Mi Chula's offers fajitas and margs

Mi Chula's is here. And it lives up to its billing. The new Southlake restaurant is the latest brainchild of some former Uncle Julio's partners. It's like a Julio's gone contemporary and casual, with counter ordering but full flavors. Fajitas Yucatan ($13.95) come with a side order of spicy, applewood-smoked pork ribs. Gourmet chicken tamales ($7.95) deserve to be topped with excellent green sauce. To wash it down, there are prickly-pear frozen margaritas. It's a cozy, sleek cafe. Look for it at 1431 E. Southlake Blvd., in front of Central Market; 817-756-6920, www.michulas.com . Read more

[Southlake resident]

We went into Mi Chulas for the 2nd time tonight. We have an 18 month old and last time we visited our baby was in a high chair at a table in the tight traffic area...the dining room is very congested and small.

Tonight we tried to ensure we got a booth out of the traffic area and the "owner" told my wife to get out of the booth because I was still in line. He then proceeded to argue and berate her telling her other people may want it and she needed to leave. When my wife said we had a baby and she had been 20 years in the restaurant business and couldn't believe this was his attitude his comment was "well I have 35 years" and walked away.

The incredible leadership continued with another "owner" feeling it his duty to try to make it right by explaining over and over "the seating policy" when my wife explained we were just looking to sit in a booth and enjoy dinner with the baby he kept insisting he was "trying to explain and help us feel better."

We asked for our money back and the owner’s name and received a card with the man’s name that berated my wife in the first place. The Owner’s name that was an obnoxious and rude is Joey Shashy “president”—didn’t get the name of the other kid that had been so supremely mentored by Mr. Shashy but you can chalk one up for your award shelf—you won, you got your booth back and we won’t ever return!

With ownership like that you’ll be hoping someone will sit in your booths in the years to come…and oh yeah and when we left there were 4 open booths…way to go you really made your point and preserved your booths for some abstract customers! You should be so proud of your leadership. Uncle Julio's here we come.

[Southlake resident]

We went into Mi Chulas for the 2nd time tonight. We have an 18 month old and last time we visited our baby was in a high chair at a table in the tight traffic area...the dining room is very congested and small.

Tonight we tried to ensure we got a booth out of the traffic area and the "owner" told my wife to get out of the booth because I was still in line. He then proceeded to argue and berate her telling her other people may want it and she needed to leave. When my wife said we had a baby and she had been 20 years in the restaurant business and couldn't believe this was his attitude his comment was "well I have 35 years" and walked away.

The incredible leadership continued with another "owner" feeling it his duty to try to make it right by explaining over and over "the seating policy" when my wife explained we were just looking to sit in a booth and enjoy dinner with the baby he kept insisting he was "trying to explain and help us feel better."

We asked for our money back and the owner’s name and received a card with the man’s name that berated my wife in the first place. The Owner’s name that was an obnoxious and rude is Joey Shashy “president”—didn’t get the name of the other kid that had been so supremely mentored by Mr. Shashy but you can chalk one up for your award shelf—you won, you got your booth back and we won’t ever return!

With ownership like that you’ll be hoping someone will sit in your booths in the years to come…and oh yeah when we left there were 4 open booths…way to go you really made your point and preserved your booths for some abstract customers! You should be so proud of your leadership. Uncle Julio's here we come.

[Help you]

I find this very hard to believe. When we went into Mi Chulas we wanted to sit in a booth and have a high chair on the end. The manager I guess pointed out that we were putting the high chair in the main traffic area. He showed us how we could have a safer seat and still enjoy our meal. We enjoyed our visit and have returned several times. It is a great restaurant and I would recomend it.
We went into Mi Chulas for the 2nd time tonight. We have an 18 month old and last time we visited our baby was in a high chair at a table in the tight traffic area...the dining room is very congested and small.
Tonight we tried to ensure we got a booth out of the traffic area and the "owner" told my wife to get out of the booth because I was still in line. He then proceeded to argue and berate her telling her other people may want it and she needed to leave. When my wife said we had a baby and she had been 20 years in the restaurant business and couldn't believe this was his attitude his comment was "well I have 35 years" and walked away.
The incredible leadership continued with another "owner" feeling it his duty to try to make it right by explaining over and over "the seating policy" when my wife explained we were just looking to sit in a booth and enjoy dinner with the baby he kept insisting he was "trying to explain and help us feel better."
We asked for our money back and the owner’s name and received a card with the man’s name that berated my wife in the first place. The Owner’s name that was an obnoxious and rude is Joey Shashy “president”—didn’t get the name of the other kid that had been so supremely mentored by Mr. Shashy but you can chalk one up for your award shelf—you won, you got your booth back and we won’t ever return!
With ownership like that you’ll be hoping someone will sit in your booths in the years to come…and oh yeah and when we left there were 4 open booths…way to go you really made your point and preserved your booths for some abstract customers! You should be so proud of your leadership. Uncle Julio's here we come.

[Another Fort Worth person]

I also find this story hard to believe. I have visited Mi Chulas on several occassions (with a 3 & 6 year old) and have been greeted by "Joey". He's always been courteous and everyone else is so welcoming that I think that the so-called Southlake Resident who complained about the service neglected to include that their "20 years in the restaurant business" includes currently being employed by Cantina Laredo or some other competitor.

In other words, they probably are trying to beat Mi Chulas down to build up their own restaurant. They'll need more than good luck considering the Mexican stew (forgot the name) that Mi Chula's offers. I never thought that the words "Mexican" & "stew" would go good together but I order it everytime.

[Betman]

I had a wonderful experience at Mi Chulas. I also have witnessed some of the very "special" people in this part of town. A small percentage of Southlake residents are assholes just like the cry baby at the top of the page. Narcissism can reign supreme here at times. None the less Mi Chula's is better than Julios any day.

[Organic Texan]

it was ok, i was a little disappointed at the lack of service and our food was somewhat cold. not what you would expect from former uncle julio partners.

[Chapmans]

We have only had great experiences and spread the word to many others who continue to go back. Even our teenagers and their friends go and enjoy the delicious food...many times. On our first visit they even brought out samples of foods we didn't order...so we would know how wonderfully smooth their red sauce was and how their refried beans are just a fabulous at their black beans and borracho beans. When we made a comment that the fish tacos were our least favorite because they were a little on the dry side, they explained that the chipotle sauce was hot and they restrain from putting a lot since people's tastes differ. They gladly brought out more and our tacos went from okay to fabulous! We love the food and the atmosphere...here you can hear your fellow diners talk...unlike at Uncle Julios (their first venture). Different style, terrific food, great employees (the kids constantly inquired if people were enjoying their meals!). A Win-Win Restaurant!

[gatorman in Las Cruces NM]

I have never owned a restaurant but I have eaten at plenty of them in my 58 years of life. I have had good service, bad service, good food, bad food, sexy waitresses and ugly ones but one thing I can say...you can please some of the people some of the time, you can please some of the people most of the time but you can't please all of the people all of the time. To be perfectly honest, I find the comments of the people that brought in their 18 month old brat very suspicious. First of all, let me let you two wonderful parents from Ft. Worth in on a new inovation...it is called A BABY SITTER!!! Leave that brat at home. In spite of how cute you think your little loud mouth screaming brats are, the rest of us just don't have the same opinion. I find it extremely rude and annoying when people, and I use the word people loosely, bring their brats into a restaurant and allow them to scream, run around uncontrolled and act in the manner of a jungle monkey. To be perfectly honest, I am darn glad those two idiots won't be back. One less obnoxious couple with a rug rat to deal with. Oh by the way, put a sock in the kid's mouth would you. Have a nice day.

[texans]

THE OWNER- Joey- VERBALLY ATTACKED US NOT ONCE BUT TWICE SAT NIGHT AFTER HE GRABBED OUR DAUGHTER AS SHE WAS GOING TO THE FRONT DOOR TO HUG HER DAD THAT WAS COMING IN LATE. HE FELT SHE WAS RUNNING IN HIS CAFE- SHE HAD A DRESS AND HEELS ON SO IT COULDN'T HAVE BEEN A SPRINT--SHE FREAKED BECAUSE WE LIVE IN A SOCIETY OF "NO TOUCH" AND SHE THOUGHT THE OWNER WAS A BAD MAN TRYING TO KIDNAP HER- THE "OWNER" CAME TO OUR TABLE AFTER WE ASKED WHO HE WAS (WE THOUGHT HE WAS A TABLE SERVER) AND SAID HE HEARD WE HAD A PROBLEM WITH HIM- TALKING TO ME IN A TONE MY HUSBAND HAS NEVER EVEN USED TOWARDS ME WITH MY DAUGHTER CRYING THE ENTIRE TIME- NEVER APOLOGIZING- THEN HE RETURNED 10 MINUTES LATER TO FINISH HIS LASHING OF US- WE ASKED HIM TO PLEASE LEAVE US ALONE SO WE COULD PACK UP AND LEAVE AND WE WOULD NOT BE BACK AND HE WALKED AWAY AND SAID "GOOD!" WOW-WHAT CUSTOMER SERVICE AND GRATITUDE??

[Sparkly Diamonds]

Nothing more than a step up from Taco Bell- Joey-- leave that temper at home!

[Travis]

I eat at Mi Chula's at least once a week for lunch and find it hard to believe that anyone has been given a "lashing" there. As for a step up from Taco Bell, where is your Taco Bell? We have never had anything but great food and service there. The prickly pear margaritas are awesome.

[Rocketlaunch]

I've never eaten there (yet). Is the courtesy of service that erratic?

[Stephanie]

I too find these so-called "lashings" unbelievable. I've eaten at Mi Chula's on a few occasions and have always found the staff to be extremely pleasant and helpful. And, the food is excellent! Must trys are the made-from-scratch tamales (the pork is my fave) and the homemade guacamole - absolutely incredible!! As for these people that received their "lashings", their bad attitudes can just stay home and make the world a more enjoyable place for the rest of us!

[Kim]

We have had nothing but wonderful experiences at Mi Chula's since they opened last year. Our family and friends dine out frequently because of our varied schedules and Mi Chula's stands out in the crowd. They are consistently friendly, on top of things, the food is impeccable and the service is outstanding! I highly recommend it!

[Mom of many]

My husband and I have taken our FOUR children to MiChulas more than once. We have always experienced great service second only to the great food!(Ofcourse our kids are not running through the place or screaming). I would encourage everyone to try it!!!! Great food, great service, great people. I also admire the fact six or seven guys have started this place on their own! Go Joey and crew.

[Nurse Kristi]

My husband and I tried Mi Chula's for the first time last night. We did not have any idea that it was not a "full service" restaurant. We turned around to leave and were caught by Joey who convinced us to give it a try. We thought anyone who would chase after us deserves a chance. Boy, were we glad we stayed. We consider ourselves margarita connoisseurs-let me tell ya' the prickly pear margaritas were to die for. Honestly, the chips and salsa were better than most full service places. We did not feel that the experience was lacking anything at all. Awesome place! We will be back.

[A Keller resident]

Mi Chula's has my vote! Great food and great people. I can't imagine any bad reviews for this restaurant. We've been there many times and not once were we treated rudely. Our 7 yr old grandson, loves eating there also.

[Little Cat]

Nurse Kristi wrote:

My husband and I tried Mi Chula's for the first time last night. We did not have any idea that it was not a "full service" restaurant. We turned around to leave and were caught by Joey who convinced us to give it a try. We thought anyone who would chase after us deserves a chance. Boy, were we glad we stayed. We consider ourselves margarita connoisseurs-let me tell ya' the prickly pear margaritas were to die for. Honestly, the chips and salsa were better than most full service places. We did not feel that the experience was lacking anything at all. Awesome place! We will be back.

What do you mean by "not full service"? I'm not sure what you mean. I've never been there, but will soon.

[Les Claypool]

Nurse Kristi wrote:

My husband and I tried Mi Chula's for the first time last night. We did not have any idea that it was not a "full service" restaurant. We turned around to leave and were caught by Joey who convinced us to give it a try. We thought anyone who would chase after us deserves a chance. Boy, were we glad we stayed. We consider ourselves margarita connoisseurs-let me tell ya' the prickly pear margaritas were to die for. Honestly, the chips and salsa were better than most full service places. We did not feel that the experience was lacking anything at all. Awesome place! We will be back.

Little Pete's patio on Lake Grapevine gets my vote any day, any time especially if you're boating in. I'll have to try Mi Chula's, even though it's in Southpark.

[Borracho Bean Fan - Yum]

I am betting that "not full service" means it isn't a sit down at the table and order from the menu restaurant. Although they do not like to be compared to Pei Wei - like PW you order first then sit down. The menu board is easy to read, the prices are higher than Taco Bell because it is a dine in restaurant-not a fast food. After ordering you are then seated! Even at busy times at Pei Wei or other sit down restaurants you can't break the line to go and grab a table (which "Helpyou" posted above they did). Just ask,(little 3 letter magic word) they work hard to accommodate.
We frequently go (not as often as I would like) and have had good experiences except for one. On a birthday celebration our daughers' meal was lacking in food and we did draw the attention to the server about it - who justified it and never advised the manager.(I do understand teens do have their moments and will have them at work as well.) Since we had extra guests with our family of 6 and most of us were tired and over 1/2 way through our meals - we just had her share off others' plates and she was more than full.
The next day I sent a note of the event to the restaurant on the michulas.com site. Within 24 hours I received a call of apology from the owner who 1) apologized profusely/professionally 2)advised that it is their policy to have a mgr come with any complaints 3) that he would reeducate their servers and 4) he sent us a gift certificate to make up for it even though we said it wasn't necessary.
Good PR, Good followup. What else could you ask for?