The star-average-rating does NOT reflect the ambiance, savory, rustic food and charming "elegantly" eclectic decor. It saddens me to address the lackluster service, but no doubt they may address the notes. Thank you for the consideration in advance.
Surprised at how many newer venues are on this side of Clinton Keith. I made a note to return & visit the shops, coffee/ boba spots/restaurants soon. Finch is located on the corner across from Rite-Aid. Had a birthday lunch for a friend and referred here by one of the girls. Absolutely love their decor & ambiance. Spacious interior dining space, a bar counter, balcony outdoor seating, and a roomy entry. Parking was spacious outside as well.
We were one of two tables once they opened at 11:00AM. Our group had 12 guests. Halfway into our dining, few more tables were seated. Our server, James, was professional. James even took a few photos for us- thank you. Being a birthday get-together, we girls entertained ourselves throughout the dining visit with gift-opening, photos & conversation. So many photo worthy backdrops throughout the restaurant. We were fortunate it was not busy and able to move around the space easily. Our appetizers came out almost immediately. Delicious: gourmet Peruvian fries, hummus plate, and the most delectable brussel sprout dish I've tried. Few of the others enjoyed some Prosecco with the meal, most of us had water. I don't recall ever receiving any water refill, now that I think of it. It seemed to occur to us as we awaited our checks.
The food is enjoyable, in my opinion. Unfortunately, there was a mixup/delay. Two of our guests had to return to work, so they requested the entrees to be packed to-go. So, having been seated at 11AM- first two guests disappointingly left around 12:30PM. Not a major ordeal, but had it not been for our group conversing or with photos, I think we may have been more particular that our water wasn't being refilled and our meals were taking a while to prepare, especially since we were one of two tables seated at the time. James was attentive in the beginning, but amidst the visit, it seemed to fade away. During our main entrees is when I noticed about three more tables seated and about six other guests dining. I never received my ranch, but didn't pursue that request. We had to snag some additional place settings as well to accommodate the table. Appetizers arrive, and not enough appetizer plates, but we shared, nonetheless. In addition to the entree delays, absent beverage checks, another three of the girls had a salad mixup. They got their salads as the rest of us finished our meals. The last girl to receive her salad entree requested it to be boxed to-go once she noticed we all had finished. I didn't speak to her directly, but she seemed frustrated. James apologized for the mixup, not sure if anything else was accommodated/compensated. Because we weren't able to get our server's attention at one point, I think that's why one of the girls just opened a gifted bottle beverage & a few girls served themselves a drink. I apologize if that was not okay, but I do feel they had a hard time finding help at that point. We tracked James again, to request our bills. We were going on almost 1:15PM (a lot of waiting now that I think back). Transactions closed around 2PM. On the upside, not sure if it's customary for the restaurant, but if so, thank you- James had our bills separated per person and I know that can be cumbersome. We all had to double check our bills because there were items added to the bill or duplicated, and overcharged. At this point is when one of the girls in our group asked the table if anyone had gotten water refilled at all, and the consensus was no. (hence, the glistening empty glasses on the table-photo throughout the photos). Also, our group of 12 had an additional service charge added to each of our bills + tip
Despite the service delays, we girls had a beautiful lunch. They allowed us to serve our own table a bundt cake we brought for our birthday girl. Sadly, though, we waited again for small plates. There just didn't seem to be any service anticipation. Also be aware, noting it was a birthday celebration, and yes, we had our own cake, the venue didn't do anything extra special for the guest of honor.
Will I revisit? More than likely-Yes. Definitely apt to give Finch another opportunity to make an impression. Like I mentioned, the food was savory, the decor even more enjoyable and creatively full of rustic charm. As much as it seemed the service started great with the greeting and accommodating three photos for our group, I was not impressed by the lack of attentiveness and the errors made throughout the visit. Occasions like these, I enjoy leaving the more generous gratuity, because we want to leave content and happy with celebrating a fun occasion, but instead, our group left unimpressed with the service. No doubt, it can, and may be improved. read more