My first visit was a five star experience, you can review those details listed on my profile. That's why I decided to go back with my mom expecting the same thing. I even bragged to her about it because she vowed never to visit an IHOP after challenges she's had in the past. Unfortunately, my second visit was disappointing. To speed through my review you can find the good in 1, 4, & 5. The areas requiring improvement can be found in 2, 3, & 6.
1. Atmosphere
The restaurant itself remains very clean and inviting. Applebee's and IHOP menu items are served so you get a vibe from both in the decor. TV's playing sports, bar, and pancakes!
2. The Food
Unfortunately, there was no food to review. After placing our order, we waited a LONG TIME while multiple tables that were seated after us received their meals, finished eating, and paid their tabs. At one point, a large party of nine seated next to us in the "Applebees side had already completed their meal. After more than 20 minutes and no food, we had to leave as we had other things planned.
3. The Coffee
The coffee itself is fine. It gets the job done, especially with the flavored creamers. However, we were unable to enjoy it right away because our waiter forgot to bring the creamers we requested. We waited about 20 minutes before asking the hostess to help, and she brought them for us right away. Only for the waiter to come back to take our food order and take credit for the creamers being delivered to us as if we didn't request them from the hostess.
4. Service
Service was the issue during this visit. Our waiter was extremely slow, took several minutes just to bring drink orders, forgot our coffee creamers, and was absent from our table pretty much the entire visit. I had a little concern early on when a table that was there before us stopped him while he was taking our drink order to say they've been waiting and were ready to pay, but I brushed it off. I mean not the restaurant I just praised!
5. Hostess
The hostess was great and friendly, responsive. She was more attentive than our waiter. She checked on us when she noticed we were still waiting with no plates, she helped with the creamers, and even looked into the status of our food when we asked.
6. As for our waiter, I'm hopeful he may have been in training, and I understand that new staff can be slower. All of this may be true BUT management should be monitoring tables to ensure service runs smoothly. If a manager checked on us at any point, this review may have been another five star and we wouldn't have left without ever receiving our meal.
To answer the big question...will I be back? Yes! Everyone has off days, and since the place is new, it probably means new staff still getting the hang of things. I'll give them a little time to work out the kinks which is sad since it's reasonably priced and so close to home. I'd still say give them a try at least once. My first visit was great. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for the second. read more