Good food, LOUSY service

[ccrider]

Took my wife to dinner (her birthday) at Havana. Last time I was there was terrific. This time: started with a shrimp cocktail. Six very large shrimp, served rather quickly. We usually get a small plate to put the shrimp on after each bite. I had to ask the waiter for the plates. Usually, most restaurants will bring you glasses of water and the bread plate even before the waitress takes your order. Not here. Got our food in an acceptable amount of time. I had to ask for water and bread. These are gimmees in the rest. business. Doesn't sound like much, bit it was not what I expected. I had heard that Havana had righted the ship under it's new ownership. Better get out the life rafts, the ship is sinking (again). I can cross Havana of my list of good restaurants when I go out for dinner in the future.

[Two Bills]

Took my wife to dinner (her birthday) at Havana. Last time I was there was terrific. This time: started with a shrimp cocktail. Six very large shrimp, served rather quickly. We usually get a small plate to put the shrimp on after each bite. I had to ask the waiter for the plates. Usually, most restaurants will bring you glasses of water and the bread plate even before the waitress takes your order. Not here. Got our food in an acceptable amount of time. I had to ask for water and bread. These are gimmees in the rest. business. Doesn't sound like much, bit it was not what I expected. I had heard that Havana had righted the ship under it's new ownership. Better get out the life rafts, the ship is sinking (again). I can cross Havana of my list of good restaurants when I go out for dinner in the future.

What was the managers explanation when you complained?

[JSR22]

Not receiving water and bread without requesting it is not a big deal to me. They are not a sinking ship!

[Stu from NYC]

Took my wife to dinner (her birthday) at Havana. Last time I was there was terrific. This time: started with a shrimp cocktail. Six very large shrimp, served rather quickly. We usually get a small plate to put the shrimp on after each bite. I had to ask the waiter for the plates. Usually, most restaurants will bring you glasses of water and the bread plate even before the waitress takes your order. Not here. Got our food in an acceptable amount of time. I had to ask for water and bread. These are gimmees in the rest. business. Doesn't sound like much, bit it was not what I expected. I had heard that Havana had righted the ship under it's new ownership. Better get out the life rafts, the ship is sinking (again). I can cross Havana of my list of good restaurants when I go out for dinner in the future.

Does appear you are a bit more demanding than we are

[Joe V.]

Took my wife to dinner (her birthday) at Havana. Last time I was there was terrific. This time: started with a shrimp cocktail. Six very large shrimp, served rather quickly. We usually get a small plate to put the shrimp on after each bite. I had to ask the waiter for the plates. Usually, most restaurants will bring you glasses of water and the bread plate even before the waitress takes your order. Not here. Got our food in an acceptable amount of time. I had to ask for water and bread. These are gimmees in the rest. business. Doesn't sound like much, bit it was not what I expected. I had heard that Havana had righted the ship under it's new ownership. Better get out the life rafts, the ship is sinking (again). I can cross Havana of my list of good restaurants when I go out for dinner in the future.

Oh, the humanity!

[Koapaka]

Personally, I am grateful not to have to pay for something that may/may not be wanted at each and every patrons table regardless of asking. We always say to server we want water, whatever else we are drinking, and no bread thank you. That way it does not go to waste costs....which others pay.

[thelegges]

The parking lot is packed every night. We have been eating inside except the month or so all inside was closed. They have been so busy every night, I applaud the staff for trying to keep up. Water is not always automatically brought. We have always had bread brought to the table. Sometimes if something is missing one should just ask, instead of brooding

[Stu from NYC]

Come to think of it most servers would ask what you would like to drink and than bring it.

Guess we live in a different world than the OP.

[coffeebean]

Not receiving water and bread without requesting it is not a big deal to me. They are not a sinking ship!

It is a big deal, if the restaurant is a good one and has a reputation to uphold. Even Cody's and Texas Roadhouse offer better service than what was described by the OP. Simple stuff but important none the less.

I think of the service we receive on cruise ships in specialty restaurants. THAT is the service I really appreciate.

[BillY41]

Personally I don't see a reason to cross the restaurant for those omissions but that's me!

[Rwirish]

Hardly a sinking ship.

[jswirs]

Took my wife to dinner (her birthday) at Havana. Last time I was there was terrific. This time: started with a shrimp cocktail. Six very large shrimp, served rather quickly. We usually get a small plate to put the shrimp on after each bite. I had to ask the waiter for the plates. Usually, most restaurants will bring you glasses of water and the bread plate even before the waitress takes your order. Not here. Got our food in an acceptable amount of time. I had to ask for water and bread. These are gimmees in the rest. business. Doesn't sound like much, bit it was not what I expected. I had heard that Havana had righted the ship under it's new ownership. Better get out the life rafts, the ship is sinking (again). I can cross Havana of my list of good restaurants when I go out for dinner in the future.

It's such a tough life for us....

[dewilson58]

Hope your birthday present lived up to expectations.

[mlmarr1]

Be happy, relax ... sign of the times, workers are hard to find in any place of employment.. most make more in UE and handouts..

[thevillages2013]

Took my wife to dinner (her birthday) at Havana. Last time I was there was terrific. This time: started with a shrimp cocktail. Six very large shrimp, served rather quickly. We usually get a small plate to put the shrimp on after each bite. I had to ask the waiter for the plates. Usually, most restaurants will bring you glasses of water and the bread plate even before the waitress takes your order. Not here. Got our food in an acceptable amount of time. I had to ask for water and bread. These are gimmees in the rest. business. Doesn't sound like much, bit it was not what I expected. I had heard that Havana had righted the ship under it's new ownership. Better get out the life rafts, the ship is sinking (again). I can cross Havana of my list of good restaurants when I go out for dinner in the future.
How did you tip this time? How did you tip last time? Maybe the server recognized you. Just trying to come up with the reason you were treated sooo badly . Splitting a shrimp cocktail. Split a dinner too? Needed that bread?

[TC_Arch]

Took my wife to dinner (her birthday) at Havana. Last time I was there was terrific. This time: started with a shrimp cocktail. Six very large shrimp, served rather quickly. We usually get a small plate to put the shrimp on after each bite. I had to ask the waiter for the plates. Usually, most restaurants will bring you glasses of water and the bread plate even before the waitress takes your order. Not here. Got our food in an acceptable amount of time. I had to ask for water and bread. These are gimmees in the rest. business. Doesn't sound like much, bit it was not what I expected. I had heard that Havana had righted the ship under it's new ownership. Better get out the life rafts, the ship is sinking (again). I can cross Havana of my list of good restaurants when I go out for dinner in the future.

We go there once a week and love it. The staff, and management, are extremely friendly and caring. The food is always excellent. The management is also open to suggestions. One of the few restaurants you can go to and actually SEE, as well as talk to, the OWNER. Havana is our favorite in TV.

[nick demis]

The main question I would have is "how was the food"? Good food is our primary reason to go out to dinner.

[Garwood1]

Funny had dinner there Thursday, place was packed , service was great and food fantastic

[Eg_cruz]

Funny had dinner there Thursday, place was packed , service was great and food fantastic
As it always does

[OhioBuckeye]

Took my wife to dinner (her birthday) at Havana. Last time I was there was terrific. This time: started with a shrimp cocktail. Six very large shrimp, served rather quickly. We usually get a small plate to put the shrimp on after each bite. I had to ask the waiter for the plates. Usually, most restaurants will bring you glasses of water and the bread plate even before the waitress takes your order. Not here. Got our food in an acceptable amount of time. I had to ask for water and bread. These are gimmees in the rest. business. Doesn't sound like much, bit it was not what I expected. I had heard that Havana had righted the ship under it's new ownership. Better get out the life rafts, the ship is sinking (again). I can cross Havana of my list of good restaurants when I go out for dinner in the future.

Well I think it’s only going to get worse & you can only make your own assumptions, but some of us know why! I’m sure Havana does it’s best for for they have & can afford.

[DrBrutyle109]

I’d worry more about the poor conditions on the course

[Duppman]

Management can't do anything they aren't aware of. Water has become in many places an ask to get If bread is part of their program you shouldn't have to ask for it. In my years (45+) in the business I would have welcomed the comments. It would be a teaching moment for the server, as I'm sure the gratuity was affected.

[shortstack]

I think that you are being petty. Why get riled up about bread and water. Instead enjoy the time with your wife on her birthday. We love Havanna, their food and their staff. Management bends over backwards to accommodate their patrons.

[nhtexasrn]

How was the food? I've always enjoyed eating there.

[Luckytwo]

I was in Havana restaurant many times. The food and service was excellent.

[boatorgolf]

I personally think it is one of the best here... Good food, good service, very friendly atmosphere. Usually packed so others agree

[kendi]

Took my wife to dinner (her birthday) at Havana. Last time I was there was terrific. This time: started with a shrimp cocktail. Six very large shrimp, served rather quickly. We usually get a small plate to put the shrimp on after each bite. I had to ask the waiter for the plates. Usually, most restaurants will bring you glasses of water and the bread plate even before the waitress takes your order. Not here. Got our food in an acceptable amount of time. I had to ask for water and bread. These are gimmees in the rest. business. Doesn't sound like much, bit it was not what I expected. I had heard that Havana had righted the ship under it's new ownership. Better get out the life rafts, the ship is sinking (again). I can cross Havana of my list of good restaurants when I go out for dinner in the future.

It’s really not fair to bash a restaurant especially on social media based on one experience. Especially when past experiences have been good. It’s so easy to get spoiled when living in TV

[Mardarlowe]

Packed every night. Never had a bad experience there.

[Hape2Bhr]

Funny had dinner there Thursday, place was packed , service was great and food fantastic

And we did the same Friday nite...our experience was like yours. Waitress was very attentive and two different managers stopped by our table three times. :)

[yanksansky]

Took my wife to dinner (her birthday) at Havana. Last time I was there was terrific. This time: started with a shrimp cocktail. Six very large shrimp, served rather quickly. We usually get a small plate to put the shrimp on after each bite. I had to ask the waiter for the plates. Usually, most restaurants will bring you glasses of water and the bread plate even before the waitress takes your order. Not here. Got our food in an acceptable amount of time. I had to ask for water and bread. These are gimmees in the rest. business. Doesn't sound like much, bit it was not what I expected. I had heard that Havana had righted the ship under it's new ownership. Better get out the life rafts, the ship is sinking (again). I can cross Havana of my list of good restaurants when I go out for dinner in the future.

Totally disagree. We love Havana as do most of our friends. Our server was great.

[dewilson58]

Last time I ever saw Bonny, she was sitting at the bar at Havana.


:eclipsee_gold_cup:

[nhenson]

I think we need to be tolerant of service that isn't up to par so soon after the pandemic. Servers and cooks are difficult to find, and it may be worse when the checks start coming for those on unemployment. We dined last night at another restaurant (there were 10 of us outdoors) and the service was very slow. I'm just happy to be out and enjoying our friends' company.

[dhsmith]

I don’t think he bashed the restaurant he said the food was good, just poor service. Went to Lopez Monday night and the same thing no silverware on the table had to ask for it, had to ask for water I guess just a sign of the times and it’s only going to get worst.

[Number 10 GI]

It's quite possible that the server might be a new hire that hasn't learned all the ropes yet. You are alive, apparently in good enough health to get around to eat out and have the money for the luxury of eating out while many people are scratching the bottom of the barrel to buy food to eat at home. Many people can only wish and pray that poor service at a restaurant was the worst problem in their life.

[captboxcar]

Bread is no longer routinely offered at many restaurants.If they do provide bread in many cases you have to ask for it. I don’t like it but that is the trend.

[CWGUY]

I don’t think he bashed the restaurant he said the food was good, just poor service. Went to Lopez Monday night and the same thing no silverware on the table had to ask for it, had to ask for water I guess just a sign of the times and it’s only going to get worst.

:shrug: "going to get worst" would that make your day? How do you know it will? I like to think it's going to get better. By the way Min. Wage is $5.63 an hour for tipped employees. I wouldn't want to count on Villagers for tips. :ho:

[thevillages2013]

How did you tip this time? How did you tip last time? Maybe the server recognized you. Just trying to come up with the reason you were treated sooo badly . Splitting a shrimp cocktail. Split a dinner too? Needed that bread?

I have read all the posts and my post was the best:bigbow:

[eddie888]

I have been A village president for many years and Havana is excellent. That’s all I have to say about that

[bpascani]

good to know. We've not been going out, they r in our front door (now that we own our own place)... will pass for now, I think...OR, heed your help, and request bread and water ASAP.... I expect that as well. I'm a water drinker!

[walterray1]

Really?

[walterray1]

Bread is no longer routinely offered at many restaurants.If they do provide bread in many cases you have to ask for it. I don’t like it but that is the trend.
Best not to offer it in this day and age. Could be considered fat shaming.

[Stu from NYC]

I don’t think he bashed the restaurant he said the food was good, just poor service. Went to Lopez Monday night and the same thing no silverware on the table had to ask for it, had to ask for water I guess just a sign of the times and it’s only going to get worst.

He did say he would not be going back. Bashing to me

[JSR22]

Ten of us ate lunch at Havana yesterday. Our server immediately took a beverage order and they were served promptly. Wraps, salads, sandwiches, salmon and cocoanut shrimp were ordered. Everything came out quickly and everyone was pleased with their meal. I had the cocanut shrimp and they were delicious. Beverages were refilled without a request. They were very busy and had ample staff. Returning for dinner this week.

[shut the front door]

I have read all the posts and my post was the best:bigbow:

You seriously replied to your own post to bow down to yourself? :ohdear::ohdear::ohdear:

[coffeebean]

I have been A village president for many years and Havana is excellent. That’s all I have to say about that

My favorite time for Havana was two to three years ago. I guess there were different people running the restaurant at that time. I'm talking about when they offered complimentary home made potato chips and they had the turkey and Amarena cherries salad on the menu. Those cherries were out of this world. When that salad was removed from the menu, I was informed that the cherries were too expensive.

I missed that salad so I ordered the cherries on line at Amazon. YES, they are expensive but sooooo very delicious. Now I make my own salads with those delicious Amarena cherries.

[dewilson58]

I missed that salad so I ordered the cherries on line at Amazon. YES, they are expensive but sooooo very delicious. Now I make my own salads with those delicious Amarena cherries.
Sheltered life.............never had them. Will be ordering.

[john1006]

We frequent Havana and have had many excellent meals and service. One "mediocre" experience should not be a reason to blacklist an otherwise excellent facility. Doing that will eventually reduce your choices of restaurants because everyone has a bad day now and then.