El Fenix — Restaurant in Plano

I just ate at the one off Forest in Dallas a couple of blocks from Marsh Lane and had a fantastic experience 5starz on all points! So, I took a chance on this one in Plano since that's where I was and what a complete flop! First of all the table we ate at wasn't even level and did that rickety thing the whole time we sat at the table. Then they had some Mexican TV program that was showing a bunch of scantily clad and almost nude women on it in some music videos and such, and there were children in there. I felt like that was very low class. In any case, I ordered the special Enchilada plate. I gave the waitress clear instructions on how I wanted my Enchiladas and they were wrong when they came out. I explained it to her again and again they came out wrong. She got visibly irritated as if I was the problem and went and got her manager. I explained sussinctly the problem to her. I was so hungry by this time that I was willing to take the plate as it was but with a bit more chili con carne because for some reason when it came out the second time almost all of it was not on the plate. But, she insisted that she remake the whole plate so I acquiesced. So she comes back in a couple of minutes with another plate and it was, low and behold, WRONG AGAIN! So, you might think I am beginning to get a bit rattled by now. The manager took the plate back again and finally on the fourth try my Enchiladas were right. But the food was just shy of being cold and again it had very little chili con carne, or even sour cream sauce. I accepted it as I am not one to push an issue unless I feel it's very necessary but my dinner by that time was pretty much ruined. The manager made no apology nor tried to compensate me for my abysmal experience. Needless to say I will probably never patronize that El...

Food was okay Service was subpar Prices are definitely affordable!!

We were seated immediately, but our server did not come to our table for about 10 minutes.

We went to the restroom and an employee exited the stalls as we entered. When we went to wash our hands their wasn't any soap in the dispenser. My sister and I were worried how the employee was able to wash her hands thoroughly as the sign states on the mirror. As a customer, eating with utensils, you can get away with using hot water and hand sanitizer, but as an employee when you are directly handling food I believe soap and hot water should be used. Even if they have a sink in the kitchen, customers need relief that employees are taking that step to sanitize.

Once we got our drinks, the table near us who came in well after us placed their order first with our server.

It was disappointing to be over looked and to have to wait additional time.

Silverware and handkerchiefs were dirty, so we asked for sealed to go silverware and extra napkins.

Nothing remarkable about this place that you can't find at any other Mexican restaurant.

Sweet tea was really good :) The taco shell my taco salad came in was yummy!! My friend wanted shrimp added to his nachos but the server said it was an additional $6...we thought that was a bit much.

Our server was nice, but he was inattentive, and couldn't give us his thoughts on some of the meals we were asking about.

My suggestion would be to have all employees sample what is on the menu, so they can give their honest opinion and feedback. Customers really look for that..especially those wanting to try...

I remember it being better than it was. Perhaps just victims of post-covid supply chain woes. Restaurant at this location seemed small and understaffed despite the huge square footage. Just relatively empty for a "Taco Tuesday". Still, the staff that were present seemed over worked and overwhelmed im sure due to a staffing shortage. Despite this though...absolutely no complaints on the actual service though. It was quick, correct, and delivered to the table still sizzling. The food however is where it suffered. Fire roasted queso seemed a little thin, not watery, just not their usual best. My nephew had the "Tina" plate, he commented that it was about as authentic TexMex as his school lunch line. I cant comment as I didn't try it. I ordered my old stand bye, steak fajitas. The flavor was good, as was the temperature, but the particular piece of skirt steak i had could only be described as tough as shoe leather. Im not blaming El Fenix for this though as lately I have been encountering tough meat everywhere I go nowadays it seems. The accompanying rice and beans were edible, but nothing I'd write home about. Still, over all it was a great value and we both left content and full. Ive ate at this restaurant pre covid and the difference is night and day. I did see, they are offering to go Margaritas for 55$/gallon...So I might have to give that a go at some point in the future and just stay home and try my own hand at grilling up some carne asada next time I'm craving TexMex, at least for now El Fenix is not off my favorites list and I only hope and pray we all can resume some assemblage of...