Ato — Restaurant in Winter Haven

First (and last) time here. Wasn’t even acknowledged when I entered. The door does go “beep boop”… so I know they knew I was there. I’m the only customer. The guy is training the girl, I guess. I order and pay at the kiosk, as the sign instructing me to do so is the only communication I receive while there. I’ve never had a “sushi burrito”, but I’ve heard of them, and since I’m driving with my Service Dog, a handheld option is probably best. I order the eel burrito, and watch as the girl informs the guy that there’s only a few pieces left in the bottom of the bucket she had to go rooting around for… he tells her to go ahead and use them. Hope he knows what he’s doing. She initially puts five pieces on the grill, which indicated to me that my $20 was already receiving some fair value. Great! But then they determine that I only get three of the pieces… ok. Hopefully it’s decent eel. $20 for 3 pieces is pushing it, unless it’s quality. But eel is my absolute favorite, and I’ve enjoyed it literally all around the world, for many many years.

My second indication that this may have been money ill-spent, was when they raised the hood covering the ingredients in a way that completely obscures what they’re doing. They could be putting literally anything in there, you’d never know. But, I’m trying to see what I’m paying for!

First acknowledgement that I’m standing there came in the form of an intense stare from the guy. Not in the least bit friendly, kinda angry, challenging? WTF? Ok, now I’m even more uncomfortable. (and they say customer service is a lost art…) It takes them, from the time I paid for my order (never got the receipt I clicked yes for) to when I’m walking out, at least 10 minutes, maybe more. With my car running and my dog waiting. But, whatever, you can’t rush quality, right? Fast, cheap, or good - you can only really hope for two out of three, at best. Not here. You’re not getting any of the three.

The guy actually grabs the mic, and announces my name when they’re done. I’m still standing right there, and still the only one in the store… remember, the guy you were just mean-mugging?

I’m back on the road, reaching into the bag to grab my “burrito”, and stuff it into my mouth! Uh, no. No, you won’t be doing that, because this “burrito” has been sliced. On the diagonal. Lengthwise.

It’s now a long tapered triangle, encased in poorly cut paper, that gives you no way to eat without two hands… which may work when dining in, but, I did already indicate “take out” at the kiosk… Ok, so at the next light, I manage to peel the layers of ragged paper away for my first bite... … ……

So, this is not only MOSTLY RICE, the eel (unagi for the initiated) is the most FISHY tasting eel I have ever eaten! And anybody who knows anything about this type of meat, knows that means it’s way past its prime. Should not have served me from the bottom of the bucket, especially when I’m in plain view. I can still see her expression, voicing her doubts as to the quality of said meat, as loudly as if she’d said it.

So, yeah, you got my $20. And this whole asking me for a tip beforehand? So we’re made to feel that if we don’t tip, we won’t receive the best made food? So I tipped. And still got crap. Enjoy the money, you got me! I bet that business plan has...

Excellent Service, Great Poke Bowls—Just Adjust the Portions!**

The staff here is fantastic—especially one server who always greets us with a warm smile and makes friendly eye contact. Her service is consistently outstanding.

The poke bowls are delicious when everything is well-balanced, with the right mix of protein, toppings, and sauces. However, sometimes the portions skew too heavily toward carrots and lettuce, leaving the protein a bit lacking. If the ingredients were more evenly distributed, every bite would be perfect!

Overall, it’s a great spot with amazing service—just a small tweak in portioning would make the bowls...

I came in with a $10 gift card from Bowen yard and the gulf sushi burrito, tempura shrimp and a seaweed salad. For starters the woman working was super nice and was the only working and still took my order and got it to me within 10 minutes! The sushi burrito was so good but it was so small and especially for the price. The tempura shrimp were perfectly crispy and so good! The seaweed salad was okay it had a lot of sesame oil so I probably wouldn’t order again. Overall I really enjoyed it and would definitely come more often if the prices...