I have to say I used to be a HUGE Echo fan.....when they first opened in Frederick. Their taproom quickly became popular with small town atmosphere, events with local artists and trivia night, all driven by a love for good beer. When they announced their new location in Erie I was over the moon. Erie NEEDS this type of community, comradery and to be able to support local business owners.
Echo brews good beer, and I enjoy drinking it, but no longer at the expense of poor service EVERY time I come to their Erie location. I've come when it's crowded and can understand slow service, or having to wait for a table. But my experience with service at this location never seems to be of quality in any condition.
My most recent example is coming in last Sat. after the Face concert at Coal Creek Park a block away. I wanted to introduce my cousins to Echo Brewing as they'd not been, and was surprised at how empty it was for a Sat evening, and felt lucky to have a quiet spot to enjoy a beer and good conversation.
I asked if they were still open and serving, told yes and we took a seat as there wasn't a hostess staffed, or anyone interested in seating us. (Also no sign up indicating otherwise) After waiting some time, I grabbed menus for the others to review selections and still no one approached us to offer service. I even had to explain the offerings and suggest what my party would enjoy best.
After further waiting, we assumed with the slow nature of the night we were to order at the bar, at which point, were told our server would be with us. We returned to wait at the table some more.
We did happen to overhear two employees at the front door talking:
Employee 1: "well they went to the BAR to order"
Employee 2: "Because no one was serving them, that's why,...."
Yet neither came over to do so when we sat back down.
Other tables filled and THEN a server started hustling. Ours was apologetic to some extent, but throughout our time ordering both food and drink, was forgetful and we had to make simple requests multiple times.
Echo, while you brew a decent beer, you're not the only game in town. I've given you multiple chances since you've moved in knowing everyone has an off day. Yet you disappoint me every time.
I don't get a sense of community, or that this is the place to be to relax, bring my family and enjoy our town. read more