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Wife and I stopped by Sunday night at 10:30pm for a drink. First timers. Thought we would try the place out. We, and another gentleman, were turned away by the bartender who stated she was closing early. Published closing time 12am. A couple of nights prior we were turned away at 7:30 p.m. because of a private party. Tried 2 times… won’t be back.

Red River Brewing Company – Menu with Prices – 1200 Marshall St #500, Shreveport

I hate to leave bad reviews, but this place was a real bummer. We were on a road trip and love to try new breweries. We stopped in 25 minutes prior to the closing time they had posted on their website as well as their door (10pm on a Thursday) and we were turned away because the beertender has already declared “last call”. There were still multiple patrons at the bar with drinks in hand but when we asked if we could try just one beer, we were waved away. Very disappointed because we had stopped at Flying Heart prior to that (arriving much closer to their closing time of 9pm) and we were welcomed with open arms by the staff and encouraged to sample all of the beers we were interested in. Wish I could review the beer but unfortunately we weren’t given the opportunity to try any because someone wanted to skip out early. Maybe you should consider posting a notice that closing times may vary?

Tandoori Nights Fairfax – Menu with Prices – 10312 Willard Way, Fairfax

We’re fans of Tandoori Nights in Bethesda (and Gaithersburg). Last night we went to a show at GMU’s Center for the Arts and were looking for a restaurant in Fairfax to take our daughter and her two friends before the show. I found Tandoori Nights Fairfax and thought the girls would like it, so we made a reservation. We’re off to a good start for a fun night. Unfortunately, Tandoori Nights Fairfax let us down. First things first: Tandoori Nights Fairfax is not Tandoori Nights in Bethesda. I don’t know if there is any connection. I certainly hoped so, but wow, was I mistaken. First off, when we pulled into the parking lot we found ourselves at a large strip mall. I should have called an audible and found another restaurant, but everyone shrugged off the exterior with the expectation of good food. When we got to the door, we learned the restaurant was closed for a private party, but would seat us in a weird fish bowl front room. I would have thought this would be an important bit of information to give customers when the make a reservation. But that didn’t happen. From there it was all downhill: torn tablecloth, dirty floor, bent silverware, mishmash of TVs making noise, waitresses who struggled to do the basics, and food that was unappetizing. It was such a disappointment. Am giving them two stars because I’m hoping it was an off night for them; but really, to not tell us the dining room was booked for a party? Don’t be greedy. Focus on the party and don’t take other diners. But more troubling was the food was not good. All can be forgiven with sublime food. But yours was not. Such a disappointment and an embarrassment for us as we were entertaining friends.

Ray Ray’s Italian Beef & Sausage – Menu with Prices – 1715 Miller Rd, Kalamazoo

My family is from Chicagoland, so Italian Beef is a revered treat. My mom has a lake house in Kalamazoo, so I intended to pick up some beef sandwiches for a weekend party at her place. I called ahead to place my order so I wouldn’t have to wait – I was on my way into town and would arrive around 7:30pm (the posted hours indicated they close at 8pm). After I finished placing my order for 8 people (they were out of a few things that we wanted), the person on the phone changed his mind and told me that they were closing early (on a Friday night) because of the “heat wave”. Who closes early because of a heat wave? Don’t we have air conditioning in this day and age? The call taker was not polite and confirmed that he had spoken with the owner before deciding to close. I won’t give Ray Ray’s another chance. There is another place near the mall that has a good Italian beef sandwich and it’s managed properly and the staff isn’t rude to customers.

Osiris Lounge Menu with Prices 809 W Park Row Dr, Arlington

I travel for work and so I always find local hookah lounges wherever I go just to unwind, so I’ve experienced different lounges across the states. I stumbled upon this lounge on Yelp. I hardly go out when home because everything is overpriced here, compared to other cities I’ve traveled to. When I first came to this spot, it was very chill, the staff was very attentive and checked on me often. DJ was bomb!. Because of this, I frequented a few more times and brought friends. I came this year on my bday by myself as it fell on a Wednesday and I just wanted to chill. I looked on Yelp and it stated they closed at midnight. Cool! Two hours was plenty of time. I get there and the dude tells me he’s closing at 11pm. I’m like I just drove 30mins and your closing in an hour because YOU have stuff to do?!?! Dude stated he’d keep it open to 1130pm. I was cool and appreciative of that. I paid for my hookah upon leaving and he have me a coupon for free hookah due to him having to close early! Very nice gesture! Then here comes this past Friday Sept 7 2018! I get there at 930pm. There was a couple in front of me walking in and as they opened the door, they peeped in and turned around to leave. As I walked up I asked them was it crowded, they stated “no, there’s only like 4ppl in there.” I told them to come on in, it’s a cool spot and the crowd would come in about an hour. They came on in. Upon entering I was charged a $5 entrance fee which I’d never done before..buy cool! O told the chick what flavors I wanted and was advised to pay right then. Oh..something else new..cool, no problem. But wait, I have a coupon for a free hookah! I’m told it can’t be used on the weekend. I looked at the card and said it does not state that anywhere on here and neither was I told that or I qoukdnt7habe brought it out! Dude was like I’m pretty sure I said that. I responded and said I’m 100% sure you didn’t. He said it couldn’t be used on the wkends because that’s when they’re busy ok! Whatever! I ordered my hookah and took my seat…I get my hookah, I’m jamming to the DJ, who is always jamming no matter who they being in for the night. It got time for a coal change. I watched as the workers walked by me helping others for about 20mins without acknowledging me. Grant it, about 10 more ppl had walked in…still not “busy”. I’m just looking at them walk by, not even looking my way to ask if I needed anything. Definitely not the service I was used to there. When I finally got someone’s attention to ask for a change of coals I was advised they don’t replace coals but THE WHOLE BOWL FOR $10 refill charge! WHAT?!?! Never EVER in all of my hookah experiences have coals NOT been replaced. So even though hash is still there and still good with flavor, I have to get a whole new bowl for fresh coals?!?!? At that point, I left. The whole night was a very disappointing experience compared to previous visits. I didn’t see Ace the last few times I was there, who was always top notch from a customers entrance to exit. Needless to say, I won’t return to what was once a spot that I enjoyed driving from Lancaster, TX (30min drive) to chill. Definitely not the spot I came to admire.

Food Basics – Menu with Prices – 509 Commissioners Rd W, London

Paper advertisement stated ground beef “or” pork for $3/lb. When I got to the food basic establishment on 509 commissioners west, they did not honour their advertisement as the night shift supervisor stated, “Our meat department manager is not available on nights, it is what it is.” What was on sale for $3/lb was another completely different item: ground beef “and” pork. I have previously purchased ground pork cheaper at another grocer prior to making my stop at this food basics for their “sale ground beef.” Hoping to make a blend of pork and beef burgers; Now I’ll have to enjoy a pork burger instead of a beef burger for the week. Thanks @foodbasics, I wonder what the legalities are towards falsifying advertisement are ?

IstanBulls Hookah Lounge – Menu with Prices – 29 Van Campen Blvd, Wilmington

Last night 2.1.19 we went out to celebrate with a love one for her birthday. We had reservations for a party of 8.The birthday girl arrived and her best friend were the first to arrive. 10 mins later myself and two cousins arrived. Once we got in and sat down Isoon(the worker) came over to explain the menu and ask what flavor did we wanna put in the hookah. Two of them had paid 14.98 and ordered drinks. Isoon came back and ask what did I want I said nothing at the moment I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do but I didnt wanna smoke because I had a sore throat. Isoo. Stood there with her hands together and said well its 14.98 and you cant just sit and hang out we run a place of business and its a friday night and you had a reservation of 8. I said so basically you want my 14.98 to just sit ok I paid for a glass of wine and begin to hookah as well. Keep in mind on a busy friday night it was 5 of us in the place myself and my family. Than about 10 mins later a couple came in. A few moments later our other family memeber arrived. Isoon came back over ask what she would like she told her and paid the 14.98 but Isoon had not brought the hookah just her drink. A few seconds later Isoon came and sak where was the rest of the party at this time it was 6 of us. 2 more friends were on the way. So we explained they were coming but we had no control over who showed up. When she stood there she said she wouldn’t bring the hookah out unless the other two came or either we paid the 14.98 for the two other people and she would bring the 3rd hookah. So we said ok no problem us 6 will just smoke out the two we have. The other friend soon Arrived and Isoon was back our friend stated said she would take a drink and she didnt wanna smoke. Isoon told her it was 14.98 for her drink (a corona) she said oh no Im not paying 14.98 for one drink Isoon than explained again we were there on a friday night when they are busy. Again at this time it was 9 people my family and a couple. Our friend eneded up leaving to meet us at dinner. Just a few seconds later our other friend arrive which would have had our party of 8. Isoon came back and ask her for her order she said no thanks I dont want anything im fine Isoon than explained again what she had said 6 times already. She walked away and was talking to the gentlemen who was working she came back and said you can stay and just pay the price of a drink. At this point you had already made $90 and we were disappointed because it wasnt explained correctly at the time of the reservation. If we had known we would have definitely went elsewhere. This was the worse experience ever not to mention we were in the back of the place with no lighting and every camera was pointed at us. So sad because they had plenty of space to put us young ladies they sat the couple up in front towards the tv and they had lights to see. We had to use the flashlight on our cellphones to read the menu. We wont be back.

Grande Grill Steak House – Menu with Prices – 5112 W Expy 83, McAllen

We had a Christmas party for our staff planned well in advance (2 months) w/ Grande Grill. By the time the date arrived, 2 of the managers we spoke with didn’t work there any longer. We planned (and paid a deposit) to have a private room setup for our party. We spoke with the manager the day prior and day of the party to confirm. When we arrived they had us in the main dining room (to their credit they didn’t seat any other tables in the dining room). Unfortunately this wasn’t we had agreed on – we had specifically picked out one of their private rooms to use. The main area had guests coming through, was open, had TV’s which were distractions, etc. It just wasn’t what we had agreed on, and what we would expect for paying almost a $1000 for a dinner. The wait and bar staff was not prepared. It took 30 minutes for our party to get drinks, and what felt like an unreasonably long time for appetizers to come out. (We had pre-ordered the first course, so they new what they needed). I can only assume this is because the kitchen was probably understaffed as well. Ultimately, the food was good enough – but they didn’t live up to any professional standard. This place is not ready for a professional group – they may be fine for a party of 2 or 4… but don’t trust them any further than that.

Tavern Law 1832 – Menu with Prices – 106 N 2nd St, Wilmington

Hubs and I were in the market for checking out a new spot with some friends a couple weeks ago. We put our name on the never-ending waiting list at at a popular downtown eatery a couple blocks up from Tavern Law and decided to wander around looking for a place to have a pre-dinner drink. We wound up at Tavern Law and I instantly fell in love. If you give me the option of a low-key, locals’ bar that is very open and welcoming and has a cool vibe, I’m going to chose it every time and become slightly obsessed with it for a while. Just so happens I ended up coming here three nights in a row! The room is long and skinny and the bar stretches most of the length of one side. On the opposite side, crescent shaped boots are situation facing the bar and the rest of the room, so you never feel closed off from anyone or the action. There is a large natural edge standing bar in the center of the room for those that choose to mix and mingle. Most notably would be the small stage in the back corner of the bar. I haven’t been when they have live music, but I would assume this is where the band would set up shop. However, any other night they have giant jenga and Connect 4 to play! We played for about 30 minutes while we sipped on cocktails prior to dinner. It was the perfect place to “waste time,” although I don’t think time was wasted at all ? During the 2017 football season, they have a football party every Sunday! FREE Pancake Breakfast @ 11:30, FREE Cookout @ 1:30, and JERSEY RAFFLE!!

Smallcakes Cupcakery and Creamery Menu with Prices 1506 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria

I bought a couple of cupcakes the other day from Smallcakes. I have actually been trying to visit since they opened but their hours are, frankly, terrible. I think it’s best to sum up the positives and negatives in a list. Positives: +Best cupcakes I have had in a long time! I really enjoyed the chocolate cream more (it’s like a 930 club cupcake or you could say, one of those Hostess ones with cream in the middle and thick chocolate icing) than the cookies and cream but both were perfectly cakey (not dry at all), very chocolatey for the cake portions, and sized nicely. + icing in general: the icing is my favorite part and I LOVED this icing. Not overly sweet but still quite rich. The chocolate icing was thicker and creamier while the cookies and cream was slightly more fluffy but well-flavored definitely with a vanilla base but hints of oreo. +Pricing: Each cupcake was slightly over $4 which I think is reasonable considering their size. I only ate 1/2 of one at each sitting because they are large and rich. I think there is a military discount because I was asked if I was military. Negatives: – Hours: how can you be closed on Sunday?! They are missing out on so much potential business given the amount of people that congregate in Pentagon Row on Sundays. Also, how can you close at 8pm on weekdays and 9pm on weekend nights?! Again, so much business lost! I can tell you too they definitely have closed before 9pm because when hubby and I tried to go there are 8:45pm one Friday night, the door was locked and the register person was counting the money. -Chocolate cream cupcake had less than a dollop of cream inside. If you advertise there is cream, it should be more than a tiny dot. Neutral: *The register person was not unfriendly but not friendly either. *I came at 7:30pm on a weeknight and the chocolate flavors (cake and icing both) were limited. They offer ice cream and coffee too. I will definitely return for cupcakes in the future and possibly for ice cream since there isn’t anywhere else for that in Pentagon Row. I just wish they would revise their hours to be open on Sunday and be more flexible with their closing time. Otherwise, I’m a fan of Smallcakes!

Danish Pastry Co. – Menu with Prices – 2031 Tyler St, Hollywood

Adorable bakery & coffee house with fantastic pastries & wonderful service. It’s a cozy place with about four tables, and a counter with a hand full of stools facing the street. It’s clean, well kept and has a shabby chic all white decor with nice natural lighting. I had planned to drop in early Sunday afternoon but time got away from me. So before heading out there I checked the Yelp app and it stated it was closing at 4pm. I arrived around 3:05pm only to find the door locked. Disappointed I stood there double checking the app. As I was doing so Diane opened the doors. She kindly advised they now close at 3pm on Sunday’s but welcomed me in anyway and to my surprise advised the pastries were half off! Awesome! Apparently right before closing they sell whatever is left of the pastries at half price. I’m not sure if this starts an hour or half before closing but it’ a nice bonus. ***GOODIES*** Butter Croissant Raspberry/Almond cream cheese pastry Five different mini pastries These are some fantastic croissants and pastries I must say. Their pastry dough for both the croissant & sweet pastries is lovely. It has a light flaky exterior with layers of soft pillowy delicious goodness in the interior. The filings and toppings were just as scrumptious. The jams they use as the fillings/toppings taste like someones grandmother made it. They had fresh bright natural flavors & sweetness. The chocolate and cream cheese fillings were just as yummy and luscious as the jams. The fact that I purchased these pastries late afternoon on Sunday had no bearing on their freshness and taste. Even the two mini pastries that survived the night tasted fresh and just as good the next morning. I can tell you the coffee is good too. I prefer lattes but the machine had been shut done for the day so Diane offered me some of their coffee to try. It was shockingly smooth with absolutely no bitterness, delightful cup of joe. I was really pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome, kind service and fantastic pastries. I will for sure be back soon!!

Hilton Garden Inn Colorado Springs Airport – Menu with Prices – 2035 Aerotech Dr, Colorado Springs

*Update to review* I had a very productive conversation with one of the mangers who has purview over customer relations. She addressed my concerns, as voiced below, and very politely apologized for the experience. Additionally, without making an excuse, she explained some of the circumstances that led to everything happening the way it did. I was and am very impressed with the response! Similarly, I am convinced that my experience at this hotel was a freak experience or the perfect storm. Knowing the caliber of management they have at this hotel and how they conduct business, I would stay at this hotel again. ________________________________________________________ My worst stay at a Hilton property yet! First and foremost, the property itself is very nice. The staff at the bar, in the kitchen, and the maid staff were extremely friendly and professional. The issue I had was with the front desk staff and their handling of select other guests that were staying at the hotel. During the first two nights of my stay, there was a junior softball tournament in town and a few of the teams were also staring at the Hilton Garden Inn by the airport. From the sounds of it, I had a couple of 12-year olds in the room directly above me. Between the running back and forth, jumping off the bed, and occasional loud yelling, it was difficult to get to sleep at night or stay awake in the morning. I contacted the front desk two different occasions and was told that a staff member would address the issue. Thankfully, most of the teams check-out out on Sunday morning. Sunday night I actually had a restful nights’ sleep without any loud noises coming from the upstairs room. Monday night I was not so fortunate… Monday afternoon/early evening an elderly man checked into the room next to mine. When I returned to the hotel after dinner the TV in the next room was blaring and the smell of cigarette smoke was strong in my room with had an adjoining door to the next room. Once again I contacted the front desk to raise their attention to the blaring TV and the person smoking cigarettes next door. It took 45 minutes to an hour before the TV was turned down. The next morning I had to fly out early. I was awakened by the loud TV once again, before my alarm, and the extremely strong smell of cigarettes once again. Thankfully I was checking out that morning. I brought the issue up again to the front desk attendant who nonchalantly said “I’m sorry about that” and proceeded to wish me a good day. Between the inability to handle the other guests and one employee saying that a Hilton hotel didn’t accept Hilton gift cards, I was left with the impression that the front desk staff were incompetent and unhelpful. From my previous stays at Hilton properties, I know this is the exception and not the rule. But I will not stay at this specific Hilton property ever again!

Jack’s Happy Landing Menu with Prices 641 Massillon Rd, Akron

I don’t go in here often because when I do – I feel like I’m scraping the bottom of the barrel when I’m looking for fun. At least now I can sit in the place for more than a few minutes without stinking myself – since they finally stopped people from smoking inside, long after the laws had banned it. The decor is pretty bland – just a long bar and some tables against the opposite wall. Not the cleanest, either. The problem here is that some nights, it’s real hit-or-miss with the clientele. Some nights, it’s OK, but a lot of the time, there’s more empty beers on the bar than teeth in the mouths of the patrons – if you know what I mean. Late nights I will sometimes stop in right before home to see who is there, but usually it’s the same old crowd (picture a casting call for the Roseanne show – and these people were rejected) and I turn around and head right back out. Now they have had a band in here on a few recent Friday nights, and I have actually stayed for a couple of beers to check them out. The additional people made things more tolerable…maybe if they advertised that they had live music on Fridays, they could help themselves out a little. You’ve all heard the song – “I’ve Got Friends in Low Places.” Well, this is the place they were talking about. Roll the dice and stop in on a Friday night….