It's a busy Monday night, and we have no reservation. Place is packed. We leave our name and mobile number @ 8:45, are told ""30 minutes; we'll call you"" and proceed back down the street to await our summons. 45 minutes later we wander back to inquire, and are told the phone just rang and rang - strange, no missed call, no voicemail, whatever. \r
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I feel as if the hostess could care, but really she just seems overwhelmed. This is the second time in a year I have brought an out-of-town oyster-lover to this establishment, and immediately get the same impression. We wait another 10 minutes, and get seats at the bar. \r
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The server asks if we'd like water, and I we explain we are hungry, have a friend in from away, and would like 18 oysters of her recommendation. The drinks come quick, the oysters are great (although they bring 17, and we have to ask for the last) and the appetizers are tasty - calamari, artichoke, bibb. \r
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But the server is not only busy, but also never smiles - just kind of cold. I wonder if I said the wrong thing, who knows? But the vibe is almost rude. Again, it is busy, and it's probably the end of a long night. \r
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But, between the lack of follow-up by the hostess, the coolness of the service, and the price of the food; the quality of the place gets lost. Twice I've tried this place, and twice been turned off, almost as if they don't need to try. \r
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I guess I'm just too old-fashioned, but for the rather high cost of a meal here, even if the food is really good; patrons shoudl feel welcome. Within the context of so darn many great eateries within several blocks, I won't be going back any time soon.
Pros: really great oysters, good location, decent wine list
Cons: cranky servers, overwhelmed hostess, a bit pricey.
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