Vana Villem Pub — Restaurant in Tallinn

Interior of the place is nice and also a good location as there are not that many pubs in this area. However it was one of the worst service experiences I can recall.

We had a group of 10+ people and we went there without prior booking. However it was a Thursday night so plenty of space. We chose a corner and joined two tables and when our waiter arrived he already had a very bad attitude as if he preferred we didn't go there. First he made quite nasty comments for joining two tables (which we thought would be rather helpful) and then he said that all the group can only pay together. Meaning no option of sharing the bill - one receipt one card.

Since I only wanted one drink, I tried getting it at the bar as there were 2-3 bartenders just standing idle without anything to do. They refused to serve me and said I already have my table. OK. Finally when we started getting our drinks, our waiter spilled most of them, some on actual guests. Instead of apologizing he said it was because we had moved the tables. He had so much space to move around that in Paris they'd put extra tables there. But we stayed calm, did not criticize him and tried to enjoy our after-work.

Then at some point we were ordering another round and he said that they are not serving us anymore because someone at the next table (which was also part of our group, some people who arrived later and got a separate table) got fed up with the waiter's attitude, said their service was terrible, paid the bill and left. Waiter said he's offended and thus he's no longer serving us either. Because of something that happened in another table, under another bill.

Up to some point the service so bad was somewhat odd and funny as service in Tallinn is usually quite good, if not excellent. But at that point I also got fed up. Then I went to the bar and asked whether I could just pay for my two drinks and leave. No chance. I can only pay the bill of the whole table of around 12 people.

I've worked in service as well - about 10 years ago and even then I knew how I can help bigger groups to divide their bill so that everyone could pay. All there is to do is to let people divide the sum between them, insert different digits into the terminal, process payments, add them up and it's all good and everyone can have a fun night (and the waiter/waitress possibly some good tips). But that level of service was terrible and it was not just the waiter but the staff at the bar just saw the situation and ignored it.

We weren't loud or obnoxious, bunch of professionals coming from a networking event. We were actually quite polite and tolerant despite the humiliating and arrogant service we received yet in no way deserved. So all in all I can safely say it's one of the worst service experiences I can recall. If you're looking for a pub-like place to go in this area, rather choose the american pub-place across the street.

Ah also - the place does not allow dogs which is also weird in Estonia as even in top old town restaurants well-behaved dogs...

I would like to give 6 stars but couldn't find how..

This is our 1st time visit this restaurant. I found this restaurant from Google Map, and there are so many good reviews. So, I decided to choose this to hang out with my best friend from Czech. (Last day in Estonia)

We visit at peak hour 6.30- 7pm for dinner but surprisingly we got our food quick without long waiting. (Almost full house)

Food taste and quality are so good. Price is also affordable. With the beautiful interior and cosy environment, I would say the food price is low compared to some other restaurants nearby (especially compared with Old Town)

The floor staff give 💯 % attention to all customers, and they always have a round check if we need anything else (most question is : Would you like to have another beer?) 😁 well, don't get it wrong, we love it! We love the friendly attitude, plus professional behaviour too.

The chef has done so well to our foods, too. From Starters to Desserts..yummm Thank you, Chef & kitchen staff!

Oh ya, I ordered the hot chocolate. It's really good. (Maybe the environment helps to add on some extra great flavour) 😁 thanks, Bartender !

And, there is another hidden gem you should visit WC It's beautiful and clean 😍

Overall, good food with affordable price + good environment & professional staff!

I wish you the best Vana Villem Pub. And I believe you will grow well with such quality...

We were so glad our lovely Ibis-hotel employee suggested this place when their own restaurant was fully reserved (as was another restaurant we had planned to go to at first!)..

Saturday evening, yes: it is a busy night, and yes you need to wait a little longer, but it is totally worth it!

My daughter andI had the American burgers with fries (only € 7,- p.p.), my wife and I had great beer (Vana Villem Valga White beer) and everything within acceptable time for such busy night. We had not reserved, definitely advisable(!), but they found us a great space (sort of booth) on the spot and we could finally eat after walking the whole day..

The food is great, really really great and the prices are nothing to complain about All in alla great experience and we will definitely come back another day. Thanks to our waiters, who are never far away and are visible and pushing by frequently.

10 out of 10 😃

P.S. Sorry, no photo of the excellent burgers, we were to hungry and they were too tasty before we grabbed our...