Green Taco — Restaurant in Riverside

I cannot rate the food, but the service and greeting that I received as a customer was horrendous. This location treats its customers differently based on race and ethnicity. This is pretty sad because it is 2018. Apparently, there is a misconception in this restaurant that black women are dirty. As. Germaphobe and educator, my entire experience at this biased Restaurant has truly set the tone. My husband (White) and I (Black) visited this restaurant after it was suggested by good friends during our vacation. Yet, I unfortunately experienced microagressions and racism. And as my other half, my husband also was offended (flabbergasted) at the treatment and behavior directed at me. As an interracial couple visiting California, I surely did not expect this experience in a Latinx restaurant. Here is what happened-My husband stayed in the car to finish a phone call. I walked into the restaurant, said hello to one of the workers and walked to the restroom to relieve myself and wash my hands before eating. Unfortunately as I walked to the bathroom the cashier literally walked up to me at th door of the bathroom and said , “ please don’t mess up the bathroom”. I was confused and perplexed as initially, I did not understand why on earth he would say that to me. He didn’t stop anyone else nor make mention to them going to wash their hands before eating, but for some reason he stopped me! I simply replied, “I’m confused my husband and I were planning to eat here is the bathroom not working? I always wash my hands before eating. I’m a very clean person and I always wash my hands before getting food. My husband are here based on good reviews from friends, why on earth are you asking me to not mess up the bathroom?” He then replies, “I’m not being racist but when you come to the bathroom you just dirty it up.” Meanwhile another lady (not sure of how she identifies, but she wasn’t dark skinned- walked right past me into the bathroom and the cashier did not say a word!! I immediately ignored him did business and then asked for a manager. My husband literally walked in, and received the most pleasant greeting one could have mustered, and after seeing my face asked what was wrong. I then told him and the cashier walked to the back. After 7 mins (I waited) and then my husband asked for a manager, the cashier told him (looked directly passed me), that he would have to translate any and all conversations. Sooo- I’m now pissed because I think it’s important that the management knows how these experiences affect their brand and possible business. So now, I’m going to share my experiences on every outlet including my travel blog, my university spring break page, BBB, and anything else I can think of since I have no other options of having developmental dialogue and or ensuring improved experiences for women of color in the future. No one SHOD EVER FEEL BELITTLED like that again-especially in liberal California in 2018! I could’ve went to _(insert racist area) for that treatment. Do not support bigotry, do not support this restaurant until the manager and employees (who noticibly acted like they did not speak English to avoid us) acknowledge that they must treat all customers with respect...

Update 2/11/21. 5 stars down to 3- Have noticed flavor a bit more muted and meals not quite as fresh tasting. Eg... Carne asada good meat, just tastes chopped and bin stored till needed, beans, rice, tortillas(don't seem like they're hand made anymore), and fish-still good- just not as before. 5 star rating just needs to be exceptional, and sadly they are not that lately. Pandemic has affected many restaurants in providing fresh tasting love inspired meals. I remember this place was exceptional before pan and I'm hoping they will be exceptional again after! Get a 3 because they are still, wonderful and friendly and provide really good service! Otherwise, authentic cooking at home has spoiled my family and me; humbly speaking, we are good cooks with good sazon! Still want to support local restaurants, so will support Green Taco! Thank you for your efforts!-- Wonderful and friendly service, clean, really good freshly made meals and reasonably priced. Not fancy, but that's not what they're selling. ...

A friend suggested this local joint, so I tried and they did not disappoint! Hand made tortillas freh ingredients. I had the carnitas, pastor, and carne asada tacos, they were amazing. I also tried the shrimp tacos. The shrimp was cooked perfectly the chipotle sauce they put on top tied everything together. The shrimp burrito on the other hand had too many beans on it it was a bit overpowering I would have liked to taste the shrimp more. If you order the burrito make sure you let them know easy on the beans unless that's your thing. The carne asada burrito was great probably the best carne asada I have had at a taco joint in a while. Thick cuts cooked to order. I will post a picture next time, there will definitely be...