El Maguey #5 Mexican Restaurant

I have eaten here 3 times and the first 2 were great.
This time was not good.
I arrived after my requested pickup time and still had to wait for my order, someone brought it to the front eventually but then I waited more for someone to actually give it to us.
Probably 10 minutes waiting, I eventually had to grab someone and let them know that was my order, it was pre-paid and could I take it.
Not a big deal but not the fast, friendly service I am used to from this establishment. I usually get the trio fajitas and they are good, they were this time as well.
I also decided to try the taco salad and it was really bad.
There was only a few shreds of lettuce and 1/2 of a slice of tomato.
The rest was hamburger meat and a large chunk the size of a golf ball was in it, very raw in the middle as if the meat had been frozen and not fully cooked. I love to see small businesses grow but I hate to see when they get too busy to handle the load and then service and food quality take a nose dive.
I hope their quality and service come back.
I might try them again in a few months just to see.
This experience made what could have been a 4 star review, a 2 star.

I hadn't visited this restaurant in many years, but my family recently tried it and raved about the food.
The restaurant is advertising their 2 yr anniversary celebration in August 2023, so it would appear to be under new ownership. Tables, chairs, and booths were in excellent repair.
I ordered a shrimp chimichanga which was good, but I found the queso sauce to be very salty.
Complimentary salsa and chips were good.
Guacamole was very blended and smooth, and the portion was on the small side. Excellent and friendly service.

Dined here for dinner and to my surprise I may have my new go to for Mexican in Ooltewah.
Used to my favorite was Amigos in Harrison but this place is much closer and the quality of food is comparable.
Will definitely return for another experience.
Also kids eat free (one per adult entree) on Mondays and they have $2.99 house margarita specials.