San José Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Webster Groves

SERVED RAW SHRIMP: This has been a spot I have enjoyed for a few years. After tonight, I may never return. I ordered my usual and favorite, “Shrimp on Rice.” When my food came I noticed the cheese dip on top was more watery than normal. I ate several bites and the dish I normally love just didn’t taste right, after eating a shrimp that didn’t the right texture or a good taste, I began flipping my shrimp and noticed the back sides were raw. Literally raw. I had to wait to flag down the waitress who offered to have it remade. I was grossed out and didn’t want it for obvious reasons. I had to ask to have it removed from my bill, it was not offered. There wasn’t much apology. Not one manager came to the table to apologize. It felt treated as if it was not a big deal that I was served raw shrimp and consumed raw shrimp. No adjustments were offered no apologies, very poorly handled. I was so upset and grossed out as I had been eating it and it just felt like no one cared. Prices are high everywhere as people are raising prices with the times which I understand but like seriously pay attention to what you are doing and serving, such a careless mistake can effect someone’s health. I am praying hard I don’t spend my weekend over a toilet. I am not one to write reviews, I don’t ever wish to bad mouth a place of business but this was handled poorly from a careless mistake in the kitchen and poor customer service up front. Extremely disappointed and terrible Friday...

My family of 4 tried to eat dinner here on Tuesday, 2/8/22. “Tried” being the operative word.

One family of 4 was in line ahead of us. Multiple other families came after.

I ordered a “premium” margarita with salt. I got no salt. We placed our food order and I then asked if some salt could be brought over for me to put on the rim. Not to have them remake it. Just to let me fix it. I did not see the waiter for the next 45 minutes.

I began to notice that every table that was seated after us received its food. In fact, they were waiting on their checks. Our food still had not arrived. Then their tables were cleared. Still no food. Our waiter was still nowhere to be found for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

When we finally caught the attention of another waiter, we still waited another 15 minutes. I was pretty much ready to leave, but I had 2 kids that needed to be fed on a school night.

It certainly appears as though someone never dropped our order. If that’s the case, just own it. Instead they claimed they were busy. So busy that every table after us had come and gone but you still haven’t started making my kids’ food? Come on. The owner even came over and made the same bogus “busy” excuse.

I’ve probably been there 8-10 times in the past few years for the convenience of the location, not the quality of the food or the attentive service. But no more. I officially will not be returning. Ever.

If it was an option, I would give this...

Go to bottom if you want my actual review.

Rant: It's probably one of the weirdest and worst experiences ive had in a Mexican restaurant. Multiple red flags before we even ordered. Left my mouth feeling weird after eating a simple dish I've eaten plenty of times before. The food itself was alright. The quality and the lack of representation for what you're getting was a major annoyance for me. I basically got half of another dish I decided against ordering. It was also so difficult to eat just because of how hollow my item was. With the Pandora Playlist in the background, my head was literally spinning. One of my 4 red flags that I noticed were the "lunch" items not being named in any way so it was just uncomfortable looking at with how much space it took up on the menu. I won't give my other red flags but I genuinely felt like I was in a Tex Mex restaurant.

-overall, it wasn't a horrible experience. If you haven't tried it yet though, you're better off going anywhere but Old Webster if you want to have a decent experience with Mexican food. It was simple and samey. Not everyone will care about that or know the difference against places like El Indio. Just go to El Indio and save yourself...