner and one of his workers. HOWEVER, I’m always sending my food back because it’s never hot lol my cheese just sits on top of the beans because they’re cold, and when I ask for it to be warmed they just stuff the whole plate in a heater including my cold toppings. The younger girl who’s the niece of the owner has a terrible attitude problem which I’ve heard about from other people as well. I’ve seen her treat ppl who look like herself a lot better tho. There also another lady there who’s rude as heck and I believe I’ve tried really hard to still show support to this restaurant but the service gets worse. I don’t believe they like black ppl there, I always hear from black ppl how rude they are to them. Last night was my last night visiting this place. I was a server for almost a decade so I always analyze my experiences from a servers point of view. A simple smile and asking me if I’m ready for the check before throwing it at me would be nice. I wasn’t even done done ordering and the lady didn’t care anyway. She acted like she wanted me gon before knowing me. I wished that they didn’t have to split tips because I wanted to just tip the girl who made my drink. She wasn’t all that nice either but she made the drink for me so I’m like why not. I did like experiences like this because it’s obvious why I receive this treatment from them. I watch them from a distance on days when I’m not even eating there, treat other ppl with very welcoming energy. So if you’re reading this and you’re black, take a deep breathe before you go there. This review may help you have a better experience than I did. I’m over this place now. Never ever ever again will I ever...
Read more