Reservations Outside?

Query - A few days ago, my dad and I had dinner at the Village Anchor. I made reservations through OpenTable for 6:15. Upon arrival, with the temperature still above 90 and around 100 with the heat index and a heat advisory still in effect, the hostess immediately headed for the patio.

After informing her that it was still extremely (dangerously) hot and that we would prefer to eat inside, she informed us that the restaurant was "really busy" and that all inside tables were already reserved. Again, I made reservations ahead of time. With luck somewhat on our side, a table opened up in the cramped bar area, and we decided to eat there.

I've never experienced this before (and my other experiences at the Anchor have been without any issues). I have experienced the flip many times at other restaurants - trying to reserve an outside table in favorable weather when outside seating is first come first served only. I'm just curious - is this a normal approach when the weather is unsuitable for outside dining?

Ultimately, our meal was very good (fish tacos and risotto for me).

[Robin Garr]

is this a normal approach when the weather is unsuitable for outside dining?

Ultimately, our meal was very good (fish tacos and risotto for me).

I had similar concerns when we visited the Anchor several times when it was newly open. Somewhat to my amazement, their patio is remarkably comfortable even on the hottest days. I think it's a combination of tree cover and those massive fans. I really, really and truly did not want to sit out there, but once I got over it, I actually enjoyed the meal.

A big part of the problem, I suspect, is that the Anchor's indoor seating space is pretty limited, particularly in light of the crowds.

is this a normal approach when the weather is unsuitable for outside dining?

Ultimately, our meal was very good (fish tacos and risotto for me).

I had similar concerns when we visited the Anchor several times when it was newly open. Somewhat to my amazement, their patio is remarkably comfortable even on the hottest days. I think it's a combination of tree cover and those massive fans. I really, really and truly did not want to sit out there, but once I got over it, I actually enjoyed the meal.

A big part of the problem, I suspect, is that the Anchor's indoor seating space is pretty limited, particularly in light of the crowds.

Not THAT patio. I'm talking the uncovered patio along the front of the restaurant. Like, the common space between the Anchor and the ice cream/coffee shop next door. The patio you're referrng to is just fine. I'm talking about a table sitting on concrete/stone under the blazing sun right out in the open.

"Issues" all three times we've been there, including the (previously reported) blazing-hot-patio-giant-fans-in-the-face-NO-service-for-thirty-minutes-incident...Strike three, yer out...won't go back.

Carry on.

[Robin Garr]

Not THAT patio. I'm talking the uncovered patio along the front of the restaurant. Like, the common space between the Anchor and the ice cream/coffee shop next door. The patio you're referrng to is just fine. I'm talking about a table sitting on concrete/stone under the blazing sun right out in the open.

Oh. No, I would not like that. Not one little bit.

Bill's Dining Rules: #3....If the temperature and the humidity are the same number, eat inside .

I have run into this very issue on several occasions, especially with some very popular places that I love to go to, and when I made my reservations, I make sure the know in not uncertain terms I want an inside table. I've only had one instance where the host was instisting that I didn't, but the GM came to my rescue, as she had taken the reservation and set the record straight quickly, however, it shows some lack of communication in the ranks that can prove rather problematic for patrons.

We also ran into the problem of being seated outside and being told the inside was "reserved" so we ended up fighting the flies and the wind from the fans. The frustrating part was that even when we last the inside was completely empty? I guess they are saving on for the elite people from Anchorage or other VIP's.