While the menu is inventive and the dishes, once they arrived, are quite good, the service and attitude are indicative of what is wrong with service in Austin restaurants today. There are a few places that understand the nuances the high service that are the hallmark of fine restaurants, Siena falls short. Despite a beautiful environment and an eclectic menu, the service and attitude is quite poor, if not downright condescending.\r
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We came for a special evening and were seating right away (that in an of itself a warning sign, given that we arrived at 8pm on a Saturday night during a holiday weekend). THe server was gracious and drinks and appetizers arrived on time and were tasty. And then we waited. And waited. 45 minutes later, our entrees arrived, one fresh and steaming, and the other congealed and skinned over like only a heat lamp can do.\r
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I spoke with the manager to alert her to the problem and she instantly became confrontational and defensive. She clearly was not capably of managing an establishment of this ambition.\r
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I've had many business lunches here and have never had a problem, but I will likely not venture there again for a dinner meal and I'd advise you to consider some of the better options in Austin that understand the meaning of service.
Pros: Great menu, nice setting
Cons: Rude management, SLOW service, highly overrated for dinner
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