Apollo P.
Yelp
So, a bit on the fence about this place. Ive always wanted to dine here; seemed like a really nice place and of course because of all the reviews. Today, I was VERY DISAPPOINTED. Lets start on - maybe I looked like I did not "belonged" there...Here goes my experience. I was greeted by the host - in a sort of rude way. I wanted to sit at bar and how she greeted me was really intimidating - in my opinion, her tone was not the best. Almost made it seem like - Im the idiot customer that should already know better; you dont have to ask if you only want to go to the bar.
Also, when I walked in your restaurant, another interaction that I recieved was from a young looking hostess that looked at me with a very judging stare/attitude (started from my shoes and slowly to my face). No smile, no acknowledgement, nothing. That shouldve been the indicator, the sign of a soon to be disappointment, but to say the least - maybe she was having a bad day or just didnt feel like being there (I believe she was a hostess since she had menus in her hands and stood beside the heavier set (chubby) hostess when she got back to the podium area).
At the bar; was greeted ok...i think. Bartender seemed to have an issue with an irrate customer earlier; something about they have already paid...so basically, the tension/stress at that time was high. No worries - I let it go...but then I noticed: No introduction (Mind you - it was my first time here).
No explanation of menu, no - hello, my name is so and so, and blah, blah. All other customers that came in after me and sat at the bar were given - usual; hi my name is, we have brunch today., blah, blah...usual upscale bar service. Even the girl on her cellphone got better treatment as soon as she sat. Bartender engaged with her, spent some time. Ok, yes she was cute and if I was the bartender - of course I would give her more of my attention.
Food was ok, typical "bar food." However, no check back from bartenders. No "May I get you anything else or how was everything...usual FOH service. The place was not busy, at all. I could understand if bar was 3 deep, but it was not.
So then I thought about - oh these people probably have never had a different person before (besides white/black). Yes; throwing the race card. But I will try to be as positive as I can. It is still bothering me that everyone else were greeted like they were part already of the family or that they were welcomed. (I SURELY DID NOT FEEL WELCOMED, AT ALL).
A couple of jokes here and there, explanation of menu, usual FOH sequence of service. Maybe its a "local" only establishment...idk. It should not matter though, because service is service. I was not impressed even though ratings of this restaurant says otherwise. Eveything that Ive asked for was given to me...but I shouldnt have to do that - thats why we are in the hospitality industry, correct? We should always anticipate what our customers need. I am not asking anything for free nor would I want some sort of apology on this matter. I just hope the owners and/or management sees this as an opportunity to improve on FOH service or give "new" customers a reason to come back. By the way - I was the single dinner that ordered a beer and a JW black, neat. That kept on saying - please and thank you. Oh, I did not take my unplesant experience out on your bartenders money. I still gave the typical 20% gratuity
***Im sure your bartender remembers me, as I just left your restaurant***. Im the Asian guy with a green hat, I sat somewhat in the middle of the bar. I ordered a bmore hazy and a neat JW Black and some food. Bartender kept saying "thank you" a lot towards the end. Maybe it dawned on him that I was writing the review when I was still at your restaurant. A little too late in sevice recoverey.
I am not wanting anything in return or any freebies nor would I come back to your establishment. You all have your regulars and will still thrive throughout the years. Its truly a nice place for locals I guess, just not a place I would recommend for other people to try - I felt really embarrassed to say the least.