This was our second time here, and after this visit, we should have known better…read more
Our first visit was around 2 p.m., so we gave them the benefit of the doubt. We only ordered the zucchini sticks appetizer and a couple of drinks. It took forever to get the drinks and even longer to get the appetizer, which arrived soggy and dripping in oil. We also had a very difficult time getting our waitress's attention throughout the visit.
We were staying at the hotel this time and decided to give the restaurant another chance for dinner. The restaurant wasn't particularly busy when we arrived. The hostess saw us and seated a couple who came in just before us, but then disappeared and left us standing there for about ten minutes. When she finally returned, she tried to seat us in a booth literally next to the front door, even though there were plenty of nicer tables farther inside and by the windows.
It appeared that she was also bartending and waiting tables, including ours. Unfortunately, she was constantly rushed, very short with us, and would often walk away before we had even finished speaking to her.
I ordered the chicken-fried steak, and my husband ordered the udon noodles with shrimp. We also ordered a mixed drink. Our waitress said she would bring us some bread, and then we didn't see her again for about 20 minutes. Our food arrived, but there was still no bread and no drink. She eventually swung by and dropped off the bread without even slowing down, and the mixed drink arrived shortly afterward -- after our food.
The chicken-fried steak was particularly disappointing. It looked more like a thick, puffy hamburger than a properly pounded chicken-fried steak. It was dry, tough, and difficult to cut. To make matters worse, I was never given a steak knife and had to try cutting the steak with a butter knife.
The woman who brought our food was another waitress, Catherine, who was working a different section. She was wonderful. When we told her about the chicken-fried steak, she immediately asked if I wanted something else. I ordered fettuccine Alfredo, and Catherine brought it out promptly. It was fine.
My husband said the udon noodles were good, and the shrimp was good as well, although both were a little overcooked.
The most frustrating part was that our actual waitress never came back to check on us. We never saw her again until we had finished our meals. She didn't ask how the food was, whether we needed anything, or whether everything was okay.
I hope they pool their tips, because Catherine was the person who actually deserved ours.
When our waitress finally came by, we quickly asked for coffee before she disappeared again. She dropped off the coffee and walked away so quickly that my wife had to call after her, "Spoons! Spoons!" She didn't even acknowledge us and kept walking.
About a minute later, Catherine appeared with the spoons and said, "Here you go -- I heard you calling for spoons."
She's not even our waitress!
Catherine was terrific. If you still decide to eat here after reading this review, ask for her. She clearly understands what good customer service looks like.
Overall, the food was okay, but the service was awful. All the bad service reviews are correct. That's especially disappointing because the restaurant looks like such a nice place and has prices to match. You naturally expect the level of service to match the atmosphere and pricing.
We know the restaurant business, and providing good service isn't rocket science. What is especially surprising is how many reviews mention poor service. The management must either not be paying attention to the online reviews or doesn't seem particularly concerned about them.
There aren't a lot of restaurant choices in Sulphur, which may be part of the reason this place stays busy. But if you come here, don't set your expectations too high when it comes to service.
For us, two visits were enough. We won't be back.
