El Rey Azteca — Restaurant in Oneida

This event happened in early July, an update to a more recent visit is also included. Called several times and nobody answered. Looked on the website to see if they were closed for vacation or something and noticed an area where questions were asked. Someone added they had changed their phone number so I called that number. Turns out it is for the El REY'S in Pioneer so our food was not ordered at the correct place which is 30 minutes from us so my husband had to drive 45 minutes more to Pioneer to get our food.

They really should update that website of any incorrect information that has been entered. Since the pandemic it seems things have slid drastically there.. this will be the 2nd time we have had an issue that even when extremely busy is unacceptable customer service. Last time was dine in and now this. Come on EL Rey's .. you guys are way better than what you have been the last few months.

UPDATE.. Visited again on August 28th, 2021.. food was great as was the server. However, I have over 30 yrs in the food and beverage industry so while I wait for my appetizers or meals I observe. Now keep in mind I am old school and believe in professionalism regardless of the age of the staff at an establishment. The following things were observed during the roughly 1 hour we were there.

Child laying at a booth by kitchen where the silver is wrapped for customers and another unwrapping straws and playing with them. I have seen this before on a couple of other visits so it is my assumption they are the managers children. If you have no sitter I would at least find a location for the children to be where they are not near items going to a customers table in the near future.

Servers pretty much all have pants that are ripped which I realize is a style trend but looks sloppy and unprofessional. Female servers with long hair .. hair is is not tied back.

An incoming server came through the front door, went to the kitchen, set his stuff down, tucked his shirt into his pants in the kitchen door then proceeded to a table to take their order.

My husbands food came out on plates that were severely chipped as are some of the dusty decorations that are scattered around the dining room.

Last thing I observed before we left.. THANK GOD because one more thing was going to make me come unglued.. another incoming server stood in the doorway to the kitchen, smoothed his beard and mustache then walked over to a table and proceeded to take their order.

Did not happen to see this during this visit but many times the staff can be seen standing somewhere looking at their phones instead of checking on their customers.

The service I would expect is mainly my opinion of course based on the level of service that my previous employers expected as did our customers. It's called being proud of the job you do regardless of what it is. Any one of these things would be totally unacceptable any time so the lack of handwashing after having your hands down your pants and playing with the hair growing around your mouth, both in full view of the customers in the dining room are especially disturbing.

I know from many previous visits before I wrote this post that El Rey's is capable of much better than this and I hope they find their way back to being great in...

Everyone knows how hard it is to get good Mexican food in Tennessee. I know the struggle. This place, I'm sorry, is not the place to go. Do NOT order the fajitas nachos, or supreme enchiladas. You're better off going to the McDonald's next to it. The service staff was friendly and the chips and salsa great. When you're food is brought, everyone disappears. And now i know why. I just could not believe the poor quality and lack of presentation that was displayed. Maybe there tacos are good, maybe something simple, but a main entree is not suggested. My husband was in the bathroom all night and i just quit eating after four bites bc i knew better. Nice atmosphere, staff, and people dining, just not a good choice for a delicious meal. I suggest chips and salsa and enjoy a beer, that's about it. I hope they can use smart business suggestions and get a new crew in...

El Rey Azteca is a really good place for authentic Mexican food. At lunch time even though they are busy, they are usually pretty quick about getting your food to you in a timely manner. The food is delicious and the portion sizes are great. I usually have leftovers. The prices are good and the daily specials are even better. If you want, you can call ahead and have your food ready for you or for pickup and takeout. The staff is always friendly and the dining room is clean. I usually eat there about twice a month and I love their...