El Tango Taqueria going downhill...?

David Lay · Post by **David Lay** » Tue Aug 14, 2007 4:58 pm

http://www.myfriendcleveland.com/board/ ... php?t=1320

Justine Cooper · Post by **Justine Cooper** » Tue Aug 14, 2007 7:10 pm

I have known two people who have worked there and he cheated them both out of money and treated them (females) horribly. He told one of them he was getting some million dollar cable deal too. I didn't get the friendliest vibe when I ordered there so I never went back.

David Lay · Post by **David Lay** » Tue Aug 14, 2007 7:23 pm

...and to think I was planning on going there for the first time this weekend!

Justine Cooper · Post by **Justine Cooper** » Tue Aug 14, 2007 7:29 pm

Go as an LO secret shopper and see how it goes.....

Glenn Palmer · Post by **Glenn Palmer** » Tue Aug 14, 2007 7:32 pm

Went there for the first time last week with my wife Chris, they met and exceeded my expectations. The food was terrific, the service was friendly and the atmosphere was great.

Ivor Karabatkovic · Post by **Ivor Karabatkovic** » Tue Aug 14, 2007 10:30 pm

never heard anything but good things about the place. its right across the street..but i've never had a meal there.

Phil Florian · Post by **Phil Florian** » Tue Aug 14, 2007 11:48 pm

That's a very illuminating conversation on myfriendcleveland.com. I thought the poster "poopdotcom" made some interesting points but "wakeupandsmellthecarcass" really had the most salient arguments.

I go there once every few months and the food is always great. I met the owner a couple times and sometimes he is boastful and talks your ear off about his travels and other times he is curt to the point of rude. He seems to have no real filter and says what's on his mind. If people don't like that, well there is always Chipolte, I guess.

If someone was thinking of going, still go. Just don't talk to the owner if he is there. He is the little guy with the ten gallon hat. You can't miss him. But seriously, go for the food. It has always been outstanding.

Justine Cooper · Post by **Justine Cooper** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 9:24 am

The food is much better than Chipotle, so go Ivor. I used to get it when I lived next door to you for take out. But I read the link with the other people talking about how he screws over employees and that is why I quit going personally.Does anyone know if he really did get a cable deal?

sharon kinsella · Post by **sharon kinsella** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 7:02 pm

If this guy screwed his employees over for wages there are two different things they can do to collect.

1. File a complaint with the Division of Wage and Hour with the Dept. of Labor. They have an office downtown and probably have a website.

2. Take him to small claims court. Very easy thing to do.

Personally, I will never give my money to someone who screws over their employees.

Vince Frantz · Post by **Vince Frantz** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 2:46 pm

I have had a 50% success rate with El Tango. In the 4 times I went there, he was only open twice. But those were 2 of the most memorable meals I have ever had in Lakewood and my companions all agreed.

El Tango is a rare gem for us and if you go there with an open mind and a cheery attitude, you will be rewarded.

- Don't complain that there is no ice or A.C.
- Don't complain that there is no beer
- Get the homemade limeade and be amazed
- try not to get full on the chips and amazing Pineapple Verde Tomatilla and the Cinnamon Chiplotle salsas.
- If you add the Guacamole, prepare to ruin Chipotle for yourself forever

Also note that these meals are not TexMex but more South American. Things are sweet - almost sugary. It is a great experience.

Go there first and hope he is open. If he is open, be cheery and appreciative (you will have no problem commenting on the food).

If he isn't open, go to Melt or Beer Engine. Places like these are Lakewood gold.