Rico's Tacos - Valdosta — Restaurant in Valdosta

I placed an online order ahead of my arrival at 5:11 PM on a Tuesday, knowing it’s one of the busier days. I received an email confirmation that my order would be ready by 5:30 PM.

When I arrived and checked in at the counter at 5:30, I politely asked for an estimated time. One of the staff members pointed toward the kitchen and told me to “look at the line” and that they were busy. I expressed understanding, and she gave me another 30-minute wait time.

By 6:07 PM, over an hour after placing my order, the same staff member approached my table to inform me that my order had not been confirmed. I showed her both my email confirmation and the app showing the completed purchase. She responded that the order didn’t print in the kitchen. I politely asked for a refund, and she told me to cancel the order online, I proceeded to my show her that there was no option to do so through the app or confirmation email.

She then offered for me to wait another 20 minutes. I asked to speak to a manager, but she told me they were “too busy cooking” and that she didn’t have time to discuss my refund… those were her exact words. I politely asked again, and after some back-and-forth between her and another staff member (possibly a manager??), she eventually brought out my food with complimentary chips and cheese dip.

While I appreciated the gesture, the overall experience was extremely frustrating. I understand that Tuesdays are busy, but being told my refund couldn’t be addressed because they were “too busy” , especially after waiting nearly an hour due to a system error on their end ,is unacceptable. Customer service should never take a backseat, even...

*Update - check out Rico's After Hours! I had their birria burrito, and it was 🔥

We decided to try Rico's Tacos for lunch on July 7. Rico's has a totally different menu than the typical Mexican restaurants around here. It's small, but different, in a good way! Everything is so fresh! I tried the special, tamales. Delicious!! I've never had tamales fixed this way, but Rico explained that the foods are made differently in different areas of Mexico, and this is how he grew up eating them. I also got a taco on the side, so I could try what they're known for. It was also very good! I had the freshly-made corn tortilla, al pastor meat (pineapple pork), and fixed Guatemalan-style (onion and cilantro). The meat was absolutely delicious! My picky husband ordered a burrito, and asked for the rice to be left out. Like last night, it came with rice. But they fixed it immediately! I think the waitress was very new, as the owner explained how to write changes on the order slip for the cook to see it better. He really enjoyed the burrito. He also had the al pastor and loved the meat! I had enough food left for another complete meal! Our bill was around $20. Rico came around to see how everything was, and talked for a while. I really enjoy getting to know the owners of places! He explained the meaning behind the colors used, his childhood, coming to America and learning the language, people who have helped him along the way. He wants to give everyone an authentic experience of the food he grew up on. He has worked very hard to get where he is today. We will...

So this just happened: placed an order online for food and a Mangonada (mango icee). Went in to pick it up and I was told that the manganada machine wasn’t getting cold. Which is ok. The issue is I was asked if I wanted the drink (room temp), I said no. Then the staff got an attitude. They also refused to refund my money stating they don’t get paid for online orders. I asked if they could just refund me cash and they said no. They wont get paid until the end of the month. I said that is not my issue. I paid for food and I’m not getting it so I need a refund. The 3 cashiers speaking spanish (which I completely understood) were very rude. I finally got my money refunded. This whole ordeal took entirely too long. Also, to add there were dine-in customers coming to the counter asking for their food that they had waited an extended period of time for. They had also observed the 5 staff members standing doing nothing and their food just sitting on the counter. I’d like to add that at this point my food is cold and the portions are noticeably smaller. I am generally a big fan of this shop as its the closest in Valdosta to Tijuana, Mexico cuisine.

Thanks Rico’s for a horrible experience.

Long story short…. Rico’s did not have what I ordered, offered me a poor alternative, and when I declined refuse to refund my money.

Will I ever return? Questionable at this point in time. Are they just having a bad day? No, this isnt the first time I’ve had a subpar experience with them. The taco trucks are...