JOTORO Kitchen & Tequila Bar — Restaurant in Tampa

It had the intention but it didn't meet the expectations.

The restaurant is cute, decoration and ambience is on point. The food didn't meet the expectations. Flour tortilla tasted like the cheap ones from the supermarket, they can do better by making it from scratch. The tacos 😫😫😫 I don't know how to describe them but you get better from any food truck or even if you make them at home. The food is edible but doesn't meet the standards of the place hype. They need to upgrade the presentation too. Service was quick and kind. Although, very disgusting...not all the staff wear masks...is that optional if you're serving food to customers all day? Also, the hostesses were touching their face then handing you the small plates with fork and paper napkin. 🤮 I guess they do it unconsciously, but girl please don't do that again. Also, whoever designed the bathroom did it all wrong. The door opens from the inside so you get dirty trying to get out. Also, many waiters get you the food with only their bare hands, at this kind of place you expect they bring your food on a tray at least! There is a trash can right next to the bar, which in my opinion is gross bc there was trash on the floor next to it, so what's the point then? You don't want to eat next to a trash can, it should be placed somewhere else but not between the bar stools and the guest tables. On the positive side, drinks were amazing and the bartenders were wearing masks. Some waiters were wearing masks too and bringing the food on trays. I think that's also a personal option from some workers. Food should be improved, the place looks fantastic but you guys need to level up. I hope you make the corresponding changes and next time I go (bc I have faith you guys will do better) I can say this is the best restaurant at the Sparkman...

We’ve wanted to try this place for a while as JoToro presents itself as a vibrant, modern Mexican eatery, but unfortunately, it falls short on multiple fronts. The service by Bryanna J. was lackluster and she seemed disinterested in providing a pleasant dining experience. When she brought waters for everyone, she stood over my husband and kept giving waters to him to disburse to the rest of our party.

The food quality was merely average, lacking the authentic flavors and creativity that one would expect from a Mexican restaurant. Birria tacos were so greasy, my son only ate 1 out of 2. When we ordered mojo pork burrito (which was extremely salty) we specifically asked for a side of rice and beans. When the food arrived and we asked where the side was, Bryanna replied: “Oh, it’s inside the burrito…” Chips and guacamole were the best items we ordered. Drinks were pretty good, but my husband had to ask for 2nd margarita with salt on the rim as the first one was served without the salt. To add to that, I ordered a Spicy Watermelon margarita (minus the spiciness, just a regular watermelon margarita), and was charged for a Skinny Superior + upcharge for watermelon flavor instead without given a heads up.

Additionally, the high prices did not reflect the quality of the items served, making the overall dining experience feel overpriced and disappointing. Another displeasing factor was also that server charged us 18% gratuity for 7 of us even though 3 out of 7 were kids. For the amount we spent, the bill was simply not worth it. Regrettably, JoToro does not live up to the hype and we will not be...

This place is in such bad need of management. My food was OK and my drinks were actually pretty good. The problem was getting them.

With an empty glass at the edge of the table, I was unable to get my servers attention. I’m sure many readers are thinking that It was busy. It was not. I say the place is in such bad need of management because I watched my server go up and dance at the host stand with some other staff for about five minutes before going over into the corner with another staff member and chatting for another Five minutes.

After giving up that she would come back anytime before she had our food, I went to the bar to order my drink. Of course that’s when she approaches me. I apologized and explained that I hadn’t been able to reach her for 10 minutes and I needed a beverage. I was being nice at this point, but she gave me an attitude. She got even more upset when I came and snagged my drink from in front of her at the bar because she was still chatting with the bartender for a couple minutes after it was done.

I can’t tell if this was just a few people or the entire staff that act like this. I suspect they may just be jaded from the massive amount of cruise ship traffic I assume they must see there. They are used to giving terrible service because they get bad tips from one time visitors. It’s a shame because it was actually pretty nice in there and the drinks were good, but now I’m a one time visitor despite being a local. I recommend avoiding is there are so many better Mexican restaurants...