Tortilla Jo's is open, somewhat

[cstephens]

I am sure their service will improve (they aren't really officially open yet).

It's kind of hard to argue that they're not officially open yet when their website and an email to their mailing list announced the April 16 Grand Opening.

While some people at TJ's seem to be in a bit of denial about the problems in service and in meshing, I do know that at least one person in a position of some control does understand and recognize the problems right now. Hopefully, they'll be worked out in the next few weeks. I'd say that for anyone who doesn't want to deal with the problems usually inherent in the opening of a new restaurant, I'd wait a few months before going. I don't know how often I'd necessarily be going to the dining room, but after my visit last Friday, I'm definitely going back to the taqueria often.

[JeffG]

I am sure their service will improve (they aren't really officially open yet). I already enjoy their food a great deal. Yummy.

When I ate there during their opening weekend, I don't recall anyone ever mentioning that the restaurant wasn't officially opened. I certainly don't recall them indicating that there were any special price breaks or other accommodations for the restaurant not yet being fully up to speed. Unless someone follows Disneyland news pretty closely and/or visited very regularly, I can't imagine them having any idea that the restaurant was brand new, much less in soft opening.

For those reasons, I have a hard time giving them much of a break with regards to the service issues that seem to be getting reported pretty consistently. These are problems that they are going to have to address very quickly and very aggressively or they are going to risk quickly establishing the kind of reputation that can be difficult to overcome.

-Jeff

[innerSpaceman]

I also am not going to dismiss TJ's as a waste of space at this point. I(t) IS a Patina Group restaurant and they are known for their quility food and service. They KNOW Naples needs work and I'm sure they're on top of this place too. No, I KNOW they are on top of these things.
Um, Naples has been an unmitigated disaster ever since it opened. And was that, um, like, 3 years ago already?

Based on the tremendous lack of progress made there, I don't have any reason to believe that Patina would give a whit about improving TJ's ... if the problems turn out to be endemic and not merely opening month jitters.

Catal, on the other hand, has never needed any improvement - and so again I do not see any evidence of the Patina Group putting in any work to improve an underperforming restaurant.


I liked TJ's enough to give it another shot a month or so down the road, but if there is not noticeable improvement, this place is off my list - - along with 90% of the other DD restaurants.

[cemeinke]

Personnally, the service problems I've experienced with TJ's has not been that major. Some examples:

Two bus boys filling waters for a large party missed one of the guests - one imagines that dealing with a few more large parties the staff will be able to communicate a bit better, or each learn to double check to ensure everyone is served.
Two margarites were ordered - one on the rocks, one blended - two margaritas arive, both belended. Server replaced the wrong margarita right away - This has happend to me in just about every bar I've been too, I'd say the folks at TJ's at least fixed things faster than I've experienced at the Hearthstone Lounge.
Server complaining about the kitchen staff getting an order right - Don't care about excuses, just fix the problem - one hopes, this is something else that will improve with experience.
So, I'm still willing to give them a chance. I've really enjoyed the food there, so that'll keep me coming back at least a couple more times.

[Ghoulish Delight]

[QUOTE=cemeinke]

Two bus boys filling waters for a large party missed one of the guests - one imagines that dealing with a few more large parties the staff will be able to communicate a bit better, or each learn to double check to ensure everyone is served.
QUOTE]And once that remaining guest finally got water, it was room temperature, and there was no ice in it, so it remained so.

[innerSpaceman]

Ah, but if the bottom was going to fall out of your water glass, would you rather have that water be room temperature, or ice cold?

[Not Afraid]

Ah, but if the bottom was going to fall out of your water glass, would you rather have that water be room temperature, or ice cold?
You people. :rolleyes: :geek:

Well, I like the food and I'm sure the service will improve. Napels has terrible food! They're in a different class.

[CarlieB]

Has anyone been back here recently? Any progress to report?

[soccerlady16]

Hi! I'm new to this website and I love it. I'm a big fan of Disney and this is one of the best websites I've seen.
Well me and my boyfriend went to Tortilla Joe's last Friday and we didn't like it at all. Our waiteress did take our drink order right away. But didn't get offered no water or chips and salsa! {Do you not get them if you sit in the patio area? }So we asked for some but they never came! I order the taquitos and my boyfriend order the shrimp cocktail. Even though my food was tasty all I got was 3 taquitos nothing else! He got 5 shimp in his cocktail! We don't mind spending alot on money on food as long as we get what we pay for! $30 for that? I rather spend more at the Rainforest Cafe and leave with a full stomach. I don't think the servers have any experience because I saw waiters running back and forth taking food the tables one plate at a time. I think I'll wait a while before I go back there again

[Not Afraid]

We went there last night and has a GREAT meal. Not one thing to complain about. Service was wonderful - really, really good. The food was excellent. I was really impressed - they got their act together.

I'm glad I gave it time to get together, because it's turning into a really nice restaurant.

[AVP]

We went there last night and has a GREAT meal. Not one thing to complain about.We actually ran into NA and her party on our way OUT of TJs last night, and it's like we ate at two different restaurants. I need to sit at your table next time. Honestly - it seems you've gained membership in the "friends of Patina" club, which gives you preferential treatment at their restaurants. I wish I knew the secret handshake!

We approached the podium and were seated immediately. (When we left the line was about 10 parties long) We were sent to the upper level dining room, which for us meant using the elevator.

When we got up there, having shared the elevator ride with a cart full of dirty dishes and an empty box of tequilla, we were asked if we wanted to sit inside or outside. We opted for outside, since the weather was cooling off and the restaurant was somewhat warm. "Do you mind if you sit in the sun?" Um, is there another choice? "Well, we can seat you on the other patio." Is it shaded? "Yes" OK, then let's sit in the shade. "Are you sure?" Yeah, we're pretty sure we'd rather sit in the shade than in the sun. (Was I speaking Greek???)

So we were seated on the half-empty shaded patio, and given menus. Apparently the menu has changed since opening day, and I'll ellaborate on that later. We perused the menu, and waited for someone to take our drink orders or bring us some water. We got the chips and salsa first. I really like their salsa, and I prefer the thicker corn chips they serve. Tony only likes the thick chips when they are hot, which these were not.

We finally placed our drink and appetizer order - we decided to get the guacamole, which Tony was really craving. The drinks came, and then we got our water. Perhaps there's some perfectly sane reason this restaurant serves room temperature water with no ice, but I just don't know what it could be.

When we placed our entree order, Tony had a pretty simple request. The combination plate he ordered comes with a chicken taco. He wanted a carne asada taco instead. They sell these tacos on the a la carte menu, and they are all the same price. There didn't seem to be any reason why he could not just substitute one for the other. The menu didn't say "no substitutions."

So we were pretty surprised when the waitress said "no." She said that the restaurant had just introduced a new menu that very day, and one of the changes was to remove the "choices" from the combination plates. (Apparently they used to come with your choice of tacos, now you get chicken.) We asked her very nicely if she would ask the kitchen, and she returned about five minutes later with the same answer - "no." She said that the kitchen was "just lazy," and never wanted to make changes.

At this point we were going to be late getting to the next session of the convention we were attending, so we let it drop. We placed our orders, and waited. The waitress said she would send a manager over to talk to us "as soon as she could find one." Apparently she never found one, because nobody came over at any point during dinner.

Our guac finally came - followed about five minutes later by our entrees. The table we were at (a 2-top) was so small that it was a juggle to fit the guacamole, the chips, the salsa, four glasses and two plates on it, so we ended up stacking things. The food runner did not help this process - he set the tray on the stand, and stood there until we made room.

I ordered a carne asada burrito, which I *thought* came with rice and beans. Apparently I misread the menu, and that was the most expensive a la carte burrito I have ever had in my life. It was very tasty, but not worth the price in any way. The carne asada was flavorful, but very, very fatty. Tony's meal was, in his words, "just ok," and again $5 more expensive than you'd find off property.

Our water was never refilled during our meal. Even when we asked for more water. We had to ask for more chips, since Tony ran out of chips long before he ran out of guacamole. Our waitress brought us one refill of our soft drinks, but did not refil them again, even after we asked.

All in all, I don't know that I need to go back there. Tony said he's had as much of that place as he ever needs. I have to say, I can not remember a time in my LIFE when a restaurant flat-out refused to make a change to a menu item. Sometimes there's an upcharge, or sometimes a special menu offering says "no substitutions," but I've never encountered a situation as stupid as this was. The waitress could offer no reason why they wouldn't make the change, only that the cooks were too lazy.

C'mon - if it's so hard to put steak into a taco shell instead of chicken, you're in the wrong line of work.

So I guess that will be two fewer people in line in front of NA next time she wants to go there. As for me, I'd rather make the drive to Miguele's.

AVP

[uberfrau]

AVP - I'm frightened of how much that sounds like my one and only visit there. We didn't actually receive our guac though, and a friend who ordered sour cream didn't get that, even after we reminded our waiter. He just shrugged and said something to the effect that it must have gotten lost. Our chip basket was filthy with all kinds of salsa dried on the inside. We had to ask for another one, and they seemed shocked.

I might give the taqueria stand a shot, but I would be hard pressed to sit in either of the sit down sections again.

[Not Afraid]

It's so interesting to read your account, AVP. I knew you were not happy when you left and I was not looking forward to having a bad meal at a restaurant who's food I enjoy. But, we did. The waiter was one we've had before, but he was actually not doing the main serving as he was training someone new. But, none the less, we had an excellent meal and experience. All of the serving seemed relaxed and friendly throughout our meal. I had to remind them again about another bottle of Sole, but that is not unusual - most people don't drink bottled water as the same speed I do.

It's odd to read soo many bad experiences when we've had experiences that have gotten progressivly better each time we've visited the restaurant. Luck of the draw? Just me being uber friendly with the staff. I KNOW I'm not the only one to do that.

Well, better luck next time. Meanwhile, I'll keep coming back.

[Germboy]

When we placed our entree order, Tony had a pretty simple request. The combination plate he ordered comes with a chicken taco. He wanted a carne asada taco instead. They sell these tacos on the a la carte menu, and they are all the same price. There didn't seem to be any reason why he could not just substitute one for the other. The menu didn't say "no substitutions."

I have to say, I can not remember a time in my LIFE when a restaurant flat-out refused to make a change to a menu item. C'mon - if it's so hard to put steak into a taco shell instead of chicken, you're in the wrong line of work.
AVP

YES! YES!!! I've been reading through all of these reviews and have been waiting for this one! I went tonight (party of 2) for my birthday and have the following to say:

1) 2 friends that we met on the way in commented that it was too expensive for the portions they serve. We agreed after seeing them. My dinner mate was complaining about how small the sope was. We were stuffed after we left, but we DID order two appetizers: the shrimp ceviche and the mushroom empanadas...so we SHOULD have been stuffed!

2) When I first sat down, I noticed tacos de picadillo (ground beef and potato) ala carte. That is my favorite taco stuffing that I acquired an addiction to while studying in Mexico. I decided to order the tamale/enchilada/taco combo plate and substitute the picadillo for the chicken taco. The waiter told me, "I'm sorry. It only comes with chicken." I said, "But you sell picadillo tacos, don't you? It says right here..." and he interrupted, saying "I know...they won't let us do substitutions. It's stupid. I don't know why they are doing that." I said, "So I can't even get regular BEEF instead of chicken?" and he said "No, sorry." I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A THING. And for $13.95 a plate (and a $70.00 bill for a party of two) and they can't be bothered to grab one tong instead of the other when filling the taco?!? What is up with THAT? I was so stunned, I didn't know what to say other than "oh...OK...". I felt like Jay Leno was going to pop out from behind a wall, telling me I was going to be on the next "Jaywalking" segment.

I'm sorry. At $13.95 a plate, it better not only be darned good, it better be the way I like it! I get the same combo, the way I like it, for less than HALF the cost at Super Mex and I can mix it up to suit my taste. There's a little hole-in-the-wall in Long Beach whose food is just incredible, that charges one-third that price for the same thing and the food is to die for. TJ's was good, but not to die for... And for being the new guy in town, you'd think they would be bending over backwards to please the customer.

3) My friend and I were interested in the handmade tortillas and ordered some. They were delicious! There is a small Mexican hole-in-the-wall in Anaheim that also makes corn tortillas on the spot, and we love them. They were just as good as the hole-in-the-wall! My friend went through them immediately, so (without thinking) I ordered more. We got the bill: $1.50 for each order (I think there were 3 or 4 tortillas to an order). We didn't notice it on the menu--our fault--so I can't complain about the charge. And in retrospect, I can't be mad at the waiter for not explaining the cost. But, I don't remember being charged for tortillas (either handmade or otherwise) at other restaurants. That's like being charged for chips and salsa.

4) Forgot to mention...the wait for a table was decent. It was Saturday evening about 6:35 when we got there. They told us 20-25 minutes for a table for 2. It took about 5-10 minutes.

Incidentally, when I called earlier to make a reservation, they told me they don't take reservations for the same day. The DLR hostess on the phone told me that, since the restaurant is new, I could anticipate a wait time of an hour to an hour-and-a-half. Maybe the game being on helped us out.

Final grades: Food quality/taste-- C+, Food Selection--A, Portion Size--C, Wait Service--A, Busboy Service--D, Wait time/experience--B+, Atmosphere--B, Food Substitution--F, Prices--C, Manager Concern--A, Condiment Selection--A+, Overall--C+. Chance of returning/recommendation: 70%.

[Not Afraid]

There's a little hole-in-the-wall in Long Beach whose food is just incredible, that charges one-third that price for the same thing and the food is to die for. .
Where is this gem? I live and eat in LB and am always looking for new recommendations.

BYW, I found a GREAT El Salvadorian restaurant that makes delicious Pupulas if you like that sort of thing.


About the prices....it's in Downtown Disney. EVERYTHING is expensive. Sure, you can get cheaper things in Long Beach, but you can't ride TOT or see Fireworks afterwards.

[Germboy]

Where is this gem? I live and eat in LB and am always looking for new recommendations.

BYW, I found a GREAT El Salvadorian restaurant that makes delicious Pupulas if you like that sort of thing.


About the prices....it's in Downtown Disney. EVERYTHING is expensive. Sure, you can get cheaper things in Long Beach, but you can't ride TOT or see Fireworks afterwards.

Linda's Mexican Delights!! It is literally a "hole in the wall", but IT IS ADDICTING. I have friends who drive from all over OC just to eat there. It's at 3500 E. Broadway. It's a little east of Broadway and Redondo next to the pharmacy. Absolutely incredible food. I'm at Studebaker and Willow, Not Afraid, where are you?

Since some reading this thread might really crave Mexican food like I do:

My mom used to work at the old (long gone) Max Factor plant in Gardena during the 1960's. Right nearby is Ramona's Mexican Food Products. Yes, it is the factory for the same company that makes the frozen Ramona's burritos in the supermarket. However, the freshly-made burritos are the best. The best anywhere, without question. I cannot recommend them enough. And the frozen ones sold in the store do not even resemble the fresh ones made at the plant. But BEWARE, most likely you will find a line when you go to order there. It is not in the best neighborhood by any means, and there is only a small outdoor area to eat your burritos (red and green beef, bean, potato, etc), but please try this place! We always buy them in bulk and take them home to enjoy. I guarantee that it is worth the drive. :)

If anyone takes my advice, let me know what you think!

Not Afraid, where is the Salvadorian restaurant? In Long Beach? I'd LOVE to try it!

[Not Afraid]

I know where that restaurant is! I've never eaten there, though. I'm in that area a lot, I eat at Lashers on a regular basis.

The Slavadorian restaurant is on the corner of Willow and Easy Street, on the East side of the river/710. It's on the left hand side going West. It's not a "fancy" restaurant, but the pupulas are to die for!

I'm just down on the other side of the river near Willow and Magnolia/Pacific in the Wrigley Historic District.

We have many, many great restaurants in Long Beach that are not chains. We're very lucky.

[SoCalDisneyLover]

Come on guys. It's not like they're officially open yet.

Wait....it's May 17....they are open? Oh well, never mind.

Sounds like they're taking full advantage of their location on Disney property, and are hit and miss(mostly miss), regarding their overall quality. That it extends to include the portions, the prices, the SERVICE, and the general vibe this place appears to put forth...when there are about 20+ other choices between the parks and DD to choose from, why would Anyone want to try this place.

I did, but have read enough to see that they apparently have not improved in the last 5 weeks, so why bother?

[Germboy]

We have many, many great restaurants in Long Beach that are not chains. We're very lucky.

One part of Long Beach's charm. No place like it! (But don't tell anyone...we have ENOUGH people!!) ;)

[Kevy Baby]

Wow, it's like there are two different TJ's.

I (along with GusGus & Cemeinke) was with NA on the Friday night visit (although I have been to the restaurant on other visits as well as the Taqueria). So many experiences of others posted here are so contradictory to what I have experienced.

Price/portions: Just accept the fact that it is DtD. Its going to be more expensive than off-premises. It's the nature of the beast. Everything is more expensive. And I hate to use this comparison, but you get the same thing at City Walk (I know I am not the only one to call DtD "Disney Walk"). The chicken that Seamonkey got was huge

Service: while I wouldn't say the service is 4-star, it has been at least decent (Friday was pretty good). We got more chips without asking, we got more water (besides the bottled) without asking.

Food: I am not expecting a total immersion authentic Mexican experience here (I'll go to East LA: El Tepeyac for that). However, the food is IMO good.

Substitutions: This is surprising. I haven't been with anybody who has tried to make a substitution (which is kind of surprising because GG does frequently, especially in Mexican restaurants). But if I were told no, I would be talking to the manager: if I were told "I will see if I can find one", my response would have been, "No, you WILL find one. And quickly."

Reservations: I called 761-DINE Friday mid-day for 6:30 reservations that evening. No problem. Wait time at desk: none.


The Slavadorian restaurant...I just LOVE your typos :D