Rich M.
Yelp
Looking for something casual after a Saturday spent at the Arts Festival, we sought out THE ARCHIBALD because of its reviews and location adjacent to a regularly frequented "Bookstore" that always delivers. We were excited about the experience and two downtown professionals in our party thought it might be a good new spot to frequent.
We immediately gravitated to the rooftop patio that was beginning to crowd up, but we were able to grab a vacated street side 8 top! After waiting 5-10 minutes for a server, I went to the crowded bar and was surprised to find ONE (1) busy bartender and inquired: "Are you the only person working?" Curt response: "Yes, and you really shouldn't ask that question, I got this!" I returned to our table with this information, and everyone was equally surprised there wasn't waiter/waitress service.
Digging the vibe and ambiance another couple volunteered to go back with me to place our orders. When we got there it was quite obvious THE bartender had issue with me. Given I've been frequenting establishments longer than this individual has been alive, I apologized and explained I needed to know that information so we weren't sitting there any longer like dummies and I could get some help without relinquishing our spot. We simply wanted to have some cocktails and eat (i.e. spend some money). I wasn't questioning her capability - chill!
That didn't seem to help so we decided to let my friends continue the partial order there, and I'd try the downstairs bar. After waiting a few minutes there for what I later discovered was a manager based on discussions with my cohorts afterwards wherein they had a poor interaction) I was told I could place an order at the other end. Same great service as upstairs!
Notwithstanding, The drinks and food were good, not spectacular - pizza being the only option. It's ordered through the bartenders, you're notified via beeper, and it's picked up by YOU. So in my instance I had to go back downstairs to get the pizza!
Overall, the service was the worst I've ever experienced. Rude, dismissive, and ambivalent doesn't even cover it. I might anticipate some of this at a college bar (I've done SEC, ACC, B10, MAC, Bowls), but not a place trying to come off as a niche, trendy escape in downtown Fort Worth.
Consequently, our party was one and done, 0 out of 5; would not recommend! We won't be back and will continue our downtown rooftop quest elsewhere. Our management suggestion; coming off a large event (e.g. FTW Arts Festival) you need to have more than TWO bartenders working the entire establishment. It's EMBARRASSING and a beckons a serious need to reevaluate your team!
Seek out another rooftop location or visit the neighbors - always great service there!