Searched for a San Marco's post to piggyback this commentary on to but there were quite a few so sorry to start another.
Just a follow up on San Marco’s from a once self-described SM Carne Asada Taco Junkie who scaled way back due to cleanliness issues and overall food inconsistency.
I went there today for lunch, first time in four months. Today… they were the best taco’s and value in town. Tacos were warm, fresh and meat was hot, fresh and tender. (cold and chewy is the worst!). They earned a Solid "A" for the food. I also stepped inside the bathroom and it scored a B+ for cleanliness. (Garbage was empty - not overflowing, sink area clean, only a little debris on the floor dropped by customers and it was probably recent)
As long as the results are this good I will not wait so long to go back. Just wanted to pass this along. Hopefully, they do monitor this forum and others to find ways to improve and see what customers are saying. Kudos when deserved and they were today.
Hmmmm! Maybe I'll have to give them a try again!
Glad to hear that. I've continued to patronize the grocery section and to purchase the green and red sauce to go but I've not dined there in months.
I have noticed a pretty drastic drop in the dining room clientele when I've been there. Hopefully, management got the message.
Thanks for the update.
Does the place still smell like bleach? Do they not know they can water that stuff down?
Last time I ate a taco from there I almost choked on a busted up toothpick I found in it. Disgusting. I can't figure out how it got in there. Either it fell out of the cook's mouth while cooking or else they are recycling the left-over food from people's plates...either way, I will never eat anything from there again even if it were free.
Understandable ilovetoledo. I was at The Beirut six months ago and had their Laban We-Khiar appetizer. While chewing I bit into a plastic milk jug ring (the bottom part of the twist off cap). I'll still give The Beirut the benefit of the doubt but they have earned it in my book. San Marco's, despite my kudo with commentary above, has to really stay on top of there game for a considerable period of time to earn the trust of many diners who are weary at this time.
^^I'd be among those Danneskjold.
Speaking of Beirut, I know it's "THE" Lebanese restaurant of choice in the area but, frankly, I've never been overwhelmed by their food. I've found it "ok" but the biggest turn off for us is that the place never seems very clean. Is that still the case?
It's interesting you say that Foodie. I've never thought the Beirut was "un-clean" but I think the dark decor always makes it subconsciously depressing or at a minimum just not conducive to an upbeat night. There have been nights I opted for "to go" for that reason. I do enjoy their Lamb Shish Kafta which I have tried to replicate without success and their Grape Leaves which I think are the best in the city. Unfortunately, the price of the Grape Leaves has gone up to the point that it becomes a decision to be made instead of a foregone conclusion before the meal. I do not mind ponying up for good food but I do stay within budget which means an over extravagance one night results in a fast later on.
You may be right about the dark decor causing us to equate it with unclean Danneskjold. I admit we haven't been there in years. And, the decor may have had an impact on our overall impression regarding food and cleanliness.
I know it's the sister restaurant, but we've always preferred Byblos.
The Grape Leaf out in Holland used to be great - but that place has gone downhill - IMHO.
Once they opened up the location on Hill ever so slightly east of Byrne, I stopped going all the way downtown. I have no complaints about the Hill locations cleanliness or food quality in the slightest. They bus the tables quickly after people leave, sweep the floor and the restroom is always clean if not minimalist.