Service slow this time. Not enough staff to cover number of customers. Washrooms subpar. Quality of food subpar and a little overpriced for amount of food. Quality overall has diminished over the last few months. Am a regular customer and tip above average. Mar. 29/24. Been a regular at this location for years ( About six years to be exact). LOVE!! the staff, atmosphere. Certainly the welcoming attitude.. although I would like some more minor menu changes. Have no problem traveling the distance for good service, food and hospitality. Oct. 25/25. Have been going to the St. Albert location of Social Central Hall for over 10 years. I tip very well anywhere from 50 to 100 percent every time. They still have a problem with the quality of food, even knowing that most regulars will rarely order food here because of the poor quality and inconsistency. I speak often with a lot of them. Same complaint. Poor quality for the price one pays. The main reason I go there is because of some of the excellent staff like Brent and Josh. Unfortunately this location still hasn't figured out what it means to make and uphold reservations. Recently I made several reservations to watch the World Series and hockey games. Usually at the bar which have numbered spots. I booked the seats directly in front of one of the televisions. Every time our reserved seats were deliberately moved or changed without any consultation with me. When I booked the seats with the hostess I asked if ANY seats were reserved on the particular side of the bar. She advised there wasn't. After raising my concerns to the GM. Jeremy was dismissive and clearly got sucked into the bar politics by other patrons he favors. He stated they don't have alloted seats at the bar and it's first-come, first-served. Not true according to other staff. WHY RESERVE SEATS AT THE BAR IF YOU’RE ARE NOT GOING TO HONOUR IT. Or at least limit bar reservations to less than groups of five. Bigger reservation rarely are completely filled. Put larger groups at a table. Creates a lot of tension between staff and guests. I also noticed with certain guests they are over served alcohol knowing they drive afterward. Even after it's been brought to they're attention, not only by regular customers, but by off duty police officers who frequent this location. I've noticed a lot more violence from drunk patrons and a lot more visits from police lately. I'm not sure what they're liquor license stipulates. I assume, " No minors after nine PM", but if that's a regulation I've also noticed that is violated regularly as well. As a regular for a lot of years I would expect to be treated with more respect. I'm not writing this to be vindictive or for any other reason than to improve the customer experience which has severely been impacted lately it seems. Btw. By only accepting credit payments and no cash transactions can't be good for any business yet. Even some staff have complained about this system. Also, I'd be willing to bet that most customers don't know that ownership takes a portion of ALL tips. Come on Central. Smarten up! Is it any wonder why so many...
Read moreAmidst the restaurants in St. Albert, Central Social Hall beckons discerning diners into a gastronomic haven, where the artistry of a gastro pub unveils a captivating symphony of flavors and culinary finesse.
Embarking on this delightful journey, the initial hiccup caused by an inaccurate location on the "Open Table" app soon faded into insignificance, as the warm ambiance and attentive service ushered in an experience worth savoring.
The decor, a fusion of modernity and pristine cleanliness, set the stage for an unforgettable culinary escapade. Yet, it was the masterfully crafted dishes that truly stole the spotlight.
The Croque Madame, a delightful ensemble of swiss, gruyere, and bacon on sourdough, was elevated to brilliance by the nuanced selection of cheeses. Each bite unfolded a tapestry of flavors, weaving together in perfect harmony.
The Avocado & Tomato Benny, a symphony of freshness and texture, showcased the simplicity of avocado and tomato atop sourdough, accentuated by the roasted poblano + white cheddar sauce, elevating this classic dish to new heights.
However, it was the Fried Chicken Benny that emerged as a culinary triumph, offering a slightly heavier yet immensely flavorful delight. The crispy buttermilk fried chicken, complemented by the standout bacon tomato jam, was a testament to culinary expertise.
Each dish, accompanied by crispy potatoes and free-run poached eggs, embodied a symphony of flavors that tantalized the taste buds and left a lasting impression. The balance of textures and the marriage of ingredients showcased the mastery of the culinary craft.
The Central Social Hall, a beacon of culinary excellence, stands not merely as a dining destination but as an orchestrator of epicurean delight. For connoisseurs seeking an elevated gastro pub experience, this establishment shines brightly, offering a medley of dishes that celebrate flavor, artistry,...
Read moreThere was two of us, we went for dinner on a Friday at about 7. Our server forgot one of our entrees so we had to wait about 30 minutes until the second came out. The meal that we did have, we were unable to eat because we didn't have cutlery. We sat for over 30 minutes until the server returned with our second entree (we were then able to ask for cutlery) and to take our order for a second round of drinks, at this point we had been there for over an hour - served one round of drinks and 1 entree. The "manager" walked past us numerous times and didn't seem to notice an uneaten plate and empty drinks. Before manager #1 left for the night, he said that our food would be comped plus a drink each. Manager #2 approached us later on in the evening and seemed to be quite confrontational (body language, tone), informed us that only one meal would be comped and whatever the other manager promised us wasn't his issue. We honestly didn't feel safe around manager #2 - it seemed like he wanted to fight and that the buttons on his shirt were about to burst.
We apologize for our meals not being served at the same time, won't make that same mistake ever again - we'll just eat one plate and then wait for the next. It was also our fault that we couldn't find cutlery. - we should have looked harder. It was also our fault that the manager made promises that he couldn't keep - mighty neighbourly bunch of people.
We were there all night and had a large tab by the end of it and the fact that he couldn't comp the meals was pathetic.
The food tasted alright though, shout out to...
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