My friends and I visited The Parish for lunch after hearing good things about it. We ordered the…read moreCajun chicken wings, fried okra, Parish Grilled Cheese, Classic BLT, French fries, a Firework cocktail, and beers. Overall, the food and drinks were good, and the restaurant itself was clean with a nice atmosphere.
Unfortunately, what should have been a pleasant lunch ended on a very disappointing note.
When it came time to pay, our group split the check. Together, we left an 18% tip for our server, which we felt was fair for the service we received. As we were leaving, the server stopped us near the entrance--in front of other guests--and asked if something had been wrong because she didn't understand why we had left such a "poor tip." It was an uncomfortable and embarrassing interaction.
We politely explained that the total tip was 18% and even walked through the math with her so she could see how we had calculated it. Instead of simply accepting the explanation, she told us that if we wanted, she could call the manager because they "don't welcome people who don't tip well." At that point, I responded that the comment was extremely rude and that we would not be returning.
We haven't been back since.
It actually took me quite a while to write this review. On another occasion, I mentioned this experience to the bartender at a nearby bar after she had recommended The Parish to me. She told me the same owner operates both businesses and said she would pass the feedback along. I don't know whether that conversation ever reached the owner, but it encouraged me to finally share my experience publicly.
It's unfortunate because the food, drinks, and atmosphere were enjoyable. However, no customer should be confronted at the door or made to feel embarrassed over what was, in fact, an 18% tip. A single interaction can outweigh an otherwise good meal, and unfortunately, that's exactly what happened here.