Xaco Taco — Restaurant in Providence

I should start by saying that my poor rating has nothing really to do with the food- because the food was pretty good (except for the rice and beans- those were meh). My husband, who has been working nonstop (he works in theater) for weeks finally got a decent meal break so my two sons (age 7 & 2) and I decided to meet him at Xaco Taco for dinner. We were worried about time so I called our food in advance just in case. Once we arrived, we decided we had enough time to sit down- we asked the hostess to sit down outside but she apologized and said they couldn’t accommodate us but that we were welcome to sit on the bench located outside of the restaurant. So we said, “no worries, we will just sit inside”.. she proceeded to tell us that inside was also not an option because they reserve the tables for “active customers.” Keep in mind that the inside dining room was COMPLETELY EMPTY! We had just received our food and tipped $10 on a $60 takeout tab mind you. Had we sat down, I would have ordered a drink and tipped additionally. I was a waitress/bartender for years so I take care of my own. I understand that it’s a little odd to place a takeout order and then ask to be seated, but life is complicated and plans change. My boys missed their daddy and we just wanted to enjoy a nice dinner together. It’s sad that a business would treat their paying customers this way. I don’t care how tasty your tacos are- my family deserves better. Pic of my boys making the best of it...

First off let me just say the food was amazing. This was the 3rd time I’ve been there and I’m always happy with the food. The service however, was horrible. We started off our meal with some disgusting water glasses which the server did replace so whatever things happen, I get it. Then after we ordered our food the outdoor patio must have a bee infestation as we were swarmed with bees causing my son to jump up and smash a glass, we informed our server and asked to be seated inside to avoid the bees. I understand the glass breaking is not ideal for the server and I apologized. But the attitude from the server was disrespectful. Not only did we not get seated back inside, we carried all our plates and water glasses inside ourselves and just picked a random seat as we asked him where he would like us to go and he just walked away. From then on during the whole meal did we ever see him again. He was no where to be found, didn’t check on us to give us more water after ours was gone and also never went back outside to clean up the glass that someone could of easily been cut on. It was on the floor. Once again the food was great but I am in disbelief of...

I was enticed by fresh homemade tortillas, but all of the food fell flat. Our server suggested that every person order at least 2 tacos. As someone with a gluten allergy who was avoiding meat that day, I only had the choice of the mushroom taco... so I had to double up on that one. My vegetarian friend ordered the 2 options available to him, the mushroom and cauliflower. My partner ordered carne asada and al pastor. I did not enjoy or finish my mushroom tacos. My friend said the cauliflower tempura tasted oily and lacked seasoning. My partner, who is not very picky, said his were alright. We also ordered elote, which was fine but nothing special (the server called it out specifically when making recommendations), and guacamole, which was also fine. Drinks were the best part of the meal. Our table had a margarita flight, a classic margarita, agua fresca, and pineapple with mint. Service was prompt and friendly, and we never felt like we were waiting even though it was busy. The price was very reasonable, but you get what you pay for. Come in for margaritas, but maybe...