Ingo's Tasty Food — Restaurant in Phoenix

❤️ We really enjoyed coming to Ingo’s for a while. The location is cute — even though it overlooks the parking lot and road, the patio has a nice ambiance and the staff is always friendly. For about nine months, we came regularly (once or twice a week), but eventually got tired of the menu because it never changes.

The salads just aren’t my taste. I really wish they had something more basic, like a classic Caesar. I once ordered the Cobb salad, but the combination of ingredients — including dates, I think — was just too strange for me. I couldn’t eat it at all.

We did enjoy a few items: the fish and chips and the chicken sandwich were both good. The burger, on the other hand, had too many sauces and just didn’t work for us.

At one point, we had almost stopped coming altogether because the food quality had noticeably declined since the restaurant first opened. One memorable low point was when we ordered a Diego Rivera tequila drink that tasted “off.” As we left, my husband and I realized why — there was no alcohol in it. I’m a total lightweight, and I always feel even the slightest amount. There was nothing.

Still, we decided to give it another shot and were excited to see a kids menu. Honestly, the food on the kids menu tastes better than the regular menu, so sometimes I would order two kids meals and enjoy them on the patio. It made it possible for us to continue coming and having a low-key meal out.

Over time, I estimate we spent about $2,500 to $3,000 at Ingo’s. We’d usually order a carafe of a tequila drink, a hummus plate, a few kids meals, and cookies — so we weren’t just taking up space.

But our most recent visit, which was meant to be a treat for my husband for an early Father’s Day dinner, ended up being our last. When we went to order, the person at the counter informed us that the kids meals were only available for children under 12. We were shocked.

Both my husband and I are small business owners, and we’ve always made an effort to support other small businesses. But this felt unwelcoming and honestly kind of embarrassing. We weren’t trying to game the system — we were just regular customers who found something we liked and supported the business week after week.

We typically spent $60–$80 per visit, and were always respectful guests. But after that experience, we simply turned around and went to True Food Kitchen instead — where, by the way, they were more than happy to serve me some delicious chicken nuggets with no...

So I've been here four times since it opened and the food and the atmosphere is excellent.

I have had both the breakfast items and lunch.

All very well prepared and tasty.

So here is the rub for me.

This is a eatery where you walk in and order your food at the counter, they give you a number and you find your own table.

Just like other concepts like Sauce Pizza & Wine. You pay you get a number, and you find a table, and they bring you your food.

Simple.

They do not seat you, no server is taking your order etc...

So my issue is this.

If I go to a eatery where I have to stand to place my order and find my own table, I feel absolutely zero obligation to leave a tip, and there is no reason anyone should have to.

Yet here once you place your order get a number, and seat yourself an employee will soon come over introduce themselves as your server.

Server?

They haven't taken your order they don't bring your food, or do anything else except also comeback once again to ask you how your food is.

None that to any reasonable person would, or should justify leaving a gratuity.

Yet they vibe you get from them is that they are expecting one for just sowing up at your table to introducing themselves and asking how your food is.

I have no problem with tipping when an actual service is provided and its well deserved, but in this new post COVID reality it has become absolutely absurd that everyone anymore thinks they should be tipped for handing you a sandwich, or burrito, a slice of pizza, or when get take out, and even a muffin and a coffee.

So while I really like the food and the atmosphere at Ingo's in Scottsdale, I unfortunately doubt I will be going back...

I try not to over use 5-star reviews. That said, I felt this new Ingo’s earned it for the reasons I’ll get to below but if you’re short on time, overall, I think you’ll be happy you gave this spot a try!

For food and drink, I tried The Leo breakfast sandwich and the Golden Honey Latte. The Leo was good, and the bacon was crispy as advertised which I appreciated! I love crispy bacon. The Golden Honey Latte was refreshing and unique. It mentioned “housemade Tumeric honey syrup” which caught my attention as I don’t think I’ve ever had that combo in my latte. Needless to say, I would stop by here for my morning latte just for this one. Very tasty!!

My friend I was with had the DT Turkey Club and a Signature Iced Tea (black). He really enjoyed the DT Turkey Club sandwich. It had the right balance of ingredients and fresh bread. The tea was nothing unique, but still refreshing for a pre-summer day.

The service was great! Very clean table and eating area. They asked multiple times if we needed anything so 5-stars for attentiveness.

Atmosphere was fun. I especially appreciate the indoor/outdoor flow of this specific location. Looks like they have great misters ready for summer but when I visited, it was 85 out and we were shaded the whole time which made it feel great to sit outside.

That’s all for now. Should you find yourself here, I...