Kevin V.
Yelp
Things started well enough. Our party of three ordered food, wine, and cocktails throughout the afternoon. We were there a few hours, but at no point did we hear of a limit on how long we could be at the table. At about 6:45pm, our server informed us that a reservation of four was due at 7:00pm and he needed the table. We were a bit surprised because this was the first we'd heard of the time limit, but we complied and asked to close our tab. Our bill was $165.00, not including the 20+% tip I left. We paid and when our server picked up the check, he informed us that the party of four had, indeed, arrived. We finished our drinks and left the table.
As we were leaving the bar, we noticed how empty the place was. The back garden was pretty full but the inside and seating out front were both empty. We didn't see anyone waiting for a table of four. At about 7:05pm, while still waiting for our Uber, I went back in to see if the table was, in fact, taken by the party of four who had supposedly already arrived. Not only was the table empty but it had been split into two empty tables. And no one was waiting. Our server was no where in sight.
This was completely uncalled for, and wildly strange, behavior. At worst case, our server could have said, "hey, we have a 7pm reservation for the garden, but we can move you inside or to our street side seating" as they were empty. Why lie? Why rush us out? We were spending money and enjoying a wonderful afternoon. And the place was dead,
I understand how tough it's been for the food and beverage industry during the pandemic, and I have done what I can to support them during this time. I've spent some good times and good money in Brookvin and have never been asked to cut an evening short.
I'd like to think tonight was an aberration, maybe there was some misunderstanding, but from everything I saw, our server decided that we'd been there long enough, so he lied that the table was needed by another party when it clearly wasn't. We weren't drunk nor were we loud. We're simply enjoying our afternoon. I typically don't take to Yelp for something like this. I understand the industry and support it as much as I can. Today was different.
On the way home, we checked reservations for Brookvin to see how busy they were going to be tonight. Almost all time slots were open. In fact I don't remember seeing anything booked, but there may have been a few.
I won't be coming back and I will recommend to others to follow my lead. There are too many other places that need, deserve, and appreciate my business.