TACOS "EL CHAMPU" — Restaurant in Springfield

I wasn't sure what rating to give but here goes. I started my order at 6 pm on 5/13/25 and when I did the girl said to call back at 630. I told her I was travelling thru Springfield on the way home and I would be there around 7. She said call back at 630 to be closer to pick up time. I did just that and called back at 630 pm to make the order to be picked up by 7 pm. I arrived at 7 pm and they could not find my order in the system, but the girl repeated my order back from the phone call. I again placed my order and sat down to wait. The place was packed as it was $1 taco day so I wasn't mad about that at all. While I was sitting there, they brought out food and called my name, to which another guy said his name was Jason. I am not Karen or Kevin so I didn't make a fuss. After another 5+ minutes, I approached the lady who took my order and let her know I thought my order was given to someone else. AGAIN, they could not find my order, while another girl came over demanding my receipt, to which I stated the other girl didn't give me one, however, she told the girl at the register that I had an order but she still tried to argue the fact. Finally, after waiting until almost 730 pm, I received my order. The food was delicious as I expected, but the young girl at the register needs to learn manners and how to be polite and not to rush people and be rude doing it. I usually go to the other location without issues, so I may just stay going...

The tacos are probably the best in town. The (customer) service could use some major work. Charges seem to magically appear for simple additions that are normally complimentary at other local Mexican restaurants; was charged for requesting more chips, and salsa - which I honestly don't mind because that will keep me from filling up before my meal - just let me know beforehand though - don't surprise charge me.

They will "nickel and dime" so pay close attention to your final tab; normally we get the green taco sauce by default with tacos, but we prefer the orange Habanero sauce, we requested this with our taco orders but did not receive them instead of the green sauce. After the food arrived, and we noticed that we didn't have our sauce, we requested the Habanero sauces (again). Eventually we got these brought to our table to the tune of an extra $4 on the bill. When questioned about the extra charge, the response was with attitude and inaction to resolve the issue. I don't mind paying extra for something, but let me know ahead of time.

This is like the Spirit and Allegiant Airlines of Mexican restaurants in the area; ticket is $10 but to get a seat on the flight, after you check-in, you'll have to pay another $90.

I will say - food is delicious and authentic though so it's not all bad, but please work on the...

We’ve visited Tacos El Champu several times for their dollar taco nights, and unfortunately, the service has consistently declined over time. During our most recent visit with our three children, we each ordered drinks and tacos. Despite the restaurant not being overly busy, we waited approximately 90 minutes before receiving our food.

Throughout that time, our drinks remained empty and our server was largely absent. We eventually had to seek out another staff member to request refills, which took an additional 10 minutes before our original server returned with them. When our food arrived, all tacos included cilantro and onion—standard for the restaurant—but we had specifically requested that our children’s tacos be served without. By then, the tacos were cold and our son’s Sprite was flat.

When we asked for the check, the server rolled her eyes and handed it to us without a word. While we still left a tip out of respect for service industry workers, this experience was disappointing enough that we won’t be returning.

For those seeking a better alternative, we highly recommend Tacos El Gordo #2. They also offer dollar tacos twice a week, and their service is consistently prompt, courteous, and the food arrives...