Updated Bottom Line: Good food but service is...questionable. Diners beware!
I initially gave The Trophy Room 1 star because of a bad experience with their hostesses but I received a really nice message from the head chef after my first review, apologizing for the bad service. He also offered me a complimentary appetizer if I returned to give the place another shot. I'm not fussed by offers of free food but I really appreciated the message so I returned with a friend for brunch. The menu is simple - definitely not as interesting as their dinner menu but hey, it's brunch and let's not kid ourselves, it's really just a nice way to incorporate alcohol into breakfast.
My friend and I sat ourselves at the bar and the staff was friendly. However, never in my life have I waited so damn long for a couple of eggs. Other parties around us were audibly complaining about delays in getting their food as well so clearly service was generally slow. We had ordered a side of bacon with our meals that came 30 minutes before the rest of the food arrived. As much as I love eating bacon on its own, we really wanted it with our meals and when we complained about the fact that a side came so much earlier than anything else, the bartender graciously offered to get us a fresh order since what we had was now cold.
Our food finally arrives and the "fresh" order of bacon we were promised follows closely after. YES. FINALLY - the table across the room can hopefully stop wondering what the rumbling noises coming from my stomach were.
Anyway, here is where I got really annoyed with this place. The original order of bacon came in a bowl with 5 pieces. We had eaten 2, leaving 3 to enjoy with our meal that would never come. So naturally, when we were offered a "fresh order of bacon" as a concession, we expected...a fresh order of bacon. I know - crazy right? Instead, the bartender served us only 3 OBVIOUSLY reheated and overcooked pieces of bacon on a side plate. The worst part of it all, was that she announced, and I quote, "here is a new, fresh, order of bacon for you guys" as she set the sad little plate down in front of us - with a flourish to boot.
Are you $%&*?@! kidding me?
I'm not stupid or blind so why would you insult me by offering me something "fresh and new" - your idea by the way, not ours - but then serve us something that is not a full order and is clearly old? If you're going to lie to me, at least put some effort into it! I would typically complain about being insulted like that at a restaurant but I was so busy plotting my online character assasination for this place that I didn't even bother (don't judge me - the pen is mightier than the sword).
As smoke came out of our ears, we ate our food which, I must admit, was actually pretty good. I ordered the Chandler Sidewalk which was delicious - very satisfying and great if you want to avoid bread but are craving comfort food. My friend ordered the steak which was cooked perfectly but lacked seasoning. Overall, not bad at all.
However, still annoyed by the service we received, we asked for our check right away to get the hell out of dodge and never return. BUT...to the bartender's credit, she did not charge us for my friend's meal because of how long we waited. So although I am still angry with her for lying to our faces, I thought she did a good thing in the end and I appreciated that which is the only reason I did not give this place 2 stars for poor service.
Will I ever return? Hmmm...their dinner menu looks appealing so perhaps the third time will be a charm? Who knows but I am certainly in no hurry! read more