We visited Harbor Inn during our first trip to Maine and unfortunately had one of the worst dining experiences we have ever had.
After being seated, we waited approximately 15 minutes before anyone came to our table with water, menus, or to take drink orders. We eventually asked for water and were informed that the bartender, Corey, would also be serving our table.
Initially, Corey was friendly and spent time talking with us and offering recommendations for places to visit in York. However, service quickly deteriorated. After another 30 minutes, she took our order, but roughly 20 minutes later returned and explained that she could not read her own handwriting and was having trouble entering our order into the system. Our table of seven had to repeat our orders multiple times while another staff member stood by without assisting.
At one point, a member of our group attempted to help clarify the order, and Corey responded by calling them a "bitch." This was completely inappropriate and unprofessional. Our table was seated near the service area, and we could also hear conversations about our group, including comments expressing frustration that we were upset after waiting over an hour and a half for our food order to be entered.
Eventually, a different server delivered our meals. When Corey later returned to check on us, she commented, "I hope you don't get me fired," and stated that we were making her nervous. Rather than acknowledging the service issues, it felt as though responsibility was being shifted onto the customers.
Throughout the evening, Corey appeared impaired. She struggled to speak clearly, could not read her own writing, had difficulty entering orders, and at one point even suggested that having two glasses of wine before driving home would be "no problem." Several staff members witnessed this behavior, yet no one appeared to intervene. No manager ever came to our table to apologize, address the situation, or check on our experience.
What concerns me most is not just the behavior of one employee, but the apparent lack of management oversight. Mistakes happen, and poor service can be forgiven. However, allowing an employee who appears impaired to continue serving customers, while other staff members observe the situation and take no action, reflects a serious lapse in professionalism and customer care.
Maine was wonderful, and we look forward to returning. Unfortunately, Harbor Inn will not be part of any future visit. I hope management takes this feedback seriously and reviews what occurred that evening so that other customers do not have a similar experience. read more