What is the Mexican term for being taken advantage of? Los Pollitos II is a scam. For about ten years I have been going to Los Pollitos about once a month. It was close and used to be an endearing and cheap neighborhood place with no pretension. Now? Forget it. It has been getting progressively worse in recent years and I have been having quite a few miserable experiences – mostly service related. But after my most recent visit, last night will be the last time.

Why is that? For a variety of reasons.

The constant nagging to order something you don’t want “Waiter: Are you sure that you don’t want guacamole? Maybe I will bring it?”

Arguing with you to order a larger serving of something you do not need or want. “No, we said a small pitcher of margaritas. We really don’t want a large pitcher (for the third time).”

But this is the big reason: They charge a 20% gratuity (unannounced) added on a bill for PARTY OF TWO AFTER the TAXES. That is a roughly a 30% service charge on the original bill! They total the bill, add tax and then add twenty percent on top of that. How unethical. What are we, tourists in Times Square? We are a quiet couple from the neighborhood! So now we are tipping on the tax. So, we entered “already included” on the tip line on the card receipt and signed of on the total. IT GETS WORSE! They then added another 20% to the credit card!! They doubled the bill with service charges!! For two people! What would they do for a party?

What is with that? A 30% service charge! Years ago, one could go into Los Pollitos II and order a taco and they would treat you well. Now, if you are not ordering a huge amount of food, the treat you with a complete disregard. And if you do order substantially, they gouge you!

So some advice: BEWARE! CHECK THE BILL BEFORE PAYING AT Los Pollitos II!! DO NOT USE YOUR CREDIT CARD!!