I been meaning to come to Blaggards Pub for free poker through the New York Free Poker group. I read all the reviews including one from a member of the group who gave the establishment a negative review due through issues with service, food and Management.
I came to the bar with an open mind and I found the bar to be charming in decor and overall design. I like the long high top tables by the front door which are good for people watching and have a beer. It had some nooks and spaces to the side with tables which I found very private and appealing. The bar was long with plenty of HD TVs a big plus with me. I like long bars. I like to sit with some space between guests at the bar area when I watch sports. This is a good thing. Since I was there to play poker, I did not sit at the bar, but at the poker tables.
As time when by, I did not find this gin joint to be as cozy or quaint as Irish Bars that I frequent. I found the place to be bright with lights on high. Now the poker event was held in the back of the restaurant. I am sure they have different dimmers or switches for lights in different parts of the restaurant. The brightness made the place feel cold in appearance. The warm feeling that decent lighting makes just misses the mark at Blaggards Pub.
Food. One of the girls at my table ordered penne ala vodka. Simple dish to make but when asked "how was it" she stated that it tasted like Mac & Cheese. She did not say it was bad or good just that it tasted like Mac & Cheese. Made me not want to order food.
Drinks. Someone at the table had several Chocolate Martini's and they commented after each one and stated that each tasted differently. One better than the other and they were not all consistent in flavor. I had a Bud Light. When I ordered, the Bartender told me we don't sell Bud Light. Before I could say "that's strange" he realize that they did. I think he was new. No biggie, but when I gave him my card to pay, he quickly stated I can't do this for one beer and one water. This annoyed me. When I come to these events I drink several beers and buy some friends a couple more. I like running bar tabs unfortunately. After I smooth things over, that I was going to spent money, he became a happy camper.
Management. I saw some Management personnel walk in with some letters or mail into the Bar. He definitely was in charged as he was giving orders and walking around the place like he own the place. He probably did. I was not expecting Barry Fitzgerald in The Quiet Man but have a smile on your face dude. He walked around this gin joint with a puss on his face like why I'm I here. The first thing I learned in Restaurant Management 101 was the place takes on the energy and feeling of Leadership. If you walk around in a bad mood it rubs off on your employees and guests. Making guests feel uncomfortable makes guests not want to come back. Sorry dude.
Overall. This place was just an ahhhh I seen better. If this was the only place in town, you have no choice. Fortunately, I do have choices and can go somewhere else. Running a business is hard work, but when I don't feel comfortable in a place or made to feel uncomfortable in a place it is Leaderships responsibility to fix. Read your reviews.
I was not Wow by service. I was not Wow by price point. I was not Wow by comfort level. I was not Wow by overall experience.
I was Wow when the door hit by rear when I left.
In today's economy we have choices and Blaggards Pub is not one. read more