SLATE Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in Toronto

I don't know how to frame this message other than an expression of frustration and an attempt to start yet another conversation on the apathy of some local businesses.

My wife and I just visited Slate. We came in pretty hungry at 1:10pm on a Saturday. We had been there once before and everything had been a solid 7/10 so we gave it another go. We were the only table there. One bartender, one cook. We were greeted and we sat down, the bartender/server took our drink order before we sat down but we didn't think much of it. 5 minutes later she came back with our drinks and took our food order: one veggie pasta, one soup. A gentleman then walked in and proceeded to start a conversation with the cook (it's an open kitchen, I could see the interaction). Our order was punched in, and we engaged in conversation. 19 minutes later I realized the cook was still talking with the man, the bartender still cleaning the shelves where the wine bottles sat, and the wait continued. Halfway through our pints, 20 minutes later as the man gave his business card to the cook and left, we told the server to cancel our food order (it hadn't been started yet), and to give us our bill. The server told the cook, and after some time at the POS with the help of the cook, brought back our bill. No apology, no question of why we had cancelled our order, nothing.

I realize that now I'm rambling, and you've gotten the point so I ask this: Why is this okay? Why does the cook not realize that he has an order. Why does the server not tell the cook there's an order. Why do the only two people in the restaurant not get the respect they deserve as paying customers. I'm not surprised they were dead today. There are so many businesses trying so hard to make it, this one struck out for me. Never again.

Respect your patrons. You are a business in the service industry. Don't take us...

Terrible experience. Tactfully told the server that my chicken tasted like it had gone bad. She apologized and took it away. After 10 minutes she comes back and tells me that they can throw my left over chicken on the grill again. Since the chicken was not undercooked instead tasted horrible - I said no and thank her for understanding. Very disappointed when I saw my bill and was still charged 50% of my chicken plate. This is a rookie move for a restaurant who wants to keep clients. Will not be coming back but wish them the best and hope they get better staff who deal with these types of situations.

Response to owner:

Glad to hear this is your policy. Although I can assure you I was offered to have my chicken cooked more - I am happy to give you the benefit of the doubt and call it a misunderstanding.

I will also agree that the server was attentive. She received a 15% tip regardless of the negative experience with the food. However, no free dessert was provided. I don’t care about that - but you are in fact incorrect.

You mentioned I was charged because 85% of my meal was eaten? Keep in mind the Pollo Limone is a very small dish. 4 asparagus and a couple pieces carrots make up that 85%.

I politely agreed to pay the bill. No need to ruin the server’s night with more complaints. I simply won’t...

Let's start with positives. Looking beautiful and clean inside. Outside patio area is very cute with greenery. Cocktails were good.

Why only 3*: It took a while to get the order, granted it's not the waiters fault, but management. He was running as fast as he could to serve and make cocktails to everyone. Looks like bad scheduling having only 1 staff. We were going to the beach, but stopped for a cocktail when we saw a sandwich board about specials. When we came in inside to be be seated, I saw another poster on the wall - "Happy hour from 2pm, $10 all cocktails". When we were greeted by the staff, I mentioned that we are here for Happy Hour. However, at the end bill showed regular prices. After I mentioned it to the waiter, he apologized for inconvenience and refused to change the price. Also, at the bottom of the receipt he brought, was another message "Happy Hour special full day" if I remember well.

Please, pay attention to the bill, if you decide...