As another diner noted in their post, I really wanted to love this place as well, but absolutely did not. We came from the ballet to eat here because of the menu and the photos of the food we've seen. I ordered the surf and turf for $85 and it was literally the worst steak and lobster I've ever had. I don't know what they marinated the steak in, but it had no beef flavor left. If I had close my eyes, I wouldn't of known what I was eating. The seasoning flavor was so overpowering. And I asked for a medium and it seemed more medium well almost well done. The lobster was the most overcooked lobster I've ever had. I literally had to fight with it in order to cut it. Everything was so overcooked and over flavored, I didn't even wanna bother to complain. The steak marinade was salty and overpowering, and the lobster had some type of seasoning on it that was not good, along with the fact that the lobster was rubbery. My husband ordered the Lisbon burger and he liked it. So at least that was good. The cocktail was OK. I ordered a lemon drop and it didn't seem very strong. Definitely would not dine here again. Also, my husband ran out of Coke at one point and I had to eventually get up and find a waitress to ask her for his first refill, and to refill our water. Then we were told they ran out of Coke and then one showed up, and we tasted it and it was Pepsi but they said they had found Coke. We know the difference between Pepsi and . Just not very attentive at times. Beautiful looking food just overcooked, overpriced, and over seasoned! read more

Estella - American Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Perfect location for a meal before a show at the opera house. For such a narrow retail space - we found the noise levels actually not that bad for what you typically deal with in Boston. (It's always nice being able to hear the people your sitting with not competing with the noise coming from other tables) The Lychee martini was very good, I also had the blackened swordfish with cous cous which was cooked perfectly. The servers were very professional and the overall atmosphere was fitting for the location. The only issue we had was the heat level on the second floor was pretty high but not intolerable. read more

Estella - Blackened Swordfish - American Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

great late on a thursday night relatively chill yet never know who might come thru sit by the bar and vibe vibe. chill bartenders; fun clientele. solid drinks. first timer, hardly worst time yuh. after the bartender patiently humored my cocktail choice musings, i landed on the watermelon mojito. good choice! refreshing, not overly sweet. $16 + tax. well worth the time and money for the good conversation and company. check it out here! friday night / weekend supposed to more lively, naturally. go team. read more

Estella - American Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I went there for dinner with my husband on a Friday night. We found their menu to be rather limited. We started with the calamari which was good. However, the entrees were mediocre at best. We also found their prices to be a little bit on the higher end & the portions were small. They were also out of a couple items. Our server was friendly & nice. The atmosphere was different & interesting. Not sure if I would go back again. read more

I absolutely loved the dining experience at Estella. Everything was excellent! From the appetizers , fried Calamari and Crab cakes that did not disappoint. To our entrees which were even better. He had their seafood pasta which came in cream based sauce that didn't over power or drown out the flavor of the scallops or shrimp. I had the Hungarian Filet Migon and y'all I swear that steak is giving even the top Boston steak house a run for their money. But the star of the show for me? That espresso Martini!!! I order an espresso martini everywhere I go and this one here? The best I have ever had ... PERIOD!!! It's a must visit! read more

Estella - Table menu and espresso martini - American Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Came here again to give it another try but this time I reserved a table instead of sitting at the bar. The food was great as always but manager? Maybe? was yelling at front staff at the desk. The young lady was trying to find a table for a large party and management started to raise their voice and give attitude. Very unprofessional. I think the problem is the managers not the staff. Need better communication or maybe new management. read more

Service was FABULOUS. So fast, respectful, and on it. Food was good. Many options and tasty. A little more of a relaxed vibe. Brussel sprouts and shrimp tacos were our favorites! read more

Estella - American Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

The front door staff very professional. Our waiter service was outstanding. The manager made sure he came to each table to greet each guest. The food was tasty and appreance was appealing to the eye. Large portions and a doggie bag was needed for the appetizer and the entree. Lamb chops and oxtail was a chef kiss . The chef puts love and care towards each meal. The drinks were yummie and filled to the top. Everything was simple delicious. Everything went well read more

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I went on a date this past weekend with my boyfriend to Estella located on 49 Temple Pl, Boston, MA. This restaurant lounge features live entertainment in the evening! For drinks we had the Lavender of Love drink and a new drink coming onto the menu soon called Summer in Rio. I personally loved the lavender of love drink it wasn't overly sweet and easy to drink. For appetizers we had the coconut shrimp 8/10 these shrimp were covered with coconut flakes and coconut cream froth. These were the star of the evening and worth a try! We also got the garlic toasted brussels which were served with a garlic cream sauce 6/10. For entrees we had the hungarian filet mignon 7/10 and the grilled rosemary lamb chops 7/10. The filet mignon had wild mushroom, onion, mashed potatoes and asparagus. The lamb chops also had mashed potatoes but was served with kale. For dessert we had the brownie cookie sundae this was served in a small cast iron with whipped cream, caramel and strawberries 8/10. Food: 7/10 Ambiance: 8/10-if you need to watch a sports game or looking for a nice DJ while you eat then this is your spot! Affordability: 5/10 read more

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Recently had a Sunday brunch at Estella. We were quite pleased. First they take reservations. A bonus in Boston. Very reasonably priced food. Club ambiance. Service was fine. The food was very good. Portions were huge. We had egg white breakfast, vegetable omelette and chicken and biscuits. All for $67.00. I highly recommend Estella. read more

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September 1th @ Estella 's Downtown on 49 Temple Pl. I find a parking space on Chauncey Street. I walk a few blocks and arrive at what I thought was the restaurant. there were lots of people waiting in line on the sidewalk and street to get in. There was even a line to tell the host how many in your party and ask how long of a wait would be was massively long. I was like Estella's is the spot to be today. I'm asking people where is the end of the line I look up and read the sign and Estelle's is next door all the fanfare was for some French Café lol. I make the adjustment walk over to the correct restaurant and was seated quickly. I Waited an eternity for a hot cup of black coffee it came to the table like they went to Antarctica to make it. Smh. What tickled me was how the waitress was carrying the cup and presented the cup of coffee at the table. She was holding and walking with the cup in hand like it was piping hot and naturally I handled the cup in that manner I carefully took a sip and I couldn't believe how freaking cold the coffee was, initially I was upset but I laughed so hard because I thought there was a camera on me and I was being punked in a skit or something. The waitress should be awarded an Oscar she even came to the table and ask was the coffee ok I told her NO it's ice cold. She then ask if she could get me a coffee I laughed and said that's ok and I ordered Mimosas. I go out by myself a lot and because I'm a party of 1, restaurants try to steer you to the bar and if you refuse they walk you to their timeout tables the absolute worst tables they have to offer and it was no different at Estella's I was placed at their timeout tables place alongside the wall right in front of the elevator. I ordered food and the food arrived faster than the ice coffee and mimosa which was very interesting to me. The 1st dish arrived Avocado Toast with Smoked Salmon and side salad the ATS was basic lackluster and the salad had no effort or heart put into it the dish was disappointing. I waited before I'd order the 2nd dish, I did order a mimosa. The 2nd dish ordered was their Steak and Eggs with Medium on the Steak and Soft on the Poached Eggs. The poached eggs and home fries were great but that Steak SMH was cooked beyond well-done it was HOCKEY PUCK TOUGH. On top of that I had to leave my table and get my own salt and pepper. If this restaurant wants to get people standing on the sidewalk and street waiting to enter Estella's consistently like the restaurant next door, the owner and the entire staff needs to take pride in their craft, restaurant, services and the final product presented at the tables to the customer's, then and only then will the restaurant reach its full potential. OOOOOOOOH I FORGOT TO MENTION! The restaurant tried to force me to pay a gratuity of 25% at that point they basically were telling me to never come again. Before I left I sent a text to a friend and serious Foodie asking if they knew the owner. This is what I texted to my friend. "Good afternoon, my lovely friend could you tell me if you're friends with the owner of Estella's, if you are please tell them to fire the cooks they have working their brunch hours. And stop forcing gratuity on a 1 person party. The food was bad , well, not all of it. The Salmon Avocado Toast needs to be revamped. The steak and eggs smh the poached eggs and home fries were great, but for the steak you know I order meat medium everywhere and no different at Estella's but they serve me a over well done hockey puck I'm pissed I just covered the plate and ask for the check. I won't be coming back." read more

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Jessica was an amazing bartender. The best espresso martini I've had in a while! A nice spot with great ambiance read more

Estella - Espresso martini - American Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Solid brunch spot in Boston! Asides from the nice hip vibes of the place, the music, the ambience, the interior, the food is, for the price point, reasonable in quantity and quality! The omelette was very big and sufficiently stuffed with crabs and a nice accompaniment of potatoes and salad. I really liked the Pina no Fuego cocktail as Pina colada is my favorite drink - my only qualm with it is that the alcohol base wasn't very much there, at least in terms of flavor profile (which might be a good thing for you). read more

Estella - Crab Omelette - American Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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We stopped by before a show and it was alright. The burgers were decent according to my friends, my lamb chops were on the small side and overcooked for medium, and my friend was very disappointed with the pistachio fettuccine. The fries accompanying the burgers and the dry rub wings were crispy and flavorful though! Our server was great -- friendly and considerate. However, one of the hostesses was very rude when we asked for an additional chair for our group. Service wise, the food and drinks took a while to come out. And there was a vent blowing cold air directly at one of the seats? Overall, ok meal. Appreciated our server for making sure we would make it to our show on time! read more

Food was average. My lobster ravioli came out cold. Portions are WAY too big. Sloppy presentation when plated. Feels like a meal you can cook at home - save your money. Ambience is nice but it's a weird and wide age range of customers. I thought it would be an adult only space after 10pm. read more

By far one of the best dining experiences I have had in a while. The food was so flavorful and the atmosphere was perfect for a Saturday evening. The manager came by our table multiple times to ensure that we had everything we needed and our waiter Issam was so attentive. This is my second time dining here in a month and is becoming one of my favorite spots in Boston. read more

The experience was overall beautiful and you order the mango mami and loved it. A suggestion that came from the server Tiana based off of my likes. The food was innovative and delicious. I would 10/10 recommend. I would definitely be coming back. read more

Estella - American Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Came here for the close proximity to the boston opera house. Pleasantly surprised with our experience here. Tasty cocktails and eats. I had the blackened salmon tacos which were excellent minus the fact that they definitely require a fork and knife because they kept falling apart. For dessert we had the de Luce de leche lava cake - simply wonderful. From the hostesses to our waitress to the food runners, service was lovely. The only downfall of this place is that the volume and choice of music made the ambience feel a little more club like then what I was hoping for at 5:30pm. Other than that, it was great! read more

I've been wanting to check out Estella for a while, so I had an opportunity to attend an after work mixer, so I went. I really liked the decor, and noticed there are three levels in Estella, although I stayed down in the lower level primarily. I would also say the service is great! There was a large group at the mixer, and the staff was very personable and attentive to everyone there. Where my critique lies is with the food. It was just ok. I got plain wings with a side of spice rub, and it lacked flavor even with the seasoning. My friend ordered calamari, and I tried a few. We both agreed that it lacked flavor. She didn't finish hers, and planned to remix it at home later. Lastly, another person ordered the asparagus fries and had the same response as us--that it wasn't seasoned well. Not sure if they use the same breading on their fried foods, but they might use a different oil or seasoning blends just to enhance each food's flavors. Three different people can't all have the same reaction to three different foods. What they seem to excel in is their cocktails. I noticed the lavender cocktail was highly requested and ordered by many. I def would come back in the future, and try their drinks out. read more

We had asked for a larger table because we actually wanted to order every appetizer and they told us all the tables were reserved. 1.5 hours later, none of the tables were sat.. we ordered ZERO appetizers now. Our ordering plans were now changed, and we both ordered meals that were tasteless and very tough meat. My chicken Milanese lay on top of a pile of lemon mayonnaise. The short rib was not even able to be cut with a knife and over priced at every level. They also didn't have real menus. You had to use your phone or their tablet. Not our type of establishment. read more

I actually went for the third time I try something new every time. . Service is outstanding food is cooked very well and the staff from the hostesses. And Barr staff are friendly. And personal. Next up for me there is the Alta with oxtails read more

First and foremost the service I received was top tier, from the hostess to the upper management. We had a reservation & we were seated right away. We were seated upstairs by ourselves, with nothing on the tvs and it was pretty warm. The waitresses ended up setting the tvs and eventually it did cool off inside. The setup on the main level is a odd as patrons would continually pass you if you're seated on this level. Doesn't seem like an ideal seat for anyone nor dining alone. & even then it would be distracting The drinks were good & seemed to be what a lot of people came for .. I opted for one of their signature drinks "the paloma" & it was really good but was served in two different glasses so not sure how it should taste because one had a lot more grapefruit juice For appetizers we tried the calamari, which looked good, but that was the extent of it. It smelled and tasted like old oil so it got sent back. 0/10 The Estella chicken wings, had a really good flavor but they were a bit soggy. Would have been perfect had they been cooked a little more before being doused in the sauce. 7/10 The lobster macaroni & cheese was absolutely DISGUSTING! It was semi watery & extremely sweet. I have never had anything so weirdly made. The waitress did advise it was a new recipe, but they should consider reverting to the old one. I will say that had the taste been up to par, there was a decent amount of lobster in the dish. But sadly 0/10 and also got sent back The rosemary "lamb chops" were so small it was almost amusing. It's as if they took one lamb chop and made it into thirds to get more bang for their buck. This plate is absolutely not worth the money but it is aesthetically pleasing The Hungarian filet mignon is another menu item that's aesthetically pleasing, but lacking in flavor. The only flavor the steak possessed was that of a burnt dirty grill. The best thing on this plate was the mashed potatoes, which they could've given more of. I asked for my broccoli to be well done (and it was input into the system per the bill) and it was raw and unseasoned. The waitresses who did wait on us were extremely apologetic about the experience, which I appreciated but I know it was not their fault. The manager did come over and rectify the situation to the best of his ability, but we did end up going to eat elsewhere after leaving here. The manager did attempt to make something to take to go and a dessert but I was honestly just ready to go The cheesecake they brought over as a courtesy, tasted as if it had been sitting in the refrigerator without proper storage. It just tasted like a refrigerator if you know what I mean. If I were to ever visit this establishment again, it would solely be for the drinks and maybe appetizers. The decor and ambiance of the restaurant were great, but I was expecting more. Perhaps focusing on one or two types of cuisine to be more consistent with the flavors. Still giving 4 stars due to the service I received read more

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A fabulous new find in Boston! Tucked away on Temple Place near the Common, AMC Movie Theater and the Theater District it's the perfect spot for dinner before an event or a night cap after afterwards. The ambiance is very welcoming, cozy, yet upscale. Booths were roomy. All of the staff were polite, attentive and always smiling. The food and beverage menus are both diverse and there is something for almost all your taste desires, with the exception of seafood. Didn't notice a lot choices in that arena. We were there for lunch so we didn't do the complex choices but everything came out hot and timely and full of flavor. I can't wait to return and try some of the dinner choices. read more

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I had been to Estella three times and, literally, raved that it was my favorite restaurant in Boston. The food was heavy, but flavors were incredible - creamy and with a great (almost Cajun) flavor. The last time I visited was in May, for my daughter's graduation. Then, my husband and I went for a draft beer one afternoon and were told the draft was broken, so we didn't stay. A few weeks later, we stopped in for dinner snd were told they were having problems with the kitchen and could only make pasta. Again, we left. Finally, we returned for New Year's Eve and, sadly, will not be back. Even though I made a reservation for four in the main dining room weeks early (while they had plenty of availability online), we were seated at a bar table, where we froze every time the front door opened. My husband and I ordered Sam Adams on draft and the beer was room temperature. We then ordered the vegan tower and it had very little flavor. Also, each was prepared differently. I asked if they had some Cajun seasoning and our server (who was excellent) said it would be right over. It took a while, and then we got hot sauce and red pepper flakes. It helped, but still not great. The last - and probably worst - reason I will not be returning is the management. On our first couple of visits, the manager was amazing and everything ran smoothly. This time, I noticed a man leaning against the wall at the end of the bar, simply leering at the female bartenders (who were busy and doing a great job). I asked our server who was that guy and was told it was the owner's brother. I suspect that manager we met on our first couple of visits is no longer there and the owner thought sending his brother to intimidate the staff was an appropriate solution. However, a good manager doesn't stand around on a busy night. He jumps in and helps out, whether it means delivering meals to the tables, checking on customers, or taking out the trash. read more

Terrible experience! We had reservations for 7pm for a Birthday dinner on a Saturday night, we were told twice by two different wait staff to be quiet. Which didn't make sense since there was music playing and we were seated in the back of the restaurant. The food was over priced and the steak came out raw when ordered medium well. One person didn't get her meal until everyone else was done eating. We were over charged for drinks that were not ordered! Terrible! read more

Estella was amazing!!! Our group had an awesome experience celebrating my boyfriend's birthday. Yaz was our server and she did a wonderful job--with her friendly service and being on top of getting our orders in. Music was on point, the table we sat at was perfect with the sound levels so we could hear each other, and food & drinks were outstanding. All appetizers we ordered were delicious and so were the main entreés. My favorites were the coconut shrimp, fried calamari, and Oxtail Rasta Pasta. The rice that's for the salmon was a little bit on the mushier side, but other than that no complaints or issues at all. 100% would recommend Estella to a friend. read more

Estella - Parmesan Garlic Yucca Fries and Calamari - American Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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I cannot say enough things about @estellabostonrestaurant! Hands down a 100/10. They outdid themselves with every part of our experience here. The variety & selection of drinks, apps, entrees & desserts were top tier. Stacy was our server and she handled every question we had & her suggestions were spot on! This place is a vibe. We usually do not have room for dessert but we made sure to. This is a BLACK OWNED...again this place is a BLACK OWNED establishment & they came to stay Quincy and Billy introduced themselves throughout our night. I was sold by the food but their introductions made the night special. This is an absolute YES we will be back & every one should pay this place a visit. Ya know I never let ya down with the recs. We had an amazing dinner and can't wait to come back! Did I mention they now serve brunch?!! Located in Downtown Boston on Temple Pl. Our Menu Selections: Turn Up The Heat Shoot For The Stars Apps Calamari - Thai Style Coconut Shrimp Rosemary Grilled Lamb Chops Shorty & Mash Lobster Mac Expresso Martini Butter Bond Cake Dulce Del Leche Lava Cake read more

Good spot. Nice atmosphere on the second floor and the music wasn't too loud. Waitress was fast, polite, and checked up on us which was nice. I ordered a rare Hungarian filet mignon which I had super high hopes for at $45. I was kinda disappointed when I got a medium-well steak and the char overpowered the flavor of the steak. I also laughed when the plate came out and there were only 3 onion rings. Otherwise, the mashed potatoes and the sauce were delicious. My partner also enjoyed her red pear and goat cheese salad with salmon. The drinks were fantastic. I got the pina no fuego from the zero proof section. My partner got the 'tastes like candy.' Both were just as advertised and we considered getting seconds. Too expensive for my taste, but hey, it's downtown so they gotta pay rent somehow. If you're looking for a hip new joint to have a drink and eat, come here! read more

The coconut shrimp was delicious, as well as the shortie. I would definitely recommend the shrimp but the other food i could take or leave. I personally didn't care for the asparagus, it didn't have much for flavor. read more

Estella - Shortie with mashed and asparagus - American Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

My family hand an amazing experience. We had mussels with toasted bread, mushroom ravioli, fall off the bone short rib, a to die for vegetable soup, and the ohh so delicious butter toffee cake. Ari was so much fun to talk to and guide our choices. I can't recommend more highly! read more

Estella's is the spot if you're looking for good food and an even better atmosphere. The lamb chops were next level--tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. The wings were crispy, seasoned just right, and had me wanting more. And the drinks? Smooth, refreshing, and on point. But what made it special was Ari the best waitress you could ask for. She made sure everything flowed, recommended the lamb chops (thank God for that), and made the night feel like a blessing. If you want great food, good energy, and service that leaves an impression, Estella's is where you need to be. read more

For Black History month, I always make sure that I support black or people of color restaurants. So when it was time to go out, my Caribben Divas' group decided to go to Estellas. The place was fabulous and the upstairs was a better fit for our group. Our waitress was fantastic throughout the night. The appetizers were delicious and the drinks were fabulous. Where the night got lost is when the entrees came in and we had to return half of the food we ordered. Not a good deal at all. I may give Estellas another chance some day. read more

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Would highly recommend if you're looking for wonderful food and a great time. The manager Stephanie was kind, had great energy and made the experience amazing. Our waiter Yasmine was fast, checked on us multiple times and brought us things without even asking! I will absolutely be back it was such a vibe. On top of everything the place inside in beautiful. read more

Estella - Sticky BBQ Ribs, Mac & Cheese Truffle, - American Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

The promoter Jazz spoke on having a superbowl listening party with music specifically not played during the game. That was not the case and was told the day of that the guests want music after spending upwards of $250+. Had to go up to complain and talk to the owner in order to see some results. Instead got a free round of drinks and no apology. Unfortunately this is black business in Boston read more

We went to eat at Estella after a matinee show at the theatre, around 4:30. We were seated upstairs right away, but the table was right next to the stairs even though the whole floor was virtually open. The atmosphere upstairs is a little confusing; it's got exposed brick walls and nice chairs but there seemed to be no heat - it was FREEZING and there was basketball on a large tv and rock music playing. It's not a sports bar at all, It's a very odd vibe and honestly they need to take out the tv, put on some cool music and turned on the heat. The drink menu was super creative and it was really hard to make a decision . The service was very very slow. We could see staff milling about, hanging around near our table but no one helped our server. My friend and I each got a drink, which was great and split two apps, the grilled octopus tentacle and the buffalo cauliflower. The drinks took a long time to come, and so did the food. The octopus was tough in places, and tender in places, and the cauliflower was excellent. Next up, I ordered the salmon lettuce tacos and my friend got the mussels in wine sauce. Both were fantastic, although some beans or rice with my tacos would have been good. We waited a really long time for the bill, and when it came it was someone else's. It took a long time for us to get the correct bill and even longer to pay and get my card back. The server was nice enough and I felt bad for her; she seemed like the only person working. The table next to us had two young women at it, and the male servers kept coming over to chat with them, but I don't think they were actually helping out. They definitely didn't help our table. I may go again, but I'd sit downstairs, bring a blanket, and maybe pay cash. read more

The best part of the visit was the bartender, until he got slammed. They need to give him a bar back. But he was hospitable and made some great recommendations. We both had pasta dishes and they were good. The drinks were good too. I would need to explore the menu a little more to see if the food is consistent. Great ambiance and crowd. read more

Bartenders Eve and Will went well above and beyond with service and food recommendations. Calamari was really good. Hungarian filet was delicious, as was the Rasta pasta. Flat bread steak and cheese had great flavor, but the steak was over done or rather chewy. read more

Food was delicious. I had the red pear and goat cheese salad. Yummy dressing. Delicious dessert as well. Top notch service - Mark was engaging and extremely attentive. read more

I chose Estrella because when I looked online at the menu, there seemed to be several options that were not spicy. I cannot eat spicy food. When we got there and I started to order, it turns out MOST of the items were, in fact spicy! I always ask before I order. I also asked if I could have a taste of a soup item to see if I could eat it, and the kitchen declined to provide it! I have never had that experience before. The restaurant was busy but not crowded. I ended up with a plate of plain asparagus because even the sauce was prepared with pepper. There wasn't a wedge of lemon or a parsley garnish or plain butter offered with it. The waitress was quite helpful and tried to assist. She apologized for the difficulty. Clearly, I will never return. read more

I was only there for about an hour, this was a my first visit. I was looking for somewhere to go for after dinner drinks. I got there at about 8:30pm. Apparently they have day parties and if you show up at anytime during the "day party" (even if it's well into the evening, during the last 30 minutes) they will add a 20% gratuity. I was only with one other person and we had 2 drinks each. What should've been about $70 was $92 after this added gratuity which was not explained at any time that I sat there at the bar. I'm not here to complain just to make other patrons aware of the gratuity rule. read more