Willie's Taco Joint — Restaurant in Phoenix

Food was ok, I had carne asada nachos. I couldn't taste any jalapenos so I had to ask for more. Also, the nachos, they were luke warm. I'm assuming after they add all the toppings, they cool off. I also had a carne asada taco and 2 spicy margaritas which was delicious 🤤😋. The vibe of the place was laid back but busy. The bartender who served me, service was offensive. She asked for my debit card "to hold, for my tab" and she kept it the whole time I was in the restaurant. I never saw her take anyone else's card and hold it. She kept watching me as if she thought I was going to run out on my tab or something, studying me (very awkward). So I asked her "why are you holding my card, I'm paying cash" and she stated "in case to you decide to run out on the tab, people do it all the time" (she literally said that). I was so offended, I had to ask, just to make sure that's what I heard "SO YOU THINK I'M GOING TO RUN OUT ON THE TAB???". The only reason I stayed is because I've been wanting to try this place since I moved to Arizona, I pass by it everyday. I told her, I'm paying in cash again, and she stated she still needs to hold my card 🙄🧐. Also, she continually checked on the couple sitting next to me (a White American couple). I asked her for hot sauce, she only offered me red and green sauces, she stated that's all they had but for the couple next to me, she offered several choices of different hot sauces. I just shook my head, then she came to offer me the other choices of hot sauce🤦🏽‍♀️. I sat with an empty cup for about 10 minutes. I wasn't offered a refill or water, nothing. I was able to get the attention of the other bartender but she told me to wait on my server (bartender). Which was another 5 minutes before she even acknowledged me trying to get her attention. She was very nice to everyone else that came in, greeting everyone with a smile, great conversation with them (didn't take their card to hold it in case they decide to run out the tab, like she did me). I didn't get greeted like that when I walked in, I was lost, didn't know if I should seat myself or wait to be seated. I initially sat at a table, no one came to serve me that's when I went to the bar. She was instantly studying and sizing me up. She didn't greet me, no small talk or nothing just straight into "are you eating or drinking?". I said "both", after I placed my order, I let her know that I was going to wash my hands. When I returned from washing my hands, she had my drink sitting at the bar unattended and that's when she asked for my card (before I received my food). I'm thinking she's about to charge me for my order but she literally held it until I asked for my bill! She made me feel very uncomfortable, between her watching me and assuming that I'm going to run out on my tab is enough for me not to ever return back to this restaurant or recommend it to others of my race. I'm a Black American Woman, I came in to treat myself, enjoy my afternoon after receiving some amazing news, just to be profiled and treated like a thief. I didn't make a complaint there because I didn't want to be accused of being "combative, aggressive, argumentative or any other negative term" used to describe a Black American whenever there's an issue or complaint that needs to be made, whether emotions are shown or not, so I left. This was my first and last time dining at this restaurant! I'm not sure what they've experienced, as far as theft is concerned and people running out on tabs, but you can't profile a specific group of people just because you've had a bad experience with one, that's what's wrong with the world now! I came in with every intention to pay and enjoy my day! I paid my bill in cash, left her a tip, departed with a smile on my face and my head held high! My tab was $47 and change, I almost didn't tip but my spirit wouldn't allow me to fight darkness with darkness. I had to shed some light before I departed so I left her $10 out of 0the $13 I got back in my change. I didn't allow her antics to get underneath my beautifully melanated skin...

I thought based on the neighborhood this would be a kind of bland, chain-restaurant kind of spot, but at least not chipotle. I was glad to find that the proteins were actually really nicely seasoned, with a fair amount of salt and char, properly cooked, and the burritos had a good balance of ingredients. Their hottest salsa isn't super spicy, but at least it's got flavor and isn't too watery. The house margarita is ok, for my taste a hair on the sweet side, could have been slightly more boozy and\or had a decent squeeze more citrus, but it was solid. I ordered another.

I think you have to judge the atmosphere, service, and prices based on the neighborhood. They're right next door to the basketball stadium, and almost everything else in the area is either more corporate or more expensive or both. There are a couple of more high end Mexican joints nearby, which do have more elevated food, but they also cost at least twice as much. In bang for your buck terms, this place is a winner in the area. It's largely open air, comfortable and low key. The staff is cool and friendly, local and real. Basically if you have a bad experience with the service here, it's probably you, not them. Maybe it's more impersonal when they're busy, but again, consider where you are and what's happening in the area. I'd definitely go back if i was staying nearby and wanted something tasty, chill, and fairly priced for this...

I walked to Willie’s from my hotel on Van Buren street. It’s just .6 miles away. It’s a 15 minute walk.

I ordered the chicken taco, shrimp taco, and the green Butcher taco with some chips, guacamole and salsa. I only ordered the green butcher because it was listed on the menu as a favorite and I can 100% agree with that opinion! It was my favorite by far! Super tasty! Big and filling! The chips, salsa, and guacamole are all freshly homemade and delicious! I was able to eat 2 out of the 3 tacos, and less than half of the chips and salsa. They all made great leftovers for the next day.

The restaurant was empty except for a lone guy who actually looked like Willy Nelson who appeared to be writing music. The only thing I didn’t like about the restaurant was the street noise. It’s right off of the street and open aired. The restaurant has no control over it, but the loud mufflers in this city are SO annoying! The city really needs to do something about this issue! It’s awful.

Prices are reasonable. After tax and tip my bill was about $35 for one person, but like I said, it turned into two meals. Definitely would go back for happy hour and order the green...