Bristol Bar
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So, what are your favorite places for great service at a bar/nightclub? This would not include restaurants, but would if they stay open serving until 2:30am.
Also, what about the place make you rank it as a top choice? Bartender knows you and what you drink?
Neil Jaye
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As far as service I am partial to Gallo’s Tap Room on Bethel. The bar staff is great. They are very friendly and knowledgeable. They take the time to explain new beers and liquors, and openly offer samples. They really sell the place for me. Gresso's in German Village is pretty good as well. The service is okay, but what stands out to me was that the owner makes an effort to speak sincerely to the patrons. He really makes you feel like your business is appreciated. Nice touch. Though I have only been there once, I had a good experience at Hal and Al’s; a friendly bar staff and an overall friendly environment.
For me, personal attention is key. It’s the simple little things that make a bar exceptional. They do not need to know me by name or necessarily know my drink, but it’s nice to be made to feel like you’re more than a number. Many larger bar/clubs offer good service, but the nature of the environment really make it difficult for them to stand out in that area (and it’s truly of no fault to the club or it’s staff some times)
osulew
My house...in the middle of my street
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+1 to Gresso's
The first time I went there, the bar owner met me at the door and took me to the bar for a round of shots on the house. He remembers me and personally says hello every time I come back. He's got to have some sort of extraordinary memory superpowers or something, but it's a nice touch.
Bristol Bar
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+2 to Gresso's...The entire staff is amazing; remember you by name, say hello and welcome you in, like family.
osulew
My house...in the middle of my street
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Anne wrote >>
I went to Lotus (RIP) and asked for a fruity non-alcoholic concoction and was given a delicious drink the bartender made up. That is nice.
It is nice when a bartender can come up with something good you like when you can't think of something you want (so hard for me to decide between bourbon and beer some days). I thought those bartenders at Lotus were the slowest on the planet though! I do miss that space.
thepiece
merion village
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I would agree with the recommendations regarding Hal and Al's and Gressos, great service and friendly/outgoing owners/staff.
I'm a southsider, so I'm also a fan of Easy Street and Jimmy V's. The first time I went to the Red Brick Tavern, the bartender asked me my name, shook my hand and introduced himself. I have been a big fan ever since because of that great first impression.
Personally, I have become intolerant of pretentious bar service, anyplace that acts like there doing you a favor to serve you a drink (and I would always pay more for drinks if it mean a better atmosphere, service, attitude).
osulew
My house...in the middle of my street
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StowCbusCleveland
Jackson Township, Canton, OH
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What is this great bar service I hear you guys talking about? Sounds interesting.
There are some things I will not miss about OSU.
gramarye
In Exile
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I like to go when places are less crowded. Go on an off hour or off night and you usually get pretty good service. At least, that's been my experience.
I don't remember specific bartenders the way I probably should. The guy at Details was pretty solid, though.
Merion Village Mama
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I'm a big fan of the bartender with the shaved head who works at both Martini Modern Italian and Mozaik. He is FAB in my book.
I also love the staff at The Grandview Cafe. I hadn't been in for a while and one of the owners noticed I had changed my hairstyle. You've gotta love that.
osulew
My house...in the middle of my street
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I also don't understand servers and bartenders who let you sit with an empty drink and you have to flag THEM down. I firmly believe that it's totally their job to keep an eye on that. By the time I've got about a 1/4 of my drink left, you should be offering another. When I take the last sip, my new one should already be in front of me. Not only does it make me want to sit there all evening and come back other nights, but it's just a good way to sell more drinks. Eventually I will tell you to just stop asking and just keep bringing them. I'm surprised more bar owners and managers don't train their staff that way.
Or maybe I just drink too much. :)
Neil Jaye
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osulew wrote >>
I also don't understand servers and bartenders who let you sit with an empty drink and you have to flag THEM down. I firmly believe that it's totally their job to keep an eye on that. By the time I've got about a 1/4 of my drink left, you should be offering another. When I take the last sip, my new one should already be in front of me. Not only does it make me want to sit there all evening and come back other nights, but it's just a good way to sell more drinks. Eventually I will tell you to just stop asking and just keep bringing them. I'm surprised more bar owners and managers don't train their staff that way.
Or maybe I just drink too much. :)
I hope I’m not changing the shift to Worst Service, but your post reminded me of this. I went with a couple friends to The Pub in Polaris a while back for a few pints on a nice Sunday afternoon (nothing's better than cold beers on a sunny day to me). When we came in we asked to sit outside. Not only were we sat at an un-wiped table, no one ever came up to us. A waitress, not a busser mind you, cleaned EVERY table around us and in literally 20 minutes no even once acknowledged our existence; no hello, no has anyone helped you, nothing. We simply sat at an empty table for 20 minutes until we just walked out.
The point is it amazes me how many places put no effort on service at all. Sure, it may have been a seating error or just a bad day, and maybe we should have said something but as a paying customer those things should never be the responsibility of the patron. I sincerely doubt I will ever return there due to one unfortunate incident and I may very well not be the only to experience that treatment. That is the reasons that constant attention to service is crucial.
thepiece
merion village
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"I also don't understand servers and bartenders who let you sit with an empty drink and you have to flag THEM down. I firmly believe that it's totally their job to keep an eye on that."
That drives me crazy too!
I have to draw their attention to take my money and bring me a drink...where's the logic in that? I though they should want me to spend more money on drinks...not sit around with an empty pint glass.
Patch
Schumacher Place
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osulew wrote >>
I also don't understand servers and bartenders who let you sit with an empty drink and you have to flag THEM down. I firmly believe that it's totally their job to keep an eye on that. By the time I've got about a 1/4 of my drink left, you should be offering another. When I take the last sip, my new one should already be in front of me. Not only does it make me want to sit there all evening and come back other nights, but it's just a good way to sell more drinks. Eventually I will tell you to just stop asking and just keep bringing them. I'm surprised more bar owners and managers don't train their staff that way.
Or maybe I just drink too much. :)
yeah, i couldn't agree with this more. by bringing the next drink, it makes me feel like you want me to be around and hang out. let me tell you when i'm ready to leave.
on the bartender front, Pat at the hey hey is the best. course, that's probably why he won the best bartender in Columbus last year (in Columbus Alive).
Easystreet is also great, the tall girl that works there really takes care of you.
The barkeeps at Rude Dogs off of Polaris always takes good care of me.
I think I am going to have to make a trip up to St. James again, haven't been there in awhile...
joev
Merion Village
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I have to add plusses for Gresso's, Easy Street and Hal & Al's. The Southside has great service! Bad service in my neighborhood includes the German Village MoJoe Lounge - which is weird, because it's alwasy really empty in there - but service is SO SLOW.
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