arrived Dec 13 @ 5:30 no one at the hostess podium so asked barkeep (owner) about reservation, was told to "ask her" & she pointed to the hostess who had magically reappeared. she said she didn't have a reservation but we were seated as just 2 of us - place was packed due to rib night & Xmas parties (reason for my reservation) - most of crowd 60+, ok as am I
- waitress very quick, but not a smile or greeting - gave order full rack to split - was told "we don't do that on rib night" asked her where one might see that as not on the menu or chalkboard - response "that's the way it is" - went ahead with 2 half orders - asked if the fries were fresh cut - no frozen, asked if the baked potato was baked or steamed? told baked as it's in tin foil; not so it's steamed if in foil - went with the fries - order arrived quickly (really how long can it take to fry frozen potatoes & heat & eat ribs??) - ordered a glass of wine - somehow the Dugout thinks having a glass full to the rim is a great signature feature - in actual fact you look like a drooling fool slurping it up as you can't pick up the glass without spilling it - I'd rather have an inch less in the glass & $1 cheaper - I'll be drooling soon enough don't need to rush it
food is regular roadhouse fare, nothing great & bare bones presentation if any, fries & ribs on a plate, not even a pickle
bills came asked for debit machine, no machines at the tables have to pay at the bar, yup you guessed it! same person, the owner, who I started out with on this magical night. line up to pay & she's in an animated conversation with a younger patron while the rest of us stood in line
- finally it's my turn & I almost get the impression I'm to be thankful...I asked her if/when waitstaff might get debit machines at the tables as all other places do this, was told never all those places have more servers for fewer tables yada yada, you get the picture - this woman is really a negative Nancy and remember I haven't paid yet & that TIP amount still has to be punched in so being as it's Christmas I decided I couldn't leave a zero tip so I calculated to the penny 15% before taxes as I felt the staff should get something just to compensate for who their boss is.
Not so much as a thankyou, Merry Christmas, hope to see you again, did you enjoy your meal? - AWFUL!
Suggestions:
1. SMILE IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME!
2. EMPLOYEE DRESS CODE NEEDED - worn out street clothes & dirty hair not acceptable
3. OWNER - SET AN EXAMPLE - DON'T BE SO RUDE & CONFRONTATIONAL - you're the only show in the East End & depend on the 60+ crowd to stay in business so get with the program
4. DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE WINE - it's not cute it's embarrassing
I have been at the new location a number of times & it's worse every time.
I won't be back & I'll warn others off read more