Tios Mexican Cafe & Cantina

Reviews 5

A

A Private User

Dear Tios, Weve had a long run, but I think its time to say goodbye. I first ate with you back in 2004 when I moved to Columbia. Back then, you were happy, nice, good, and comforting. Your prices were reasonable, your service excellent and friendly, and your food put the other Mexican restaurants in town to shame. I loved you. I visited you at least once a week. I made my friends (who werent convinced of your greatness) visit you too. I even introduced you to my parents and all my friends from out of state. However, something happened to you in 2007, and I cant put my finger on what it was. I sometimes think you started having some sort of identity crisis. First it was the milkshakes, then really strange things appeared on your menu like blazin wings. I supported you. I never nudged you and whispered quietly to you, "hey, youre a Mexican restaurant. No need to offer this other junk to cover any slight imperfections you may have." Then you started having Matt, Kelli and Kim (the owners and operators) around less. Because of this, not only did your atmosphere take a turn for the worse, but the service suffered beyond repair. For some reason, you must like punishment because youve kept the same HORRIBLE wait staff through (and since) your move. I dont understand how you can have 2 waitresses, 3 cooks (Im assuming one of those is delivery), and 3 tables of customers, and constantly get things wrong. The little red head you keep around seems totally unconcerned when I order vegetarian and she brings me chicken. She also doesnt seem to understand the difference in Bud and Bud light. Tios, if you really loved me back, youd make sure I wouldnt have to base what I order on who is waiting on me. (IE- Bad waiter/waitress=simple food+ a prayer.) Youd know I shouldnt have to ask for silverware or straws. Is it me, Tios? Am I so unbearable that you charge me $8 for 3 tacos, or $6 for a cup of queso and hard, stale chips? And its not just the quantity youre charging me....its the quality. Things used to be so ... yummy, hot, wonderful between us. You used to brag that everything was made from quality ingredients. Now things are barely edible IF Im given the correct order. I gave you three chances, Tios, and I just cant take it anymore. You wont be seeing me around unless I can be wholly convinced youve made some drastic changes. If not, I wish you the best in the future.

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Nick Schauder

I was in the mood for Mexican and Tios is right by campus and close to where I live, so I decided to get an order to go. I went to their website online, and after browsing the menu I ordered the Corny Southwestern and the Jalapeno Poppers. It says to give 30 minutes to make sure they have time to prepare the food after you order, so I show up 30 minutes after my order. While this isnt necessarily their fault, for some reason the order didnt go through right on their end. It showed the order being completed on the account you make on their website to place an order, and had already showed up on my credit card and I had received the confirmation email as well. They apparently had received an email as well because they eventually found my order, but I suppose it didnt go through the right way so they had to start preparing the food after I showed up. I certainly appreciate them getting the food to me quickly and not making me wait any longer, but in their rush it seems they forgot some parts of my order. The Jalapeno Poppers were very good and came with the dipping sauce, but the Corny Southwestern was lacking the "Chipotle creamy" sauce on top as seen on the menu. The salsa I had selected on the side (you are required to select one, and I went with award winning extra hot) was also absent. So all in all the food I had was good, it was just missing parts and involved a bit of frustration in getting it. I will order from them again, however I will probably order over the phone to ensure my order is properly made, and will have to remember to look at my food before I leave.

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MI

Michael Evans

Went there for lunch today. The service was fast and friendly. But... Thats the only positive thing I can say about this establishment. I ordered Tios Tacos. (3 count) and my coworker ordered something that resembled an enchilada. While we waited, we had chips and salsa brought to the table. Before I even tasted them I almost laughed. The amount was about as small as Ive ever seen and I could tell that they were just poured out of a bag. The first one along with the rest of the chips were stale and the salsa was absolutely horrid. Both were just crap. Then our "food" came out and I almost laughed again. My coworker struggled to eat his enchilada beacause of a funky smell/taste. And it was very bland from what he said. My tacos (if you want to call them that) were pathetic. Ive had more meat on 1 taco from Taco Bell than all 3 of the tacos I had today combined. They tasted like crap and were not satisfying AT ALL. The only reason we ate our food was because we were starving from busting our ass all day working and we didnt have time to go anywhere else. So my advice is pretty clear, avoid what we ordered today. Im not sure about the other food as it may be good. But im afraid to take a chance to find out. Oh yeah, the price you pay for what you get is ridiculous. Ive had far more and FAR BETTER for less than what you pay here. Im not one to write review whether I like or dislike a place. But, after what I/we experienced today, I have to try and save someone else a wasted trip. Sorry Tios, 2 thumbs way down.

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A

A Private User

While Tios is definitely more Tex-Mex than true Mexican, they boast a wonderful atmosphere and great food. The variety of hot sauces that line the walls will keep you entertained while you wait for your food, the fresh ingredients that comprise the dishes are flavorful, colorful, and just make you feel good about eating. The menu is slightly limited; however, there are excellent choices including their Nachoes Grande, the Wet Burrito and the Mexican Pizza. Delivery service leaves much to be desired. The food has the same fresh ingredients and it is pleasingly displayed; however, it is cold. I do no mean "cool." I expect delivery food to be less than pipping hot. However, my last delivery order from Tios was C-O-L-D. The cheese had congealed to the point where it could not be pulled apart with a fork and the chicken felt as if it had come straight from the refrigerator. The taste was not bad; however, if it had been warm, I am sure it would have been better. Maybe they should invest in some insulated delivery containers to help with this situation.

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kelly helms

Jennifer, a supervisor there, and her staff were so hospitable to our table. We are a fun bunch, including my son Jax who is a 5 extended wheelchair. We were ASKED which table would accommodate us best. What a great way to ask! My adult son also wears diapers, and she sweetly led us to the MENS bathroom as it was more efficient for us. This recognition meant more to us than I can describe. On top of that, I left Jacksons back pack in the restroom, and live 2.5 hrs away. Jennifer offered to meet me on her day off to get Jax his backpack. I dont quite know how to thank her! AND THE FOOOOOOD! The guacamole was cilantro and lime fresh. The beans were scratch-made. My vegetarian needs were deliciously met (portabello mushroom wet burrito) and the queso was some of my favorite. We were checked on by a slew of lovely staff, all of them unique. I cant wait to eat there Saturday when I pick up the back pack from Jennifer ☺️

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