1 /5 Andrew Hodges: Yikes! I really want to give 5 stars, but unfortunately, I had a really terrible experience tonight. Yesterday I came in at 4ish and sat at the bar and had awesome service and great food. They were not particularly busy and I tipped generously ($20 on a $46 bill). I was ravenous after a long journey and this place hit the spot. How lucky I am I get to spend 3 more nights here, I thought. I was really looking forward to trying the oyster po boy ( "poor boy" costs $20, but I digress). I went in tonight and was waiting to be seated for a while, the hostess greeted me and asked me where I wanted to sit and I said "wherever is most convenient for you" she told me hold on let me wipe down a table I said "no worries." Several minutes later she comes back says sorry for the wait and again no worries. The table had not been wiped down and I had a warm glass of water to quench my thirst, which I was thankful for, but the previous night I was given ice water. I waited 5-10 minutes only to discover the hostess was also my waitress. Dang, I thought, that does not seem like a responsible use of staff. I ordered a drink and at the same time the oyster po boy and waited again for over 10 minutes, I saw her glance at me and walk away and I realized then, that they were way too busy for me right now. I wanted to tell someone but everybody looked way too busy so I walked out and decided to come back later when they were less busy. I had some cold beverages in my room because I was thirsty and came back for happy hour to at least get some cheaper drinks if Im gonna be hungry. I walked in and waited another several more minutes for anyone to greet me even though it was far less busy. It WAS an hour before close, and I know how restaurants get about that, but why advertise 9pm happy hour?? The same hostess seemed shocked to see me and wondered where I went. I explained what happened, and said "where Im from if you wait 20 minutes for a beer, the place is way too busy for you, Im really sorry I didnt mean to cause problems." Then something really bizarre happened. She told me she didnt feel comfortable serving me. I was a bit taken back, I had been nothing but respectful and patient with all of the staff during my stay. She lied directly to my face and told me I had taken a sip of beer and had only been there for a few minutes. I was there, why lie to me about that? I get lying to your manager, but I know what happened, I dont understand. It was super weird, so I said sorry again I really didnt mean to cause problems and quietly left the restaurant to go back to my room. Ive never had this happen to me before in my relatively short life and I eat out fairly regularly. What really put me off was the way she lied to my face so coldly like that. I get I was wrong for walking out after ordering the food, but I value my time, and I would have paid for it anyways if I could have been served, but yeah, I was refused service. She assured me I could come back tomorrow, but after writing this and reflecting, Im not so sure that is a good idea. It boggles my mind because the people here have been generally super nice and welcoming. I went to ask about it at the front desk of the hotel. The gentleman there told me its not the first time that hes had "issues" and has heard other complaints. Anyway I hope I get to try the oyster po boy at some point because this place can be good and I miss being able to get a good po boy.
Edit: Just wanted to note that I suffer from pretty severe anxiety and hate when I feel like a burden to people which was part of why I left after waiting so long. I admit that I may have been acting nervously, but I was never served, despite what the hostess/waitress said to me. (Again super weird that she lied like that, or maybe someone else came in and drank it or something.)
