GRINGO grill + cantina

We had dinner with 2 friends on the balcony on the first balmy evening in Tucson. Great way to kick-off summer 2018! Our server, Sam Adams (really!) was very personable and seemed genuinely committed to ensuring we had an enjoyable experience. Food was OK, greatly enhanced by excellent service and a beautiful venue. We will return and definitely request Sam Adams as our server!

Really good food. Great waitress. Really nice view as we sat on the balcony which overlooked the hotel pool next door and mountain view. Not busy when we went. I think it is a hidden jewel.

Went with high expectations and was not excited when I saw the menu. Really lovely location and views. Also great deals on drinks. Just fewer vegetable options than I prefer.

We were a group of 11 on a Thursday night at 6:30-7:00 pm. At this time time there was but a table of 2 & a table of 6 in the dining area. We were the closest table to the bar which had 3 people. It was by no means busy by any stretch of imagination. We saw at least 4 staff members between bartender & serving floor personnel. Should have been more than enough to handle the customers, but service was terrible!!! After several of us kept asking to order drinks our server finally made it over to take orders after a half hour, it was almost another half hour before we actually got them. On the + side server returned to take food order about 10 minutes after being drinks, however the food took at least another half hour to 45 minutes to come. Had the food been exceptional or complicated in prep the time factor could be overlooked, however it was only average in quality & tacos & fajitas are not complicated recipes. I am very aware that everyone has bad or off days. As I have been actively working in the bar/restaurant industry for many years, I would normally give in to this theory & give this place a second chance. But not this time. The reason I will not go here again is the staff showed no signs of caring about their service and gave no reason, excuse or apology for their lax performance. (It took close to 15 minutes for 1 of our group to get a take out box for their leftovers). Very disappointing, perhaps this location needs a full staff & management change? It is my understanding there is another Gringos location in Tucson, I will consider trying that. To end this on a positive note, the location we were had a really nice outdoor dining area complete with a fireplace or chimmea(spelling), would have loved to eat outside had it not been a rainy night in the desert.

Server was great, but had no help from kitchen or bar. Chef moved at a turtle pace and bartender had to be reminded 3 times to pour the drinks ordered. Manager was no where to be seen in restaurant, except when we were walking out, he crossed out path glued to his cell phone. Hopefully this place steps or up soon or I can see it closing up.