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| - In town on business and a steak sounded good. The reviews gave me to believe it would be cozy, which also suited my mood. I had a book, hunger, and a thirst for local brew. Tornado seemed like it checked all the boxes.
I came in through the back, in the bar. Normally flying solo, I'd pull up some bar and settle in, but there were no seats. Mind you, this was 6:35 on a Wednesday.
Making my way to the (disinterested, dismissive, balding) host, I asked if there was a small table I could occupy. No--but i could grab something in the bar.
Winding my way back through, still no seats at the bar, but there was an open booth. I sat. First round, food (french onion soup, steak, hash browns), second round, and a scotch to settle the meal. Everything was fine. Not stellar, not bad. Incredibly loud.
I was, without ceremony, without asking, brought my check. Here you are sir, move the **** along. Message received. My bill, with tip, was $80 for just over an hour of booth time (and two beers, dinner, and an oban 14).
The food was good, but not remarkably so. The service (server: Rachel) was adequate. Being shuffled unceremoniously out the door, however cordially? Chintzy. Honestly, I'm not being used to being treated like riff-raft. Disconcerting.
Apparently spending $80 in an hour isn't enough booth rental of a Wednesday night. So if you want to be rushed through an okay, somewhat overpriced meal, Tornado is the place. Live it up for 45 minutes or so then grab your coat. If you're looking to take your time and enjoy yourself, if you're looking for a remarkable experience, or if you just want to feel like the business you're sitting respects their customers, look elsewhere.
Not considering the treatment, this might've been a 3/5 review. As it stands, I'm not looking to go back regardless of circumstance. Hence, 1/5.
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