AVERAGE FOOD AND POOR, DISRESPECTFUL SERVICE - We went on a weekday to try out the $12.99 lunch specials at this new restaurant, after reviewing the menu online and seeing lots of interesting options on their large menu.
DECOR - Newly renovated with lots of fake hedges and neon catchphrases, very "Instagrammable". Overall = 7/10
FOOD - We had a Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry and the Piper's Signature Burger, from the $12.99 Lunchtime Special menu. My husband reported that the chicken dish was okay, just average and nothing special. The burger was decent (freshly made, not a frozen patty, but perhaps a bit too much filler) but the fries were lukewarm and not tasty at all. There was a good selection of dishes available for the lunch special. You are required to also purchase a drink to get the lunch specials. Overall = 7/10.
SERVICE - The service was slow and not that great. Our server seemed like she bristled every time something was asked of her, and she did not seem temperamentally suited to be taking orders. It took a long time to get our drinks, the "ice water" was lukewarm, she clearly was trying to ignore our repeated requests to get an additional item from her, but eventually delivered the requested ketchup (why not ask when meals are delivered? It's not like ketchup for fries is an unusual request). Overall = 5/10, or 6/10 if you want to cut them some slack since newly opened.
LAYOUT - All of the waitresses clearly have been instructed to do prep work (wrapping cutlery, etc) at the side station if they are not serving customers. The problem is that this side station is directly in front of the restroom entrance. Going to the loo involves dodging around several lounging waitstaff. Coming out was even worse as there was a gaggle of waitresses and a manager there chatting it up. My 3-4 "Excuse Me"s were ignored and I eventually had to reach out and tap them on the shoulder to let me pass - with two different people! Management, this situation really needs to be fixed, as I saw it happen repeatedly during our lunch. Overall = 3/10
PRICE - Our two $12.99 Lunch Specials somehow turned into an almost $50 bill, much to our amazement! With no alcohol, no dessert, no apps. There were the 2 required drinks (iced tea, hot tea), and a mysterious $3 upcharge for fries (even though we had specifically asked our waitress what was included for sides, AND confirmed with her). Add in tax to get to $41/42 and then with the suggested 18-20% tip you've reached $50.
DISRESPECTFUL BEHAVIOR - Well that's where things got interesting, with the waitress insisting that she had told us about the $3 upcharge, and me daring to contradict her and point out that she had NOT. For the record, I don't mind paying an upcharge for something that I want and is clearly indicated as costing extra. But I do have an issue with paying extra for a small portion of lukewarm lattice fries (straight from the Sysco freezer bag/not homemade) after having asked questions twice about their inclusion. Our waitress then took on a completely snotty, overbearing tone and loudly and dramatically indicated that she WOULD GIVE US THE $3 FROM HER OWN POCKET! This statement was repeated at least 3 times in increasingly loud tones. For bonus points in this thrilling episode of Drama Queen Smackdown that we unwittingly found ourselves involved in, she had the pleasure of flouncing off to get another dollar since she only actually had $2 in her pocket, then coming back and slapping the loonie onto the table (with commentary of course). My repeated statements that this was not necessary were completely ignored because SHE HAD A POINT TO MAKE! I guess that we were cheap? That we dared to question her? IDK, just so much drama for $3, OMG! Overall = Negative 10/10
So where does that leave us? Disgusted with the disrespectful, bullying behavior, and vowing never to return. Too bad, as some of the food sounded good (British Food Night, Asian Food Night), and we would have become regular customers even at the 7/10 average food quality. If you decide to check them out, beware of upcharges and don't ever question anything (price, quality, inclusions) if you want a peaceful, pleasant meal. read more