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The owner of Torchy's Tacos wants you to decide for yourself whether his poetically named Dirty Sanchez tacos have lost their mojo.
The Dirty Sanchez.: J. Patric Schneider photo
Posting as "Torchy" in the comments of this week's largely unfavorable review of the taqueria, this gentleman says he'll be on hand personally tomorrow (Friday 4/27) at the 2411 S. Shepherd Drive location to hand out a free Dirty Sanchez (mind out of the gutter, please!) to anyone who wants to see for themself if i'm full of you-know-what. Just show up between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. with a copy (paper or printed from online) of my Torchy's review.
Here's what Sr. Torchy had to say about the review, and the comment war that broke out underneath it online. I reprint it in full because I thought it was a pretty good retort, as retorts go. Plus you have to admire a guy who puts his money where his mouth is:
"THE GOD'S HAVE SPOKEN! Thank you, Allison, for ripping apart my restaurant! ....To be honest, the Damn in me wants to tell all the haters F@#& off, but the Good in me knows that the people’s opinion counts. It’s easy to rant and rave online and behind closed doors. I'm not saying the experience had at my restaurant was untrue. No one is perfect, believe me. Perhaps we had an employee that had his head up his own A@& that day. Trust me, anyone who owns a restaurant knows how hard it is to run one. That’s precisely why so many fail. The biggest problem I have with this review is not the comments, but the fact that it's awful hard to fix the situation if we can’t get details about the very thing that upset them. I’d very much like to address the individual in the scenario, but can’t seem to point the pitchfork in the right direction. As far as our food goes-- some love us, some hate us. Our tortillas aren’t home cooked because I didn’t have the space in the trailer we started in.
We've gone back and forth and the reality is that it’s unfair to offer fresh tortillas at some stores and store-bought ones at the shops that are too small to make them. We order them from a company in Austin who makes them overnight and delivers to each location every morning. Hell, most of the time, the boxes are still hot! If you worked in our company, you would know how much love and passion we put into our food. You would know how proud our people are about what we do.
In fact, to demonstrate our care, please note that I'll be at the Shepherd location tomorrow afternoon (4/27) from 11a-2p. I'll be giving away FREE Dirty Sanchez's to anyone who prints out this article and brings it in. After you eat the taco, I'd like to know if you agree with Ms. Cook or not. We love all of our customers and for those who have had bad experiences, I deeply apologize. I hope that you’ll take this opportunity and let us win you back!
Oh—and as for the photos that everyone is bashing us about, the resolution of a photograph has everything to do with the way an image appears. Two different cameras are going to produce different images. A professional photographer is just that, a professional—and a Damn Good editor, if I do say so myself! See you tomorrow, folks."
So there you have it: free tacos and a chance to take my name in vain, if you so wish. Pretty good deal. Don't forget to order some chips, queso, guacamole and salsa roja to go with your freebie: they were my favorite items on the menu. Sounds like a beer might be a little tricky, though.
And yes, we here at @2995 direct messaged @TorchyTaco on Twitter to see if the offer was legit, or whether it was just Lance Fegen messing with us. It's for real.
If they want to give away free food that's wonderful. But, the only people who would be really qualified to judge would be those who have had the same taco in Austin. But, everyone go out and get a Dirty Sanchez at Torchy's and enjoy it. Help them improve. I like their style!
.... amen. nice response, Torchy. I admire your tenacity. And it looks like Allison does too. Let the customers be the judge. I'll be dropping by, FWIW.
I've had Torchy's in both Houston (Shepherd location) and Austin (Wm. Cannon location) Both had ridiculously long lines, and to be honest, not worth the wait. The Dirty Sanchez is a taco!! This is not too big a deal. With the lines already long for an expensive TACO I expect them to be crazy long for a freebie.
That's stupid. If you like it, you like it. Who cares if you've been to the location in Austin.
I have never had a bad meal at Torchy's. Everything has always been great and a manager came by the table to ensure we were satisfied. The table next to us had a complaint once and the manager made sure that they not only got a new order, but also introduced them to Torchy's Crack (Deep fried chocolate chip cookies).
It's 3 hours past the offer time and it finally gets posted on the front page.
Sour grapes?
It's for Friday.
Its for 04/27 nimrod.
Duhhh.. the offer time is tomorrow, 4/27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hungry, you know how to use a calendar?
Ummm... the offer timeframe is tomorrow.
Hey there...no sour grapes... the 27th is tomorrow! Yippee! I have a feeling there will be a line!
:)
Houston, stop trying to be Austin!!! But I do have to try Torchy's, that was one place I did not get to while I lived there.
Houston is better as Houston... Austin tries WAY too hard.
So true. I was at The Boneyard last night and several out-of-towners were amazed at how cool Houston is. We just want to keep it quiet so all the weirdos go to Austin.
I wish the Boneyard would move to Austin and leave Houston. Or at least have HPD camp out on Washington to avoid the disaster that happens every night.
What did The Boneyard do to you? It's nothing like the douchebag palces on Washington Ave.
Those of us who are going to pay for our Dirty Sanchez go to the front of the line.
The review was petty and stupid. What fool thinks that a franchise would be on par with the original? That has never happened in the history of the world. When you start a location in a different area, you have to tap different suppliers, get different products and break in new cooks and staff. Torchys did as good a job as anyone in taking an original and converting it to a franchise.
Is it actually a franchise? Or, just another location? I was thinking it's just another location under the same ownership. Big difference in that and a franchise location.
I second this. MexTex needs to educate himself on the word "franchise" before he starts carelessly throwing around words like petty and stupid.
well said mextexmextex!
Well said. Then again Allison has hammered some of the best restaurants in Houston.
Wait a second. The review was petty and stupid because Alison did not enjoy the food/experience as much as you may have? That really doesn't make any sense. Alison reviewed the restaurant. Her reviews are based on her opinion of her experience of that restaurant. You are free to disagree with her opinion, but to call her opinion petty and stupid makes no sense, especially when she stated the reasons for her opinion.
If you're going to open a second location, customers expect you to deliver an experience on par with the original location. Granted, it doesn't always happen, but that's what reviews are for - to let customers know before the walk in the door.
Thank you Alison. Good job!
....at least the guy came in a made a statement, most operators are chicken shit to step up and say we can do better. Does anyone remember the douche bag who use to own this former taco spot who said his product was excellent and would ramble on and on???.....I am not fan of Torchy's but I commend this guy for at least trying...... You want good tacos go to La Tierra truck by west alabama ice house, you want an excellent breakfast taco go to La Mexicana on Montrose....folks there are tons and tons of better choices available, why settle for crap?
I'd rather just go spend $2 at the Tierra Caliente truck on W. Alabama and get something I know I'll like and love.
Think Tierra Caliente slipped a little bit when Pete kicked em off the Ice House property. Still enjoy it, but Torchy's is damn good.
alison
karma
not going
seriously get over the whole, "oh the austin location is much better" junk, you live in Houston, you live in a town full of culture and different foods. if you don't like the location, don't go there, problem solved. There are so many places in this beautiful town; find them, enjoy them, if the services bites, let the owner deal with it, in the long run, he's the one that will be out the money, not us!!!
Beautiful town?? This city is FAR from beautiful!! It's ugly and boring!! For gods sake this city evolved from a mosquito infested bayou! Why do you think houstonians are so fat?? There's nothin to do here but eat! Really sad! Austin it's NOT!!!
I am a 4th generation Houstonian. If you don't like it here and the beautiful parts of Houston then get out.
sounds like you need to pack your bags & GO!
Rafael, you might want to crawl out from under whatever rock you are and take a look around the city....
Adios, Rafael!
Good ridance!
Just like Alison's review, that is your opinion. You can take your Austin elitism and go. Yes, Austin is a pretty good town, but, sorry, so is Houston and I choose to hang my hat here.
This ain't Austin elitism folks, it's FACT! Ive lived in Houston
30 years and have been all over the world for business and pleasure so I honestly
Give a qualified opinion based on what I have seen and were I been. What's funny is that
My previous comment elicited so much anger from these "houstonians" who are delusional
On how this city looks! Don't hate on Austin because they were smart enough to have ZONING
And it doesn't look like an ugly concrete jungle like this bayou mess! Also Austin has hills and the
Topography is nicer than this flat and bland city. It is what it is folks, enjoy what you have but don't
Hate other cities because they are aesthetically nicer and have more to offer, I makes Houstonians
Sound jealous and that's why they rediculed on a national level (such as being a FAT city)
Since when can opinions be "qualified"? It's your opinion, nothing qualified about it. Houston is this nations 4th largest city, it's to be expected to have concrete. Austin is lucky to have the Hill Country as it's surrounding area, and it does make it more aesthetically pleasing. Your obviously butt-hurt about Houston for some reason, or just another pretentious ass that thinks his world traveling business pleasure exploits and opinions are something we give a crud about. News flash for you dude, most of us do not. I grew up outside of Austin, when Oakhill was still seperate from the city and there were no stop lights between Austin and Dripping Springs. I have lived in Houston for about 10 years. They both have their ups and downs.
As fars as eating at a place that names it Tacos after sex moves, they may be good but couldn't pull myself to eat there. Though I will say the owners response has grit.
I totally agree with your critique of Rafa's ramblings. And he really undercuts everything he's saying by not even knowing how to spell the word ridiculed.
Having lived in both, I know Austin and Houston both have their ups and downs, but given the better economy of Houston, the nationally-recognized theatre scene here, and all the perks that come with living in an urban metropolis (and there are many), I really do enjoy living in Houston and visiting Austin.
now you're a worldly elitist...sorry, but by definition fact does not equal opinion
<>
what's next, want to go for other-worldly elitism?
well said! Houston is not Austin, and Austin is not Houston
Really, nobody in Houston cares about Austin. If they do, they went to school there & nobody cares about that.
how much spit will be in these tacos?
I'll pass on the Dirty Sanchez, I'm scared that pissed off employee might have had more than his head up his @55! Also I'm scared there might be a special sauce on it. Call me crazy, but do you feel safe eating anything from the hands of a man this upset? Not I. So long Sanchez and your dirty tacos.
Interesting the tortilla's come from Austin when right next to Torchy's within a block is one of the largest tortilla makers anywhere, and they do custom orders. It's right across from the big Fiesta store. So if they want freash you can't get freasher than around the corner.dRBy8
there is not a Fiesta anywhere close to the Torchy's on Shepherd....
There is currently a Fiesta across Dunlavy from the new HEB - it's less than a mile from Torchy's.
but its not a block away as the post states....
Hey Alison... next week, please do a harsh review of a high end steak house in Houston. I am in the mood for a good free steak. After that, seafood. ;-)
LOL, I'll second that!
They lost me at "Our Tortillas Arent Home Cooked". You my friend are just a middle class Taqueria Aramdas. You ate completly fake Taco House if you can't even make in house home cooked tortillas.
Seems to me that if they currently have lines out the door, then with this offer they'll have lines around the block! Maybe the offer should be extended into next week....wink...wink.
We've been to Torchy's half a dozen times. Our main issue with the food is that it rarely is hot enough. Most items (fajita tacos) come out lukewarm at best. The original review was accurate regarding the barbacoa tacos. They are too fatty, to the point of being unpleasant to eat. I always feel short-changed when I get the fried chicken tacos. I don't understand how they can put a ton of chicken in the fajita tacos, but give a quarter of that amount if they have to fry it first. Isn't it the same chicken? ...and don't bother ordering the fajita plate. It contained some of the worst refried beans we've ever eaten (the rice failed as well). The beans fell under the category of "What were they thinking?" You'd get better beans in a Banquet frozen dinner. Yes, they were that bad. Plus, the chicken and steak were room temperature. The meal was an epic failure.
On the plus side, the shrimp taco and green chili pork taco are both terrific. As well as the guac, queso and chips. The manager has dropped by our table a couple times to make sure everything was okay. Most of the time everything is just 'okay'. That's the problem. I also don't buy the "We can't make fresh tortilla because some Torchy's don't have room to do that." Sorry, but you don't harm the larger restaurants because the smaller ones will look bad. I'm pretty sure people will understand that a tiny taco stand can't make fresh tortillas. The same can't be said for a restaurant.
Overall, Torchy's is just okay. The Chipotle, down the street, consistently has better food, regardless of the fact that it's a chain.
We miss the brisket tacos at Greatful Taco ( Torchys took over the space)..... We much preferred GT
Try the crossroads and you won't be dissapointed
I totally agree.
Looks like the owner got his feelings hurt. Get over it.
Sorry, I gotta work. I just looked up the menu and saw the taco was $3.50. Why all the griping about expensive tacos? Hell, $3.50 ain't nothing. I am thinking the people I saw griping last night had another agenda other than honestly expressing their opinion. Like maybe they were the competition?
Relatively speaking, $3.50 is pricy, over double the going rate in Houston for a taco. Torchy's tacos range from $3.50 to $4.75.
If you thought the lines were long when you were paying for your food, wait until it's free! LOL! GO TORCHY'S!
I'll be the first in line to say Torchy's has some amazing tacos. I've gone there the last 3 days in a row and ordered the same darn thing. The gentlemen (Brandon?) at the counter insisted that I try the "Crossroads" and the taco of the month (shrimp). They were both superb! The only thing I would change is that they add the current flavor of the month as a staple on the menu and possibly drop the prices:)...GOOD EATING!
I've been to the Torchy's in Austin and loved it! I never experienced a long wait there. Their salsa has an amazing flavor, and the tacos rock! The review makes me really want to try the Houston one now.
I LIKE TOYTULES!!
Naming a breakfast taco a "Dirty Sanchez," scores an F in marketing. I will not consume it even if offered for free. Google it if you must.
OMG! How GROSS! And sounds just like Austin!
I tried the trailer restaurant in Austin and I got a Trailer Park and the Dirty Sanchez. While I thought they were good, the price wasn't worth it for the amount of food I got. I did get a cool T-shirt though.
I stick to a couple of places to get my tacos always consistant & friendly, BTW: I was poo-pooed by my friends and coworkers years before all the hype and yuppie "we're so cool" infiltration for eating from taco trucks, but I digress, anyway, once all the hype is gone and the line gets back to 2 deep they will be serving the "tacos" that started this whole free publicity stunt. Suckers.
You know, I had NO idea this controversy was playing out, but now I know and I was so impressed by the owner's disarmingly charming, jovial and positive response to the complaint, that I've decided to give Torchy's Tacos a try. I'll even try a Dirty Sanchez ... but on a day when they aren't free in order to avoid crowds. I'm a bit of a misanthrope and a pushy mob trying to get free stuff is just one of those things that would land me in a mental hospital.
Way to go Torchy's entrepreneur! Love the "Bring It!" attitude.
nice! misanthropes rule...see you at the looney bin
I've eaten at the Austin locations and the Houston location. In my opinion there is a diiference. The 2 times I ate at the houston location my tacos were cold. I dont know if that threw off the flavors, cus it jsut didn't taste the same as in Austin. I even tried both places in one day, just to prove to myself that what I was tasteing was right. One both occasions the Houston tacos were not as flavorable and cold...So i stopped going to the Houston location. But every time I'm in Austin I always hit up Torchy's.
I went to Gratefull taco several times and loved it. I never had a problem with there tacos being cold...Fix that and maybe the quality and flavors will be on par with the AUstin locations.
As an Austinite transplanted to Houston I love that Torchy's opened a location here. Every little bit that reminds me of Austin helps :) Before the angry calls of "go back to Austin!" start raining in, I will just as soon as I can. Obviously there is a reason I moved and Houston is serving its purpose. I love the food at Torchy's, especially the Trailer Park (you must get it "trashy") and the Fried Avocado. My biggest question to all of the Torchy's haters is why is the place always packed if it is so bad?
To all the Austin haters, why must one feel the need to put Austin down when unprovoked if Houston really is superior? The only reason I can come up with is that there are doubts that cause defensive reactions. Bottom line is that the only things the two cities have in common is that they are in Texas. Climate is markedly different, geography is markedly different, and culture is markedly different. Both cities have their merits. Houston is a huge place and I think there is room for a couple Austin transplants. Getting angry about little bits of Austin showing up here in Houston only further shows unwarranted prejudices that unfortunately exist.
We're happy to have served your purpose, but it sounds like it's time for you to go. And isn't calling out supposed "Austin haters" just the pot calling the ketlle black? I don't
my last comment got cut off before i edited and made my point, and now i've forgotten my point...sad
defensive much? Geez! I lived in Austin the big difference is the beauty of Austin is unmatched. The traffic that they have now makes me sad. it's become a big city. I wouldn't leave Houston for anything, but Austin is one of the greatest cities in tyhe US. i don't who or why anyone would bash Austin.
Welcome to Houston! In response to your question, I think most Houstonians have their head on a swivel because frankly we are used to being dumped on all the time. I am a native Houstonian, but have a ton of family in Austin and went to college there. Whenever I visit my family or friends in Austin I hear stuff all the time like, "Oh, so when are you gonna move up here?" As if where I live is such a horrible place. When I reply that I really love Houston and that it has a lot of things that Austin can't provide, I get crazy-looks. If we're a bit sensitive, it's because we're so often cast as a bland urban hellscape by people who don't know any better. Frankly, Austinites are guilty of this more than most. Leon Wieseltier, literary editor of The New Republic, said something about New York in Texas Monthly a couple years back that I think can unfortunately apply to Austin: "The parochialism of the center is always greater than that of the provinces. In the provinces, they keep an eye on the center, but in the center they just gaze lovingly at themselves with both eyes."
Oh, and for the record, I'm a big Torchy's fan and get them whenever I'm in Austin. But in Houston, we have Laredo and a ton of other places. I thought Zero Stars might have been a little harsh, though.
"bland urban hellscape" is such a nice turn of phrase. And, as you indicate, so wrongheaded. I always think if you appreciate the absurd, and a riot of interesting contradictions, you'll grow to enjoy the way Houston looks. I certainly have. Houston is way weirder than Austin IMO. And that's just the way I like it.
But I like Austin, too, except for all the dogs wearing neckerchiefs.
"In logic, an argumentum ad populum (Latin for "appeal to the people") is a fallacious argument that concludes a proposition to be true because many or most people believe it. In other words, the basic idea of the argument is: 'If many believe so, it is so.'"
-Wikipedia
It is an AUSTIN business. Just boycott it. Do nothing that would tend to support the Austin economy. If Torchy wants to sell tacos let it close all its Austin stores and officer and move somewhere else.
Let me try to explain this to you slowly: If it has a Houston location, then it employs Houstonians at that location - so you are supporting the Houston economy if you go there.
I've tried Torchy's (Houston)once. And it will be my last time.
This place does not live up to the hype. Many better, and cheaper, taco joints in Houston.
Reading this at 10:15, probably would have had to be in line already to get a free taco by 2. Oh well.
Bull........at both locations Houston & Austin the service SUCKS!!! the tacos are overprized and wait is not worth my time. I realize we all have different tastes and wants - but if I want BAD service with an ATTITUTE like "so what" I WILL SAVE MY MONEY AND STAY HOME AND EAT.
Good luck to Torchy's - but he needs to get with the program and hire personnel that is CUSTOMER SERVICE ORIENTED....There is enough rude people in this world already - we don't need them at a restaurant...Just saying..........
I fell in love with Torchy's Tacos in Austin and was excited when the new location in Houston opened up near me. My family and I have eaten there 5-6 times now, and while I have always enjoyed my meal, only once of those times did I feel the quality of the taco (in this case the green chile pork) was on par with the Austin location I used to frequent. In particular, my experience in Houston is that the pulled pork seems generally drier than what I had in Austin (excepting the one time it was not and was spectacularly awesome).
While it may not always live up to the Austin locations, Torchy's in Houston is now in our regular restaurant rotation and will be for the forseeable future.
Its funny how some of these houstonians on here have such thin skin! LoL!
Everything is "go back to Austin or go back where you came from" they can't take
The fact Houston is ugly and and boring! Just deal with it! Houston does have some
Positive attributes such as a good economy and food, but it's never going to be an
Attractive and fun city! What's pathetic is that it tries to hard to be cosmopolitan which
It's NOT! Just take Houston for what it is and move on!
The only people impressed by Austin are Austinites. Listening to you people go on about yourselves on a website intended for Houstonians is exhausting. You have got to have better things to do, right?
I once had thin skin, but it toughened up because of all the mosquito bites and bayou swimmin' i do.
Noticed the lines at the S. Shepherd location so I tried it once, waited forever, and received an order that was sloppy, lukewarm, and meagre for the price. Found the dining room loud and unpleasant. And the "Dirty Sanchez"? Oh, please. Never again--I learned my lesson.
Good attitude by the owner. I commend him.
also... I find it funny that people will use any excuse to start a city war. Grow up.
The reviewer's name is Alison. One L. It's an embarrassment to misspell the name of the person with whom you're arguing, Torchy and various commenters.
If I was going to drive all the way over to Montrose for a taco, I'd just go to the Tierre Caliente truck @ the Alabama Icehouse.
I found a place that is cheap and makes em fresh everyday. It isn't this place.
Without Houston, there would be no Austin.
I appreciate his effort, but Mr. Torchy needs to relax. Ms. Cook is a great reviewer and writer, but hers is her opinion and only that. Granted, Mr. Torchy would probably be better off using the criticism for what it's worth rather than creating a public spectacle. It certainly doesn't sound like his is the sort of establishiment frequented by customers who put much stock into restaurant reviews anyway. I'm sure his eatery will be just fine.
I can tell you this, having passed by that place and seen the parking congestion and lines, the food would have to float off the plate, spin around, and sing before I'd put myself through all trouble. This all seems like much ado about nothing. It's just a fricking taco, people. It's not like it's BBQ or anything. ;)
Well said. Well said.
I didn't know there was a Torchy's in Houston.
You do now.
Restaurants sell 3 things..food, atmosphere and customer service. By the look of Allison's review this place strikes out on all three.
DEFENSIVE like Mike's website stance -- All Caps response sort of rude. Anyway, this may reflect the issue with the staff -- only have to look to the top brass to see the problema. Looks like packaged Sysco shredded cheese in the photo -- but not saying that's wrong; rhymes with store bought tortillas.
Just chispe_ing! Love Austin's trailer food. Keep Austin Weird, but keep it real in the Bayou City!
Una mas . . . Torchy's has really cool signage. Buena Suerte!
Houston has way too many authentic taco places, large and small, to settle for 'concept tacos' created by some white dude. And, there's nothing like a fresh corn tortilla straight from the comal. I'll pass on Torchy's.
Ain't that the truth. I mean, it's not we live in Buffalo....
I agree with JohnT: allison, karma, NOT GOING!! I would have posted earlier, and I'm always on @ work just CANNOT post from work for some reason. But, best believe, some of you really crack me up. The comments are great.....and NO!, I would not go for free tacos from a hostile manager. LOL!!
I agree with JohnT: allison, karma, NOT GOING!! I would have posted earlier, and I'm always on @ work just CANNOT post from work for some reason. But, best believe, some of you really crack me up. The comments are great.....and NO!, I would not go for free tacos from a hostile manager. LOL!!
I've not yet had a chance to try Torchy's Houston location because I have to drive out from Westchase to go visit them and they don't have a lot of parking spaces available. And of course, controversy strikes. Still there is no such thing as bad publicity and I will get out there soon to try a couple of their tacos.
FYI: I remember as a kid there was a movie critic named David Foil who had his head up his rectum and only gave good reviews to obscure foreign black and white films, while bashing any movie with any commercial success. What I found was that anything he gave a good review sucked in my opinion, and anything that he hated, was something I loved.
Bottom line: Different strokes for different folks.
Hank L.
hankonfood.com
Ugghhhhh - more Austin posers trying to bring their "coolness" to Houston. Skip the hype and try the original at Berryhill. Plus, they don't need fancy names for their tacos.
Torchy's got nothin on Berryhill's.
This is the last word on this...I'm right and you're wrong.
Boom!
I just sit back and read and laugh at the comments!!! TooFunny, keep 'em coming!!!!