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| - This was our second time to TenPenny - both times at the bar for drinks. First time we were there was an OK experience. This time, however, we had a very negative experience with the bar staff - bad enough that I'm taking the time to write a review about it. The bar itself is beautiful, very well-appointed, but still casual and warm. There are several unique drinks that are generally well-made, although somewhat repetitive - especially with the over-use of ginger beer in a high percentage of the drink options.
One thing about their bar drinks I really did not like is that if it is not specified on the menu, and if you do not specify when ordering a "common" drink (martini, cosmo, etc), the drinks taste like they were made with cheap well liquors instead of higher quality options - even though you pay the higher quality price. This is completely unacceptable.
As I said above, however, our primary complaint was with our two bartenders last night (Saturday evening 12/26/15). Though it was busy but not packed, both of the bartenders were extremely unfriendly and unpleasant - like nothing I think I've ever experienced before. Zero friendly chatter, virtually no interaction whatsoever, and they both looked almost put out to have to serve us. Having served & bartended for nearly ten years, I'm well aware that the holiday season is the most lucrative time of year to work in the industry - people basically WANT to give you their money, they WANT to give you generous tips, and if you are even remotely friendly and good at your job, you will get 25-30% or more on a very consistent basis. You have to TRY EXTREMELY HARD to get a bad tip in the holiday season, but I simply could not force myself, even with my food service background, to reward two of the most unpleasant people I've ever been served by with a good tip.
It was a very frustrating experience, our first experience at TenPenny was nothing special, and given Pittsburgh's embarrassment of riches when it comes to go restaurant options - we won't be back.
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