Chapala Grill — Restaurant in Visalia

🛑🛑UPDATE: AS OF 1/20/23 1 STAR.WE WENT AND WAITED 30 MINUTES TO GET SEATED AND 58 MINUTES FOR FOOD. WE ORDERED A BURRITO AND QUESDILLA AND NEVER RECEIVED ANY FOOD. 3 other parties sat after us recieved thier food before we did (party of two). The lady didn't want to give us any more chips for the long wait and we finally had to just walk out WITHOUT DINNER because they simply never made our food. What happend to this place it used to be good. Also management didn't offer any solutions just said "I'll try to look into what happened". Smh. 🌯Chapala grill is delicious! Hi friends and thank you for taking the time to read another review written by me! Chapala grill is not only delicious but the staff is also kind and friendly. The owner, a gentleman, promptly greeted us with saludos and shook my dates hand to personally welcome him inside. This impressed me early on. The hard-working owner takes passion and pride in his restaurant, and makes sure his patrons feel welcomed here. There are multiple signs in the restaurant stating that the food is being made to order and that it takes time to make good food. This is a family ran and owned establishment and the food is delicious, it just takes extra time to make. So, bring company, order a drink, play on your phone but patience is key to a good meal here folks. The complimentary beans and chips before your meal are a treat and they are so good, I highly recommend asking for some fresh Salsa as well, it’s got a good back heat but no to over powering. 🛑IMPORTANT! Tables do not get assigned wait staff, the waitresses and waiters help all Tables and accommodate as many tables as possible. This seems to be their biggest complaint, but for my experience it was completely fine and multiple people checked on us and took time with our needs. I was completely satisfied with my wait staff service. I did feel they forgot about us at the end with bringing the check but that isn't a huge problem. They were completely packed and I’m patient. 🍽Overall, my fajitas were on par with any great Mexican restaurant and maybe even a little bit better because it came with a side plate with the fixings to make little tacos. The tortillas were absolutely worth it. I’m 99% sure the flour tortillas are hand made they are that good. Food was delicious. It can get really loud in there but it’s worth it just bring headphones for the sensory...

I’ve always loved Chapala’s - and often went to their original restaurant on Caldwell years ago - but had a recent experience with a waiter named Johnny that I wanted to share. I met a friend and her daughter (who was going through a very difficult time) for dinner on a Friday night. The daughter was sharing her story with us and was extremely emotional.

Johnny came over and read the table and the mood quickly. He could have easily ignored the situation, taken our order, and called it good. Not Johnny! He told the daughter that he was sorry she was sad, that we all go through tough times, but we always find a way through it. He pointed out that because she had friends to talk to, she was blessed. Every time he stopped by, he had more words of encouragement and even gave her a hug when she asked for one. She really needed that hug!!

THIS is the kind of customer service you can’t teach! Johnny is a compassionate human who sees and understands the value in everyone. He offered a sympathetic ear and kindness to a young woman in crisis who really needed it.

When I open my bar, I’m totally stealing Johnny from you to oversee the wait staff. He’s a phenomenal human being and you’re lucky...

The waiters are all arrogant and unwelcoming, I love their food and always order from them but I decided to go in for lunch. They all avoid making eye contact at all cost and ignore you calling them if you need anything. I told the manager and he showed some interest on my input but, not really,he could of at least given me a discount on my meal!!!!!!! I would rate a zero if I could. I will NOT be returning there and will tell every one I know not to eat there either.

10/1/18 Not sure how to reply to your unnecessary comment 'owner' but you should know the first rule of customer service is "THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS RIGHT" second: get your facts together, It was not three of us so you are confused, I had a male waiter not female and I stare at peoples faces when I speak to them, something you and your staff should be doing as a sign of manners and courtesy. third: I don't need your discounts, I work for a living, make plenty of money and I get nothing for free.. Get a class in customer care and learn how to treat your paying...