Bad Augustine’s Experience

[Garywt]

I had a craving for Prime Rib so I decided to try Augustine’s so I could then enjoy the rest of the evening at Spanish Springs. I entered the restaurant at about 5:45 and sat at the bar. I ordered a beer and my prime rib. Sat there on my phone not really paying attention to anything. After at least 45 minutes I asked the bartender if my food was ever going to arrive. She looked at me like I had three heads. She never entered it into the computer. I said I would pay for the beer and leave. She said no charge so off I went looking for someplace to eat. Will not be back there.

[JMintzer]

I had a craving for Prime Rib so I decided to try Augustine’s so I could then enjoy the rest of the evening at Spanish Springs. I entered the restaurant at about 5:45 and sat at the bar. I ordered a beer and my prime rib. Sat there on my phone not really paying attention to anything. After at least 45 minutes I asked the bartender if my food was ever going to arrive. She looked at me like I had three heads. She never entered it into the computer. I said I would pay for the beer and leave. She said no charge so off I went looking for someplace to eat. Will not be back there.

She made a mistake. She tried to make up for it by giving you a free drink.

If that's the worst thing that happens to you this week, consider yourself lucky...

[ThirdOfFive]

She made a mistake. She tried to make up for it by giving you a free drink.

If that's the worst thing that happens to you this week, consider yourself lucky...
Agreed. Occasional mistakes can be forgiven. We all make them.

[Bogie Shooter]

“Will not be back there.“ such a bold statement, will it happen.
To say this over a simple mistake……-well?

[RICH1]

Can’t complain about a free beer! Gary, have you contacted the Restaurant to let them make it right… they may give you a free prime rib to keep your business

[Garywt]

“Will not be back there.“ such a bold statement, will it happen.
To say this over a simple mistake……-well?

It was the first time I had ever been there so I don’t see myself returning. Plenty of other places to go.

[Garywt]

She made a mistake. She tried to make up for it by giving you a free drink.

If that's the worst thing that happens to you this week, consider yourself lucky...

Unfortunately probably not the worst this to happen but this was enough to break the camels back I guess.

From time to time I need a release and it is generally over something small.

[Bogie Shooter]

Unfortunately probably not the worst this to happen but this was enough to break the camels back I guess.

From time to time I need a release and it is generally over something small.

Release? You got a problem……

[retiredguy123]

I had a craving for Prime Rib so I decided to try Augustine’s so I could then enjoy the rest of the evening at Spanish Springs. I entered the restaurant at about 5:45 and sat at the bar. I ordered a beer and my prime rib. Sat there on my phone not really paying attention to anything. After at least 45 minutes I asked the bartender if my food was ever going to arrive. She looked at me like I had three heads. She never entered it into the computer. I said I would pay for the beer and leave. She said no charge so off I went looking for someplace to eat. Will not be back there.
Maybe you should have ordered the beer first, and then ordered the prime rib when she brought the beer. You probably confused her with a complex order.

[Garywt]

[QUOTE=Bogie Shooter;2182912]Release? You got a problem……[/
Why are you saying this? Are you a psychologist.

[mixsonci]

I had a craving for Prime Rib so I decided to try Augustine’s so I could then enjoy the rest of the evening at Spanish Springs. I entered the restaurant at about 5:45 and sat at the bar. I ordered a beer and my prime rib. Sat there on my phone not really paying attention to anything. After at least 45 minutes I asked the bartender if my food was ever going to arrive. She looked at me like I had three heads. She never entered it into the computer. I said I would pay for the beer and leave. She said no charge so off I went looking for someplace to eat. Will not be back there.

If you're that easily offended over a simple mistake, you're going to run out of restaurants to go to pretty quickly.

[bowlingal]

Garywt....5:45 is absolutely the worst time to go to a restaurant during high season. Much too busy, short staff, mistakes happen. You must go earlier if you want prompt service.

[Laker]

….smoking a cigar?

[BillY41]

Augustine is a favorite place for a few cold ones and at bite to eat. There are two bars: one outside the other inside. At times there is one bartender handling the two bars. Mistakes happen.

[Jcicales]

Unfortunately probably not the worst this to happen but this was enough to break the camels back I guess.

From time to time I need a release and it is generally over something small.
Apparently you had to vent. It happens to the best of us. I am just thankful these restaurants have help- she made a mistake.
Enjoy the weekend.

[Stretpohio]

One bad day for OP. He didn’t get his food order and went to the square . Upon attending the concert in his HANGRY state , he had to deal with cigar man.
Good thing he’s not David Banner.

[banjobob]

I had a craving for Prime Rib so I decided to try Augustine’s so I could then enjoy the rest of the evening at Spanish Springs. I entered the restaurant at about 5:45 and sat at the bar. I ordered a beer and my prime rib. Sat there on my phone not really paying attention to anything. After at least 45 minutes I asked the bartender if my food was ever going to arrive. She looked at me like I had three heads. She never entered it into the computer. I said I would pay for the beer and leave. She said no charge so off I went looking for someplace to eat. Will not be back there.
One bad experience in a restaurant , I will never go back. Probably a poor decision.

[Raybemis1]

Have u ever made a mistake in your life? The Prime Rib is delicious at Augustine’s so who do you really hurt but yourself. You got a free beer out of it so what are you complaining about? They tried to make it right.

[mlmarr]

I had a craving for Prime Rib so I decided to try Augustine’s so I could then enjoy the rest of the evening at Spanish Springs. I entered the restaurant at about 5:45 and sat at the bar. I ordered a beer and my prime rib. Sat there on my phone not really paying attention to anything. After at least 45 minutes I asked the bartender if my food was ever going to arrive. She looked at me like I had three heads. She never entered it into the computer. I said I would pay for the beer and leave. She said no charge so off I went looking for someplace to eat. Will not be back there.

Augustine's like so many others..lack of help, food shortages and price increases.. was happy with August...but no more menu and price changes..happened..quality poor..

[retiredguy123]

Have u ever made a mistake in your life? The Prime Rib is delicious at Augustine’s so who do you really hurt but yourself. You got a free beer out of it so what are you complaining about? They tried to make it right.
He is complaining because he ordered a meal and it never came. I think that is a valid reason to complain.

[Robbb]

She made a mistake. She tried to make up for it by giving you a free drink.

If that's the worst thing that happens to you this week, consider yourself lucky...

Totally agree. Get another drink, relax, after all your retired what's the rush.

[BarryK]

My wife and I went to Augustine’s last week and it took a long time over half hour to receive prime rib. Gary, you did not miss anything! It was not very good. Thin, fatty, tough to cut. We both ordered them medium and my wife’s piece was on the rare side. We should have sent it back but we were there long enough and it was not that busy. Would not recommend.

[msilagy]

OP has a low tolerance for mistakes. Entitled? I would say yeeeeees!

[heron848]

Will not be back there.

Please let us know when you find the place where the staff never make mistakes.

[lindaelane]

Well..... maybe I should not talk. But it is a fact that prime rib is already ready, just slice it. So, you could have asked the bartender for specially timed service - maybe having someone just go back and slice a piece right away. Probably a mashed potato with it but that is just reaching in the oven. So, if they give an order priority, prime rib can be out in about one minute. Also, I think you were content on your phone, else you might have asked for a progress report from the bartender, who was right there, after about 20 minutes.

I know this is Monday morning quarterbacking. I think really, it is not your act of leaving, but your attempt to badmouth Augustine's and hurt their business over one bartender mistake, one that cause you no harm, that gets me. I mean, your motive in sharing was to stop others from going to Augustines, I assume. But...prime rib being a favorite of mine yet not know they had it....I gotta admit...I think I will try them out.

[biker59]

My first experience at Augustine was when my wife and I just walked in, were told there'd be a 45 wait; we left and ate elsewhere. Next time we were inclined to eat there we called hours ahead and reserved, no problem.

[retiredguy123]

I don't understand why so many posters are defending a restaurant that obviously provided poor service. The OP was just giving an accurate review of what happened. No one is preventing anyone from going to the restaurant.

[JMintzer]

Garywt....5:45 is absolutely the worst time to go to a restaurant during high season. Much too busy, short staff, mistakes happen. You must go earlier if you want prompt service.

I find that if you go 7:00 (or later), you get a half full restaurant...

[JMintzer]

I don't understand why so many posters are defending a restaurant that obviously provided poor service. The OP was just giving an accurate review of what happened. No one is preventing anyone from going to the restaurant.

Well, pretty much everyone said that yes, they made a mistake. Is commenting that they tried to appease the customer with a free drink "defending" them?

If so, I guess I'm guilty...

[flash4353]

Sounds like you had a rough couple of days. Lighten up Francis.

[tedquick]

Sounds like you had a rough couple of days. Lighten up Francis.

Now THAT is a funny post!

Guess I'll add my 2cents worth to Gary's comment: when I tend to become impatient, I try to remind myself that I've made an enormously huge number of mistakes in my own life.

[Bill14564]

I don't understand why so many posters are defending a restaurant that obviously provided poor service. The OP was just giving an accurate review of what happened. No one is preventing anyone from going to the restaurant.

In my case, because it may be a perfectly fine restaurant where one person made one mistake on one day. I don't think anyone took exception to the accurate review, only to what appears to be an overreaction to the situation.

I am extremely grateful for those who didn't abandon me after the one or two (hundred) mistakes I made.

Make a mistake but don't admit it or blame me for it and you might not see me again. Make a habit of making mistakes and you definitely won't see me again. Admit to being human and apologize for the mistake - I might make a point of going back even sooner.

[Rodneysblue]

I had a craving for Prime Rib so I decided to try Augustine’s so I could then enjoy the rest of the evening at Spanish Springs. I entered the restaurant at about 5:45 and sat at the bar. I ordered a beer and my prime rib. Sat there on my phone not really paying attention to anything. After at least 45 minutes I asked the bartender if my food was ever going to arrive. She looked at me like I had three heads. She never entered it into the computer. I said I would pay for the beer and leave. She said no charge so off I went looking for someplace to eat. Will not be back there.

So she messed up, she didn’t charge you for your beer and now you’re going to cry and take your ball home and never play there again. Good, one less whiner they have to deal with. More room for the rest of us.

[Driller703]

I had a craving for Prime Rib so I decided to try Augustine’s so I could then enjoy the rest of the evening at Spanish Springs. I entered the restaurant at about 5:45 and sat at the bar. I ordered a beer and my prime rib. Sat there on my phone not really paying attention to anything. After at least 45 minutes I asked the bartender if my food was ever going to arrive. She looked at me like I had three heads. She never entered it into the computer. I said I would pay for the beer and leave. She said no charge so off I went looking for someplace to eat. Will not be back there.

Why people feel that it is necessary to post that they had a bad experience at some restaurant or other venue here is beyond me. If they think that anyone cares, or that it will in any way influence others to avoid the venue, they are wrong. Write something to the manager if you must, but stop whining on TOTV. No one gives a hoot.

[retiredguy123]

Why people feel that it is necessary to post that they had a bad experience at some restaurant or other venue here is beyond me. If they think that anyone cares, or that it will in any way influence others to avoid the venue, they are wrong. Write something to the manager if you must, but stop whining on TOTV. No one gives a hoot.
I don't agree. I like reading restaurant reviews, both positive and negative, as long as they are fair and accurate. I don't see anything wrong with providing a review after only one visit. Professional restaurant critics do it all the time and get paid for it. Often, a poster will trash a restaurant and 10 other posters will contradict them, which is good publicity for the restaurant. Give the OP a break. He probably will go back to the restaurant.

[tlshoe]

Several (most) responders to this post have been critical of the OP. I'm wondering why those very responders don't take their own advice--after all, it appears the OP recognizes that he made a mistake but yet he keeps getting blasted. Furthermore, why are these responders getting so worked up over someone's rant about a restaurant. I for one like hearing about another's experience at a restaurant and then I can decide how much credibility to give to the info/opinion provided. I can't offer you a free beer but can offer some free advice: chill out, you're retired!

[Wilson02852]

Aren't you the perfect privileged OP. Guess you must be in demand for everything since you don't make mistakes or forget things.

[jimmy o]

I had a craving for Prime Rib so I decided to try Augustine’s so I could then enjoy the rest of the evening at Spanish Springs. I entered the restaurant at about 5:45 and sat at the bar. I ordered a beer and my prime rib. Sat there on my phone not really paying attention to anything. After at least 45 minutes I asked the bartender if my food was ever going to arrive. She looked at me like I had three heads. She never entered it into the computer. I said I would pay for the beer and leave. She said no charge so off I went looking for someplace to eat. Will not be back there.

My wife and I went there last week, sat at the bar and the bartender ( pretty girl with tattooed arms)looked at us and started rearranging the refrigerator which was directly in front of where we were sitting. Never took our order, and the bus girl told her that we had been waiting for for a long time. The bartender then said to the busier “I’ve had worse things up my ass tonight” and continued to rearrange the glasses in the refrigerator without taking our order. Two other people were at the bar who had drinks and restaurant was not busy at all. But she would not take our order. We complained to the manager on our way out. No we won’t be back there either.

[jimmy o]

My wife and I went there last week checked in with the hostess and sat at the bar. The bar tender (pretty girl with tattooed arms) wiped the counter where we sat and started to rearrange the small refrigerator that holds glasses. She never took our order and after about 10 minutes we made a comment to the busgirl about hoping to get a drink. The busgirl told the bartender that we had been waiting awhile and getting anxious. The bartender responded to the busgirl (I’ve had worse things up my a$$ today”, and continued to rearrange the glasses in the small refrigerator which was right in front of us and still not take our order. There were two other people at the bar who had drinks and the restaurant was not busy at all. We complained to the manager on our way out, and the manager offered to seat us immediately at one of the many open tables. No we will not be back to Augustine’s.

[Garywt]

So she messed up, she didn’t charge you for your beer and now you’re going to cry and take your ball home and never play there again. Good, one less whiner they have to deal with. More room for the rest of us.

I don’t believe I cried, just posting my experience in a review.

[Garywt]

Why people feel that it is necessary to post that they had a bad experience at some restaurant or other venue here is beyond me. If they think that anyone cares, or that it will in any way influence others to avoid the venue, they are wrong. Write something to the manager if you must, but stop whining on TOTV. No one gives a hoot.

I don’t care if someone cares or not but I post good and bad reviews. If people only post good reviews some will be surprised when they go someplace and it is terrible.

[Garywt]

Aren't you the perfect privileged OP. Guess you must be in demand for everything since you don't make mistakes or forget things.

Hey Wilson, you got off the island.

Privileged, no but I have the right to be if I want. In demand, possibly. Mistakes, maybe a few and forget things, since my mind is blown I guess so.

[bilcon]

I had a craving for Prime Rib so I decided to try Augustine’s so I could then enjoy the rest of the evening at Spanish Springs. I entered the restaurant at about 5:45 and sat at the bar. I ordered a beer and my prime rib. Sat there on my phone not really paying attention to anything. After at least 45 minutes I asked the bartender if my food was ever going to arrive. She looked at me like I had three heads. She never entered it into the computer. I said I would pay for the beer and leave. She said no charge so off I went looking for someplace to eat. Will not be back there.

Trashing a restaurant on a public forum is a really bad idea. Perhaps if you got off your phone and asked her a little earlier about your food, it would have come sooner. People make mistakes.

[ThirdOfFive]

Trashing a restaurant on a public forum is a really bad idea. Perhaps if you got off your phone and asked her a little earlier about your food, it would have come sooner. People make mistakes.
Indeed they do. But often it is how the service personnel react AFTER the incident that can either assure that the customer comes back, or if they avoid the place like the plague.

Case in point: some years (quite a few, come to think of it) My wife and I were dining at a buffet restaurant in Mankato, Minnesota. I hit the dessert bar after dinner for some ice cream, which I intended to top off with some strawberry sauce which was dispensed from one of a row of plungers. I pressed the plunger, but nothing: appeared to be stuck. A littler harder--still nothing. A third time--and SPLOOOOSH! The dispenser tip popped off and slathered me in strawberry sauce from my left shoulder down to right mid-thigh. A busser saw what happened and immediately called the manager, who hurried over and ushered my wife and I out of the immediate presence of other diners. He was hugely apologetic. "I'm SO sorry about what happened. We thought we had that thing fixed" etc., etc. He then gave my wife and I SIX free passes to the buffet, plus $50 in cash to buy a new shirt and slacks, which we bought on our way out of town, as J.C. Penney as I recall. Had the manager just tried to brush the incident off, he would have lost two customers. As it was, with the way he handled it, he not only assured that we'd be back but that word-of-mouth (no discussion boards back then) would also get him some positive publicity, which it did: I'm not shy about expressing opinions.

Amusing aside: we walked into J.C. Penney and the clerk at one of the registers gasped in amazement at my appearance. "It's OK", I told her, "The other guy looks worse".

[JMintzer]

Hey Wilson, you got off the island.

Privileged, no but I have the right to be if I want. In demand, possibly. Mistakes, maybe a few and forget things, since my mind is blown I guess so.

Wilson was lost at sea...

[Garywt]

Trashing a restaurant on a public forum is a really bad idea. Perhaps if you got off your phone and asked her a little earlier about your food, it would have come sooner. People make mistakes.

First off it is called a review and second so what if I am on my phone. Did it ruin your night because I was on my phone. Just said I was on my phone because I just lost track of time. 45 minutes to be exact, could have been just 15 minutes but it was 45 when I realized it.

[Shimpy]

If you're that easily offended over a simple mistake, you're going to run out of restaurants to go to pretty quickly.

Hey, sometimes even I make mistakes.