If you would have asked me a few months ago about my experiences at la baia, I would have told you it was a ""must do"" of Philadelphia. The food is good for its price and the people that I would pass my unfinished bottle of wine to at the end of my meal were always pleasant. I would dine there frequently; even a couple times a month. \r
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BUT, recently my opinion of this restaurant has completely changed. \r
Not once but TWICE I have literally been pushed out the door of this restaurant. In the first instance I realize it was a saturday and turn over for the restaurant is very important. I decided to give it another chance. \r
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With friends in town, I went last night when it was completely empty and dined with the hostess and host literally standing watching me, looking at their watches, shaking their heads, and demanding that we order ""NOW!"" Cutlery was literally thrown on the table between courses, wine bottles and glasses were snatched from the table so quickly and haphazardly that the host nearly struck me in the face twice. It was quite possibly the WORST dining experience I have ever had. I felt badly eating my food.\r
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Apparently I am not alone on this. Recently at a holiday party La Baia?s down-right rude staff came up among a group of my friends; many of whom have vowed that they would never return. Despite past good experiences, I (and many others) will NEVER return to this restaurant. I have never in my life been subject to such bilious, ill natured wait staff. \r
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Go to La Viola, melogranos, or mercato ? much better food, nicer wait staff, and comparable prices.
Cons: Rude wait staff.
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