35 replies to this topic

[fergarcia]

We are very happy to announce our new hours of operation.

Monday-Saturday 9am - 8pm
Sundays from 9am - 3pm.

Also, we’ve finally gotten our liquor license and have a full bar available.

Smoking policy,

With the intent to satisfy the needs of our customers we are designating the downstairs area as non-smoking and the upstairs area as smoking.

Please let us know your comments and we hope to see you soon. Thank you very much for your loyal support during these hard times.

Lake Taco is located on the libramiento behind the pemex station and next to the Car Wash and OXXO store. Look for the Palapa.

Sincerely,

Fernando

[gringal]

Just a thought on the smoking policy: Why not the downstairs as the smoking area.....nice and breezy on all sides?
And of course, there's the car wash next door to listen to. Sounds like the non-smokers are getting the less desirable spot. Why?.

Haven't been upstairs, but am sure the view will be lovely, and that's where I, personally, would rather be at dinner, enjoying a meal and drink.

[Bisbee Gal]

I agree with Gringal....seems like you're denying the non-smokers access to the premium view. Plus, smokers with their debilitated lungs probably would appreciate not having to climb stairs.

Far more non-smokers than smokers here....pays to keep the non-smokers happy.

[fergarcia]

We could definetly switch the smoking area. That will be very simple, next time you come I will have a little form where you can let us know which area is better as a smoking non-smoking area. We'll let you, the customer, decide.

[khof]

The smoke will waft up to the non smokers.

[golden bead]

The smoke will waft up to the non smokers.

Seriously?????

[artsnob]

Lots of people will quit coming if you have smoking wherever, as there is no way to get away from it, If it dounstairs we would have to walk thru it to get upstairs....I am glad you have extended your hours...But with smokers now there we will wait awhile to see how it works out...

[chapalafan]

It makes sense that the smoking area is upstairs where the non-smokers will not be bothered.
Everyone has rights .....even smokers.

[DaveP]

Lots of people will quit coming if you have smoking wherever, as there is no way to get away from it, If it dounstairs we would have to walk thru it to get upstairs....I am glad you have extended your hours...But with smokers now there we will wait awhile to see how it works out...

Why do restaurant owners feel they have to cater to smokers? Smokers from NOB are fully aware that they cannot smoke in a restaurant. Why should it be different in Mexico?

We do not frequent establishments that allow smoking

DaveP

[RVGRINGO]

Please, please, please!
Prohibit smoking; then, we'll come. Not before, even though we love your food and wanted to have some this week.
So, be sure to post your final decision, as we and others will not be there to vote on your forms.

[chapalafan]

If a person is not willing to sit downstairs in a non-smoking area, then he/she must not be too impressed with the food. There are other places that sell tacos.
Why threaten the owner with your lack of patronage because you do not like his policy to accommodate both smokers and non-smokers? Soon people will be telling the owner how to set the tables, fold the napkins, and prepare the food. Let the owner do what he wants and needs to do. Courteous input is one thing, but threats of non-patronage is another.
I do not drink so should I expect this to be a non-alcohol serving restaurant?

[gringal]

Logic Alert: If you drink yourself under the table, it does not affect me. If you smoke, it does. That's the difference.

The owner asked for input. The only leverage customers have is by giving or withdrawing their patronage, so that's fair.

Trying to stretch that to napkin folding is absurd, and I'm sure you know it.

[ericurmudgeon]

It is all about business and I would hazard a guess that if the whole establishment is non smoking there will be more diners on an ongoing basis than if any smoking is allowed. Make the best decision for the business, do not allow smoking and then enforce the decision. I for one will be a happy regular.

[chapalafan]

Logic:
Why is it that some people are bothered by smokers but not by those who drink? Sadly, there are some who drink more than they should and become loud and annoying to those around them. And when someone who has been drinking then drives, it is a danger to others who are on the road at the same time. So, while some are bothered by smokers, others are bothered by drinkers. Others are annoyed by small children seated nearby, and others do not like dogs in a restaurant. So, my question is, what is an owner of a business trying to succeed in today's troubled economy suppose to do? Should he/she, not allow smoking, drinking, children, or dogs in the restaurant because someone might be offended?
The owner asked for input about the issue after he established a designated smoking area, an act of which he seemed to be proud. But giving input on an issue and then proceeding to tell the owner what he should do are two different things. It did not take long for some to get people upset because the smokers might have a better view from the upper level. Then it progressed to making the entire restaurant non-smoking. I cannot help but think there is a sense of entitlement on the part of some who believe that their way of doing things is the only way. Why do some insist on making things the way they were “back home?” Maybe the owner could make the restaurant smoke-free on alternate weeks or on alternate weeks the top floor could be smoke-free.
The napkin folding analogy might be absurd to some, but in my opinion, not as absurd as some of the other topics that have been discussed on here. (Interesting that telling the owner how to set the tables or how to prepare the food are not absurd?)
I hope the owner continues his plan for the two areas in his restaurant, and not give in to the threats of losing some patrons because of their sense of entitlement..
And so that I am not attacked for my opinion, I do not smoke, drink, have children or dogs.

[gringal]

Back to the Logic Alert: The topic is whether the restaurant owner would do a better business by catering to non-smokers or smokers. There's no way of pleasing both.

I've been downstairs trying to enjoy the food next to a table full of smokers and when downwind of same, almost packed up the meals and left. Gag. So who's "entitled"? They can take their group elsewhere, where food isn't served, and enjoy their cigs without bothering anyone.

Bringing in the red herrings of children, dogs, and people who get noisy when drunk just muddies the water. Whether you personally, drink, smoke or have kids/dogs/dragons has nothing to do with this.

There are a number of very successful restaurants in this area who do not allow smoking at all, nor do they allow pets. In both cases, they established a policy that didn't please everybody, but obviously didn't get in the way: How about Tango and Mom's?

The owner asked for feedback. He got it. I'm perhaps wasting time on here, but I like these folks' approach to fresh, tasty food and I want to be their regular customer. I want them to succeed and still be there for a long time to come, making both good food and a good living. The last thing I'd do is suggest how they prepare their food, set their tables up, choose their condiments or anything else having to do with running a food service operation.
They're doing fine. The smoking issue is something we all have a right to chirp up on, since it affects everyone who goes to the place.

In the end, they will make the decision, because it's their place and their investment.

[HelperGuy]

There's a difference between 'logic" and "rationalization". Just because an argument can be made does not mean it makes any sense. Napkin folding? It's a good thing we don't need a farting bylaw.

[gringal]

There's a difference between 'logic" and "rationalization". Just because an argument can be made does not mean it makes any sense. Napkin folding? It's a good thing we don't need a farting bylaw.

At what level do ya think the old fart should be ejected by the owner?
And how could you run a government without rationalization?

[ajijicbound]

If smoking were upstairs, the non smokers would not have to pass by it. Non smoking all around would be great.

[chapalafan]

Exactly ajijicbound, but the smokers do not think it is fair for them to have the better view.

Everyone has choices. I hope the owner makes the correct one.

Sorry that I muddled the waters for some. I guess it did not work in to the scheme of things for some.

[Travis]

CONGRATULATIONS!!! to Lake Taco on your success, the expanded space(s), new hours, and the liquor license!!!

You guys run a truly exceptional place. It is a testimony to your great food, great service, wonderful attitude and spotlessly clean restaurant that so many people love Lake Taco.

Smoking upstairs? Smoking downstairs? No smoking anywhere?

Whatever. We'll be back.