Smokin' Barrels Cocina Latina

Always a good experience here. Food has good flavors, nice range of options. Came here for dinner today and they were very accommodating to my 3 year old. We got the salchicpapas for her but

I’ve been to this restaurant before and never had major issues, but something has clearly changed — and not for the better. The service, cleanliness, and overall experience have gone completely downhill. It started with trying to make a reservation. While I was on the phone, the staff member literally stopped talking to me mid-sentence, started speaking to someone else, and then put me on hold without saying a word. A few seconds later, I was hung up on. I called back and was told, “sorry, my co-worker hung up on you,” like it was no big deal. That alone already set the tone. We decided to still go. The service was slow, whatever — but then we noticed fruit flies floating in our margarita pitcher, and not just one. We brought the drinks up to the front. They took them away without a single word, no apology, no explanation, nothing. Then we noticed another bug in a separate glass, brought that up too — still, no one came to talk to us or even acknowledge the issue. Eventually, they came back with three new drinks, but at that point, we didn’t want them anymore — it was honestly gross. When we went to pay, they only offered a small discount on the pitcher, as if that made it okay. We were expected to pay for bug-infested drinks, which is absolutely disgusting. To top it off, someone on staff said it “didn’t make any sense” that there were bugs in the drinks — like we were just making it up or planted them in. We were sitting inside, but the front door was wide open the entire time. Even if that’s how bugs got in, that’s still completely unacceptable in a restaurant. But realistically, the bugs didn’t fly in — we’re pretty sure they were already in the juice or mix from the back. We caught them right after pouring. It wasn’t just a random fly landing in a glass. And while we were eating, a server knocked over a whole container of utensils, napkins, and paper onto the floor — and just walked away like nothing happened. Didn’t even notice, didn’t clean it up. We had to pick up the mess ourselves. Overall, this place is nothing like it used to be. It’s become careless, unhygienic, and dismissive of its customers. Super disappointing. I won’t be coming back, and I honestly don’t recommend it to anyone else either.

Shout out to DAYANA for making my first experience here so pleasant! Her kindness, hardwork and dedication doesnt go unnoticed. We need more people like her in customer service! Hands down! Best authentic birria tacos 🌮 & empanadas in Edmonton! A must try place! Soooooo good!!!! Highly recommend this wonderful place with kind customer service and delicious options (: On my next visit, I promise to try the variety of dessert (: