My first visit to this pub was fantastic. The food was great, the drinks were even better, and our…read moreserver was friendly, attentive, and genuinely made us feel welcome. The server, he was one of the reasons I was actually excited to come back.
Unfortunately, my second visit was memorable for all the wrong reasons.
Before we even sat down, we were greeted by the owner--or, more accurately, acknowledged as an inconvenience. The pub was nearly empty except for one gentleman at the bar, and she seemed far more interested in continuing that conversation than welcoming what appeared to be paying customers. It genuinely felt like interrupting someone's first date.
When she finally came over, she somehow managed to be both smiling and incredibly hostile at the same time. It takes a special talent to make an entire group feel uncomfortable while wearing a grin, but she pulled it off flawlessly. The passive-aggressive Olympics would have awarded gold.
I have no problem with owners having personality, but treating customers like they're a burden isn't a business model--it's a fast track to empty tables. Add in parking her Jeep in the closest customer spot right in front of the entrance, and it gave off the impression that customer convenience wasn't exactly high on the priority list.
If the goal is to use the bar as a personal dating lounge, that's completely fine--but maybe rename it something like F-boy Island, Love Is Blind: Happy Hour Edition, or The Bachelorette Tavern. At least then customers would know what experience they're signing up for.
To be fair, the place itself is adorable. It's cozy, unique, and obviously decorated with a lot of love. Between the Christmas lights, faux clouds, flowers, and whimsical touches, it feels less like an Irish pub and more like someone combined Pinterest with a Hallmark movie. Honestly, I'd hire her to decorate a little girl's bedroom in a heartbeat.
After reading other reviews, I was disappointed--but not surprised--to see that this doesn't appear to be an isolated experience. It's unfortunate because the food, drinks, and atmosphere have so much potential. A welcoming attitude from the owner would had made all the difference.
I'd happily return for the food and the server from my first visit. Returning for the hospitality? That's a much harder sell.