Jose's Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Tontitown

As you can read through any of my reviews, I am generally a very positive person when it comes to rating locations. I started going to Joses over 15 years ago. When they were still by the interstate. Many bike nights, live bands, and some of the best food around. About 10 years ago, I moved...

Well, now I have been back for awhile. And last night I was craving tacos and some fresh salsa. So I knew where Joses had moved to, and I headed there.

Upon arriving at 6:45PM they were fairly busy. We decided we would sit at the bar. We grab 2 seats between other patrons and start looking around as I hadn't been to the new location.

I knew it was going to be an experience when the bartender brought out the food for the couple beside us, and I heard her say... I know you said no rice but they put it on there anyway... He looked puzzled, (I would've done the same) and he said ok... Her response was... I guess I can get you a plate and you can just scrap it off.. and not eat it. Ok read that again... that was her response... The bartender... I was just as shocked as he was...

I chuckled... She looked at us, and said do you want food? In a joking manner (and some sarcasm) I said yes but I'll make sure I don't make any changes to it.. She rolled her eyes and walked away... We sat there for another 5-8 minutes when she finally returned and asked if we wanted something to drink. I ordered a beer and a small cup of green olives ( they are great in beer) My wife ordered a mixed drink. We also ordered Chips and Salsa... My beer came fairly quickly... My wifes... well that took awhile.. While the bartender was talking to other employees, cleaning things in the bar... we sat there with just one drink... When we asked again, she finally made it. Still no chips... Still no salsa...

About 15 minutes passed and our food arrives... Now we weren't in a huge hurry... I thought it might be a little faster though seeing how all we did was order All you can eat Tacos, on a Taco Tuesday... But we did get them. And guess what... still no chips and salsa... We mention this to the bartender, and she acts disgusted as she asks a young girl that was bussing tables to get it for us. The tacos were bland, seasoning was way off... Tortillas for the soft Tacos were cold... and very dry. The crunch taco shells were cold as well. These used to be kept warm. The presentation was sloppy and it was completely obvious there was no sense of pride in the kitchen. The meat was cold enough that it didn't even melt the very small shredded cheese.

I am not sure who the owner is of Joses now... I used to know him.. But this was not the service or food quality he grew his business on. I don't think I will go back here.. Its sad, as they were once a staple in this community.

The employees of any business can make or break them.

Find a bartender that has a personality, and who is customer/service...

We had a group of 6 that got together on a Sunday around 1:30 and headed to Jose's. We wanted to sit outside on the patio like about 4 other groups so we entered the gate to the patio area. Now the was was not lock either of them nor were there any signs posted stating you could not enter through that way. We sat down at a table which I cleaned myself. A waiter came to our table and apologized and said he would be right back. A few minutes later a female came to pick up the stack of dishes that I had stacked for her. Soon we were visited by yet another young lady who told us the manage requested one of us to come in and check in to keep the numbers correct the rest of us could stay at the table, so we did as requested. When they called us after standing in line to be counted they wanted to set us in a booth for two, we explained there are six and we have a table on the patio so she says oh go ahead and sit out there then. You would think that would have been it that we would have gotten out drink order and menu but no! We were visited by yet another you lady who stands at the entrance of the door and spoke over the patrons and said hey guys we really aren't setting people on the patio so we Really you to...at this point we interrupted her by standing up and saying we'll just go somewhere else that actually wants our business. Now remember this took place on the patio with other patrons who were seated and eating, ( who have been looking at what was taking place the entire time) the same patio that was closed and were we refused to be allowed to sit. So to Doug and your staff that will be the last time I or a number of people that attend your restaurant weekly or Tuesday bike night. This is just the first word of mouth via social media you be sure we will get the word out. There is more than your establishment to...

Love seeing the negative reviews pouring in. This place is garbage.

First the bad service: This was my fourth visit and third bad one but this last time was way beyond bad. It was a lunch visit and there were several empty tables so didn't appear too busy. I was with a group of six. We were promptly seated, given chips then waited a long time to order and even longer to get our food. Over one hour from seating to eating. Had a hard time getting drink refills throughout and when we finally got our food, it was cold. Had what appeared to be a member of management come to clear our table to be told we haven't even got the food yet. The food: I had Cold, greasy, nachos. One in our party who had even greasier nachos, had a short curly hair in his that put us all off. Couple guys had tamales which tasted like hormel canned tamales. Even on my one good visit the food was mediocre. I only even went because it was close and never very busy and I hoped it would improve, not get worse. Management: Went to Facebook to see if I was the only one and surprisingly mostly good comments. Suspiciously the ratings were deactivated. I left a comment and got some nonsense about them being "chaotic busy". Nonsense, I worked in food service, at a Tex-mex restaurant no less, so I know better than that. Told them as much only to have it deleted and blocked from commenting. Clearly explains the mostly good reviews and lack of rating function. Bottom line, this might be the worst restaurant in NWA and despite the mediocre food, it's clearly due to horrendous management. It's really no wonder they've went from two large restaurants to a strip mall cafe. Stay away from Jose's!!!

Update: still a dump....