Andy Y.
Yelp
This is gonna be a long review, but if you want the short and sweet, the food was okay, and the overall vibe and service were solid, but my particular waiter sucked. The restaurant overall was mediocre. It wasn't good by any means, but it wasn't downright terrible. However, this has to have been the worst service I have ever received at any restaurant in my life. Let me clarify: the overall service at this restaurant was good, but my specific server, Delucca, provided me with the worst service I have ever received. Not only did I not feel welcomed, but I was downright scared and didn't want to be in the restaurant. I, in fact, contemplated leaving the restaurant before I got my food and ultimately left before finishing my food because of how uncomfortable I was. So what was the issue? I sat down and ordered the chips and guacamole from another staff member when they showed me to my table. A few minutes after I got my food, Delucca briefly walked past my table and told me they were my server and to ask them if I needed anything else. No issue there. 15 minutes later, I wanted to order more food, but I couldn't find Delucca, so I asked another server to put in my order. Preface, I have never worked in the food industry, so I don't know if this was problematic from my end, but even if it was, I still feel the reaction was by no means justified.
The reaction in question: a couple minutes later, Delucca came to my table and told me, "I am your server; don't put in orders with other people," in a very aggressive tone (I don't remember what they said verbatim, but it was along these lines). I was honestly taken aback by this. What was previously a positive experience and relaxing time before my flight became very uncomfortable and, honestly, rather scary. I am by no means the meekest person. I am a male college student and very comfortable in public settings, but still having this older, larger person surprising me with this tone out of the blue made me feel like a scared kid afraid of talking to strangers. But the worst was yet to come. Halfway into eating my burrito, Delucca came to my table with my check and said in a very arrogant tone, "When you are ready, you pay me!" and pointed to themself. I don't know if it is just me, but that is insane for a server to say. This entire encounter was highly unprofessional and downright rude. After this, I quickly paid and left the restaurant without giving a tip. Many would disagree with this, but the service was so terrible that I couldn't bring myself to give any extra to Delucca. I know that often, the tip doesn't just go to the specific server, but still, my frustration with Delucca superseded any empathy and appreciation I had for the other staff.
Side note: While viewing Delucca with other guests, I noticed that they seemed to be fine servers, but my personal experience with them was horrendous, as shown above.
I won't say not to go to this restaurant because, aside from my experience with this specific server, it was fine as a place to dine. If Cantina Grill or Deluuca are reading this, please be more aware of how you are treating your guests and stay professional.