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| - I was really excited to have additional options in a neighborhood that has truly incredible food. Alida's seemed to potentially fill the much needed niche for a casual Italian restaurant/sports type of bar that is locally owned and provided an alternative to my usual favorites (Senti, Morcilla and Umami) very close to my home. I have been there 7 times since they opened for both dine in and carry out. The food is good (although it is tough when Piccolo Forno and Senti are close by) but not great, but the price point more than made up for the discrepancy. The service has been the bigger issue. I recognize that they are a new restaurant, which is why I was willing to overlook occasional lapses in service. In addition, some of the bartenders have been great when I have gone by to get food to go. However, I was taken aback by the service this evening. There was only one other person at the bar and a few patrons in The restaurant. I sat down to order -there was a bartender and a lady who may have been the manager. I recognize that they were busy but I was completely ignored, and no one even asked if I wanted a menu. In essence, they made me feel as though I was not welcome. After being ignored, I decided to go one block down the street to Senti, where I was immediately acknowledged, and had someone take my order. Granted, they are two different restaurants, but there should be a similar level of hospitality regardless of the type of establishment.
I sincerely hope the management realizes that service is important. Given the many options in Lawrenceville, I will not go back again, even if the restaurant is a block away. It's really unfortunate, since they could have filled a potential niche in the area.
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