The Twisted Apron — Restaurant in Ontario

On January 23, 2023 my friend and I made plans to have breakfast at the Twisted Apron at 9:30 am. I arrived a few minutes before her with my 9 month old baby and asked to be seated. I was also carrying a heavy diaper bag and large gift bag of presents, as we were celebrating her graduation. The waitress took my name and asked how many people. I told her we were two adults and a baby. Then she asked if my friend was parking, and I replied that she was on her way. She did not inform me that customers are only seated when everyone arrives physically in the restaurant. There was no signage to indicate this policy. I was left struggling at the door, as may hands were full and my baby was becoming uncomfortable. We were heavily dressed due to the weather. Another waitress came eventually and told me that the policy is that customers are not seated until everyone arrives inside the restaurant.

To my surprise, another customer entered by herself and was seated with a group who were already at a table, after stating that she was joining them. That group of two had been seated, even though the third person was not in the restaurant at the time of their arrival.

My baby became increasingly tired and difficult to calm, as we were left standing for a considerable time. When my friend arrived at 9:34, I pointed her out to the waitress. Despite this, another group who came in after us, was seated and we were told that we would have to wait as there would not be a table available for another 15-20 minutes. This poor treatment and inconsistent application of their seating policy caused a great deal of distress for us. We left there to find another restaurant in the area, but could not find one after walking for several minutes. We drove to Etta's Restaurant where we were treated in a very special way. We were allowed to stay there and talk long after we finished eating, and we were even given some food without charge. Our bill was much less than it would have been at the Twisted Apron and it was every bit as good.

I would not recommend the Twisted Apron to anyone and would encourage everyone to avoid it due the pompous attitude of the staff and ridiculous seating policy.

If you are a mother with a small child, you can surely relate to how I felt and the discomfort my baby and I were subjected to undergo, because of such disrespectful service, as we received at the Twisted Apron. I would urge all mothers to avoid this place where customers are not shown any consideration, especially mothers...

I’ve been a regular here for years, along with many of my family and friends — but after today, that will no longer be the case. I came in on a quiet Tuesday around 11 a.m. to meet a friend and celebrate the birth of our babies. I arrived a few minutes early with my 6-week-old and asked if I could be seated while I waited, so I could feed my hungry newborn. To my surprise, the hostess firmly refused, saying I couldn’t be seated until my entire party arrived.

When I asked to speak to the manager, I believe it was the owner who came out, and instead of offering any kind of flexibility or compassion, she doubled down despite the restaurant being nearly empty with plenty of open tables. Even worse, she suggested I feed my baby in the bathroom! which is not only completely inappropriate, but deeply unsanitary and insulting to any parent. She also suggested I sit at the bar to feed, which clearly shows a lack of understanding about the needs of new mothers and newborns.

For a restaurant that claims to support families and mothers, this experience, especially just days after Mother's Day, was incredibly disappointing and demeaning. The tone and lack of empathy were appalling.

Looking at other reviews, it seems this kind of treatment isn’t an isolated incident. Rather than listening and adapting, the owner seems more interested in writing defensive, dismissive responses. With so many one-star reviews echoing similar complaints, you’d think someone with “35 years of experience” might be open to change — but unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be the case.

There are too many wonderful, welcoming places in the city to support a business that treats mothers and families this way. I’ll be taking my business and my...

I would give zero stars if there would be an option. Now, keep in my mind that the Twisted Apron does not take reservations, it is walk in.

I was back in the city and had breakfast with a friend. We were seated at a bigger table even though there was a two-seat table, too but oh well.

We obviously were a bit slow in making a decision, what to eat, but one wants to go through the menu before a decision is made. Especially, if you are not familiar with the menu. The food was fine, nothing outstanding. You can order coffee but it seems they are really not keen on refilling it. I had to ask, and did get a refill but had a feeling it is not what they wanted to do. I was still eating my fruit when I was asked if I am done. Well, have servers forgotten, that the guest is done when the cutlery is crossed on top of the plate? It is rude to ask if I am done when I am clearly still eating my fruit. My friend said, it is one bill, thank you for that, which prompted the waiter to bring the bill right away.

We were still drinking the refilled coffee and were talking. When the waitress comes up and says verbatim: "This is the worst part of the job, but we need this table and would like you to leave" There was another table open, nobody was in waiting at the front to be seated, and the little two-seat table was still open. We were not asked to switch we were thrown out of the restaurant. So, they need the table for a reservation? They don't take reservations!!!

If people go into a restaurant they not only pay for the food but also the experience. If I want fast food I would go to A&W. The food is not worse there, but the service is a lot better than at the Twisted Apron. There is sure something...