Taco Time NW — Restaurant in Woodinville

10 a.m. on a Saturday morning, on the return leg of a very early morning travel with only a double shot machiato down the hatch since last night's dinner. Shwarma place closed until 11. Drove 5 miles... fish n' chips place closed until 11. Did not want to end up at the Mc D... was just going to wait until getting home but happily discovered Taco Time Woodinville open. Decided to "dine in' rather than do drive through and pleased we did. "Facilities" were impressively clean and well stocked, the ordering counter and restaurant area impeccably clean and pleasant. Employees very friendly, cheerful and helpful. Tried a fish taco meal instead of my usual drive through fare and it was pretty good! I am impressed that they are environmentally conscious, even the cup lids and salsa containers are compostable. The tots were crisp and hot and pico de gallo fresh. Health rating sign of "Excellent" No surprise! No complaints here!! I would definitely dine...

So going through drive through during lunch, I order #3 with chicken, my favorite and hand card to Steve who was working window. Returns card and politely says that it just expired and sure enough it had :( to say embarrassing is understatement as I just keep ID and one credit card in phone holder. I’m panicking to find my wallet or some cash or something and see about 40 quarters and that’s about it. I tell Steve I will come to front to pay and he says “you know what, it happens. Just come back” I looked at him kind of in shock. No one does that kind of stuff anymore, but absolutely bc of his kindness, this fast food restaurant I’ve always loved will make so much more than that off me as my family eats out too much as is, but taco time is our favorite and just want to say, incredible people with big hearts working there....

This location of a NW favorite has lost it's edge on the competition. The staff, of which there were many, couldn't handle the small amount of patrons, 2 inside with an average flow of drive ups after the lunch rush. They actually ran out of taco meat during service! Chef Ramsey would have a lot of fun with this crew. Communication was poor regarding this issue as was the long wait while watching team members take breaks on the dining floor during it! There was a general feeling of "no rush" during this with staff standing around. I feel for management trying to hire competent motive staff in the current environment. Bad look for...