El Jimador

The food was descent. Staff was friendly. The reason for two stars was that they charge extra for everything. Things that are normally included like guac, side salad, choosing flour tortillas over corn, etc, were extra charges. For instance the small amount of guac my wife got was $4. They also charged $11 for a medium margarita when the menu says its $9. With a $5 tip our bill was $60. Normally we get the same amount of food/drinks etc, for $40 - $45, sometimes cheaper depending on where we are. It was not worth $60.

This is a beautifully decorated restaurant with solid, gleaming wooden tables and chairs. Beautiful paintings on the walls and super clean. The staff was very friendly. Unfortunately, the food was not to our liking and seemed overpriced. I ordered a chicken quesadilla that cost almost ten dollars and was simply a folded over tortilla with some cheese and chicken inside, a side of chopped iceberg lettuce with a drizzle of sour cream. It didn't come with sides and was on the meal menu where it probably should just have been an a la cart item. The fajitas my husband ordered didn't come with tortillas, or they forgot to bring them, not sure, and he said it was just, "eh." We also had a strange experience and perhaps it's because they had new hires there (all the restaurants are struggling for help.) The server asked what we wanted to drink and I ordered a chardonnay. She looked at me blankly. I said, "Do you serve wine?" She said she didn't know and had to find out. She left and a minute later another server came over and asked what we wanted. I told him another person already had come to the table and he left, but then he was huddled, talking to the original server a table away. A third person came over and said, "I understand there's a special request for wine?" OMG I was getting embarrassed now. I said, "Do you have any white wines?" He asked what kind and I said, "Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio?" He said he'd have to find out and left. My husband said to me, "Stop sending people away!" (He was kidding, sort of.) The guy came back and said, "All we have is moscoto." I really am not picky, but I don't like sweet wines so I just said, "That's okay. How about a marguarita?" (Which I know is sweet, but one wouldn't kill me.)The relief on his face was obvious, and I felt bad because I wasn't trying to be difficult, I've always ordered a glass of wine at Mexican restaurants. He disappears and yet another server comes over. He said, "Would you like to order food?" (We were holding menus.) My husband said, "Yes," and the server mumbled, "I have to get something. " (Or he said he had to do something? Either way, he walked away.) At this point my husband and I are just staring at each other in disbelief. Yet another server comes over and asks if we would like more salsa and chips (which were delicious I will say!) and we said for sure. We didn't have any idea how long it would be for us to place an order and get food. That really didn't take long once someone took the order. Everyone was very nice there, it just was the strangest experience ever.

Out of over 300 contributions, I think I've only left like two 1 star reviews. This is probably one of the worst experiences we've ever had at a restaurant. I even hate doing this, but I feel like it's necessary. The service was below average, which is okay, but it wasn't even busy. The worst part was the food. I had the steak Ranchero. The sauce appeared to consist of only tomato sauce because it had no flavor. The meat tasted like it had been in the fridge thawed out for days. I took one bite and it tasted very old, stale, flavorless, etc., if it was something salt could fix, I wouldn't even leave a review. I don't think it was edible. The only thing that tasted decent was the rice. We mentioned it to the waiter and all he said was, "well, I watched them cook it." We still tipped him well because we know it wasn't his fault. I'm not asking for anything to make it right, just constructive criticism. If we go again and things have changed, I'll change the review.

My first visit to El Jimador. Very friendly staff. Our waiter was attentive and provided answers to our questions on drinks and entrees. Unlimited chips with salsa that was out of this world! The entree portions were very large. Absolutely delicious! The special for drinks was a pitcher of Margarita for 18.00. I passed and had Moscato, I believe 6.00, for a decent sized glass. My friend had a Corona beer with a lime wedge. The atmosphere was very nice and comfortable. Most wore jeans/ casual. There is outdoor benches as well as outdoor dining.