Daren R.
Yelp
HORRIFIC SERVICE !!! FOOD OK...
My experience at the restaurant was quite the rollercoaster. From the inviting ambiance and mouth watering appetizers to the unforgettable horrific service issues, there were definitely some highlights mixed with significant low points.
Parking was easy, free and right in front of the business. First journey to this place after scouring through hundreds of mixed reviews so I was skeptical but it held a 4+ rating.
We entered and met with the hostess who sat us on the outside patio per our request since it was a cool night. They had a very nice coffee bar at the front, although the hostess said with an odd grin that it has not been operable to customers for years.
We took our seats in the beautiful zen type patio and quickly noticed that there were only two other tables occupied and one guy at the huge bar. I took a quick stroll through the bar to the bathrooms where I noticed a man sitting in a row of chairs literally in front of the two bathroom doors. I asked him if he was in line for the bathroom. He replied that he was waiting for a haircut and pointed to a door that was partially cracked open. Surprisingly, it was a 'speak easy' barber shop next to a bathroom and I loved the concept. There was no business name on the door, but affixed to the wall next to the bathroom door was the iconic red and blue barber's pole. An employee said the name is printed on the front of the building and is called, Bottima. The gender neutral bathroom was sparkling clean and ultra customized with multi-colored stone pebbled walls and wood panel flooring.
Literally, over ten minutes and still no communication from a server. I finally walked to the hostess and explained that we still do not have a server. A few minutes later a server, Tony, warmly greeted us with a big smile and took our drink and appetizer order, which took a very long time to arrive. Oddly, the bar was still empty as well as the restaurant, so not sure what was the issue. Tony apologized for the long wait and said the bartender has been busy - What? Again, this place is empty. Tony advised that Sunday brunch is busy but after that it's very quiet. Well, it is approaching 5pm and it's dead, so what's the excuse for the poor service?
The cocktails and beer were good and the Sriracha Glazed Brussel Sprouts $12.00 were well cooked. The Street Corn with Guac & Chips $15.99 were a perfect treat with our drinks. Vagrants were strolling up and down the sidewalk at the edge of the patio as we conversed, but we're near downtown Ft Lauderdale so it's understandable, just awkward.
At this point, we were going to leave but pushed our luck a little more and cautiously ordered entrees. After a long wait, the Smash Burger was visually appealing but the meat was tasteless. The Impossible Burrito Bowl was tasty although there were items added that were unnecessary. The beef was substituted with a plant based protein, which is great for meat intolerant people.
Our cocktails were getting low so we ordered another round. Three cocktail glasses remained empty and no sign of Tony. I again noticed only one customer at the bar and one other customer table in use. Frustrated, I walked into the bar and the female bartender advised that no drink orders are pending, so I walked back to my table visibly defeated and thirsty. Tony finally appears and we inquired about our long awaited cocktails - he informs us that they have issues with the printer at the bar. I mean, cmon, this place is completely dead at prime dinner hour and we're just asking for reasonable service without a manager in sight.
As the drinks finally arrived, our dinner plates were empty and I stacked them into the center of the table into a nice looking porcelain tower. Without a busboy in sight, I placed the dirty dishes onto the table next to us and watched as they just sat there awaiting a proper home. I only had so much patience and could not even bear risking a dessert fiasco here.
This night could have made the perfect episode on Curb Your Enthusiasm or Seinfeld - it was that comical. In my book, Customer Service should always supersede the Food everytime and that greatly resonates with a majority of diners. Laughing at the place, instead of with the place, is not a good way to leave.