Let me start by stating that this review has nothing to do with the quality of the food or the level of wait-service, or the ambiance or the decor.
It has to do with the lack of respect that I was shown as a customer, with a legitimate complaint, by Alec Bradford, listed as the owner of record.
On Tuesday night Dec. 14, I dined at Herd Provisions with my wife, and another couple. Dinner was served promptly and efficiently. We ordered a cocktail and some wine. When I got my check, I noticed that it contained a $3.00 Martini Charge and a $5.00 Rocks charge for "ICE" . My wife had ordered a House Vodka (New Amsterdam) which was charged at $7.00 and then the Martini charge (which I am told is to pay for the labor of shaking a martini and adding an olive.) I had ordered a Jamesons on the Rocks before dinner and one during dinner. This was charged at $11 each, which is outrageous (you can buy the whole bottle for $36).
When I saw the charges, I asked for the manager. An individual approached the table and demanded to know "what my problem was'? I asked what the "Rocks" charge was for. He then told me that "all drinks served on the rocks got a "larger pour". I told him if he was going to charge me for the ice, I wanted a to-go-cup because I was going to take the remaining ice with me.
iHe again stated that he wasn't charging for "Ice" and that I had gotten a larger pour. I said that I did not ask for a larger pour. He then said that was the House Policy and that every Restaurant in Charleston does the same thing. When I told him that he was wrong, he came belligerent, refusing to listen to anything else. After realizing he was not making any accomodation on the bill, I said that I would not be returning to Herd Provisions. He said he was fine with him, as I would not be welcome.
I have lived in Charleston for almost 8 years, and visited many times prior to moving here. Over that period of time, my wife and I have enjoyed many fine, some not so fine and endured some really bad meals. But I have never been treated so badly and so rudely as I was last night, by any restaurant manager, employee, and certainly not by an owner, here in Charleston or anywhere else.
This must be a new "Revenue source" for restaurants. Charge for Ice, tell the customer they are getting a bigger pour and hope no one is the wiser. I have had it happen 2-3 times and have always had it removed. One Manager was so embarrassed that he comped the drinks. I was not looking for that. Just don't CHARGE FOR ICE! If someone orders a coke and it comes with Ice, are they charged for it? I have resolved to ask if there is an ice or rocks charge everytime I go out now. If there is I will drink a beer or order my liqour "Neat"
and have some one at the table ask for a glass of ice!
I have noticed that all the negative reviews of Herd Provision have a common thread and that involves inter-action with Alec Bradford, the owner. His Bio, listed on his website, states that he left a mundane 9-5 job, and was mildly depressed. He resolved that by going on a fishing trip. Perhaps, it is time for him to book another trip. read more