Just wanted to convey a recent experience I had while dining at Watch Hill Proper in Norton Commons. Went in with a fairly large group to take advantage of their happy hour specials. I'd been there a number of times, but only for drinks, this time we decided to try the food. One of our group has a sensitivity to both gluten and dairy and has decided to keep both out of her diet. One of the specials was a hamburger, so she ordered it and asked if they could leave off the cheese and bun. Something she has ordered many places many times. She was told no modifications can be made to any menu items. Period. Ok... I guess that's their choice. So she asked "Ok, are there any items on your menu that are gluten and dairy free?" to which she got a "Uhh.... wow that's a tough one. I don't know." and a blank stare. No offer to check. No attempt to assist.
One person had decided to try one of their appetizers and the waiter took the order, and then 10 minutes later came back to inform us they were "out of that". No offer to correct anything. No apology.
Obviously we chose not to order food, finish our drinks and dine elsewhere.
I went online and looked at the menu and there are items on there I would guess are safe for people with food sensitivity / allergies, but how does your staff not know? How do they not know you are out of an item until 10 minutes after the order is placed?
Happy hour is at opening, so it's not like they had run out during the course of service.
How does one set up a kitchen in such a way that you can't leave a bun off a burger?
Of course I reached out to management to express my concerns and was met with a response so condescending and sarcastic that I now feel I have no choice but to express my displeasure publicly. I'm not one to trash a business but the arrogance of the people at Watch Hill drove me to do it lest others run into the situation we did. I get that they are going for the douchy bourbon bar vibe but I think they are taking the douche part a tad too far.
It's a pretty place with a decent (but massively overpriced - note their pours are 1.5oz and not the standard 2oz) whiskey selection but if you or anyone in your party have any food sensitivities or want to make any even minor customizations to your order, this is not the place for you. Expect to be met with ignorant staff and condescending management. If that's your thing, have at it.
Gonna guess based on what I know of the folks in this forum, it is not.
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