I suppose it serves me right for returning to this restaurant after several less-than-enjoyable experiences with the service here and after reading several negative reviews on citysearch. However, when my boyfriend and I decided to go out to celebrate his birthday we chose to stop by Split for a bite to eat and a drink before we went to a movie at Bridgeport since it is so close. Needless to say, this was a mistake.
When we first walked in to Split, the bar seemed rather lively and we thought we were in for a good time. A man in jeans and a gray t-shirt was just finishing taking a shot at the bar and there were several rather raucous groups who seemed to be having fun. We were initially ignored by the hostess when we entered. When my friend asked whether we should wait or seat ourselves, the hostess told us we would have to wait because there were no tables and they were understaffed. We could clearly see an open table by the door. We had to wait about 10 minutes for the table, and another 15 for the waitress to come ask for our orders, but as it was a Friday night we figured a bit of a wait was to be expected. When she asked for our IDs, we immediately handed them over. My boyfriend's drivers license was a little wrinkled after having accidentally gone through the dryer but the ID was still sealed and clearly readable. With a sour frown, the waitress stated that she would have to ""check the ID out"" with the owner. When she returned, she informed us that the ID was unacceptable because they could get a fine from OLCC and the owner had told her not to accept it. I politely asked to speak with the owner, and the waitress went to get him. Imagine my surprise when the man in jeans and the grey t-shirt, who had just been taking a shot behind the bar appeared and stated that he would get a ""$5000 fine from OLCC"" if he were to accept the ID. I politely corrected him, explaining that he would be fined for serving someone under 21; however, my boyfriend had several other forms of ID that had the same information as his wrinkled drivers license, which proved he was 27. I also suggested that the owner scan the ID, which would verify that it was in fact valid. The owner refused to accept it, sneering that unless I wanted to pay the $5000 fine he would not serve him. I informed him that he had just lost at least three customers for good and left the building. Later, our friends, who had been there for about an hour before we arrived, told us they had seen him taking several shots over the course of the night. I wonder what OLCC would have to say about someone serving alcohol and drinking while on duty. We also saw him shatter a plate that evening as he was trying to clear a table - perhaps not the best job for someone who is intoxicated. This was an awful, humiliating experience for both myself and my boyfriend, who just wanted to celebrate and enjoy the evening. Thankfully, the night was not ruined and we enjoyed a delicious dinner, drinks, and service at McCormick and Schmick's Grill instead. I would never recommend Split to anyone. Take it from me - listen to these negative reviews. They are here for a reason.
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