Taco Jalisco & Bar — Restaurant in Virginia

Context for review: This review is soley off of my experiences. I am here on a business trip coming from California. I do like Mexican food and have had different cooking styles. This review will not be a complaint but a productive critique for this the restaurant. Also, this is my first time ever stepping foot in here.

Environment 2 of 5: It was Friday: 1700. Seemed ok. Safe and plenty of parking. Inside the restaurant was a little odd if you ask me; ordering table is located at the main entrance and pick-ups are several yards the opposite direction. Not helpful because when my order was made, I heard a lady shout "hello" several times to get my attention but I didn't know either because no one came to me or told me how to get my order picked up. Basically, communication was not clear.

Food and Price 2 of 5: I have no idea what other people eat but I love burritos. My burritos are usually the same and are boring; thats fine with me. I ordered a burrito with refried beans and extra chicken. Coming from California, it is custom to offer free unlimited chips and salsa. Here, they charge $3.95. The total for my order was $17. My burrito was super small, thin, flat and empty; this was very disappointing (see picture). However, the burrito was tasty. Chips were good and fresh but the salsa was watery and served in a cheap plastic bowl vs. something more appealing (e.g., small ceramic bowl). I actually think what they served me was 'pico de gallo' in a bowl, lol. No, I dont care about the bowl but it was a "culture shock" and something worth noting.

Service 0 of 5: Ok so this is where I will try to be as unbiased as I can about their service. As soon as I walked in, I asked if I just sit and order or what... The lady spoke to me in Spanish and though I understand it, I didn't speak it. I asked if she spoke English and it was very hard to understand her. Perhaps having someone upfront that knows how to effectively communicate might help with customer satisfaction. As I mentioned earlier, I asked to have my order for-here and was told or pointed to sit anywhere. As I waited, I heard a lady say "hello" several times but I was minding my own business. Eventually, I looked back cause I was curious and it was for me. 1) I did not know I was to pick up my food in a restaurant 2) I really didn't like that and to know they didn't come to my table to let me know my food is ready or to bring my food over was a complete dissatisfaction of this place. What tipped it off was that the server was so engaged in her conversation with her friends that she forgot I existed and never check in on me. No cup of water either. I dont know if this is a VA thing but damn, I would have appreciated a cup.

Look, maybe im spoiled with California restaurants but man, we pay for service and the experience. The food is the by product of our trip there. I mean, there were other places I could have gone to. Again, my experiences! I hope this was helpful for anyone wondering about eating at this place. I know, me against 100 or so '5 stars' review. I am thorough; whether its 1 or 5 stars, I will share my...

Living in the D.C. area means that you sometimes have to make do with less than authentic Mexican food. I have found a few treasures in D.C. and in Northern Virginia, and I'm happy to report that Taco Jalisco is another hidden gem.

I ordered a California burrito. It's stuffed with your choice of meat, cheese, grilled onions, pico de gallo, french fries, house seasoning, salsa verde, salsa picante, and house cream. We also ordered some carne asada fries to share. These are seasoned fries loaded with carne asada, cheese, guacamole, pico de gallo, jalapenos, and sour cream.

Finally, a legit Cali style burrito. It's been so difficult to find one in the area, but Taco Jalisco makes them just right. The fries are also a delicious splurge. I'm eager to come back and try more items on the menu, particularly items from their Chef's Special section. Although it's a bit of a drive from me, I will certainly make the drive to Taco Jalisco over many other places...

The woman who took my order was kind. However, I was immediately annoyed by their setup. You order and pay at the front and then go seat yourself... or so I thought. I sat down and waited and then was told I needed to go get my own food. Long story short, I thought I was coming to a restaurant to enjoy tacos and margaritas, but I basically came to a fast food joint. The tacos are good (1beef and 2chicken especial), but now I have to find somewhere else to get a margarita.... and chips and salsa I don't have to pay for.

UPDATE: I wrote that review when I was halfway through my first taco... halfway through my second and I upchucked... I don't eat out a lot so my body immediately rejects bad food... no way I'l be back! I didn't even bother asking...