I tried to use a Groupon this evening and was rudely turned away. We're new to Pittsburgh, so we've bought a few Groupons as a low-risk way to try new places. So far we've had great experiences at Square Cafe, Blue Water Tavern, and Double-Wide Grill, to name a few. But never have I run into a more pretentious and rude proprietor as the one I met this evening. The Groupon clearly states that reservations are required on the weekends. Being a Thursday night, I didn't think it would be a problem. I was met at the door and asked for a table for 5. The owner asked if I had reservations and I said no. He said they were completely booked that evening, though I counted 5 (!) empty tables. I've worked in the restaurant industry in both the front and back of the house. 5 empty tables does not constitute a booked evening when your entire restaurant has maybe 15 tables total. I kindly explained that I had a Groupon to use and could I please make reservations for later that weekend. He said rather curtly, ""No. We're booked. Everyone and their mother is trying to use their Groupon."" I was stunned. I said, ""Um, then how will I get my $20 back?"" He said we could come back after Monday and get $20 worth of food, but he would not honor the value of the Groupon purchased in the deal. He then went on to lecture me that I had 6 months to redeem it and it wasn't his problem that they're booked up now. We just had a baby 8 months ago and yes, I had poor judgment thinking we would get out a little more than we actually did. Shame on me. However, I don't appreciate being lectured. At that point I was insulted and angry and asked for my $20 back now. He refused and I said, ""Fine. You can keep your $20. You'll not receive another penny from me and we'll not ever be dining here."" We then walked out the door and down the street to Sweet Water Grill and enjoyed a lovely meal there. My opinion of Sewickley Cafe: stuffy and pretentious.
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