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We dined at El Mundo this evening. The place was an inferno. They finally opened a door, but that helped very little. The staff seemed cranky and was seldom seen at the table. None of us enjoyed our food. It was my second visit to El Mundo and will be my last. The table next to us left without ever getting their food. They waited 45 minutes for a meal that finally showed up in a to go bag when they asked for their check so they could leave. The waiters and waitresses brought other people's drinks to our table on more than one occasion. There is no way it could be like that every night, or they would be closed!!!
Casey J. wrote:There is no way it could be like that every night, or they would be closed!!!
We ate in there (upstairs) within the last couple of months, and it was jammed, but everyone seemed to be having a blast, the food was excellent, and the service was cordial and about as good as you could expect when a little place like that is slammed.
For me, it is always a Spring/Summer place to sit and eat watching the world go by. I have been there about a half dozen times and have not had any problems with the food or the service, but I haven't been there since late last year.
I've had perfectly fine meals there with above average food and friendly service, and I've had less than stellar meals there with the kitchen being out of several menu items and surly, inattentive service.
Consistency is an issue with El Mundo, but I still enjoy it enough to roll the dice.
do they still have the garden growing in the bathtub in the upstairs bathroom?
I've never actually eaten there (so essentially, this is completely off-topic), but I had a nice time once a few years ago when they still did the late-night-bring-yer-own-records-and-be-your-own-DJ-Fridays in that teeny little upstairs nook.
El Mundo is a bit more rustic. I find the heat to give me a feel of Mexico. . A feel of home. Seriously though, I agree with Mr. Ron Johnson's take. What brings me back is the 3 dollar Margarita's. They don't use nasty mixtos and for 3 bucks. That is great. You have to get a little peppered first to tolerate the place.
Well, Colin,
Between this board and the old one, I've raved about Bistro New Albany, Bonefish, the old Mayan Gypsy, Blue Mountain Coffee House, Shiraz, Third Ave Cafe, Diamante, Toast, and Sari Sari, also had nice things to say about Olive's, Safier's, Jerusalem Cafe, just off the top of my head, so yes, I think my list is mostly on the positive side.
Had I bad experience long ago, and it was upstairs. Had a hard time lodging a complaint, but things got worked out in the old forum. The staff downsrairs are always very freindly. The upstairs is always crowded, loud & hot. The upstairs also attract people who think they should get four star service everywhere. The Moral of the story is this: For a friendly time & good food eat downstairs
Bea and Joe are beyond skilled cooks. Also, you never have to worry about the quality of anything from these folks. They're always busy so why is it strange that a table would have dishes on it? Given the wait it's impossible to leave a table unclean. Sometimes it's hard to get people to wait for you to clear them! (that's thanks to the $3 margs)
If you aren't into these folks then you don't get it, which is okay, because they are one of many different restaurants. There is room for all. Personally I can't wait to get back to town and have some Carnitas!