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| - Let me start this out by saying that I'm not super entitled or even have really picky taste. However, since both my husband and I worked for many years in the service industry, we really do expect a certain level of service, especially from a new business.
We are big craft beer drinkers and are blessed to have some cool neighbourhood spots with amazing beer near by (C'est What, Beer Bistro). Even though creemore isn't really a favourite of ours or something we would normally drink, when we were told Batch was open we were slightly intrigued. We were even more intrigued to check it out when my friend who lives around the corner told me they were offering 50% off all food until the 16th (something that was confirmed by other yelpers too- they were told food was 50%). We may not have checked it out otherwise (given the other neighbourhood spots that we already know are amazing), but who can say no to 50% off? And, we love supporting businesses in our hood so figured we had nothing to lose.
When we first arrived the hostess was very pleasant and told us it would be a 15 minute wait. We decided to sit at the bar and grab a beer while we waited. When we sat down, there was a bartender in front of us who was clearly busy but didn't even look up and acknowledge us and at least say hi. After about 5 minutes, another service dropped menus down in front of us and only then did the bartender acknowledge our presence. Like I said, she was busy and I could see that, I wasn't expecting her to drop everything and serve us but a hi or a smile would have been nice.
We were seated not too long after and our server was attentive and nice. I asked about the 50% promotion and he said "oh it was only if you had a code". I thought "oh okay" and then texted by friend, who had been there twice to ask her if she had to use a code. She said "no not at all. It was just something they were doing for opening, and why I went back again, they said until the 16th." I was a bit annoyed about this and my husband went to go ask the hostess. We weren't banking on free food or demanding it or anything but were just confused, and it was the reason we were enticed to try the place out. The hostess said "It was 50% off the first week and then if you came in that week we emailed a code for another 50% off to use the next time." It made a little more sense, but my friend confirmed she didn't get an email, she simply came twice and it was 50% off both times, no coupons or codes, her last visit being just two days ago. We were just kind of confused and put off, especially because other yelpers were saying that they automatically got 50% off as well.
We ordered the fried pickles which were okay but nothing to write home about. Very small, and with a tiny amount of dip (a teaspoon or so), not at all worth 8 dollars (I know what pickles cost). My husband ordered the batch burger and when it came out it was rare (still mooing rare) and cold inside. When he told them they quickly took it away and made a new one. Once actually cooked he said it was good, but he's definitely had much better at that price point. I had the bratwurst with smashed potatoes, again it was okay, but a bit dry and not worth the price (especially when there are places like WVRST where you can get an unreal sausage and fries for about 12 bucks....this didn't even come close to being as good as anything I've had there, WVRST also has way better beer). At this point I was just disappointed in everything that had happened so far, I was over paying full price but generally just unimpressed. It would have been nice if they had offered us even a discount because of the burger incident. Again, not because I was looking for free food but since we have both worked in the industry and have bent over backwards to please customers and build a following, we expected more in terms of service.
Upon leaving the Assistant GM asked us how everything was. I said a little disappointed and explained. I think it's crucial for a new restaurant to listen to criticism but he didn't seem to want to hear it and didn't apologize for anything. When I told him about the 50% off situation he said "well that wasn't nice of your friend to say that", insinuating it was her fault and she made it up when all she did was bring business to them.
If it was a little cheaper overall, we may consider coming back since we live in the neighbourhood and the atmosphere is good. However, given our first negative experience, and the abundance of other amazing options near by, we won't be returning. Save your money and go elsewhere for better food, service and beer.
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