El Fogon — Restaurant in Thornton

We were excited to try this place based on the reviews. Unfortunately, food was decent and over priced. We had a molcajete that came with 5 pieces of thin meat for $15.99. -- if you are hungry, this will not fill you up. The flavor was good but not worth the money. Five tortillas came with it-- which is probably the first Mexican restaurant I have visited that is this stingy on tortillas. Also had the aguachiles for same price; however, the hot sauce that it came with was just that: unfresh lime juice with what tasted like tapatio sauce. Customer service really sucked. Working for ten years in a restaurant myself, I learned that customer service can make or break your experience. Unfortunately, most of the wait staff was in the back for the hour and a half we were there (due to the slow service although it was not that busy.) So it was a challenge for our server to clean our empty plates, refill our drinks, and order more food (due to what we had originally ordered not filling us up). Not to forget, when we had first arrived the server that cleaned the table for us to sit, had pushed all the crumbs on the table to fall on the floor-- which was full of other large crumbs already. Once again, from experience, that not only is unsanitary but it invites infestations to happen. Our waitress made us feel like we were an inconvenience when we asked for anything when we had a chance to call her (once again for most the wait staff not being present). At some point, we had to call a different server to order a side order-- this server was no different in her hospitality. I have only tipped under 20% twice in my life and this happened to be the second time. Decent food flavors but not enough to ever have...

I used to LOVE eating here with my daughter, yet recently the service quality has gone down with my experience.

I had an experience with one of the servers/bussers where I came in asking to sit outside and she rudely said No. I got offended by the way she said it so I asked her to not be so rude please. She got upset that I told her that and refused to serve me. Then went on to tell her colleagues about me resulting in negative stares from them all.

Today I went in again and I asked for outside, she just nodded yes so I walked outside with my girls. She then completely ignored me when I asked for a high chair, I had to walk behind her asking for a high chair and I was ignored multiple times. Mind you, I speak Spanish clearly and said it in Spanish knowing she does as well.

I asked the other server for the high chairs and she pointed at them. I asked if she would take one for me hence I had my 1 year old in my arms and my other daughter sitting at the table by herself.

Again, the busser girl refused to serve me chips or salsa so the other waitress I asked for a high chair went ahead and took my order but did not give us chips and salsa.

I'm not sure if they influence eachother from personal experiences with costumers but if one is upset it seems they all get upset. The server from today usually is kind and gives great service. I've been going to that restaurant for 5 years now and never experienced lower quality service from her until today.

It sucks that the professionalism isn't there. I really enjoy the calm environment and food there. I always felt welcome before but lately it has been the complete opposite.

June...

HORRIBLE customer service. Honestly, my boyfriend and I TRIED to eat here after arriving from out of town due to some good reviews. I mistakenly ignored the bad ones. We walked in about 50 mins before closing and there were only two maybe three tables still eating. Admittedly, my boyfriend was indecisive on where he wanted to sit for a whole 1 min because he wanted a view of the TV for a sports game. Most of the tables were still dirty so he wanted one cleaned. I guess this irritated the young female server and she disappeared to the back. Next thing we know, an older woman comes out and throws her hands up saying "okay, where are you gonna sit!" With the rudest tone ever. I was taken back but still tried to respond and explain that we wanted to watch game and before I could finish and ask if we could get a table cleaned off so we didn't have to sit way in the back dark corner next to I think the restrooms and kitchen, she cut me off and repeated herself very rudely again. At that point, we had to go. I will have nobody with such a NASTY attitude anywhere near my food.

I was upset for a whole 5 mins until we found GUADALAJARA mexican restaurant. GO THERE! The host was amazing! The service was amazing and most importantly, the food was OUTSTANDING! They were PACKED 30 mins before closing with two large groups rushing in just before we did. We still got seated in like 5mins, service was not rushed and food was incredibly fresh!

THANK YOU El Fogon for the TERRIBLE greeting and attitude that allowed us to find a real GEM of...