08/02/09

NEVER AGAIN

by TyeDyeGrl

Arrived after trying to go to Bryant's but Bryant's was closed for a private party. Looking for a place to bring us out of our sad mood. We were told we could NOT sit at the bar. We were only greeted by the host and were not acknowledged by the owners or other staff. There is NO beer, NO wine, NO drinks except for off the menu and shots are served in a snifter. CASH ONLY We could NOT start a tab. We could NOT have more people in our booth because management doesn't like having more than 4 people sitting where we were sitting. We could NOT hold onto the menu to look for more drinks. 1 drink minimum---even when ordering a Tiki Love Bowl. I have NEVER been somewhere that is so unaccommodating. I can't believe we wanted other friends to join us. Upon their arriving we left and went elsewhere. We drank as fast as we could so we could GET OUT OF THERE!! The drinks were delicious but NOT worth it.

I will never go there again and will tell everyone I know to never go there as well. I work in the service industry and can't believe that this place is in business. HORRIBLE CUSTOMER RELATIONS

• Pros: Yummy drinks
• Cons: Management, unaccomadating staff, slow service

11/16/08

Unbelieveably Rude

by mjoers

We've been going to At Random for years. Just a place to go for a quiet drink or occasionally with friends. Service has always been slowwwwwwwwwwwww. Not the waitresses fault--it's the people making the drinks. It takes forever, but we've always dealt with it, expected it and sort of considered it part of the charm. We've been turned away at the door on Sat pm's because they are too busy (they're too busy because it takes so long to make the drinks). The gentleman at the front is always crabby when they are busy and takes it out on the customers (heaven forbid we want to come there and spend money). And the owners are about as rude and crabby as a person can get. But, again, we've always considered that part of the atmosphere, until recently.

We tried to call several weeks in advance to see if we could come with a large group (about 16) and have a few drinks for a 40th bday. The owner actually called back and yelled at me for calling and leaving the message, asked me what I was thinking and told me I should know better. I felt like a kid getting reamed in the principals office. What was I thinking wanting to go to his place of business and spend hundreds of dollars?!?

Well, this is it--I will never againg patronize At Random and I will make it my mission to tell everyone how incredibly rude they are.

Bryant's Cocktail Lounge--here we come!!

06/13/08

Very quaint and unique

by UWgradstudent

At Random is one of those lounges that you see in the old movies from the 1940s and think, ?It would be cool to go to a place like that.? It is small and quaint with very low, soft lighting. The seating ranges from a booth that can fit 8 people to very close two-person tables. After all, this place is a quiet lounge, meant for you to take your mistress out for a drink (okay, I?m just kidding, but you get the idea).

The specialty here is all in the drinks. They?re a tad expensive in comparison to other bars, but they?re very good and have quite a kick. The list of drinks is extensive and you?re guaranteed to find something that suits your palette. If you?re there with a date, get the Tiki Love Bowl. It?s about $20, but it?s huge and even comes with a hollowed out lemon peel that has been filled with 151 Rum and lit on fire.

Be aware that the owner is one of those people who appears to be very aware of what kind of people he does not want in his establishment. He will usually seat all guests himself and might make you wait if you show up looking sloppy or are with a loud group of people. Be polite and the favor will be returned. It does get busy on weekends, so show up early or be prepared to wait.

The only complaint I have about At Random is the inconsistency in service. There are times when everything is perfect. Then there are times when the service is slow and the drinks are sub-par. It tends to go in cycles. Either way, it?s not really meant to be a place you want to spend your whole evening, so take your sweetheart there or even go with a small group as a starter for the night. It?s a unique place in the city and is worth visiting at least one.

• Pros: Great drinks, nice quiet atmosphere
• Cons: Inconsistent service