El Trocadero Kitchen & Bar — Restaurant in Santa Clarita

We've always had good experiences here, but that was FAR from the case this past Friday. There were six in our party, as usual. We asked if the table just inside the door were part of happy hour seating and were told yes. There were happy hour menus on the table before we sat down. We were told happy hour ended at 7:00PM. Our drink order was taken just after we sat down (about 6:05PM). A few minutes later someone else came to take our drink order and was confused that it had already been taken. Our drinks finally arrived almost 20 minutes later. We were clearly ready to order (all menus put to one side) but every staff person just walked by even when we tried to get their attention. Finally about 6:40PM our food order was taken. We ordered 3 sampler platters. Our food didn't come, didn't come, even though we asked about it. The food finally arrived around 7:15PM and was barely warm. Other tables that were seated after us were waited on immediately and received their food in a timely manner. When the bill came it was for MUCH more than expected and included a 20% tip. Okay, if they need to add a tip for a "large" group, but 20%? The most I've had added is 18% and that was with groups of 8 or more. Anyway, when questioned about the high bill we were told those tables are not part of happy hour seating so the prices couldn't be honored. When we asked to speak to a manager we were told none were available, they would have to be phoned. What?!?!?!? No manager onsite on a busy Friday night? Subsequent phone calls have resulted in no manager onsite. Today I was told no one knows when the manager(s) come in. WHAT!?!?!?!? Add in the ridiculously LOUD music making this a thoroughly unpleasant (to say the least) dining experience. I couldn't even hear the person sitting next to me. It was impossible for us to enjoy each other. If it had been up to me there would have been no tip. They have now lost six long-term regular customers. What a rip-off! Future customers, pay very close attention...

My husband and I tried to go to El Trocadero for a comedy night they were hosting, and I had my service dog with me. The hostess was lovely, showed us to our table and provided us menus. Within seconds of entering the restaurant, the owner requested "all my animal's paperwork". While I do have the appropriate registration paperwork (which isn't actually required by law), I kindly mentioned to the owner that businesses are actually only permitted to ask if the service dog is trained to perform a task and are federally protected. The owner did not once look up to address me to my face, instead, she continued making drinks behind the bar and shouted, "Well, I'm the owner and I am kicking you and your animal out".

This was alarming on so many levels. This power trip underscores discrimination against people with disabilities which is simply abhorrent. She made a scene when there was quite literally nothing to trigger this kind of response. My service dog is trained, incredibly well behaved, highly socialized, and provides invaluable services to me, as all service dogs should be.

This discriminatory behavior is not what we have come to expect in the Santa Clarita / Valencia community. I highly recommend skipping...

I only visit this restaurant when I'm in town visiting family, since it's a bit far from home. However, we've been here countless times & have ordered a large variety of items from the menu, including various specials that are not always on the menu. I guess this is considered a Mexican restaurant & they claim "Authentic Sonoran Cuisine", but they have a huge variety of food that doesn't fit into the traditional category of "Mexican Food". I've always found the food to be excellent, & the salsa is the best I've had anywhere... apparently they make it fresh every day, roasting their own tomatoes & chilis, giving it an amazing, unique flavor. The staff is friendly & attentive, the atmosphere is quiet & casual, the interior is clean & it seems to have been remodeled recently. I'm told it's also a cool place to come just to hang out at the bar. I can't understand why some people have written bad reviews, as it's been perfect for us every time. The staff seems very concerned about making sure you're happy with your meal, so don't be afraid to...