Houdini — Restaurant in Vilnius

I stopped in, looking for a dinner spot, and was glad I did. I had the chefs classic burger, and croquettes with Chipotle mayo sauce, paired with their current local brew on tap (a wittbier). I also sampled their alteration of an old-fashioned, using bombas rum, and was very much impressed. Loved the burger, from yielding texture, to sumptuous flavor throughout. I had a hard time putting it down because of how well crafted it was. The croquettes were also fantastic, though I would have looked for a bolder sauce to pair with them. They are superbly cooked, with a playful, crunchy shell, and smooth, airy potato inside. The Chipotle mayo was perhaps a little subdued from where it could have been, and was the only low-point of the meal. The after-meal cocktail was superbly assembled, from the large, crystal-clear ice cube, to the ground sugar, and citrus/bitters elements combined. The wait staff were very pleasant, attentive, and patient to work with my English. A very fun, warm atmosphere inside, with design elements calling back to Houdini's time. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a break from chain...

This must clearly be some kind of programming failure. Or just plain stupidity?

I enter the Huodini restaurant in Vilnius. A sign on the table requests me to scan their QR-sign for the menu (very common nowadays).

I scan and this page opens. Requesting me to choose a waiter. A bit odd, but ok.

After choosing, I am requested to decide how much I am going to tip her. And prepay the tip by credit card. Without even getting a chance to see the meny. Even less seeing my waitress or getting any kind of service.

Of course, I left for another restaurant :-). There was excellent food in Bernelių Užeiga across the street.

P.s. The waitress says she wants to go on holiday for her tips. Another hopes to collect 10 000€ as down payment for a flat. Wonder how many customers they loose? The place was empty - but crowded across the street. I saw many foreigners (at least ten) looking confused and leaving,...

The restaurant has a good rating and is ranked #6 in Vilnius Tripadvisor, so expectations were appropriate. Unfortunately, they were not justified. It is a good cafe, not to call it bad, but it is not impressive. In its concept and menu it resembles Grill London, but the prices are higher. The food was good, but the atmosphere is so-so. Debilitating music kept us from relaxing, the door to the restroom was carelessly opened. Was pleased to have the opportunity to order online via QR code, there you can also pay for it and leave a tip. But the waiter's service leaves much to be desired. Maybe the waiter was feeling ill or something, but he made 2 mistakes in our small order, didn't bring soup and gave a different salad. But we still left him a good tip. Always leave a tip for the waiters and...