Miller's Ale House - Huge Decline

[retiredguy123]

I have always recommended Millers as an above average restaurant in the Villages area. Went there today, and it was terrible. The service was very slow, and the steak fajitas, which are usually exceptionally tender, were as tough as shoe leather. So much so that I sent them back and refused to pay for them. The napkins on the table were literally as thin as a Kleenex tissue, and the silverware was dirty. Has anyone else experienced this decline in a usually good restaurant?

[starflyte1]

Always good for me, and I go there often. Sorry that you had bad experience.

[thelegges]

Ate at Miller’s last week, food was as always, and staff spot on. We weren’t a fan of their fajitas, so can’t comment if they have improved. The fried fish was excellent, along with blackened salmon salad.

[JGVillages]

Food and service has always been excellent. So you sent them back and spoke to the manager? If not you should have. Management there has always been very attentive and actively in the restaurant when I have been there, dozens of times.

[retiredguy123]

Food and service has always been excellent. So you sent them back and spoke to the manager? If not you should have. Management there has always been very attentive and actively in the restaurant when I have been there, dozens of times.
I didn't talk to the manager, but I did send a detailed online review. The waitress apologized and acted as though she already knew the fajitas were not acceptable, and didn't charge for them.

[BillY41]

Dined there numerous times, usually seated at the bar. Everything always fine. Last visit the Jameson was barely a shot in the rock glass. Not a good pour.

[banjobob]

Any time an issue in a restaurant always talk to the manager on line complaining is useless, posting a bad review is likewise.

[midiwiz]

I have always recommended Millers as an above average restaurant in the Villages area. Went there today, and it was terrible. The service was very slow, and the steak fajitas, which are usually exceptionally tender, were as tough as shoe leather. So much so that I sent them back and refused to pay for them. The napkins on the table were literally as thin as a Kleenex tissue, and the silverware was dirty. Has anyone else experienced this decline in a usually good restaurant?

effects o the pandemic crap, but above average???? compared to McDonalds?

[jimkerr]

Sometimes people have a bad day. I’m sure not every meal you’ve cooked is 5 star.

[Ele201]

I have always recommended Millers as an above average restaurant in the Villages area. Went there today, and it was terrible. The service was very slow, and the steak fajitas, which are usually exceptionally tender, were as tough as shoe leather. So much so that I sent them back and refused to pay for them. The napkins on the table were literally as thin as a Kleenex tissue, and the silverware was dirty. Has anyone else experienced this decline in a usually good restaurant? I understand how you feel and your disappointment is justified. However, I eat out a lot, and not every meal at my favorite places is the same all the time. It could be the chef that night, maybe a new chef in training, etc. It is upsetting. But I’d say give it one more try. After all, you’ve enjoyed Miller’s before that last incident. Maybe try another dish next time? You may find a new favorite!

[thevillages2013]

I have always recommended Millers as an above average restaurant in the Villages area. Went there today, and it was terrible. The service was very slow, and the steak fajitas, which are usually exceptionally tender, were as tough as shoe leather. So much so that I sent them back and refused to pay for them. The napkins on the table were literally as thin as a Kleenex tissue, and the silverware was dirty. Has anyone else experienced this decline in a usually good restaurant?
Thanks for the heads up. Sorry you are getting bashed for using free speech.

[Kgcetm]

Better Ale than McDonalds.

[retiredguy123]

I understand how you feel and your disappointment is justified. However, I eat out a lot, and not every meal at my favorite places is the same all the time. It could be the chef that night, maybe a new chef in training, etc. It is upsetting. But I’d say give it one more try. After all, you’ve enjoyed Miller’s before that last incident. Maybe try another dish next time? You may find a new favorite!
Thanks. I will go back. Just sharing a restaurant experience that was unexpected.

[npwalters]

Any time an issue in a restaurant always talk to the manager on line complaining is useless, posting a bad review is likewise.

Posting bad reviews - assuming it is a trend - is, in fact, effective. Speaking to the manager is also effective. Management will take notice of community reviews and possibly respond. I appreciate reviews either good or bad.

[PugMom]

& i haven't been in awhile, but to me Millers is a hit or miss, depending on what day/time you go. either way, waitstaff is very good

[PoolBrews]

We eat there all the time - it's never been bad (for us), and is still one of our favorite places. We've been going since they opened, and the napkins are identical to when they opened.

[Moderator]

Please direct your comments at the restaurant, not the OP.

[OhioBuckeye]

I have always recommended Millers as an above average restaurant in the Villages area. Went there today, and it was terrible. The service was very slow, and the steak fajitas, which are usually exceptionally tender, were as tough as shoe leather. So much so that I sent them back and refused to pay for them. The napkins on the table were literally as thin as a Kleenex tissue, and the silverware was dirty. Has anyone else experienced this decline in a usually good restaurant?

I heard this exact comment a few months back. I amagine Covid probably didn’t help. Is it because bad management or employees that just don’t want to work, they just want a pay check. It’s to bad because when we were in TV a yr. ago the parking lot was completely full so business was great. So our question should be asking, what happened?

[BEETHOVENMIKEY]

I have always recommended Millers as an above average restaurant in the Villages area. Went there today, and it was terrible. The service was very slow, and the steak fajitas, which are usually exceptionally tender, were as tough as shoe leather. So much so that I sent them back and refused to pay for them. The napkins on the table were literally as thin as a Kleenex tissue, and the silverware was dirty. Has anyone else experienced this decline in a usually good restaurant?

Miller's has always bern on our short list since it opened, with no bad experiences. But, we've had issues at others. We always give a restaurant at least 3 chances unless it was garbage, especially now, with short and overworked staff.
Your shoe leather and dirty silverware is a management issue. Hopefully you asked to speak to the manager. He can be a good manager, but things slip by and being made aware is a blessing
Be pleasant and let him know...then give it a week or more and try it again.

[PugMom]

Please direct your comments at the restaurant, not the OP.

my bad. apologies sent

[PurePeach]

I have always recommended Millers as an above average restaurant in the Villages area. Went there today, and it was terrible. The service was very slow, and the steak fajitas, which are usually exceptionally tender, were as tough as shoe leather. So much so that I sent them back and refused to pay for them. The napkins on the table were literally as thin as a Kleenex tissue, and the silverware was dirty. Has anyone else experienced this decline in a usually good restaurant?

Remember that restaurants are still short-staffed. Your steak may have been cooked by someone who usually only does salads, or whatever, but was making the effort to cook to help the restaurant. In order to pay the folks that show up, they are doing the best they can and that might mean ordering the less expensive napkins or perhaps that might be the only thing available from their vendor since so much of “our stuff” is sitting on ships in harbors. Have you not noticed the grocery store shelves lately. Be thankful they’re still open and trying to get their operation back as it should be. Continue to support them and graciously tip the servers who are stretched thin and doing their best. Remember that businesses are still struggling.

[ffresh]

I have always recommended Millers as an above average restaurant in the Villages area. Went there today, and it was terrible. The service was very slow, and the steak fajitas, which are usually exceptionally tender, were as tough as shoe leather. So much so that I sent them back and refused to pay for them. The napkins on the table were literally as thin as a Kleenex tissue, and the silverware was dirty. Has anyone else experienced this decline in a usually good restaurant?

I was there a few weeks ago with my wife (hadn't been there in about 3 yrs). I had the Pork Osso Buco and she had a Blackened Chicken Salad - both excellent and the service was impeccable. On another note, we were at The Chop House last week, for the first time, with friends. I ordered the Prime NY Strip. It was sinewy and chewy - I sent it back; it should be very good at those prices :icon_wink: The "floor manager", Mike, came to the table and without a blink handled the whole affair in the most exemplary and professional fashion I've ever experienced at a restaurant: new hand-selected steak, free desserts for the table and a wine refill. WOW. :ho: A bad meal can be had anywhere, at any given time; it's how they handle the situation that determines my loyalty - assuming the food/service is otherwise satisfactory++

Fred

[shortstack]

I have always recommended Millers as an above average restaurant in the Villages area. Went there today, and it was terrible. The service was very slow, and the steak fajitas, which are usually exceptionally tender, were as tough as shoe leather. So much so that I sent them back and refused to pay for them. The napkins on the table were literally as thin as a Kleenex tissue, and the silverware was dirty. Has anyone else experienced this decline in a usually good restaurant?

Yes, I experience the same disappointed. At the beginning their chicken tenders were juicy and tender. Went there recently. The hostess seemed burned out, no smile and to be honest I doubt she even cared that I was there. Chicken tenders tasted rewarmed, and very dry. I was bummed. I have not returned for months.

[Sandy and Ed]

I have always recommended Millers as an above average restaurant in the Villages area. Went there today, and it was terrible. The service was very slow, and the steak fajitas, which are usually exceptionally tender, were as tough as shoe leather. So much so that I sent them back and refused to pay for them. The napkins on the table were literally as thin as a Kleenex tissue, and the silverware was dirty. Has anyone else experienced this decline in a usually good restaurant?
Nope. Just ate there. Osso Bucco excellent as always. Was busy and did wait a little longer. Of course given there are a lot of lazy people who do not want to work everyone has had staff shortages. They do the best they can. We eat out a lot and this is one of our favorite restaurants.

[davem4616]

I stopped in there with a cousin about a week ago...my first time there

sat at the bar, had a beer and we left....place was crowded for 2:30 in the afternoon...everyone seemed happy

[thevillages2013]

People for the record here 1,2,3 has more knowledge in his pinky finger than most of you have in your whole body so when he tells you “The berries are ripe” shut up, get your bucket and start picking

[montagnard1969]

Same old story, not enough qualified people to work or want to work. The service industry will be hit hard in the next couple of years with the advent of the $15 minimum wage. Employers already have this figured out; no full time employees. This way they can avoid the $15 minimum wage law. They you have retail stores who are installing "self-checkout". This eliminates a row of cashiers and takes only a few people to monitor the self check out kiosks. Another out is the fast food industry who are in full experimentation of robotic processing equipment. Again eliminating the need for people to do this work. Stand by folks if you think things will get cheaper, they won't.

[rjn5656]

The manager there is excellent.

[coffeebean]

I have always recommended Millers as an above average restaurant in the Villages area. Went there today, and it was terrible. The service was very slow, and the steak fajitas, which are usually exceptionally tender, were as tough as shoe leather. So much so that I sent them back and refused to pay for them. The napkins on the table were literally as thin as a Kleenex tissue, and the silverware was dirty. Has anyone else experienced this decline in a usually good restaurant?

Agree about the Steak Fajitas. Miller's used to have the best Steak Fajitias in the area and now the Steak Fajitas are the worst I have ever had. I was told by the server that Miller's is using a less expensive cut of beef rather than the skirt steak. I will not order them anymore. I have all my teeth but when it takes nearly two minutes to chew the first bite, I'm done. I have discussed this with a manager but to no avail. I was offered Chicken Fajitas instead. The manager did not seem to be interested that the steak is not edible.

[coffeebean]

Any time an issue in a restaurant always talk to the manager on line complaining is useless, posting a bad review is likewise.
It depends on the manager. Believe me, it was like talking to a wall when I tried to explain how the steak for the fajitas was not edible........at all. The manager kept saying that Miller's is paying more money now for the steak. My explanation that the steak can not be chewed easily fell on deaf ears. I give up.

[coffeebean]

& i haven't been in awhile, but to me Millers is a hit or miss, depending on what day/time you go. either way, waitstaff is very good

Before Miller's changed the meat used for the Steak Fajitas, that dish was never hit or miss. Their Steak Fajitas were my absolute favorite in The Villages area......better than any Mexican restaurant in the area and I've tried most of them. I actually gave Millers' Steak Fajitas a fantastic review on TOTV when I first had them. Now that the meat has been changed (corporate decision), I will never order them again.

[coffeebean]

Remember that restaurants are still short-staffed. Your steak may have been cooked by someone who usually only does salads, or whatever, but was making the effort to cook to help the restaurant. In order to pay the folks that show up, they are doing the best they can and that might mean ordering the less expensive napkins or perhaps that might be the only thing available from their vendor since so much of “our stuff” is sitting on ships in harbors. Have you not noticed the grocery store shelves lately. Be thankful they’re still open and trying to get their operation back as it should be. Continue to support them and graciously tip the servers who are stretched thin and doing their best. Remember that businesses are still struggling.
It has nothing to do with the way the cook prepared the steak for the fajitas. The steak appeared to be well prepared and was very pink and juicy when I ordered the meat "medium rare". Looks were TOTALLY deceiving. The meat was not chewable........at all. Well, I got my first bite chewed in about two minutes. NOT ACCEPTABLE.

[coffeebean]

Yes, I experience the same disappointed. At the beginning their chicken tenders were juicy and tender. Went there recently. The hostess seemed burned out, no smile and to be honest I doubt she even cared that I was there. Chicken tenders tasted rewarmed, and very dry. I was bummed. I have not returned for months.

I did give Miller's Steak Fajitas another try after about three months when the server told me they were purchasing different steak now and they were paying more for it. I was willing to give this dish another try. Well........there was absolutely no difference in the quality of the beef. Still not able to chew it. I sent it back.

[Stu from NYC]

I did give Miller's Steak Fajitas another try after about three months when the server told me they were purchasing different steak now and they were paying more for it. I was willing to give this dish another try. Well........there was absolutely no difference in the quality of the beef. Still not able to chew it. I sent it back.

Makes one wonder if they ever try the food they make

[mtdjed]

The manager there is excellent.

Well there are several layers of managers. The original store opening manager has recently gone,

[coffeebean]

Makes one wonder if they ever try the food they make

I was just about to suggest to the manager that he should try the beef himself but I did not. I would imagine, any good manager, would go back to the kitchen and test the food himself if a customer is that adamant about the quality of the food. Maybe he did, maybe he didn't.

[Doro22]

I didn't talk to the manager, but I did send a detailed online review. The waitress apologized and acted as though she already knew the fajitas were not acceptable, and didn't charge for them.

Today we picked up two dinners…one salmon with loaded baked potato, also onion rings. Also chicken parm dinner. Both very good & large portions. I was surprised the onion rings were so fresh & crispy…really good! Much better than the Aussie place that specializes in onion rings. Just thought I’d add my 2 cents worth as we really enjoyed the dinners and the price was reasonable. Oh BTW…the napkins were large & not flimsy. The takeout order wasn’t missing a thing, which seems to be an anomaly here lately. We have enough leftover for two meals this evening.

[Babubhat]

In this labor market you have no idea who is cooking day to day. These are generic line cooks. Your lucky if the dishwasher isn’t cooking because employees don’t show

[retiredguy123]

Today we picked up two dinners…one salmon with loaded baked potato, also onion rings. Also chicken parm dinner. Both very good & large portions. I was surprised the onion rings were so fresh & crispy…really good! Much better than the Aussie place that specializes in onion rings. Just thought I’d add my 2 cents worth as we really enjoyed the dinners and the price was reasonable. Oh BTW…the napkins were large & not flimsy. The takeout order wasn’t missing a thing, which seems to be an anomaly here lately. We have enough leftover for two meals this evening.
I have been back to Miller's a few times since this thread. It is still a good place to go and the food is usually pretty good, just not as consistent as when it first opened. I do like the fact that it has two bars and lots of TVs. Good atmosphere and you can usually find a seat at the bar. No waiting for a table.