Chapala Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in South Carolina

Easily the worst experience I've had at a restaurant..Buyer beware.. I have worked in the hospitality industry for 25 years and I dont think I've ever encountered ruder staff than I did at this establishment.. From the moment we walked in they seemed inconvenienced by our mere presence.. A waitress hastily took our order and some of the food delivered to our table was incorrect.. It wasn't until 20 minutes later that the waitress finally surfaced back at our table.. At that point we were ready to leave and just requested an adjustment on the check. She then caught an attitude with us, didn't apologize or even offer to bring out fresh food.. We eventually got the check, and then stood at the counter for 10 minutes waiting for someone to cash us out.. During this time several staff members were either lying down on booths in the adjacent room or focused on sweeping up and closing down for the night.. There was absolutely no attention being paid to customers at all.. Finally our waitress came over and begrudgingly cashed us out... Again no apology for the incorrect food and bad service.. Not even a thank you for our business.. I don't know how a place like this does enough business to keep their doors open.. Worst customer service I've ever seen in this area.. I highly recommend 7 Mares in West Columbia (not only is the food great quality Mexican fare) but the customer service is phenomenal.. Additionally San Jose on Platt Springs Road is far cleaner and they are always appreciative of your business.. Dodge...

my husband and i loved this restaurant especially since the food reminded me of my grandma's cooking and it was nice to have again. we took our friend and told her how she would love the food here, well, she did like the food but i was horrified when the manager was being inconsiderate when she asked if she could have her food customized due to several health issues she has due to her disability. no one was at fault, she did asked for several toppings to taken off upon ordering and the manager obliged but she was unaware of the spices used in the food that would affect her and asked to have a different plate and she was feeling embarrassed already to having to send it back. needless to say she was able to get another plate with more toppings taken off and she did enjoy the food but the manager made a remark towards her and didn't come back to our table, we had another waitress who was more kinder and attentive. my husband and i were just absolutely disgusted that the manager would make a comment to her face when no one was at fault in the first place and we informed that manager it's because she has health issues before he made a comment. we all loved the food but won't come back because of the treatment to our dear friend, just completely unnecessary and...

Updated 8/13/2025

Back at Chapala, conveniently located less than a quarter mile from my General Physician. (BONUS)

My new favorite is Taco de Birria Beef!! I started with a shot of JC (Jose Quervo) Especially and a Sol, cervesa. Also, the salsa has excellent robust flavor, only a slight hint of heat. I had to get the Espinacha Queso Dip. So good, and I squeeze in a veggie!! LOL!

The lovely, Emily, is my bartendress and waitstaff. It is early, just after 11 am, so kind of quiet -- my preferred time to eat -- either early or late dodging the masses. Mass, they do at this location in White Knoll. Very convenient to many businesses and homes near the Platt Springs Rd and Hwy 6 intersection.

Please bop on by and grab some amazing food!!

See a couple photos that are attached. Stop by anytime for really good food!!

Chapala is located in a strip of shops and restaurants. Popped in for a quick lunch. Sat in the cantina section. Cold cervesa in bottles and on tap. They have a limited tequila selection, but enough from which to choose. Repasado, Silver, and Blanco tequilas are all available. Ordered a combination plate -- chicken enchilada, beef tostada, and beef taco. All items were hot and flavorful. Timely service. Typical...