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Porterhouse -first and last time

Started 2 years ago by 24601
Latest reply from mannamc

24601
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Here it is in a nutshell -- we love our neighborhood. Even after a rather unsavory event occurred on this end of California last night, we ENCOURAGED a group of friends to have dinner here. Several of us showed up early to obtain seating for our group of 14. We were told 15 minutes, and we were fine when it took 25. The timeline from there:
7:30- we sit down.
7:45-50 - waiter approaches table, takes drink and food orders. (This takes awhile because our table is crammed in next to the adjacent one, leaving him no room to maneuver and making our neighbors part of our intimate circle of friends, whether they choose to be or not).
8:05 - one of us asks the bartender/manager on duty where our drinks (or at least waters) are.
8:08 - drinks arrive.
8:20 - (now fully 50 minutes after sitting)- our toddler daughter's macaroni and two appetizers arrive. (Having arrived at 7:05, we originally thought we could get her something to eat and still make a decent bedtime.)
8:20-8:30 - the group is entertained by our daughter eating pasta. Our waiter observed putting the moves on single female in bar.
8:45 - no dinners have arrived yet, 55 minutes after being ordered, and I forego the philly beef sandwich I ordered so I can take my daughter home to go to bed.
9PM - food arrives, and my wife asks the waiter to put mine in a box to go. Fries look attractive on plate, but are mushy and limp, leading to Fry-agra jokes.
9:30 - my wife arrives home to give me my philly beef sandwich, which somehow has transformed itself into a quinoa burger. Not only was my order completely wrong, but the quinoa was overcooked and mushy (i suspect in a microwave) and was not nearly as good as the rice and soy burgers that PCC sells, and those sit in foil under a hotlamp all day...

The servers we encountered were polite, helpful, and rather numerous - the front of the house, at least, was not shorthanded.
Having worked for 8 years in restaurants, I am usually forgiving of newer places -- i want them to succeed -- and i wanted to apprise the manager of our situation. She apologized profusely and then proceeded to do nothing, showing that they really don't need our business anyway. (After all, this location has been such a raging success for the long line of restaurants that preceded Porterhouse . . .)

Posted 2 years ago #
JanS
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14 - really - you had a group of 14 people...it was Saturday at dinnertime. Were there a lot of other patrons? Did you call ahead and inform the restaurant that a group of 14 was going to be showing up at such and such a time? Even with advance notice, a group of that size can sometimes be overwhelming, especially at a new restaurant, on a busy Saturday evening. Having been in the restaurant business yourself, I'm sure you understand that. How about getting a babysitter and making an evening of talk over dinner with your friends even better? Why expect them to drop everything and accommodate your large group right away so your child can get to bed at her regular time? In my opinion, two hours from start to finish for a group of 14 people isn't really all that bad...guess I'm just patient, and like to visit with my dinner companions.

I would suggest following up with a snail mail to the owners. Sometimes a phone call to complain doesn't get the same results. And, maybe wait a few weeks, and just go back with your wife and child and see if the service is any different. If not, then decide to never go back again.

Posted 2 years ago #
24601
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well Jan, I wanted to keep the previous brief, so I left this out -- we DID call ahead, and we ASKED if 15 was do-able, and we were glad to take several tables nearby each other, and we would have gone elsewhere, but they said "no problem" , and in fact they seated us in a very reasonable time. The problem was not one of accommodation, it was simply one of service and management. Every drink we ordered was from the tap (and i was only going to drink water, although we never received any). Those take seconds to pour, not 18-20 minutes. Proof? -- once a "request to hurry" was lodged, the drinks came in 3-4 minutes.
As for taking your time with dinner, I am all for it, but that should be the choice of the diners, not the kitchen... waiting an hour for your food is not the same as taking your time once your food has arrived. You may enjoy taking your time with your dinner companions, but restaurants that have 60 minute cook times and 120 minute turnarounds without the approval of the patrons go under every day all over the country. We were on Admiral, not in Tuscany . . .
And regarding a babysitter, we are excited when we can see friends AND bring our daughter, as our friends enjoy her company as well. If you have children, you know this. They also bill themselves as a family-friendly place, although we had to ask if they had a kids' menu.

Sending a letter? I addressed the manager on duty while we were still there- no one is in a better position to handle the situation BEFORE patrons leave and voice their displeasure, and I was being considerate to do so. If I were the manager, I would have addressed the table to see how I could make them happier, added a server or busser just to get the table WATER... and then checked with the kitchen. None of that was done.
I don't blog for fun -- i am a forgiving consumer who spent $50 on a poor experience at a local establishment and feels that this public forum is appropriate place to help others avoid the same grief.

Posted 2 years ago #
JanS
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I gotcha...I was just asking, since it wasn't in your first post. Just playing devil's advocate, not saying you're wrong..

I was there last Tuesday evening, and, yes, the service was slow, but for me, it was an opportunity to visit with my friend, since I hadn't seen him in some time. I have heard from others about the slow service, and wonder if perhaps they need to add an additional server, or pare down the menu some to alleviate the busy-ness of the kitchen.

I know the owners have a very successful other location in Mount Vernon, so they should know how to handle these things..maybe time will take the kinks out. I'm also sorry that you didn't get your Philly steak sandwich..mine was very tasty.

Posted 2 years ago #
beachdrivegirl
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I was there a week from last Thursday and had a similar experience with service for two. An hour plus wait for food at a pub inexcusable.

Posted 2 years ago #
Jiggers
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You should have taken your group to a pizza joint instead. Really.

Posted 2 years ago #
24601
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What is a good pizza joint that fits a group of 14 and a kid or two? As much as we like their pizza and salads, we can't go to talarico on a saturday evening with a child (have you been in there on weekend evenings? it gets a bit scary). i am wide open to suggestions, but there just don't seem to be any GOOD sit-down pizza joints anymore

Posted 2 years ago #
MrJT
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Spiros.

Posted 2 years ago #
beachdrivegirl
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Pegasus

Posted 2 years ago #
pigeonmom
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Ditto Pegasus

Posted 2 years ago #
JenV
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head a little south to Burien and try Bison Creek Pizza. Good for large groups, excellent beer selection on tap and video games for the older kids.

Posted 2 years ago #
24601
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thanks for the ideas -- pegasus is hard for a big group, and so is spiro's on sat night, but both are excellent family spots with great pizza... we will try bison creek (it's not like an alfy's or abby's is it? do they have GOOD pizza, or just what people in seattle accept as pizza in order to entertain their kids like chuck e cheese???? just wondering.
thanks all.

Posted 2 years ago #
JanS
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there used to be a Bison Creen in West Seattle where Papa John's is now. I loved their pizza, down to the whole wheat crust. Not a Chuck E. Cheese (ugh!) place at all, unless things have changed recently.

Posted 2 years ago #
JanS
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while we're suggesting places , is anyone familiar with Vince's in Burien, is it any good? The have family-style offerings for their pastas, and have been around forever, but I've never been, so didn't want to recommend without input.

http://www.vincesitalian.com

Posted 2 years ago #
pigeonmom
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Have only tried the entrees @ Vince's. A solid, "meh" was my impression.

Posted 2 years ago #
JenV
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Bison Creek is WAY good. I used to work at the one in West Seattle, and I can attest that everything is fresh and the crust is handmade every day. They also have really good baked sub sandwiches. Oh, and great salads, too!

Stellar Pizza in Georgetown is also great for families, but the service is a little lacking at times.

Posted 2 years ago #
dawsonct
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With the caveat that I actually cooked for Vince's, I will give their pizza a solid thumbs up. They make their dough 4 days a week and use 00 flour. Though you won't get San Marzano tomatoes in the sauce, Vince and all of his top cooks taste the various domestic canned tomatoes and pick the best one each year. They aren't gourmet pizzas, but you won't pay the boutique prices for them either. Vince does take his pizza very seriously and he puts out a good product. They also have NO problems with big parties; ask for Dino, he's been doing it for years and will have your party running smoothly.
As PM stated, you should expect red-checkered tablecloth, Italian-American if you go into the entrees; solid, but not inspiring.

Posted 2 years ago #
bluebird
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I would not make a special trip for Vince's, but it's definitely ok fare if you're in the neighborhood. Dawson hit it, *solid, but not inspiring*.

Posted 2 years ago #
add
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While it's been a few years since I've been to Bison Creek, I did not like it at all. I thought the pizza was really bad and it was expensive. Video games, etc. are good for the kids but it makes for a "kids running around" kind of atmosphere.

Posted 2 years ago #
WSB
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We've done sitdown in the Morgan Junction Zeeks a few times and have seen large crowds (sports teams, etc.) - would of course suggest calling ahead.

Posted 2 years ago #
CeeBee
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Olympic Pasta & Pizza House on Delridge. Big menu, multiple tables that can be pulled together, not too crowded the times I've been there, but I tend to eat late. Good food!

Posted 2 years ago #
hollyplace
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Zeeks isn't my favorite pizza, but they do take large groups. They set up an area for 12 moms and 12 two year olds(YIKES, I KNOW!) We went early on a weekday with advance notice. The service was great, and everyone seemed to have a good time and plenty of room.

Posted 2 years ago #
Quesadilla
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I agree with Jean Valjean. This place needs some work. I think it would be faster to steal a loaf of bread, go to prison for a decade or so, and make your own philly beef sandwich than to wait for a server to bring you your food at Porterhouse.

Posted 2 years ago #
Jiggers
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Reply to post 7..Talarico's scary? C'mon. I can name five places within a mile that have shady characters. Talarico's is also kid friendly until 9pm. I'm guessing you stay at home a lot and don't go out at night.

Posted 2 years ago #
maplesyrup
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I hate going into restaurants with big parties. Things just move slower.

Then throw in that the place is crowded and has been open only a few weeks, you know you're in for a wait.

Posted 2 years ago #
JanS
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A personal story about a local newer , very popular place...I was at Feedback Lounge on Friday for Happy Hour, ordered some nachos, which, in my opinion, were just a touch about 7-11, using canned queso sauce. It made the nachos soggy, and really weren't up to the standards one expects from that particular place (had the fries, too...they were incredible dee-licious). I e-mailed them over the weekend, explained how I felt. I got an answer this morning in my e-mail from the owner, who said to let him know the next time I'm in, and I will get a refund. That's their policy. They were also taking it up at their weekly meeting.

This is why I suggested writing, spelling it all out...it gets to the right people :)

Posted 2 years ago #
vincent
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I cant decide of your just a self righteous troll, or you just have some sort of bizarre entitlement complex. I wouldn't take 15 of my friends to a pub at 8 on a saturday and expect prompt service, and we are all in 30 +/- 5 years how did you get the idea that you would be able to waltz in and be dazzled.

Posted 2 years ago #
24601
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Vincent, do you actually think that expecting food in less than ninety minutes qualifies as being "dazzled" or exceeds the expectation of "prompt"??? these are burgers and sandwiches, items pubs offer because they know they can make them quickly... please let me know when you open your restaurant, so i can keep my bizarre entitlement complex (and my wallet) miles away.
btw, quesadilla, THAT was funny . . .

Posted 2 years ago #
dhg
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Vincent: that is a harsh judgement. I was there with a friend on a recent Friday night and while they were somewhat busy they were not at all slammed and still the service was extremely slow. I asked for water and it took 20 minutes. AND, as slow as the service was, there was a table of six nearby that had it worse. We were leaving and they were still waiting for their food. WHile I think the place is OK, I wouldn't go there if I was on my way to a movie at Admiral because I couldn't trust when the food would come out. This is like brunch at Easy Street. I used to enjoy but stopped because it just took too long.

Posted 2 years ago #
lonelycrow
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I used to like going to Easy Street for breakfast, but on the weekend the wait is unbearable when you're hungry in the morning. You have to eat something before you go because it is a 20 minute wait just to be seated plus another 20 plus minutes after you get your food order in. I don't see why people like to wait that long. It must be the hip thing to do. Hang for a long time in a record shop just for breakfast? Easy Street makes a decent dish. It's way faster and just as good at Luna Park and shorter wait time. I don't go to the Chelan anymore because the food portions have got small over the past year (besides also being too busy), and I can put down some food.

Posted 2 years ago #
Tails
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Vincent: Your posting is out of line. This was just a restaurant review; it doesn't warrant that type of name-calling.

Posted 2 years ago #
beachdrivegirl
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AS I mentioned in a previous post I had the same experience. We got their @ 7:45 and ordered immediatly. (This was just my husband & I). It took over an hour for our food to come out. We had hoped to stop somewhere for a "quick" bite to eat on our way home. It is not "quick" by any means. I will try it again in a few months but will not be eating there anytime soon.

Posted 2 years ago #
swimcat
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Good to know about the slow kitchen at this place- I will not be going any time soon with my husband and toddler. I will stick to Elliott Bay Brewery- they are fast and very accomodating to those dining with little ones.

Posted 2 years ago #
sam-c
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in regards to the OP, I never expect things to move along quickly when with a large group on a weekend night. but the wait for food (described above)seemed excessive. maybe make a point to order some appetizers right away so you don't feel like you're sitting around waiting all night.

I've been to la spiga with a large group, and even though we were there a while, we had appetizers, salads, etc. of course, maybe that is more of an event than a casual dinner with a large group.

so.... back to porterhouse. I was there last Wednesday with my better half and 15 month old. we thought it would be best to get there earlier to avoid the crowd, and not be out so close to bedtime because that is when behavior trends downward. we went at 5:30 (also went then as HH ends at 6) the service was fast, we got the kid food within 5 minutes, and our food within 10 minutes. the beer came within 5 minutes and that includes sending the half pint back for the pint that I had ordered. the only slow part was waiting for the waitress to come run our debit card.

my complaints would not be about the service, but the food. husband didn't think the burger was that great. I had the salmon and potato cakes
(also, the side was not what was described on the menu). The cakes needed something, anything!! like some type of herb (rosemary, thyme or something), or a crusty outer layer with garlic or something. they were really bland.

the server was really nice too- she offered to bring a salad since the side didn't match up with the menu and what she had described.

and m (post 33): it was funny, out of the 8 or so tables there at the time, only 2 did not have kids under 4 years. every one there seemed happy. try it, just go on a weekday before 7.

Posted 2 years ago #
dgirl
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Back to The Porterhouse! We took my parents there on Wednesday night. Excellent food, great service and fantastic prices! Of course...it was the "early bird" hour. My folks had Manhattans and I quote "Best we've had in a long time". So there you go...

Posted 2 years ago #
Rope
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You don't have to have a party of 14 to get poor service at Porterhouse. My wife and became invisible there at 5pm. Once I spoke up the situation was quickly remedied. But...having to ask for service in a restaurant that has plenty of empty tables and wait staff defeats the purpose of eating out. Hopefully Porterhouse will address the service issues their customers are experiencing.

Posted 2 years ago #
ellenater
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I'm shocked at how people are attacking the OP. That is ridiculous. Seriously. I worked in food service, my husband was a waiter at several different restaurants, friends were too. How totally insane to BLAME the OP for going and expecting to be served. Especially after calling! IMHO, this is the nicest rant i've ever read on here. It doesn't seem self righteous at all. How completely dumb this blame this person and to excuse for wretched service. It is the restaurant's job to serve. Period! You do your job. Period! There are no exceptions. It's asinine to excuse them for their lame service. Especially in this economy when there are people who could really use those jobs!

Posted 2 years ago #
c@lbob
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I'd like to like Porterhouse; the space it occupies is among the closest to home. I like to patronize local establishments so they'll be there for me. After giving the current occupant a second try, I'll wait for the next purveyor to open the doors again.

The problem for me is the food. The preparation is OK, service good, staff is friendly; the food is just bland. If only the descriptions on the menu matched the taste from the plate. How can you serve a dish called Cajun Calamari and not have it just a little spicy? The corn chowder with crab reminded me of high school cafeteria fare; the ingredients were in there, but no inspiration.

I mentioned my opinion to them, I'll give them a third try in a month or so.

Posted 2 years ago #
JenV
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we went there on Saturday night. Don't think we'll be back. "Blackened Calamari" should actually taste like "blackened calamari" and not frozen plain calamari served with mayonnaise. Also, the hood over the fryer must not be working, because we all left there smelling like fried food. :(

Posted 2 years ago #
Junction Joe
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We went to Porterhouse on Friday night. I asked the waitress if she could please ask the chef to cut our burger in half so it would be easier for my wife and I to share each of our dishes. The waitress said "No." Apparently that is too much to ask of their kitchen.

As their food was not that impressive, perhaps they should put a little more focus on service. We need some type of reason to dine there.

Posted 2 years ago #
Laconique
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Jean Valjean and others- thanks for the reviews. I usually like to give new places at least a month or so to get off the ground, but now I know that they're slow and apparently overrun with young children, I don't think I'll be visiting any time soon.

Posted 2 years ago #
UW2003
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I’ve dined at Porterhouse a couple times now and had the same problems as others with the wait staff when we first went there. It was right after they opened and our server just wasn’t efficient with her time. I’ve worked in the restaurant industry and could tell she was new to serving tables, being a good server is harder than it seems. Since the first visit the staff has gotten a lot better and bartender this last Sunday was awesome, knowledgeable about his beers and food, quick with a joke and very likable. I think the food tastes great, it’s light, fresh and full of flavor for pub food. I also love the idea of bringing in all the best beers from the west coast. I hope they stay around for a long time.

Posted 2 years ago #
KSJ
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I hope everyone gives Porterhouse a second try. They had some service issues at the beginning, but my husband and I have been going there about once a week since they opened and we've always had solid, friendly service and good food. Especially true if you sit in the bar and Greg's working, he is the best. I don't know how he remembers everyones' name, but he does. The owners are very sweet and earnest, and they really want to do right by the community.

Posted 2 years ago #
villagegreen
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I agree! Service has definitely improved and the food is solidly good and very reasonably priced. Kid friendly too.

Posted 2 years ago #
mannamc
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+1 on the kudos - I recently went to Porterhouse and sat in the restaurant area during a crowded Saturday night. My waiter was super attentive and the food was delicious.

Posted 2 years ago #