There are so many things to complain about, I don't know where to start. We've given this place three tries in the span of one year, each time thinking maybe we just had a random bad experience and gave them another try. Well, sorry Sudwerk Riverside, three strikes and you're out!
First, they really need to update their website. The hours for Sunday say they open at 10. But when we got there at 10:30, we discovered they really didn't open until 11 a.m. When we told the hostess about this, she just sighed and said there was nothing she could do about that. Um, how about tell your manager?! You'd think they'd want the times right since while we waited for them to open, we saw at least half a dozen people drive up and drive away once they saw it wasn't open yet.
It was a lovely Sunday morning, a little breezy though, so we were somewhat hesitant on sitting outside but gave it a try. As soon as we walked out onto their deck, one of the umbrellas went flying up onto the roof! The waiters didn't seem so concerned at the time, until, when we sat down, the umbrella came crashing down and nearly pelted my husband in the head! Needless to say, we moved inside. I asked them for a sling for the baby car seat carrier we had with us, but our waiter had no idea what I was talking about. All the restaurants we've been to have slings or at least chairs big enough to hold the baby carrier, but this place had neither. So my child was on the floor; did not make for an easy time when it came to feeding her a bottle. Their Sunday brunch menu looks really impressive, we were really excited for the mimosa or champagne that came with our meal. We decided to get the champagne while the other couple with us got their mimosas, bad choice, they were so watered down!
Onto the food, which took half an hour to get to us! We were surprised because they were not at all busy. Every one's food was cold! My husband and I ordered the eggs Benedict's. The hollandaise sauce was tasty. They serve it on foccacia bread which was heavily seasoned with herbs; didn't mix too well with the sauce. It was also served with country potatoes, which to everyone at our table, reminded us of the frozen stuff you'd make at home. Plus they were so cold it was as if they forgot to cook them and just pulled them out of their freezer!
Service was slow. Our waiter was a nice guy, just not attentive at all. To get a refill on a drink, we had to go to the bar ourselves.
This place is definitely not baby friendly. When I needed to change my daughter's diaper, I went into the restroom assuming there would be a changing table, but no. At least they had a large enough counter so I could change her on that.
On to desert, we were hoping this would save our experience, but alas, it only added to the negatives. We ordered creme brulee, my favorite, I love the creamy cool texture with the warm caramelized sugar on top. This was not that. It was more like old flan with burnt sugar and dusted with nutmeg powder and runny whipped cream. That put the nail in the coffin for us.
I must point out that we love the Sudwerk in Davis! I guess when we want a good Sudwerk's beer with a delightful meal, we'll have to make the hour long trek down there, because we will never give the Folsom one another try, ever!
Pros: beer, the view
Cons: not baby friendly, cold food, poor sevice
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