Devon Z.
Yelp
Salamander never fails to disappoint and provide poor service. Went last night to meet 6 girlfriends, with a reservation for 7, at 645-7pm, in the Gold Cup bar by the fireplace. The table was only set for 6, so we had to grab a chair from a neighboring table.
Our waiter came around a few minutes later to fill water glasses, but even though he was standing right next to me, failed to bring me a water glass, utensils, or menu. When he came back a few minutes later to take drink orders, I had to directly ask for the glass, etc -- he certainly wasn't bringing them on his own! It then took 15 min for our drinks to arrive, and another 10 min for him to come back for our food order. Five ordered appetizers (1 burrata, 2 cauliflower, 2 shrimp), one a ceasar salad with salmon, and one a pizza. It took 1 hr 15 min for our food to arrive!! Unbelievable. Halfway through the food wait, the waiter came around to refill water and ask about a second round of drinks. We all had another round -- bc, no food -- and kept waiting. Finally five of us got our food, and then we waited 5 more minutes for the other two ladies to get their plates. The food itself was fine. 9
As we were mostly done with our food, the waiter comes back and quietly asks only one end of the table if they would like another drink. It wasn't until he brings them that the ladies notice, and are surprised, so ask if they can get another drink as well. The waiter responds, "Oh, I didn't know you wanted another." Response: "Not surprising, as you never asked us!"
Shortly after he left, a large group came into the room, started playing pool, and the noise level turned into a sports bar during a finals match. We had to shout at each other to be heard. Our drinks arrived, and we requested the waiter say something to the group, or get the manager. 10 minutes later, the manager arrived, and said nothing to the group, just apologized for the noise with the excuse "they had a business reception and have had a bit to drink." With that lack of action, we quickly asked for our checks so we could leave, as the noise and raucousness was too much. That took another almost 10 minutes to complete, and we then gladly walked out. One of the ladies had a word with the manager about the terrible service as we left, and he just apologized, but nothing else.