I rarely give one-star reviews, but this particular visit at this restaurant did not go as well as I had hoped.
My friend suggested we meet here for Sunday brunch, as it was new, and it was for a great cause (All Square is a nonprofit fast-casual gourmet grilled cheese restaurant and institute that aims to reduce recidivism by supporting, rather than excluding, individuals with criminal records; encumbered pasts), so I was excited to try it out. When I went to the website, I was caught a bit off guard that the main fare of the restaurant was grilled cheese sandwiches. I was not expecting that, but again, I still wanted to try it and see how I liked it.
We arrived at the restaurant around 12:30 p.m. or so. It is located within a storefront on the corner of 40th and Minnehaha. Inside, the restaurant is rather smallish and tight. We got up to the counter and were able to place our order fairly quickly, which we perceived to be a positive sign. My friend ordered a jalapeno popper grilled cheese sandwich, fries, and a glass of lemonade; I ordered the basil pesto sandwich and a salad, and we each asked for a glass of water. Due to the size of the place inside, I was a bit concerned if we would be able to sit inside and navigate around the few tables, but thankfully, we were able to find an empty table and make our way there.
We were given numbers and went to the table and waited...and waited...and WAITED. It was about an HOUR before we got our food. Come to find out, there was only ONE server bringing out food, which also made other peoples' orders late. My sandwich was delivered to me before my friend's, though my number was after hers, which we thought was somewhat peculiar. I didn't want to start eating before my friend got her food, so my sandwich got cold while we waited for someone to bring her food. We still had no lemonade, salad, fork, or water. After waiting more, my friend finally had to yell that we wanted water and that she ordered her lemonade. Eventually, her lemonade and one glass of water and my salad were brought out; but still no fork and her food was not brought out. Later, still, my friend got up and proceeded to the front counter to see what was going on. Shortly after she left the table, her food magically appeared, as did my fork and another glass of water. Cold fries, unfortunately. It appeared that they were clearly understaffed, disorganized, and ill-prepared for the hearty crowd that visited that Sunday. One patron was so angered, he asked for a refund, and I would not have been surprised that others probably started to do the same or simply walk out.
I don't know that it would be worth it to go back just for grilled cheese and a good cause, though. I would need to be convinced that they have stepped their game up. If I choose to go back, this review will be updated. Nevertheless, I do wish them the best in success, though! read more