Disappointing and uncomfortable experience, especially given the price point…read more
From the moment I sat down, the service was unfriendly and inattentive (with exception to the lovely American hostess!). My server did not introduce himself, had no name tag, and never once smiled or offered basic pleasantries. More concerning, he clearly struggled to understand a very simple drink order. I asked for an Old Fashioned with Maker's Mark three or four times. At the end of the order, he asked what whiskey I wanted and made me physically point to it on the menu. This was awkward and unnecessary. From other reviews I've read, it seems this fellow has dished out similar attitude with other guests (check Google, TripAdvisor).
When I asked whether the drink would be served with a single large cube, which is traditional, he replied "regular ice" without explanation. Fine. I then watched the bartender prepare the drink, after which it sat at the bar for roughly five minutes while my server ran around folding tablecloths and setting tables. The restaurant was not understaffed.
Service continued to deteriorate from there. When he returned to take my food order, again there were no pleasantries and no attempt at hospitality. After my main course was dropped off, he stopped serving me entirely. I waited about 15 minutes for the check before finally placing my card on the table myself.
At that point, a manager was the only person who checked on me and ultimately processed the payment. My server seemed to actively avoid guest interaction, instead focusing on tasks like folding linens, arranging cutlery, and resetting tables.
All of this for a bill of around $60 USD, with a mandatory 20 percent service charge included. That charge felt especially frustrating given the complete lack of service.
For a restaurant that markets itself as polished and upscale, this was a surprisingly poor experience. Clear communication, basic friendliness, and attentiveness should be non-negotiable at this level. And, yes, the nameless phantom should stick to folding table cloths instead of interacting with guests.