Third time wasn't the charm
I've been asking my husband to…read moregive Campsite another try. The first two times we went were on Sundays, when they only serve the brunch menu until 2 p.m., so we didn't order food. I'd been wanting to try the bison burger, and this time, on a Thursday, my husband finally said, "Let's go." He was willing to give the place another try and try the burger himself, too, so I was excited.
We walked in and waited at the host stand for about 10 minutes. My husband had already gone in to ask whether we should wait or seat ourselves, and he was told a host would be right with us. We waited another five minutes or so before anyone came out. I understand things happen, and I don't expect perfection. But a friendly greeting--or even a quick "Sorry for the wait"--would've gone a long way. Instead, the hostess looked like we were inconveniencing her. No smile, no hello, no warmth. Just a very clear "you're bothering me" expression.
We had our child with us, so after we were seated, I had to ask another employee for a kids' menu. They brought one over, but no crayons. We'd already been sitting for a while without anyone checking in. I looked behind the bar and saw three or four people chatting, with only a couple of people at the bar. Maybe they had other things to do, but from our table, it looked like there was staff around--just not much attention making its way to the guests. We never did get crayons, so I handed my child my phone instead. Problem solved, I guess.
When we ordered beers, the one my husband wanted was out. To be clear, the bison burger was available; it was the beer that had run out.
The food runners also seemed confused about where things were supposed to go. One brought us something we hadn't ordered and tried to leave it on the wrong side of the table. Then, when our actual food arrived, he tried to give it to the wrong side as well. It wasn't just a mix-up; the whole interaction felt awkward and unpleasant, and it added to the sense that nobody was really paying attention.
And now, the bison burger: I love bison, so I'd been excited to try it, but I was really disappointed. It tasted overwhelmingly of herbs--especially rosemary--and I could barely taste the meat. My husband and I shared it, and we ate it, but I wouldn't order it again.
We also tried the Tamarindo wings. They were actually pretty delicious, but they smelled really unpleasant and were so drenched in sauce that they were sitting in a pool of it. Great flavor, questionable presentation.
When it was time to pay, someone asked if we were ready to close out, but no one offered us a box. I had to ask for one. By then, it felt like we were constantly having to reach out for basic service.
To be clear, I'm perfectly happy ordering beer at the front or using a QR code. Walk-up service is fine--I know what to expect, and I can get what I need myself. But if you're going to seat us and provide table service, then the customer service needs to match. I don't want to keep flagging someone down for basic things while the staff seems unsure of what's happening. If it's walk-up service, great. If it's table service, please make it feel like table service.
To be fair, the beer we did get was delicious, and the music was great. I enjoyed both. But between the wait, the unwelcoming greeting, the missed basics, the awkward food delivery, and a burger that didn't live up to the hype, the good parts weren't enough to make up for the experience.
I'm not expecting perfection. I am expecting to feel acknowledged when I'm seated for table service. We've tried Campsite three times now, and unfortunately, we won't be back. Sorry, Campsite--third time wasn't the charm.