[TomW]

They do some things well but for the past year or so the service level has declined significantly while the food prices have jumped by quite a bit. I counted over 20 times when we were completely abandoned by the wait staff during the middle or later part of the meal. We live close to EP and eat there often. I've discussed this with management with detailed specifics on poor customer service but continue to be disappointed. A few years ago, we watched the decline of the Havana restaurant which was then our local CC and now I see the same thing happening at Evans Prairie. I encourage anyone with an interest in the quality of our local CC's to speak to the management when the food or service is excessively below standard.

[jblum315]

I've had nothing but fine service at Evans Prairie

[rubicon]

What is it about the restaurants in The Villages?????

[RickeyD]

Originally Posted by TomW

They do some things well but for the past year or so the service level has declined significantly while the food prices have jumped by quite a bit. I counted over 20 times when we were completely abandoned by the wait staff during the middle or later part of the meal. We live close to EP and eat there often. I've discussed this with management with detailed specifics on poor customer service but continue to be disappointed. A few years ago, we watched the decline of the Havana restaurant which was then our local CC and now I see the same thing happening at Evans Prairie. I encourage anyone with an interest in the quality of our local CC's to speak to the management when the food or service is excessively below standard.

Vote with your feet, that will send the most effective message to management. If they want to thrive, they will change. Complaining does nothing.

[rjn5656]

I agree. Have been disapointed this summer with food and service at Evans Prairie and Bonifay, and service at Bell Glade.

[graciegirl]

And the Cane Garden Stir fry hit the spot and it was ten bucks I think. The very tender and nicely spiced chicken was crispily fried separately with breading and placed on top of the noodles and veggies and some fresh Cilantro (?) was sprinkled on it.The water chestnuts added crunch and the service was just WONDERFUL. Our server brought sunglasses for daughter Helene who had forgotten hers. We sat outside and it was warm, but breezy.


I must say we could have eaten dog food and enjoyed it with these treasured friends of fifty years, but the food was good.

[Jayhawk]

Originally Posted by TomW

I counted over 20 times when we were completely abandoned by the wait staff during the middle or later part of the meal.

You needed a server "over 20 times" during a meal? No wonder they skipped out.

[asianthree]

Our son ate with us at Evans Prairie who is also in the restaurant business. Have to be honest since day one I felt the food was OK nothing spectacular. But our son found the service to be less than adequate. It was the first time I have ever seen him only tip 15% on the nose. At restaurants that we have been with him I have seen him tip in upwards of 35% for excellent service. As he put it service can only improve mediocre food. Without good service one should not return. Even in a busy busy restaurant it only takes less than a minute for a server to stop ask a question and respond. Service is the whole reason why I go out to dinner. I can cook excellent food at home but I never have anybody stop by and fill up my water except me.

[yabbadu]

I have also found the service disappointing at EP and thus I am going there less to the point of avoiding them altogether.

[jnieman]

It doesn't take much to spoil a person's opinion of a restaurant and not want to go back. One bad experience stays in the back of our minds like, oh don't order the chicken, remember what happened last time. That is why restaurants need to be on top of their game all of the time.

This week we went to Gator's Dockside. Have been there about 10 times since they opened and have always had great food and great service. We ordered 10 wings and the early bird special for $8.99 shrimp platter and also ordered two drinks. Our bill with tip was $32.95. There was a photo of numerous beautiful shrimp displayed over a plate of fries. When the meal came I thought they had just brought the fries, then peeping out were 4 tiny battered shrimp. We asked the waitress if it was right and she said you don't get much with the early bird specials. These shrimp were the kind you get at Publix with 45-50 in a bag for $11.00. We sent it back and ordered a burger which was good. The manager came over and we told her about it. She said you get 5 shrimp. I said you realize how small the shrimp are, right and she said yes, it's the early bird. I would suggest not ordering this early bird special at Gator's Dockside unless you eat before you go. The service was great but it kind of ruined it for us to go back there because we felt ripped off.

[Happinow]

Originally Posted by rjn5656

I agree. Have been disapointed this summer with food and service at Evans Prairie and Bonifay, and service at Bell Glade.

Went to Belle Glade this past week. Was very disappointed in the service as we also felt abandoned by our server. However, the food was good.

[Happinow]

Originally Posted by jnieman

It doesn't take much to spoil a person's opinion of a restaurant and not want to go back. One bad experience stays in the back of our minds like, oh don't order the chicken, remember what happened last time. That is why restaurants need to be on top of their game all of the time.

This week we went to Gator's Dockside. Have been there about 10 times since they opened and have always had great food and great service. We ordered 10 wings and the early bird special for $8.99 shrimp platter and also ordered two drinks. Our bill with tip was $32.95. There was a photo of numerous beautiful shrimp displayed over a plate of fries. When the meal came I thought they had just brought the fries, then peeping out were 4 tiny battered shrimp. We asked the waitress if it was right and she said you don't get much with the early bird specials. These shrimp were the kind you get at Publix with 45-50 in a bag for $11.00. We sent it back and ordered a burger which was good. The manager came over and we told her about it. She said you get 5 shrimp. I said you realize how small the shrimp are, right and she said yes, it's the early bird. I would suggest not ordering this early bird special at Gator's Dockside unless you eat before you go. The service was great but it kind of ruined it for us to go back there because we felt ripped off.

We are frequent diners at Gators in Brownwood (Gators Dockside?) and last week we sat at the bar and ordered the boneless chicken tenders which we get frequently. Usually there are 6 good size chicken fingers on the plate, however this time they were small. I always feel I get my money's worth so I let the bartender know that the chicken fingers weren't up to standard. She agreed and within minutes we had a whole other order of chicken fingers. We keep going back because the food is good as is the service!!

[jnieman]

Originally Posted by Happinow

We are frequent diners at Gators in Brownwood (Gators Dockside?) and last week we sat at the bar and ordered the boneless chicken tenders which we get frequently. Usually there are 6 good size chicken fingers on the plate, however this time they were small. I always feel I get my money's worth so I let the bartender know that the chicken fingers weren't up to standard. She agreed and within minutes we had a whole other order of chicken fingers. We keep going back because the food is good as is the service!!

That's what they should have done with the shrimp is offer to get us more shrimp and keep a customer. I will probably go back but will definitely question the waitress before ordering any specials.

[rustyp]

Originally Posted by rjn5656

I agree. Have been disapointed this summer with food and service at Evans Prairie and Bonifay, and service at Bell Glade.

Is this not the same fellow who owns all three restaurants? Oh yes and Orange Blossom too. Say no more.

[ScorpioSquared]

We've been to Belle Glade a few times earlier this year, service was always good as was the food. The mahi mahi sandwich is delicious and reasonably priced.