Joseph M.
Yelp
I wish I could rate this place more than one star. Their servers were prompt and attentive. They deserve 4 stars for that. At a rather upscale place, their disheveled look was the reason I not rate them 5 stars, but that may be a strictly personal point of view. I dress nice out of respect for myself and others that may not want to look at my pot-belly.
Their drinks were excellent. Full 5 stars. Food was very much below a single star. We had the crepes. Terrible. The cheese was unmelted and the entire crepe was under-cooked a doughy. If this were the only problem, likely I'd add another star or, perhaps, even 2-1/2.
Unfortunately, what I could not stomach is their "hospitality" charge for food that was already on the high side. Unless you ask about this, you won't know that 20% will be added to your bill automatically. I've worked as a bartender and waiter. Adding 20% for parties of 6 or more is normal. This inhospitable fee is for one or more people, not a large group.
Spotting it on the menu, I asked my server what it was. Then asked, "is this the tip?" like they do in many countries in Europe. She kindly explained that no it was in addition to the expected tip to help ensure higher wages for everyone that worked there.
So in addition to terrible food, already overpriced and of poor quality ,I'm expected to help ensure that I keep them profitable and pay for service whether good or bad.
So my simple suggestion is raise your prices 20% so I can decide if I want to eat here or not. Don't hide behind this pseudo social justice / socialism "living wage" bs so your food is expensive, but not 20% higher in the ridiculous range for the quality. I may have paid $6 for a croissant, but secretly adding 20% to a fully priced $5 croissant should be a choice I make. Some would say this is an example of "bait and switch". If it's not illegal, it should be.
I am sorry to be brutally honest, but if you can't afford to be a server at a restaurant, or charge the price Managment believes to be bring in enough to pay what they want ME to pay, than perhaps you've made a poor career or business choice.
I give 20% tips for fair service and I routinely tip higher. In fact we left and drove to Conroy's (on Rainbow) to have a real brunch and I left a 30% tip because it was an outstanding value.
Raise your prices or list the automatic tip amount on the menu in bold, and heck, if you think it should be 50% higher and people will gladly pay, then list this amount and make it clear up front before folks walk in the door and have to ask.
I'll never go back. It was a terrible experience.