Cinco Mexican Cantina — Restaurant in Vinings

I really wanted to like this place after a long drive up from florida. Unfortunately, when I arrived at the bar I was simply over looked for a good 10 minutes as I sat and watched the bartender literally check on people sitting right next to me but not ask or acknowledge me at all. After I began waving to her, she finally approached, and I asked for a drink menu. They had only a few so she had to search. Once found, I ordered a drink and was about to ask some questions regarding the food, however the bartender disappeared to make my drink. She came back a few minutes later with a delicious drink and was about to take off again when I interrupted that I would like to get food. I ordered the Tropical Steak....MISS-STEAK (PUN INTENDED). For $20 I was to consume a hollowed out pinapple filled with risotto (we will come back to this) 4 shrimp and 4 slices (Yes I said slices) of steak...for $20. Oh, I forgot the used the inside of the pinapple and sautéed it with a "vegetable medly" as the other side. When presented to me I see is a pile of cheesy rice with 4 shrinmp and 4 SLICES of steak...for $20. I tried and in all fairness it was not horrible but was not worth...$20. After eating 1 shrimp, 2 SLICES of steak and some of the risotto, I just could not do it...so I informed the bartender that I did not like the meal. She replied she would get the manager. Once Mandy came over I could tell she seemed slightly agitated but I understand a little of the food business, so I went ahead and informed her I was dissatisfied with the meal. Ultimately, the cheesy rice was not good to me. Mandy looked at my plate and asked what I would like her to do about it since I had eaten more than half. I then replied no, 1 shrimp and 2.5 SLICES of steak does not = half of this meal. She looked down again at my plate and said "Fine, I will take it off, but so you know risotto is cheesy rice." Really Mandy? Is it? Where is your culinary expierience from? Either way let's go to Google and see what they say: Risotto is a northern Italian rice dish cooked with broth until it reaches a creamy consistency. The broth can be derived from meat, fish, or vegetables. Anyone else notice the lack of cheese in this description? Don't get me wrong I know some has like Parmigiano-Reggiano but to have essentially queso fresco was extremely unexpected and no not normal for risotto. I said all that to say thanks Mandy, you are the one who pulled this 1 star review out of me for trying to make me feel I guess stupid for not knowing risotto is cheese rice, even though it isnt, and for not enjoying 4 shrimp and 4 SLICES of...

I want to begin by highlighting the very definition of customer service, as described by Webster’s Dictionary:

“Customer service is the assistance and support a business provides to its customers before, during, and after a purchase to ensure a positive experience and address their needs. It involves actions like answering questions, resolving problems, offering product suggestions, and providing troubleshooting help through various channels, ultimately aiming to satisfy customers and build long-term loyalty.”

This definition should be the foundation of every business. Sadly, my most recent visit to your location on Thursday, September 11, 2025, fell drastically short of this standard.

I have been a loyal customer of this location for over six years, and during that time I have always appreciated not only the quality of the food, but also the exceptional presentation and consistently reliable service. Until now, I have never had a reason to complain.

However, this evening a misunderstanding occurred with my order. Instead of working toward a fair resolution, I was still charged extra despite the error. When I raised the concern with the manager on duty, Paola, I was met with a level of behavior that was completely unacceptable. She was nonchalant, dismissive, disrespectful, and arrogant—the opposite of what one should expect from someone in a leadership position.

As a professional in the customer service field myself, I know how important it is to resolve issues in a way that protects the customer’s experience and upholds the integrity of the business. Even when miscommunications arise, the objective should always be to find a solution that makes the customer feel respected and valued. Paola failed to do that on every level.

What makes this encounter so disappointing is that it undermines the loyalty I have built with this location over the years. I have always respected this establishment not just for the food—which has always been excellent in both taste and presentation—but for the service that complemented it. Unfortunately, Paola’s conduct erased that positive history in a single evening.

This was by far the nastiest and most unprofessional interaction I have ever experienced in my years of dining here, and it has left me with no choice but to say that I will not be returning.

I truly hope that this matter is taken seriously, because experiences like this do not just lose one customer—they damage the reputation of your...

I arrived at the restaurant at 8:26pm and the entire host area was pitch black as if the restaurant was closed and it wasn’t because it closes at 9pm. I frequent the Cinco location in Cobb quite often. There was no one present to greet my family and I. I stood at the front for 6 mins before I proceeded to search for a server or any employee that could help me find the hostess. A server was at the POS station and I asked him if he could send the host to the front. He responded that after he inputs the order then he’d see what he can do. The hostess then walked up and said we are closed. I looked at my phone and it was now 8:41pm. I informed the hostess that I’d been standing in the front since 8:26pm. She then stated with much aggression , “well we are no longer seating unless you want to sit at the bar , and you have kids with you so you can’t !” I then said I’d put a Togo order in. She sent me a manager. The manager named Matty sat us and took our food order and then the hostess walked by several times huffing and puffing , rudely showing expressions of aggravation. The entire restaurant was full of guests. I was treated very badly. My experience this time was a negative 5 out of 10.

Even though the manager Matty took my food order , she wasn’t pleasant either . She was aggravated that they were still at work at 8:57pm. I assume they want to walk out the door at 9pm , when the restaurant closes. I am a paying customer and I am highly disappointed with this...