El Merengue — Restaurant in Newark

I doubt they care about their reviews and feedback, but this review could save someone else the frustration. I called in advance to order my food as what I wanted is made to order. As I was on my way I called in and was immediately put on hold. I was exactly 12mins away. As I am Approaching the restaurant I am still on hold. I walked inside the restaurant and said “ are you guys aware that you still have me on hold?” And I received no type of apology nor acknowledgment. Another customer who was waiting stated he too was put on hold for 15mins. Now what’s more infuriating is that there were at least 3-4 women standing behind the counter doing absolutely nothing. And I can confirm that because while I was waiting to be helped I was asked at least 3 times if I needed assistance or if I had already ordered! I could understand if the long hold was due to the place being jammed packed and had a line out the door, but there were 2-3 customers including me waiting to pay/order!!! I’ve been coming to this place for years and each year the quality and service has been declining year after year. Also, While I was there at least 4 customers complained and the excuse they were given was that they were “short staffed” and 2 of the employees were fairly new. Could you imagine if I had decided to remain on hold, I would have never been able to order!!! I too can attest to the lack of food quality, small portions and undercooked tostones. The food is good nothing mediocre. I would rather spend my money at another small local business who appreciates my time and money. I can guarantee the only reason why this place is still up and running is due to alcohol/bottle sales. Lastly, the way the employees speak to one another is very degrading. Can you imagine being a new employee at an establishment and being spoken down to or in a degrading manner only because you asked for assistance!? As a leader in my field of work this says a lot about this establishment and the owner. I am Dominican myself and it makes me sad to see my very own people lack customer skills and proper etiquette. FYI my...

El pernil y el pollo empanisado es delicioso pero el servicio es terrible. Desafortunadamente no conosco otro citio en Newark que siempre tenga comida lista para vender (Dominicana)”Fresca”. Si no fuera por mi novia nunca volveria a comprar aqui. Si eres mujer te atienden con una actitud como si le estorbaras. I was actually surprised at them not having hair nets on today because they usually do unless they just got their hair done - But on another note the lady who helped me literally rolled her eyes at me after I turned to ask my girlfriend if she wanted a small portion or big. She got frustrated that I was translating for her because 9/10 of the women working there don’t know English and that’s ok (I don’t mind).. the attitude is unnecessary- I’m not asking you for free food. If working in the food industry they need to learn that good customer service can provide them more business and tips since that’s all they care about. I’ve been here at least 10 times in the past year and every single time someone different helps me I get excited hoping I will have a good experience. (1) thing I will say is do not get their tostones lol. But go for take out and avoid the disgusting attitude from the lady...

It would be very helpful for someone to pick up the phone so the customer can place the order it will also be very helpful that when they pick up the phone the Damned music is low enough so we can understand each other the loud music is very inconvenient it is always loud 24/7 I can understand that night but throughout the day come on, Common Sense people. And to order the food throughout the day time music is so loud you have to be shouting on the phone or in person. The food is great but the common sense is not there. I am posting this because everytime I call no one pick up the phone and when they do they hang up on my face because they cannot understand what I'm saying because of the music being too loud. It is ridiculous. 5/7/16 I just finished calling and the lovely lady the picked up the phone put me on hold and forgot about me, I can hear her chit-chatting and having a great time while my hungry ass is waiting for her to attend to me so I can place my order I wonder where is the management skills in this establishment. A place like this puts a bad name on all Spanish businesses. By the way I wasn't able to place the order because she never picked up the phone, she was too busy having...