Tía Juanitas Fish Camp Port Arthur — Restaurant in Port Arthur

I'm really hoping that today was just a "bad day" and not indicative of how this establishment truly is, but I doubt it. Only positive thing I can say was the food was fresh and wasn't bad. However, the service and vibes we got were horrible. It seemed as if the place didn't care to serve black patrons and I wish there was a sign placed on the door so I could've spent my $80 elsewhere. The hostess sat us immediately but didn't really interact or make us feel welcome, not really a big deal tho because it's a fast interaction when you're being seated. The next part is what disturbed Me most. We are sitting and there are several waiters that pass by and are servicing the booths and tables all around us not one ever looks our way to acknowledge us or even cracks a smile. We sit for 10 to 15 mins before a waiter ever comes and from the way he acted it was as if he was forced to come serve us like they were in the back drawing sticks of who would have to serve us. I'd also have to say they weren't busy and they were well staffed in comparison to what I'm used to seeing. Anyways, we order our food and drinks it comes out eventually and it's fresh so no complaints there. But the waiter literally neverrrrr comes back until its time to pay. Never got any refills, never was asked if everything was OK or if we needed anything, ect. And we were there atleast 30-45 mins after we ordered. It felt like it was made a point to have very minimal interaction with us and I didn't see that as the case for other tables around us. after we left I told someone i knew of our experience and was sad to hear they had a very similar experience recently but actually left the establishment. The behavior is disappointing to say the least and even though we were not served properly and the waiter deserved nothing i still made it a point to leave the standard 20 percent tip. I say all this to say if you don't want a certain demographic patronizing your business please be up front about it I'll just spend my dollars elsewhere not a big deal. I'll...

Raw food! I went in this evening with the wife decided we'd go out and have us a cheat meal with the kids tonight. Got some nachos and some ribs. Just my luck. The first bite I took was a little tough and BRIGHT pink\red. I assumed it was probably normal until we kept eating the ribs and realized that the only pink\red one was the one I first bit. Tapped it with a napkin and it left the napkin pink. So we opted to ask the waiter what he thought, he said it was probably normal but the manager would come look, he looked at it and took it with him to the kitchen chef. Came back, without the rib, but admitted that they agreed that the rib was a "little" raw. There's no such thing as a little, this thing was RAW. He offered me another order of ribs which I most DEFINITELY didn't want as our appetite was ruined. So I just asked for my check. They had the audacity to go ahead and charge me for the ribs anyway, even after they admitted they were raw and I told them I was afraid to get sick. So I told the waiter, I gotta go home and spend the rest of the night worried about being sick and I wasn't going to pay for that. So he was kind enough to take it off my tab. So here I am at home now after spending 70 bucks for dinner that potentially got me sick. I really hope it didn't although I came home and went straight to the restroom and also threw up just from stressing about it. Watch your food, or order beef or something that won't screw you up. And if they screw up, check your tab. Really disappointed, definitely am...

I have been here a few times, both at the new location as well as the old location on Jimmy Johnson. The old location did seem a bit better overall. Food was great, service was great, etc. the food selection is unique in that it mixes Cajun and Mexican dishes. Also, their gumbo wasn't horrible. That may not sound like much of a compliment, but restaurant gumbo is like taking a gamble with very low chance of success. They are mostly watery, light -colored, flavorless dishes, but Tia Juanitas actually is pretty okay when it comes to authentic gumbo. Get it with some potato salad and it's excellent Also, I have enjoyed their Cajun girl po-boy (I think is what it's called), but it's a cheesy non-fried shrimp po-boy.

The new location is mostly the same with the food, though we did get some undercooked fried green tomatoes. Staying away from those has been good. I would say the real concern has been the service. The few times I have been to the new location, service hasn't been amazing. Not horrible, mind you, but expect to only have your server available ~2 times during your meal. They are very nice and friendly, but either overworked, or just not engaged. Willing to give the benefit of the doubt that they are overworked, but either way it's something that should probably be addressed. Atmosphere still good as well, with some live music offerings.

Overall I would say it's still worth the trip at the new spot. Hopefully they can get the staffing...