Joe Joe's Place Tacos & Tequila — Restaurant in North Wildwood

I rarely review things, especially restaurants. I generally approach the marketplace (and in particular, the food-service industry) with the attitude of, I’ll go there, and if I have a pleasant experience, I’ll come back. If I am dissatisfied, I simply won’t give them future business. Unfortunately, I recently had an experience so egregious that I felt compelled to write this review.

For background, some friends from overseas and I were in town because they asked to experience the shore during their visit to America. I have enjoyed the shore since childhood, and have patronized many different restaurants, bars, and attractions. During this trip, I offered my friends their pick of what activities we would do each day, including to which restaurants we would go. Even though they’ve never been to the shore, they all have smartphones with access to as much information as they wish. So I asked them, “Where are we going for dinner tonight?” They chose Tacos & Tequila; with the words “Tacos” and “Tequila” in its name, I felt confident we would be just fine.

After a significant time between being seated and our waitress approaching us, she apologized for the delay and said that they were a bit swamped. She then presented some waters and menus. As I studied the menu, I observed that there were no prices stated for any of the margaritas. When our waitress returned to ask for our drink order, I asked whether she could provide a price list for the margaritas; she said, “No.” I then pointed to a particular margarita on the menu and asked, “How much is this one?” Her answer was, “I think it’s $9; I’m not sure. But if it’s any more than that, I’ll let you know.” At this point my inclination was to walk out. However, not wanting to spoil my friends’ shore experience, I kept quiet, and we stayed. We ultimately received our drinks and food. The food was quite good; kudos to the chefs. Everyone had a good time and was satisfied.

On the way out, I encouraged my friends to walk ahead. The kids had already focused on our next destination, an ice-cream shop. I approached the reception stand, and asked the hostess whether I could speak with the manager. The hostess advised that there is no manager on duty. I then asked, “Who on the premises is of the highest authority with whom I could speak?” Her answer was, “I’m not sure; the bartender, I think.” At this point, I said, “Thank you. Have a good evening, ma’am.” I then walked swiftly to catch up with my friends at the ice-cream shop.

This is fundamentally not how a retail business should operate. I’m in my fifties, and have worked in a wide range of industries and job functions; everywhere I’ve worked, I’ve learned something new. But I still look back on my first job as a teenager (at a small family-owned retail business, although not in the food-service industry.) with fondness. There I learned much about how a business is run, beginning with the importance of having a clear presentation of the goods and services offered, and what they would cost. I learned how to interact with and respect customers, along with the concept of earning their business, not just expecting it. I learned the importance of a hierarchy that is understandable and available to customers, so that they could efficiently speak with the right person should they have any concerns (As a lower-rung employee, my response was often, “I’m sorry but I don’t know… (or am not in authority to…). I will ask my boss (in my case, the owner) to speak with you. He will help you.”). The owner(s) of this establishment has not learned these lessons (or chooses to reject them). I therefore advise readers of my review who are potential customers to avoid giving them your business; such an establishment should not be rewarded in the marketplace. More importantly, I advise current employees to resign and potential employees to look elsewhere. Otherwise, you will deprive yourself of some valuable lessons in business (and perhaps even, in life) that are apparently unavailable at...

Wow. I normally pay attention to other customers who are just here to complain , but I couldn’t scroll past this past one without saying something. This is a small, family-run restaurant — not some big corporate chain with layers of managers on call. The "manager" you demanded that night? That would’ve been one of the family members who literally was at the hospital welcoming a new baby into the world. Their daughter went into labor that night — how is that not the most valid reason ever to not be available?

These people work insanely hard. Like 7am to 3am kind of hard. No breaks. Always showing up, smiling, and serving great food (which you had no problem enjoying) to this community. And you really sat there and said they need to learn life lessons? Honestly, I think you might want to reflect on that one yourself.

Life lesson #1: You never know what someone else is going through. Maybe lead with a little more empathy next time.

Just my two cents. I’ll keep supporting this place every chance I get. Love Tacos and Tequila, and the family behind...

If you like Mexican food, tacos, burritos, or just food, this place is not for you. I've never written a restaurant review before, but I needed to for this. The burrito was mainly terrible tasting yellow rice with a few pieces of flavorless chicken. Found some type of mystery stem of something in there too.. Also, the pico de gallo was not good.. I don't mind chunky pico de gallo, but they basically handed us a cup of tomato quarters with a giant piece of red onion. No one was happy with their meal. If this is owned by the pizza place next store, they should stick to pizza.. Not sure how even drunk people eat here after bars close. Solid drinks though, if you're looking for a...