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I'm already a grocery and convenience store guru, yea I'm such a nerd, thought I'd rate Taco Palace using the same platform I'd use on any other business I go into.
Outside appearence: The outside of the shop appeared cute, like a small mom and pop shop, although I did notice some rather ugly bird's nest, but noticed them to be inhabited, I'm not sure how the strip mall works but that would be an issue for the property manage I'd assume, and it really didn't bother me.
Inside the store: Upon the entrance to the store I noticed it was very well maintained, floors were clean, and all specials were clearly posted, although some didn't show prices, the area where the line started behind the soda fountain tower was somewhat dim and may be of inconvenience to clausterphobic customers when waiting in line.
Service: The cashier was very pleasent, offered any help to customers with questions, was able to act casual and make small talk yet efficently take all orders in a timely fashion. when I ordered the hot nacho cheese and asked how hot it was, she said if it was too hot, it would be no problem to exchange it for a mild cheese, however the cheese was perfect.
Food: I ordered the number 3 as per Sleeper's suggestion, with a side of Palace Potatos and sour cream on my taco it came to around $7.20. This is a fair price for the amount of food given, had this been a chain store I would have been somewhat displeased, but in a mom and pop type situation it is understandable what must be done in order to bring in profit and continue to be competitive. My burrito was excellent, it wasn't authentic like a Chipotle burrito but I didn't walk into the store expecting and authentic mexican meal. After completing my burrito I moved on to my Palace Potatos which were good, but weren't like anything special, but generally people don't goto a fast food resturant looking for the side dish. The cheese dip that came with the potatos was very similar if not the same as what would be had at Taco John's, however better than the nacho cheese dip from Taco Bell. After completing the potatos, I was on my 3rd cup of Mountain Dew, the cups were somewhat small so I had to go back for refills, but I need the excercise anyways. The soda was somewhat flat like the mixture wasn't properly calibrated, it wasn't to the point where I actually cared though, maybe the syrup was running low because I'm sure the store is using bags and they can go quick. My taco was good, the sour cream really added some flavor although there was to my liking at least a bit too much lettuce and not enough cheese, once again I understand that with the high volume of orders coming through the store it may be hard to consistantly put the toppings on the taco. The meat was somewhat dry but by this time it was probably around 8:00PM and the store was closing within the hour, it wouldn't make sense to make a fresh batch of meat so late in the evening.
Restrooms: I was surprised to see how well the restrooms were maintained, the floors, walls and sink were all very clean, the room was well lit too.
Overview: Taco Palace is definately a good place to go and eat, while it may be more expensive than McD's, it's good to know that the money you give them is staying in Minnesota, not going off to wherever the hell McD's money goes to, I did like the fact that the food is brought out to the customer. It's a small shop but is laid out very efficiently yet keeps a small quaint look, the radio kept the store from being too quiet, yet didn't overpower the 747 about to crash into the building like it would have at Chipotle.
I'm definately going back, Wednesday to be exact, if anybody else wants to go also.
-Mark
Outside appearence: The outside of the shop appeared cute, like a small mom and pop shop, although I did notice some rather ugly bird's nest, but noticed them to be inhabited, I'm not sure how the strip mall works but that would be an issue for the property manage I'd assume, and it really didn't bother me.
Inside the store: Upon the entrance to the store I noticed it was very well maintained, floors were clean, and all specials were clearly posted, although some didn't show prices, the area where the line started behind the soda fountain tower was somewhat dim and may be of inconvenience to clausterphobic customers when waiting in line.
Service: The cashier was very pleasent, offered any help to customers with questions, was able to act casual and make small talk yet efficently take all orders in a timely fashion. when I ordered the hot nacho cheese and asked how hot it was, she said if it was too hot, it would be no problem to exchange it for a mild cheese, however the cheese was perfect.
Food: I ordered the number 3 as per Sleeper's suggestion, with a side of Palace Potatos and sour cream on my taco it came to around $7.20. This is a fair price for the amount of food given, had this been a chain store I would have been somewhat displeased, but in a mom and pop type situation it is understandable what must be done in order to bring in profit and continue to be competitive. My burrito was excellent, it wasn't authentic like a Chipotle burrito but I didn't walk into the store expecting and authentic mexican meal. After completing my burrito I moved on to my Palace Potatos which were good, but weren't like anything special, but generally people don't goto a fast food resturant looking for the side dish. The cheese dip that came with the potatos was very similar if not the same as what would be had at Taco John's, however better than the nacho cheese dip from Taco Bell. After completing the potatos, I was on my 3rd cup of Mountain Dew, the cups were somewhat small so I had to go back for refills, but I need the excercise anyways. The soda was somewhat flat like the mixture wasn't properly calibrated, it wasn't to the point where I actually cared though, maybe the syrup was running low because I'm sure the store is using bags and they can go quick. My taco was good, the sour cream really added some flavor although there was to my liking at least a bit too much lettuce and not enough cheese, once again I understand that with the high volume of orders coming through the store it may be hard to consistantly put the toppings on the taco. The meat was somewhat dry but by this time it was probably around 8:00PM and the store was closing within the hour, it wouldn't make sense to make a fresh batch of meat so late in the evening.
Restrooms: I was surprised to see how well the restrooms were maintained, the floors, walls and sink were all very clean, the room was well lit too.
Overview: Taco Palace is definately a good place to go and eat, while it may be more expensive than McD's, it's good to know that the money you give them is staying in Minnesota, not going off to wherever the hell McD's money goes to, I did like the fact that the food is brought out to the customer. It's a small shop but is laid out very efficiently yet keeps a small quaint look, the radio kept the store from being too quiet, yet didn't overpower the 747 about to crash into the building like it would have at Chipotle.
I'm definately going back, Wednesday to be exact, if anybody else wants to go also.
-Mark
Wierd guy.
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