My first visit to this restaurant was unfortunately a very disappointing experience from the moment…read morewe walked in.
My partner and I had just finished a long hike and were excited to relax, enjoy a good meal, and watch the World Cup game. When we arrived, we approached the host stand to put our name on the waitlist. Instead of being greeted with a smile or any sense of hospitality, the host, Sarah, came across as very snarky, dismissive, and unwelcoming. She informed us there would be approximately a 45-minute wait, which we completely understood and were happy to accept.
While waiting, we stood near the bar area so we could watch the World Cup match. Despite standing there for around 25 minutes, not a single bartender or employee acknowledged us, offered a menu, or even greeted us. Eventually, after about 30 minutes of waiting, a table in the bar area became available. Since it was empty, we sat down, assuming it was open.
Within moments, the host approached us with the same rude attitude and told us that table was being held for another party. We politely asked to speak with a manager. Rather than responding professionally, she visibly rolled her eyes before going to get one, which only reinforced how unwelcome we felt.
When the manager arrived, the interaction was equally disappointing. He never asked us what had happened or tried to understand our perspective. Instead, he immediately apologized and reiterated that the table was reserved for another waiting party. We didn't want to cause a scene, so we simply moved to another available bar table.
What made the situation especially frustrating was that the original table they insisted was reserved remained empty the entire time afterward. No one was ever seated there while we watched. It left us questioning why such a rigid stance was taken over a seating arrangement that appeared easily manageable.
The issue was never about having to move tables. We understand restaurants get busy and that hosts have to manage seating. The problem was the complete lack of hospitality, communication, and customer service. From the host's attitude and eye-rolling to the manager's unwillingness to listen before making a decision, we felt like an inconvenience rather than welcomed guests.
As first-time customers, first impressions matter. We arrived excited to enjoy our evening, but instead left feeling ignored, dismissed, and genuinely unwelcome. A little kindness, professionalism, and a willingness to communicate could have completely changed this experience. Unfortunately, that's not what we received.