Lauren F.
Yelp
Service is always a hit or miss.
Obviously this spot is always busy, they have been for years.
One thing that remains consistent is how dreadful the staff seems to be every time.
Our group has come here more times than we can keep track of.
Came here for my birthday in April, there were about 10 of us.
When it came time to do the obnoxious birthday song, we asked for plates and silverware for my cake. "We can't cut that for you". Sounds good, no problem. I ASKED FOR PLATES AND SILVERWARE SO WE COULD DO IT OURSELVES. We kept the cake in the box and they ended up bringing the plates as we were already departing the table.
Last night we came in, again, a party of 9.
Our initial server began taking orders and because we had 2 grills, said that it would be more beneficial for us to double orders and split everything on to both grills. We don't eat / didn't want the same things though? We told him again we would prefer to split the orders. He replies, "Trust me, it will be much easier to do it this way." I held back from responding, "Easier for WHO?" I know what this means, easier for staff, easier for kitchen. Less work for servers. Copy.
Because it's pooled tip, we had another server help us out here and there, we've had him before and he's usually pretty great. We didn't get names of either of them, they don't tell you when they approach for first orders.
When it comes time for the bill, we pay one card. No issues with splits, iykyk.
After the "usually pretty great" server drops the check back off, he notices leftover raw meats. "You're not going to eat that?" The grills are off and we're on ice cream already. He then tells us, "Usually we would charge you for that, but I'll let it slide this time." All of us are so burnt out from service that we don't even clap back at this point.
We're not eating it because we didn't want it but were FORCED. And we're not paying for that. Obviously he's sticking to policy which I respect, but there was a lack of context and communication between the two servers.
This experience won't stop us from coming, but just be reminded that you're getting automatic gratuity out of us, and next time we will come correct.
Plot twist: We're ALL in the service industry and know how the negativity could've been avoided.
Also, I don't think this location is ran by management, but lead servers/floor supervisors. I assume staff is burnt out because the lack of supervision and help from higher up, so I hope this reaches who it needs to reach.