Quote:
Originally Posted by Formula
We have out of the area for about 2 years before returning two weeks ago. My wife and I along with another couple wanted to go to the New Woodshed and give it a try. We had reservations for four and 8:00. We got there about 15 minutes early. The hostess said that our table was not ready, which was fine with us. So we proceed to go to the bar. The hostess chased us down and told us that we cannot be in here. we just want to sit at the bar. she replied you can not be in here. I said oaky I will just take a look around at the new restaurant. The hostess followed us around for about 5 minutes as we took a quick peek in each room. We then went back to the bar and spoke with the bartender and asked if we can sit at the half empty bar and her reply was why not. So I explained what happened. She kind of shrugged her shoulders and said well I need to go over to that other couple and smooth over with them the same thing that happened to them.
We had a quick drink then our table was ready. During the meal I did speak with the manager and he kind of laughed it off but did apologize. I guess that they are so busy that they did not need our $400.00 to return.
I will give one more chance before I write it off. There are plenty of restaurants in the area that will allow their patrons to sit at the bar and spend more money while waiting for the table.
BTW, the food was great and the wait staff was excellent.
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I'm just guessing but it wouldn't surprise me if they were shorthanded and the decision was made by management not to seat people at the bar because the attention the bartender would have to give to those at the bar would interfere with the needs of the rest of the restaurant.
Restaurants that take reservations will do so for two reasons. First to make sure the table is waiting for the guest when the guest arrives. Second to regulate the pace of the guests arrivals so has not to overwhelm the staff.
Showing up early for a late reservation can lead to problems for your party as well as many other parties in the restaurant.
If you enjoyed the food and the service I wouldn't burn the bridge because there are not many places around where you can spend $400 and feel good about it. Chances are that hostesses is going back to school soon and there will be someone else at the door to greet you next time.