El Arroyo, Bee Caves

It was incredibly hard to find a place to have our rehearsal dinner in the Bee Caves/Lakeway area.  We were absolutely certain that we wanted Mexican food.  There is an Iron Cactus at the new mall in Bee Caves, so that was our first choice.  The manager there said there was no way they could accomodate a party as big as ours (65-70) and don't do private events/reservations anyway b/c their space is so small.  Boo.  A lady at the church told us about a restaurant near Star Hill Ranch called Verdes so we went to eat there one night and check it out.  We spoke with the owner/wife and told her we had a party of 65-70 and the rehearsal dinner would be on a Friday night.   She was super excited about hosting our party and showed us their fabulous outdoor patio that was PERFECT!  I was very happy about everything.   My MIL began emailing with the owner/husband and he was super flaky and very difficult.  I decided to go pay him a visit the next time I was out there.  He was incredibly cocky and explained to me that there is no way he would have ever agreed to reserving space in his restaurant for 70 people on a Friday night.  He basically told me that they didn't need our business b/c Friday is their busiest night and he didn't want his restaurant clogged up with our party.  I was floored.  What kind of business tactic is that?  We are buying appetizers, drinks, entrees, and desserts for 70 people and you tell me you don't need the business?  He also told me "good luck finding a place that will agree to that".   Has he never heard of a rehearsal dinner? 

Anyway, El Arroyo on Bee Caves Rd was more than happy to accomodate our party.  They were fairly easy to work with...had a few communication issues with the manager.  The food and margaritas were very good.  All in all the rehearsal dinner went pretty well. 

B+ for El Arroyo

Please never give Verdes your business...they don't need it anyway!