In this era of crowded planes, long lines, tight connections and no onboard meal service, I'm willing to get up an hour early for morning flights to get through check-in and TSA and enjoy a sit-down breakfast at the airport. Even though it often means getting up at Oh-Dark-Thirty, I'd rather enjoy a full service breakfast than sleep an extra hour and then stand in a long line for designer coffee and a stale biscuit.
I thought I had found that place this morning at the airport in Cleveland when I saw The Pub just inside the secured area past TSA. The manager was behind the bar and quickly recognized me and asked me what I wanted to drink - so far, so good.
Then the waitress came to the table and said, "You gave me your credit card, right? I can't seem to find it." I thought it odd, since I had yet to order, but I assured her my credit card was not MIA and proceeded to order my meal.
A few minutes later, the manager came out with the bill (no food in tow) and said they hadn't charged me for the coffee (in actuality, they had - unless Ohio imposes a 29% sales tax.) I accepted the bill and paid it, including a tip of more than 20% (for service yet to be received. I always hope a nice "pre-tip" is to insure prompt service.)
Fifteen minutes in, the coffee cup is dry and the waitress comes out with somebody else's credit card and bill and asks me if I can sign it. She had no clue which patrons were where, or what their service needs were. By now, my stomach is growling and I'm getting edgy whether or not I'll have time to eat the meal and get to the gate on time - that airport has some long hikes to the outer gates.
A solid half hour went by and still no signs of food - I just might go to my grave not knowing what a "banger" is for breakfast. I asked the waitress when my food would be coming out, as I had a flight to catch. She was gobsmacked by the question - "What food? You've already closed out your bill!" She seemed incredulous that a customer could possibly expect their meal after the bill had been closed out.
The manager was apologetic and gave me a full cash refund. I offered a few choice words of advice before heading to the gate, including a hearty "Good luck trying to eat here!" to the ashen-faced gentlemen who had sat down at the adjacent table.
Airport cuisine comes with the lowest level of expectations, so it is always a pleasant surprise to find a good one. IAH (Houston) has a bunch of good choices. The United terminal in Denver has a French restaurant that serves an amazing lox and bagels platter. LAX has a few good ones and I'm very impressed with a couple restaurants at the renovated terminal at Logan Airport (Boston).
I'm sad to report that, even grading on an airport restaurant curve, my experience today with The Pub merits no higher than one star. read more