Ventura's Tamales — Restaurant in Victoria

What a horrible experience there tonight. Got seated promptly and received the salsa, chips and salsa promptly. But, that was the only bright spot. Had to ask the waiter twice for a salt shaker before he finally brought one. After ordering the food arrived. However, there was no silverware. Asked the waiter for silverware and have no clue where he went. Looked towards the girl at the counter and motioned like we needed silverware. Asked another girl for some silverware. Waiter finally shows up with a spoon. I told him we needed forks. He finally shows up with one fork and says he will bring another one shortly. All this time, I needed a refill of my water. I finally gave up on a fork and started eating my rice and enchiladas with the spoon came with the borracho beans. Waiter finally brings another fork about the time I was half way through with my last enchilada. Received the check and went to pay. I said to the girl "that was not good" and "running out of silverware was unacceptable". Sarcastically, she said "sorry", but it happens more that you think and that she has had it happen to her quote often. Right then I knew she was lying and being rude. I have never been to a restaurant that didn't have enough silverware for it's customers. Sorry Ventura's, but you are lacking way behind in customer service compared to Veracruz and Mi Casita Bar...

The food was significantly different. The rice was dry, the whole beans were still hard as if they hadn't been boiled or cooked all the way. The server had zero interaction with us. Had to ask for more chips from the coworker who brought our food. Had to flag the server down for a refill on the drinks. The cashier was taking a phone order. Typically people mouth or whisper "I'll be with you shortly" or something, anything. She got off the phone and we stayed unacknowledged and the lady went straight to the drive-thru window and shut the door. Finally another coworker had asked if we had been helped. We said no, and she offered to take our payment. This was the most rude staff and untrained staff we had encountered at Ventura's. This place used to be a staple for us for good food and good service that we knew we could rely on over the years. I hope this was just an "off day" for Ventura's and not a sign of declination. We did notice they were hiring a cook. I'm wondering if that's why the food was not up to the usual standard. The staff also seemed all new. Not sure if thats why the service was so crappy. Either way, I hope they get back to what has worked for them before which was delicious food and great service....

First time coming here, probably the last time, too. While the people were nice and it was comfortable in the dining area, the food was "meh" at best. Sort of like a fancy Taco,(ahem) Hell/bell. I'm sure youget my meaning. Food was okay, but barely. This is not what I would call real "Mexican" food. Now, if they aren't meant to be, that is one thing and I will correct my review, but for the price, I should have gotten something better. Also, again, people were nice, but I had to tell server to charge two separate tickets as I needed one for business purposes. Even after that, they still charged everything to one charge. To be fair, they fixed it no problem, so I'm happy with that. However, the final kicker as I was paying was that I had to pay extra because I was using a credit card. I.E. I'm paying for what should be their cost of business because I want to use credit card instead of cash. I don't charge my customers extra when they pay me with a credit card. I simply figure in my prices with my cost of doing of doing business. But hey, everyone is different. Still though, if you want to get something simple, and if you have cash, and if your meal is on one ticket, this should be...