Stacks Diner — Restaurant in Amsterdam

Upon entering the restaurant, the experience immediately started on an awkward note. Despite several staff members noticing us, there was no greeting or assistance. After standing in the doorway for some time, we had to approach the staff ourselves, only to be met with a curt response from a server. Their dismissive attitude made us feel unwelcome right from the beginning. To make matters worse, we were told they needed to check if our table was ready, despite us arriving at the exact time of our reservation.

Once seated, our drinks were hastily taken, yet it took an unusually long time for them to arrive. Throughout the evening, it felt as though no one was specifically assigned to our table, forcing us to constantly request service. The lack of coordination was frustrating and made the experience feel chaotic.

The same server reappeared multiple times during the meal, and their actions repeatedly diminished our experience. At one point, they carelessly placed a side dish on the table while chatting with another staff member, showing little regard for service standards. The main course followed about ten minutes later than expected. While the steak was cooked to the requested doneness, it was unfortunately so tough that it was difficult to enjoy. Later, the same server mistakenly delivered dessert to our table, only to realize their error and take it back without explanation. This mirrored an earlier mishap when the same side dish was served twice—once before the main course and again afterward.

Although the female servers we interacted with were polite and friendly, their efforts were overshadowed by the disorganized service and the unprofessional demeanor of the other staff member. Even when asked how the food was, my polite response of "fine" received no acknowledgment. At checkout, this lack of engagement continued, leaving a cold and impersonal impression.

The food itself was, at best, average, and the service uneven. Despite these shortcomings, the restaurant shows potential. With better staff training, a focus on organization, and an emphasis on creating a welcoming atmosphere, this establishment could easily rise to meet the expectations it sets for its diners. For now, however, it...

I have visited stacks a few times in the past, and have had mixed experiences.

Unfortunately my last two experiences were not great. After a disappointing brunch last year, with really poor service, I had given some feedback, and they kindly offered to make it up to us the next time we came.

So, I returned recently to celebrate my birthday with family visiting from abroad, and was excited to give it another chance, we had a good time, but overall the service was poor, and the food was really disappointing quality.

The night did not start off great either, we waited nearly 30 minutes by the door for our table which we had booked in advance, while others who did not have a reservation were offered drinks as they waited, while we were not…

We were eventually seated on a table which was covered in food residue, and my sister realised her seat was covered in someone’s mashed potato, which was all over her clothes. Really not nice. I tried to wave down a staff member, but couldn’t flag anyone down. The staff were super friendly but not the most attentive. They also did not have an allergen menu or a much knowledge of the allergens in the food.

The hash browns were so chewy and overcooked. The fried chicken was very plain and anaemic looking. Another thing was that we told our server we wanted to take a break and smoke a cigarette, only to return to our main courses sitting cold at our table.

After our meal we were asked to move to the bar at the front so they could clean our area, and we had not even been offered dessert at this stage. We felt like we were intruding just being there.

I understand they were having a busy night, but for a place that charges this much for their food, this service and quality is not it. I loved this place when it first opened but after this most recent experience I unfortunately won’t be back and wouldn’t recommend stacks...

The customer service here was just terrible. Every single step of the process took so long and pestering. We arrive for our reservation and the table is not cleaned off yet. That's fine. We wait 10 minutes. Still not cleaned off yet. So we ask and they take care of it. Then we sit. No menus are given. We wait 10 minutes. Still none. So we ask for the menus. They finally give them to us. We flag them down when we're ready to order. That's fine. But it was starting to feel like we were the ones working. We order everything at once, drinks and food. Drinks come out, and when I tell you this was the most awful undrinkable Bloody Mary, I am not exaggerating. We ask if we can exchange the drink and the waitress agreed and laughed and said "This is the third one to be sent back already today. The bartender got a little experimental with a new recipe". So we move on. Food very slowly starts to come out. We had to remind the waitress of 3 separate things that we had not received yet. Clearly she had not put in the order properly. By the time we reminded her that we had ordered a donut, they had sold out. Very disappointing. Anyways we go to pay, and we see that the Bloody Mary was still on the bill, and we ask the waitress why it was still on there, and she said it was their policy. They can't comp it because technically there was nothing wrong with it and "we just didn't like it". How can you say there was nothing wrong with it? This drink was rancid, and clearly so if three separate people sent it back early in the day. Also, why didn't you tell us when we sent it back that we'd still have to pay for it. Just awful customer service around. Overall, it took almost 3 hours for brunch. Absolutely wild. Probably won't waste my time here again, even with the food being...