Le Clou — Restaurant in Strasbourg

RESERVATION LOST, RUDE STAFF, POOR SERVICE - avoid!

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I very rarely complain about service in a restaurant (because I used to be a waiter myself), but I was very disappointed and shocked by the poor service and rude staff at this restaurant during a recent visit.

I made a reservation for 3 people, two days in advance. I gave the waiter my name and he wrote it into their reservation book. He said our reservation was confirmed for 20:30 in 2 days time.

Upon arrival, they said they couldn’t find our reservation. I asked how could they lose our reservation, and the waiter said they have a colleague that often loses reservations or writes them in the wrong book.

We were then asked to go for a walk and come back 30 minutes later because they were busy and had other reservations. This was extremely frustrating, especially after they lost our reservation and after being questioned to make sure we weren’t lying.

We came back 30 minutes later and we were left waiting for another 15 minutes at the door. We eventually were given a table right next to the entrance 50 minutes after our reservation should have been. We kindly asked to get a table further into the restaurant because we saw other free tables. However, they said no because of other reservations. We didn’t want to create a fuss because other customers were starting to look at us and of course other customers weren’t aware that the restaurant lost our reservation.

Still no apology from the waiter for the situation. We were just extremely frustrated at this point for having been left waiting for so long and for the condescending way the waiter treated us - because of no fault of our own

I very rarely complain but this experience was so rude, condescending and frustrating, especially when you are paying for expensive (and a bit overpriced) food. Also, because we had the table by the door, there was a cold wind coming into the restaurant. I would recommend asking for a table away from the door when making your reservation (unless they lose your reservation!)

Finally, after finishing our food, the waiter asked would we like to see a dessert menu. We said yes please. But the waiter never returned. After 15 minutes, and realising they obviously forgot about us, we asked for the bill, paid, and left.

A member of our group spoke French, so there was no issue with communication. I cannot overstate how bad the service was and how rude the staff were. I do not understand how a restaurant can lose a reservation and ask a customer to “go for a walk”. I am not sure if this is because they heard we were also English speaking, but the service was truly awful and made us feel extremely uncomfortable.

Awful experience and a real shame. Unfortunately, I won’t be returning and I would not recommend...

A traditional Alsatian restaurant located at 3 Rue du Chaudron in Strasbourg, near the cathedral and city center.

Menu available in French, English and German.

The establishment exudes warmth and authenticity, featuring wood-paneled walls, folkloric artwork, and communal tables that contribute to its cozy atmosphere.

The menu offers classic regional dishes such as choucroute garnie, foie gras, tarte à l’oignon, and bibeleskas with country-style potatoes. No vegetarian or vegan options though.

Desserts include traditional Alsatian sweets.

The restaurant operates daily with service hours from 11:45 am to 2:30 pm and from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

Reservations can be made by calling +33 3 88 32 11 67.

Patrons frequently praise the generous portions, delicious meals, and friendly service.

The ambiance is described as warm and cozy, making it a popular choice for both locals and tourists seeking an authentic Alsatian dining...

I was very excited to try the most famous dish of Alsace which is the choucroute but it came to an extreme disappointed. This restaurant it was recommended to me as the best restaurant to try the choucroute but both me and my husband absolutely hated, this dish is basically boiled different types of sausages and full of fat pork belly, totally flavourless potatoes and extremely acidic cabbage, I’ve paid £24,50 each to get the sensation of not eating well. Unless you like flavourless, extremely fat and acidic food don’t choose this option. Our son ate escalope de veau and it was really good but also very expensive, it costs £26.50. In the other hand the restaurant atmosphere was really good and the staff very friendly. My biggest regret it was I haven’t decided to eat the same dish as my son as I’m sure my review would be...