BEWARE THEY WILL TIP THEMSELVES 20% FLAT NO MATTER HOW MANY PEOPLE EAT.
I really wanted to like this place and was looking forward to some authentic Venezuelan food, however I was greatly disappointed. Service was terrible, food prices were very expensive ($8 for a normal cup size fruit juice!) and the quality was subpar for the price in my opinion (not very authentic, the cochino frito looked like days old, very thin, pork rinds). The cherry on top was they automatically applied 20% tip to our bill. This was never shown on the screen, we didn't even sign the check, we just saw it days later when we got the digital copy. This entitlement was a slap in the face. I have non seen something like this in any other Orlando restaurant or Florida for that matter (only parties larger than 6 and bars with tabs not closed), which makes me think they are taking advantage of tourists.
We got there for an early lunch since we were traveling, place was completely empty, we were not acknowledged until we approached a clerk. We were told to sit down and wait for the server, who took over 15 min to get to our table. It was so bad I got ourselves menus from the counter so we could start looking. Server took her sweet time to approach to us again, she was by the counter, by herself, chatting nonstop on her phone the whole time (which gives a very unprofessional image of the business).
I explained I wanted both Cochino Frito (fried pork) and Carne Asada on my Cachapa and asked if this was possible. I was told no, but she could bring me some Carne Asada on the side (for non Venezuelan readers, Carne Asada is barbecued beef chopped in smaller pieces), to which I happily agreed. When food came, the Cochino Frito was very disappointing, thin and tasted old, so I waited for the beef. To my surprise I got, not 1, but 2 full size stakes on the side. This is not the same thing I ordered and honestly I have never in my entire life seen a Cachapa served with 2 steaks as a side dish, (again, not 1 but 2). Actually, I have never ordered a side dish that turned out to be 2 full size steaks, period. I'm aware of how expensive steaks are so I politely asked why she served me 2, she matter-of-factly replied it juts came that way. I was not even given a warning. Absolutely not genuine Venezuelan style. Full disregard for customers. Server was not paying a lot of attention to us for the rest our meal and I guessed just decided to tip herself 20% at the end. I believe this is very inappropriate for a business to have a 20% flat tip policy for a meal for 2 people at 11:30 am. I did not sign for that tip, it did not show it anywhere and the whole situation was very deceiving to me. If I could, I would report this behavior.
Giving 2 stars in the food because my friend liked the Patacon.
There are way better Venezuelan food places to eat in Orlando, don't waste...
Read moreI've been to this place 3 times now. My first time was great, it was shortly after they opened this location. I spoke with a man who I believed may have been the owner or manager, I'm not entirely sure. He was friendly and gave me a few suggestions to try - overall helpful and left me with a good impression.
My second time was also good. I brought two of my friends who were visiting from out of town, one of whom is Venezuelan. Again, we were greeted by this same man who was welcoming and friendly.
My third time, is when I had an experience that would now cause me to second guess whether I wanted to go here over somewhere else nearby. I walked in alone one night, there were about 5 or 6 servers, all of whom were girls - not that it matters, but for context. I walked up to the counter to order and not a single one of them acknowledged me in any way. The ones who noticed me just started at me blankly with a confused look on their face. The one immediately behind the counter was sitting down, chewing gum with an open mouth and was on her phone and didn't look up or care that a customer was waiting at the counter in front of her. I stood there awkwardly for a few seconds and then asked, are you still taking orders? The girl behind the counter didn't even look up. One of the other girls replied "yes?" - yes, as a question... "Ok," I thought... "So I'd like to order..." I said. Again, they just stared at me with confused expressions on their faces. Still, the gum chewing girl had not even looked up. If I walked up again and saw that these girls were working the counter, I wouldn't even bother going in.
If it weren't for my first two experiences with the man who I believe to be the owner, I'd give this place zero stars if possible and one if that was the minimum. I really think they ought to instill a bit of customer service to their servers. The place wasn't even busy, they had a large party outside and me at the counter and that was it. Food was still good, but to made to feel as a nuisance as a customer is unpleasant enough to make me reconsider whether to patron and support this business based off this...
Read moreBy far the worst experience I’ve had in a very long time. My mom told me to check this place out because I always go to BOCAS GRILL & BAR. Thank Restaurant is in another level I would never compare one to the other . But let me tell you what I experience I arrived and was told that I was gonna get the best waitress to help me. That was far from the truth. She was a liar, and she was trying to manipulate all the things that I pick. So I was ordering a plate of food where I did not want a specific item I wanted to replace it with something else I was told it is that or nothing. I told him that I was willing to pay extra and I was told they didn’t care about what I wanted. It’s what they can do. I asked to speak to a manager, and when the manager came, she told me that they will not do anything other than what the menus. And I come to think what if I’m allergic to chicken and I don’t want chicken. I have to eat it. I don’t think so.. Then my mom asked me to take some dessert to her because she really loves it. I called before going to make sure they had it they told me they had plenty when I told them that I was not gonna eat there and that I just wanted three desserts to go. She came out with one and told me that’s all they had which was a lie because the other waitress told me they had plenty and I called and they told me the same thing. I will never return to this place and I don’t...
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