Redbud Cafe — Restaurant in Richmond

To tip or not to tip, when restaurant is forcing you to tip!

First, server told us what we wanted was sold out. At 12 noon. Restaurant was not full, and seemed they just opened up. We ordered something different instead and a sub from plain to fried rice. Again, server said it would cost us $1 more, then came back to say sub price was $3. When food came, fried rice was just yellow rice, barely warm, and no veg. Sweet and sour pork was just mid in taste. We did not finish our food coz they’re mid. A lady came for our bill, and we paid separately. First off was our colleague who paid with her debit card. Lady had the audacity to ask her if she’s giving the tip manually. Our colleague said “why?”, lady then said condescendingly that Redbud was a restaurant, not food court, “we provide service with your food” and thus expected tips for the service. So we said, we were disappointed because what we ordered was sold out. She turned out to be the manager, and verified with the kitchen our concern. She came back and clarified that the day delivery, that included the rice noodles, was late and didn’t make it for the lunch orders. She gave a $5 coupon to make up for it, to our group of 4. We did give them a tip minimally as we believe tipping is commensurate to service and service experience. Server did not even refill our teas or followed through how our orders were, not that we expected that from a small low-priced restaurant.

Our take away from this was it was the first time for all of us to be directly asked for tips that we felt pressured. We all have eaten in all kinds of restos, including high end restaurants and are familiar and abide by tipping etiquettes and to be asked in our face for a tip was a first for us. I’m neutral re recommending this restaurant, just fair warning for...

Came here to have lunch with my boss before. Was pretty decent so decided to bring the crew in for a try at this Hong Kong style cafe. Wifey had ordered 1 meat with sides. She enjoyed the borscht soup saying it's not sour. The kids attacked her crunchy panko crusted pork cutlet. Princess wasabi ordered the sweet and sour pork with rice. She really liked it and almost finished the whole plate and she's only 9. Mini me had the Japanese chicken on rice with a sunny side egg. He's a little more pickier and doesn't like sauce. However he did eat it. I had a more Chinese dish which was beef brisket with lettuce. Brisket was tender and soft, very flavourful. Actually quite tasty. Meals came with drinks iced lemon tea is the goto for this crew. I would give it an 8 out of 10. You can taste the tea but I wished it was a little stronger. Sweetness was just right. This is a place where I would come again cause the crew approves so this is a repeatable...

It has been awhile that we didn’t go to Redbud. This afternoon, wife suggested afternoon tea though we had light lunch. So we went there. I ordered fish cutlet bun w/fries per the menu. Turned out fries not included. Discussed with server. She confirmed fries were not included and would cost $3.00. She further explained that there must be an translation error from the Chinese version. So I didn’t have the fries I expected. At the end and in order the reduce the damage to the restaurant’s image, the server sent us 2 cups of mushroom soup though my wife said one was enough. What happens if I can’t read Chinese but English? I would like to hear the response and comments from Management. While every business has to closely look into its operating costs, I believe: - Server should not argue and make excuse on the mistake the business made Benefit of doubt should always go to customers. These...