Sigh. Pacific Hotel Junction seemed like a place I would like. Quirky and kitschy decor. Doesn't take itself too seriously. Within a ten minute walk from my house. You can sit in a bathtub! What's not to like?
Answer: a lot
I went to Pacific Hotel Junction on a Friday night around 10:30. The place was pretty busy. They have an outdoor patio that closes at 11 pm and the inside really filled up after that. I think they were understaffed and it's a new bar so they are probably working out the kinks... but still.
* The mojitos tasted like sour mix. We switched to wine. It also tasted sour. We were afraid to send the wine back because the server gave us a lot of pushback when we complained about the mojitos.
* When you order a rum and coke, you get charged for a rum and for a coke. (this is not a big deal, but seems odd to me).
* Service was painfully slow. At the end of the night after we had waited an eternity for our bill to come, the server apologized and said he had been slammed. Note to our server - if you are understaffed, tell us at the beginning of the night. We will feel badly for you. Don't tell us after we've paid the bill. We're already grumpy and impatient and we've already tipped you so your apology won't help your bottom line.
* Also, sitting in a bathtub is not comfortable.
On the plus side, they serve quarts and I do like the laid back atmosphere. And it's so close to home I might try it again to see if they've improved their service and bartending. If I do, I will update this.
Atmosphere: 4/5
Drinks 2/5
Service 2/5