I remember when Arizola’s was the pride of Lake Worth. Back in the early 2000s and well into the next decade, it was the place to eat & specifically have a margarita with friends. Packed at all hours, consistently great food, friendly service, and an atmosphere that made you want to stay. We especially enjoyed visiting when they offered breakfast; those early morning meals were a highlight, and the food was still good.
But those days are long gone.
Now, when I drive by, the parking lot sits nearly empty. It’s hard to believe it’s the same place that used to be lined with cars and patrons.
One specific defining visit for me was nearly a decade ago, but it really set the tone for how the service and care had shifted. During what was supposed to be a quick, familiar dinner, I found a long hair in my food. Disgusted but understanding that things happen, I sent it back. When the replacement arrived, I took one bite and nearly cracked a tooth on a small piece of metal buried in my taco. When I flagged down the waitress and who I assumed was the manager, his response was dismissive at best, casually mentioning it was probably from the meat strainer, as if that should somehow make it okay.
To be noted: The waitress did give us the corporate number and was extremely apologetic. The manager was not. He seemed like I was bothering him with my concerns.
We paid and left because, clearly, the management team had no longer cared.
The next day, I reached out to "Corporate" to express my concern and was dismissed just the same as I had been in the restaurant. This prompted me to no longer visit Arizola’s.
Years later, against my better judgment, I gave them another shot, then another. Each time, another disappointment: flavorless, poorly presented food that looked like it was slopped together with zero pride. The interior had not changed, and the atmosphere felt lifeless.
What once made definded Arizola’s completely vanished long ago, and what remains is an unrecognizable shell of its former self.
