Side By Side Kitchen Cocktails

Service very weak. Not enough waiters despite a large No of tables not open. Waiter missed our appetizer. Kitchen was “yelling” at their coworkers because food was not getting to the customers on time…last two times service just lacked.

We had planned a special birthday dinner and everyone looked at the Open Table menu and the website to get an idea of what they might order. We sat down and ordered our drinks, then started looking at the menu. We all 4 immediately noticed it was different. When our server returned we asked about it and she politely said they had been renovating and this was the new menu. We all looked at for a few minutes and discussed the lack of choices, only about half the items in each category, and we decided to settle up and finish our drinks and leave. I have never done this before. I understand this is a challenging industry, but to not upload you latest menu when it is so dramatically different is hard to fathom. I wish them luck, they appear to be in a decline, but we won't be back.

Our first impression was that the restaurant was closed. We didn't see anyone inside and the front door was locked. We entered through the hotel to find the very friendly staff. We ordered the steak tar tar for a starter and it was excellent. We got a bottle of wine which was professionally presented and poured. Our main dishes were the filet minion and the fish of the day. The filet was ordered medium but was served rare (not a big issue as we just ordered the tar tar) but it should be cooked perfect when it has a $55 price tag. My fish was cooked exactly as ordered but there were some roasted potatoes that were not cooked at all. They had the appearance of being cooked (browned on outside). The flavors of both dishes were exceptional including my side dish of collard greens. We finished off with a slice of cheese cake which was very good but but not what we would call memorable. If the dining room had more energy (more than 3 couples) and there were no small mistakes; this restaurant would have been in my top 10. When the cost for two to eat with wine gets in the $200 range, there is no room for mistakes especially when there is an establishment across the street that is very near perfect for less. All of this being said; I will be going back.

Overpriced, average food. I was not impressed with this meal for a special occasion.

Laurel was an excellent server. Food was fresh and delicious. Being able to make a reservation since so many restaurants in Tuscaloosa don’t take them.