MARISCOS EL VIEJON — Restaurant in Nampa

Authentic Mexican food but the service sucked. We waited over 40 minutes for our food and once it arrived ,it arrived in segments because items weren't ready. We had to ask for utensils and water repeatedly. Our water cup remained empty at one point for 20 minutes while our waitress flirted with the table of young men in front of us. Our waitress obviously had a table full of inebriated men interested in her and she gobbled up the attention and forgot about everyone else. When asked, our waitress stated that the restaurant had ran out of beans yet another waitress brought over chips,beans and salsa which ours neglected do. I ordered an appetizer but never received it yet It was added on my bill. I ordered chicken quesadilla for my son but we only got cheese quesadillas. The food that we did receive was tasty with the exception of their watery salsa. The music was exceptionally loud but you can tell by the patrons that this was a "true" Mexican restaurant. We probably should have tried this place on a weekday afternoon or ordered takeout. My husband and I took most of our food home simply because we were waiting too long.

At the conclusion of our meal, we asked for the check and our waitress came over to bring another round of Corona to her suiters and when I asked about my bill, she stated that she misplaced it. She frantically started looking for it and found my card along with the receipt behind the bar. Wow, she was a space case! I think we just got the worse person there because others seemed more on the ball. Moral of the story, good food not so good service. Try it...

I will say I have been to Mariscos El Viejon a few times, and thought the food and environment was good. Until Friday night my friend wanted to go to Karaoke. She sang a few songs, and main entertainer sang some with her. Everything was fine, even though he was a little to friendly. My friend and me stayed till closing. Which I regret, because my opinion had changed. When outside me and my friend was talking. Rudely I got enterupted, a guy started hollering at my friend. We couldn't even conversate. As the guys still trying to persuade my friend to Leave with them. I feel disrespected and so did she, because most of the entertainers, that night were the ones trying to holler at my friend. She ignored them. After several attempts, they decided to holler at some young ladies across the parking lot. And looking around the others where doing the same. You would think you where in a more controed environment. It is a restaurant as well. And many Young children were there as well. My friend said she felt disrespected as well, being treated that way. I have some friends that told me they have gotten into fights over the same reason. You would think they would conduct themselves differently. Hope they are not part of your payroll. That would make it a whole...

Sometimes being a contrarian has its rewards. Such is the case for a recent visit to Mariscos El Viejon in Nampa. While they have an extensive seafood menu and a great bar, it was the Birria Tacos that got my attention. They started my visit with the regular chips and salsa, but also included a warm bean dip - always nice to be surprised by hospitality. I ordered a draft Modelo and got a frozen giant mug of beer ($7.50) which reminded me of my three decades in Mexico. Again it is the small touches of quality and sensitivity to pleasing the customer that characterizes an authentic Mexican restaurant. The table service was excellent and I got to chat with the bartender, Chris, about his experiences in the area. Lots of big screen TV's and traditional Mexican ballads were playing softly in the dining room. As for the birria tacos, you can see for yourself what monster tacos they are. They came with a side cup of the broth for dipping or spreading on the tacos. I chose the ones with queso and the cheese was oowee gooey inside the shell like a great pizza cheese. Since the tacos are fried the cheese makes all the difference. Give yourself a treat and try Mariscos El Viejon. Explore the menu more than I did and get...