Son del North — Restaurant in New York

I’m disappointed to be making this review but I wouldn’t feel right without sharing my experience. I visited Son Del North last month and had a delicious carne asada burrito—hot, fresh, and well seasoned. My only note was the burrito could’ve been grilled longer since it softens up inside the foil. My partner had a few bites and has been wanting to come back since it was so good!

We came in yesterday, October 3, and both ordered carne asada burritos. The burritos are now prepared in advance and were sitting in a hot case, so I was handed my order right after paying. I asked for salsa, was told it’s already in the bag, but I only saw one container of green salsa and asked for red. (Last time I came, I asked for red and green salsa and was told it was in the bag, but neither were inside so I had to go back in to get it.)

This time, however, the person at the front, who was actually the owner, said they didn’t have red salsa. I shared my confusion since I had red salsa last time I was there. She said there was no way since they only provided red salsa in a large size for $3, and I must be confusing her restaurant for another spot since they’ve NEVER provided red salsa, and she would know, she’s the owner. I tell her I’m sure it was here, I have a great memory and specifically came back for the carne asada! Then the owner says something like “wrong Taco Bell” and starts laughing about it, telling her staff about it and it becomes a little joke amongst them.

First of all, maam, Taco Bell doesn’t have food sitting out like 7-11. Second, I don’t go to Taco Bell, why would she think I’m confusing her spot with Taco Bell? It’s funny the ways people’s racism can come out, especially when theyre making a joke about someone. (also its weird to me that she thinks her spot looks/tastes like Taco Bell, lmao). And again, why Taco Bell? No one asked for a Baja blast! I would’ve understood if she were genuine and thought I mistook her restaurant for another local business, but it’s clear she didn’t see me as her intended clientele and saw this as an opportunity to deride me.

At this point, I’m disgusted by her actions but we already paid and were ready to go. She still insists that I havent been here before, and atp I am so done with the conversation. I usually prefer red salsa, especially with steak, and remember trying both last time and only using the red. She then gave me another green salsa, trying to make it seem like a favor since “they’re usually $1”. WHAT?! Most places I frequent leave the salsa out for people to use to their liking SINCE ITS A CONDIEMNT. I’ve travelled to Mexico and used to live in Southern California—NEVER have I been denied red salsa or told that I’m thinking of a Taco Bell for asking. Good thing I didn’t ask for cilantro or lime, she probably would’ve spat in my face!

Finally, the owner believes me, but is still going on about how this store has never provided red salsa and that they must’ve poured it out specially for me. I’m like sure, but honestly I didn’t remember since I had to come back to get both salsas. We’re half out the door when she’s yelling out for us to wait (guess she realized she could easily accommodate my request for red salsa) but I obviously didn’t want it at that point. The whole experience left me feeling gross. My partner and I are like it’s alright as we leave out the door.

Now, the burrito. I couldn’t finish it. Steak was gummy, burrito was lukewarm and soggy. The avocado was slimy since it was wrapped hot and sitting out for who knows how long. I ate about half before realizing it wasn’t worth it. I tried to speak with the owner about how she spoke to me, but she was MIA. Hadn’t been more than 10 mins. The other people I interacted with were apologetic and refunded my order, which I appreciated. Sad that one of the city’s more promising burrito spots has an owner with rancid attitude who’s already ditching quality for efficiency. I definitely won’t be back, but thankfully the food isn’t anything I’ll miss.

Photo added for proof I wasn’t confusing it...

They did my order wrong and I called to tell them that they sent me the wrong burrito meat and they said they would give me a free one then a staff member called me 30 minutes later to rescind that and gave me attitude and said that they don’t have it on file, when I literally have the receipt for it, then they lied to their chef saying that I call them a b word…?????!? which was clearly a lie so now you have rude employees who cut over you while speaking and give customers nasty attitude, and employees who lie. I didn’t cuss out anyone. Talk to your employees about kindness then, add integrity and being honest next time and handling food properly instead of giving people the wrong meat and not even calling to say that it’s out and closing at 7pm on a Sunday, which is when I made my order. I deleted my review since it’s a small business, but I put it back because the employee is LYING saying that I cursed her out when she gave me attitude throughout the whole time on the phone call and was trying to tell me that she’s not gonna give me a free burrito after they messed up my order after sting they would give a free one. If you’re going to talk about kindness and engrain this into your employees who are liars and rude to customers .. or stop acting like I spoke to two different people on the phone when it was the same person. A bunch of LIARS !!! This is so disappointing because I was a reoccurring customer and this used to be my favorite spot for the steak burritos.

Update: your response does not address your lying employees who claim i cussed them out when i did not and they gave me attitude. Third party service was DOORDASH, it’s YOUR job to call customers if you ran out of meat they ordered or communicate with the DoorDash driver. You failed to do both. Don’t remove blame from your negligence and inappropriate...

I left a review on a pick up order and also submitted a “Contact us” form on the website but never received a response so will put it below

Hi Son del North team, I’ve been a loyal customer for a while now and have always loved your Carne Asada burrito—it’s been a go-to for both me and my partner countless times. However, my most recent order was honestly frustrating and disappointing. I paid extra for guacamole since you started charging for it, which I understand due to rising costs. But what I received was a burrito that was almost entirely meat. The beans, onions, cheese, and guacamole I paid extra for didn’t show up until the last few bites. It felt lazy and careless, and not at all what I expect from a place I’ve consistently supported. It’s one thing to charge extra for ingredients. It’s another to barely include them at all. It felt like the burrito was just slapped together with no thought to balance or consistency, and I’m honestly wondering if this decline in quality has something to do with your recent expansion (like the West Village location). If growth is coming at the cost of quality, that’s incredibly disappointing. I’m reaching out to request a refund or some form of compensation for this poorly made order. I really hope this was a one-off mistake, but right now, it doesn’t feel like the Son del North I’ve known and loved. Please let me know how this can...