Daily Dose Rio Salado — Restaurant in Tempe

It was our first time here and first impression was not too impressive. We like trying new places all the time and this one didn't look too bad.

Staff - First I would like to point out that both of their hostess could've performed better and more proactive. We had a baby with us and required a high chair. So we were told to wait about 15 minutes which we're okay with waiting a while. Usually happens at other restaurants too. But while waiting we see a bunch of tables that are almost available and just have dirty plates and dishes on them but no one is actively cleaning and making room for new customers. The whole staff just kept walking by every dirty table like it wasn't anyone's responsibility. And they had 1 waiter really trying, just 1 waiter, she was back and forth everywhere just trying to keep up. While everyone else was talking to their coworker and the 2 people greeting people at the door just sat there behind the host desk with 8 people (3 different groups) waiting to get seated. Should really look into using a seating chart and splitting up the sections on who is responsible for certain sections and groups of people to really makes seating proficient. I also recommend maybe buying a cart to clean up tables faster and more efficient, rather than making multiple trips to the back.

Food - Taste was okay. Not too impressive. They do have healthy options and alternatives.

I tried the Smokey Mushroom Omelette, the omelette itself was good, and the mixed fruit was good (Sometimes at restaurants you can taste that the mixed fruit has been prepped for a while and gets a sour taste, not here though, So plus on that :)

The Cinnamon Roll Cakes was a cause for diabetes. Overly soaked and soggy with icing. The bread was just mushy and soggy bread does not impress your taste buds. The sugar content is just overwhelming also. I recommend a lighter icing touch and a crispier texture on the Cinnamon cake. Like a waffle type texture would definitely improve its taste presentation.

Water Taste - Okay, Not the best, but definitely a bit bad taste of tap water. Could be time for a new filter or time to start using one.

Atmosphere - Places do tend to get loud, and I'm okay with that. Can't say much on the environment. Staff could be a bit more warm and high spirited.

Cost - We paid $63 for 2 adult meals 2 Kid's meal 1 chocolate milk. And plain water as our beverages

Parking - Plenty of parking space, and ADA accessibility.

Restaurant Performance - I think this place has potential. And with some improvement it can really catch some attention. Areas of Improvement: •Staff communication •Staff friendliness •Proactive cleaning •Proactive involvement on all...

The bad -

Holly (the manager) was very rude and impolite from the get go. When we walked in, she asked how many. We told her and she asked if we could split up. We told her we did not want to and she reacted very negatively and put out by the response. We said we are fine to wait longer and could sit outside. The whole point of eating out is for us to be together and we don’t feel like it was unreasonable for us to not split up.

We also had another issue with her. We are from out of state and we’re not aware outside drinks are not allowed in restaurants. She was very rude in telling us and did not really explain anything. She just told us we can’t have outside drinks. We put our drinks away under the table and we’re not drinking from them. We assumed that’s what she meant. However she came back by and said to us, “ I appreciate you trying to hide them, but outside drinks are not allowed.” We were not trying to “hide” anything. The way she said it was so condescending and accusatory. We just had no idea that putting them away was also not allowed. We have no issue following the rules or being corrected, but there is a baseline level of respect/decency that you should give to all people. I understand that people may have a rough day but you should still be kind. Manager should understand this.

The good -

Our waitress, Rain was incredible. She was so kind and apologetic and really turned our experience around. She made us feel welcome and took great care of us. She even chased us down in the parking lot to give us a forgotten to go box! She really was a highlight of the experience for us.

The food was also amazing, it tasted great and the gluten free options were a plus. Portion sizes were also very large and worth it.

Overall it is a great place aside from the manager Holly. Reading the reviews, Holly seems to be a recurring issue for people. If they hire more people like Rain and give more coaching on customer service to Holly, it can be an amazing place...

Went here for the first time today. It was the Tempe location.

We got there about 10:50 and were seated about 15 min later. We requested outside for a party of 4 and did get the end table closest to the entrance. One of my nieces brought her boyfriend and that added to our party size by one person. I asked a gal at the front (tall and skinny) if we could get another chair and she said they can't accommodate us because we can't put a chair at the end as it will block the entrance and the table only seats 4. I told her okay, but we have 5 people now and we are going to sit together and can I get another table and we would move and didn't mind waiting for another table. She told me no and offered no other option. I don't understand why? Why couldn't I just wait for another table? It wasn't that busy and she definitely was inconvenienced that I even asked.

I told her okay, we will just cram 3 people together on the one side and she said that was fine even though it made zero sense and we were partially blocking the end of the table area anyway.

It's ridiculous to go through that. It wasn't planned and I certainly didn't try to inconvenience anyone but this girl literally had zero people skills and wouldn't work with me even though I offered every possible solution to make it work.

Our server was nice and the food was good/average for breakfast but I won't be back. Over $100 for breakfast for 5 people but if customer service and first impressions aren't important than I'll go elsewhere.

I also looked to give this feedback through a website or email but the website only offers locations with phone numbers and addresses and no way of communicating with the owners who I hope read this and reprimand that rude employee or let her go. She shouldn't be working in any job that is remotely related to customer service and her unwillingness to work with me (even though I offered solutions) could have...