It is time to lay this dog to rest. If Stringer Bell and D’Angelo Barksdale can die and never be heard from again, then so can I sever my online relationship with Tios. The loss will be felt by no one.
I will not engage in hyperbole, in this final ever Tios post. My objective is to lay out in a concise manner my reasons for disliking Tios. I do not need to make amends for that dislike any more than I have to make amends for not liking P.F. Chang’s. And if you really think about it, the two are comparable.
In my opinion, Tios serves substandard Mexo-American fare. That alone, however, is not why Tios has drawn critical scrutiny. The substandard Mexo-American fare is WAY overpriced. If you honestly believe that Tios is a better value for your money than even Chipotle, you and I will just have to agree to disagree. With extreme prejudice.
Overpriced, over hyped, substandard food is going to draw criticism. But this has gone on too long. From this post forward, the only time you will read the word “Tio” from me is when I’m talking about my long lost great uncle, Gran Tio Guillermo. Besides him (and he rarely comes up), no más.
But you know what? Don’t take my word for it. If you like, or even love Tios, then continue to go there. If you’ve never eaten there, try it yourself. They do have a nice tequila selection. The evening couldn’t possibly be a total loss. Why do I say this? Because at least Tios is a local business. People who are members of my community wait tables, cook, wash dishes, tend bar, bus tables, and manage there. I’ve worked in restaurants before, and I bet Tios has a tight-knit crew of employees like most of the places I worked. Good for them. It’s not the server’s or bartender’s fault the food is substandard.
So I say, go to Tios. Drink up and tip well. Para mí, Tios está muerto. Adios, Tios.