My Burrito in Bristol, City of

Love this restaurant! I'm from Texas and it is hands down the best traditional Mexican you can get in Bristol. Staff are always lovely.

Honestly never order or go to this shop 3 time ordering and they have obviously not been bothered they didn’t give any of my order not a single thing was right I had 2 things I ordered 50 quids worth of stuff 😔

Visited here for a lunch date with my husband during a visit back to my hometown. Checked Tripadvisor reviews and seemed a good choice. Our experience wasn’t that positive. Upon arrival we were told to wait outside to be seen so we did. Completely understand it is small inside so didn’t mind this until we waited over 5 minutes before we were seated by a different waiter than the one who told us to wait. 5 minutes doesn’t seem long but when standing outside (in rain) it definitely felt like it. At one point we were debating whether to move on but being short of time to pick children up from grandparents we waited. The waiter who told us to wait outside looked up twice from the bar area during this time at us and we felt this was rude not to address us. The restaurant was not overly busy and we could see at least a few staff on which sufficed for the area so not really acceptable. The waiter that served us was pleasant enough so we ordered Tacos and a burrito and two drinks. When the food came it was underwhelming - I had two tacos which consisted of two mini tortillas with a dollop of marinated shredded chicken on top - £9.50. There was no sour cream, guacamole or salsa which we’ve always had previously at Mexican restaurants. My husband had the chicken burrito which was more substantial but again there was a lack of condiments - £9.50. We noticed after that the menu stated sour cream, salsa etc as paid extras but the waiter didn’t make us aware of this which we feel would have been appropriate. We also order two grapefruit soda drinks - £3.50 each. Upon getting up to the till to pay we had to wait again because the waiter was talking to a friend outside and no one else came over. I quickly checked the bill and paid. I should have checked closer prior to paying as on the receipt I noticed almost £3 as a 10% service charge. I am not happy to have paid this with the service received that day. I didn’t go back to speak about this as we had to get off to collect our children. I would not recommend and will not return. I have had better Mexican food and service at a festival! I don’t usually leave reviews but in this circumstance thought I’d just let people know prior to visiting what you may encounter.

Food was delectable, bar staff and waiting team were so good but I couldn’t help but notice the manager was treating his staff like something stuck to the bottom of his shoe. As a manager myself I don’t find this to be very professional especially so close to Christmas when it’s a busy time of year and a lot of younger people are financially strained. Management should be doing more to increase morale and rather be appreciative of the hardworking staff rather than belittling.

Another amazing visit yesterday, you know this place is good when you do an hour and a bit round trip on your day off just to visit! I had beef taco and nachos and my partner had a burrito all the food was delicious and full of flavour! Please don’t ever close we love you Cartel Cantina!