Ok...... went back for round 2....
The "Reservation"
Had a "reservation" for 6:30. Showed up at 6:30 only to be told that "our table" was not "ready" and that it would be a +/- 25 minute wait. At the same time that we were informed of out wait, another group (of 6) showed up for their "reservation" (that was also at 6:30) they were told that "their table" would be "ready" in 45 minutes. Not surprisingly, they walked.
Lesson to be learned; a "reservation" at Sals, is not really a reservation at all. Not sure that reservations will ever work there, as, it hard (if not impossible) to turn tables over fast enough to shuffle folks in and out.
The COVID / "Social Distancing"
Not sure how they're getting away with it, but, there was absolutely ZERO social distancing being observed in this place (as was the case with round 1). Not only could I slap the person sitting to my left (not in my party) in the back of the head, but I could also slap the person sitting to his left as well (not that I ever would and not that I condone violence, but you get the point of the example) And it was like this throughout the dining room.
This does not bother me personally, BUT, I do feel that it is unfair to those establishments that are in fact adhering to the rules, and as a result losing precious revenue while these folks are somehow packing folks in like sardines. Unless I have missed something, I did not believe that this was a suggestion and or optional ?
Lesson to be learned; If strict Social Distancing is your thing, STAY AWAY, as you will likely freak out.
The "customer service" (or lack thereof)
This is the main reason for again giving a 2-star rating.
My opinion...... they appear to have an inexperienced staff, that are / have been completely overwhelmed (due of course to the boatloads of people). And while they appear to be trying, they're clearly drowning. And AGAIN, we had ANOTHER food incident. For sake of anonymity I'll stop short of describing what specifically the problem was, but, let's just say that it took a painfully long time (1 hour) to get something that should have otherwise only taken prolly 1/4 of the time. AND they were in error TWO times while trying to get this VERY simple request fulfilled. To their credit, they did in the end comp this, but, I believe it was only because it was very clearly (and politely) "suggested" to them, by us.
Lesson to be learned; if you are one that places a high value on customer service, prepare to be highly disappointed.
The Food
All things being considered, and if not for ALL of the other shortcomings, I would likely give a 3-4 star rating as the food, was again, actually, pretty darn good.
The antipasto salad was amazing (just make sure and not try to change a thing, as it will only serve to throw them into a tailspin) and the Grand Concourse Meat Lovers pizza (albeit a bit greasy) was also really good.
Lesson to be learned; food is pretty solid. And if you're cool with a bit of chaos, frustration, Agitation, and a lot of people in very tight quarters, in the end, you'll likely be (somewhat) satisfied, as we were...... I think .... read more