El Mariachi Mexican Cuisine — Restaurant in New York

I picked this restaurant because of the great reviews but that is not what I received. Upon arrival I noticed 1 person who was working the bar and waiting tables. I thought it relatively early small place only 6 ppl including my party if 4. The bartender seemed overwhelmed so I tried to make things as smooth ans easily as possible. Ordered an appetizer she did not bring plates for us to eat off. Ordered 1 drink and it took forever. The place received a few more customers. Getting her attention was hard due to her only being able to do 1 thing at a time. After waiting for awhile we finally got her attention as asked where was our second appetizer of guacamole as per bartender she forgot we ordered it and gave to the table next to us who came in after us. (I should of left then) she finally comes with the guacamole and to take our entree orders. We were ordering extra rice and beans. We were told the entrees come with rice and beans automatically. We made sure to emphasize there were shellfish allergy at our table. She never wrote anything down. We asked what happened to our water we ordered and soft drinks. She forgot them. My niece finally received her lemonade after waiting for almost 45 mins. Again bartender apologized and I understood she was busy with waitress and bartender. Food comes and they bring shrimp out a shrimp taco for my niece when we clearly told her 3 times fish because there was shellfish allergies. Food comes out. And my food was cold, my daughter burria taco was soggy and limp. My sister in ordered fish but they never brought the rice and beans that was suppose to come with the meal. Informed bartender we didn't get these items she said they were coming they never came. Finally we were able to get the bill and she said she would take off the drinks because of all over problems. We received the bill. She took off the soft drink which was about $4, and said this is the best she could do. Only the manager cane take off more. Manager was not there. I asked her for the manager name she initially refused and started to get an attitude because I wanted to speak with the manager. I tried to explain that I do not have an issue with you I can see your busy but your manager needs to be held accountable for leaving 1 person to run the whole place on a Friday night. Her response was well you can see im busy and had other customers to attend to and I'm the manager on duty right now. I just can't give you anything off. I could not believe she was scolding me for the restaurant bad service and management. I didnt leave you to alone the owner did so your attitude should be with the owner not the cust you are charging full price for a half way job. I told her I didnt have a problem with her until right now. I have a problem with the manager or owner who doesn't think highly enough of their cust or staff not to bring some one or bring themselves in to assist. With reluctance she gave me the manager/owner she never said with an attitude her name is Alma. She left the bill and walked away. While we are waiting to pay I can hear her complaining to cust at the bar about me. They turn around looking at me like I was the issue. We paid and she states if you want to file a complaint write it on the receipt WHAT? How does that make any sense. The best part of the night was leaving and going somewhere else because we didn't eat our food. Upon returning from the 2nd restaurant and going to my car which was parked in front we see the bartender walking with a lady. She points at us and says that's the cust that had an issue earlier. She seemed like she was Alma because we called several times that night to speak to her and they said she was coming in later. This person looked in our faces gave us a nasty look and turned her head. This PLACE IS THE WORST EXPERIENCE EVER. giving small business in the neighborhood a bad reputation. HORRIBLE...

I was excited to go to this restaurant because it had great reviews. However, I was greatly disappointed. When I told the waitress about my severe shellfish allergy (I have an epipen that how severe it is) she looked annoyed like I wasn’t supposed to say anything. Then all night she stated don’t worry we are not going to put your food next to anything we not getting sued on my watch. She said it over and over again. That comment made me uncomfortable because I wasn’t saying it to be annoying I was saying it for my safety. Then the server messed up my appetizer and gave it to another table. I was waiting for a long time. My sister finally spoke up. And when my sister questioned her about it she said you know I &(;)$ up right. She did end up giving me the appetizer which was the guacamole. It was very good. But then she didn’t bring out my sides with my main meal. When questioned about it she said she would give us a discount on the food. But she gave us a three dollar discount for the missing food stating that was what the size cost. But my meal came with the sides free of charge. When my sister asked to speak to a manager and stated very politely that she wants to express to the manager that the waitress should have had more help, it is my opinion that the waitress got offensive. The waitress told us that it wasn’t the manager fault employees called out and if we want to complain we can do so. We did get the managers number. I did call and left a message but never received a phone call back. I understand things happen, but a simple apology would have went a long way without deflecting and making excuses. And a little professionalism would have went a long way. I have never written a review before, but was compelled to do so this time because not only was the service bad but there was no adequate resolution for the mistakes that were made. Maybe it was a one day thing, but I know I will never go...

We live nearby and ordered for pickup twice. The flautas are craveable; perfectly crispy and come with a delicious salsa verde. Enchiladas are good, burritos are better, and their shining star is definitely the El Mariachi taco. I couldn't believe how well the tacos held up- they were LOADED with shrimp, pico, avocado. I've never seen tacos so full. You absolutely get your money's worth with those. The food is always ready quickly, and the staff is very friendly. They could benefit from adding a mild salsa (I like the red HOT one but my husband can't do spicy), and I don't really need the lettuce that accompanies everything, but no...