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Table for one…
I eat out a lot (less now because you know, COVID, but I’m increasing my dining out frequency these days), and almost always by myself. And normally there are no issues. But more than once lately I’ve walked into a restaurant, asked for a table for one, and they immediately ask if I want to sit at the bar. First of all, if I wanted to sit at the bar I would have walked up to the bar and sat down. Second of all, why is this the first question asked? Do you not want single diners sitting at your tables? Do you not want people who look like me sitting at them? What is it exactly?
This happened last night at Maggiano’s in Santana Row, where I’ve eaten once before since COVID, and that experience was lovely. But it wasn’t a busy time and the restaurant was fairly empty. Last night I went right around 5:00 and it was quite busy. I tried to make a reservation through their online reservation system and choosing a table for one wasn’t even an option. Really?!
They begrudgingly sat me in a booth last night then ignored me for a little over 10 minutes. They sat someone in the booth behind me and someone greeted them almost immediately after they sat down. I was seething, but also starving and didn’t want to start over somewhere else. However, I did have a timeframe and the server made it by about 12 seconds. It was interesting though…I listened to her whole speech at the table behind me, asking if they’d been there before, was it a special occasion, etc. I’ve been asked those questions before, too. But not last night. No, she walked up and said, “Are you ready to order?” I was, obviously, but it was like a completely different experience than the table behind me. It made no sense.
I usually have great service when I go to Maggiano’s so I’m not sure what was up last night. They definitely had plenty of people working, at least from what I could see, but it was frustrating nonetheless.
I know most people dine out with others but those of us who choose to go out alone should be treated the same as if we had people with us. I seriously don’t get it.
Meanwhile, the food was divine and they did bring me a lot of iced tea with a lot of lemons, so all wasn’t lost. Still, it wasn’t my favorite experience and I may or may not be providing them with some feedback to ensure this doesn’t happen again. Okay, I’m totally providing them with that feedback.
Has anyone else had this sort of thing happen? I’m especially curious about the sitting at the bar question.
Anyway…Happy Monday!