TGI Friday's — Restaurant in Santa Rosa

Disappointment Served Cold at TGIF: A Second Visit Gone Sour

Our second visit to TGIF began on a hopeful note. The restaurant was bustling, as expected on a weekend evening, but credit must be given where it is due—CJ, the manager on duty, was attentive and graciously led us to the alfresco area. It was a thoughtful gesture, particularly appreciated since we were dining with our three medium-sized dogs. In an increasingly pet-friendly dining culture, this accommodation was a rare and welcome touch.

Unfortunately, the goodwill ended there.

What followed was a slow unraveling of service and oversight. We waited over one full hour for what amounted to just two appetizers and two entrées—an unacceptable delay by any standard, particularly without any forewarning. There was no proactive communication from the service team regarding potential delays or item availability. A simple heads-up would have gone a long way in managing expectations, yet we were left to wonder.

Service inconsistencies mounted. A request for tissue went unfulfilled. Drinks and water were served early, but left to sweat profusely on the table, turning our surface into a wet mess. When I inquired—for the second time—about the status of our food, a polite apology finally arrived, albeit late.

The physical discomforts compounded the frustration. Our table was unstable, wobbling throughout the meal, and the alfresco area, while pet-friendly, was chaotic—excessively loud and plagued by nearby guests openly vaping, a clear violation of both national law and SM Supermalls’ policies. The staff, regrettably, took no action, and this lack of enforcement detracted heavily from the dining experience.

As for the food—when it finally arrived—there were highs and lows. The entrées were generally well-flavored; the sauces were balanced and complimentary. However, the mac and cheese was underseasoned and lacked the creamy depth expected of the dish. The rice was soggy, a basic misstep that speaks to rushed or inattentive preparation. By the time we began to eat, our appetites had already waned from the long and uncomfortable wait.

To conclude the evening, a final lapse in courtesy: while attending to another guest, a server handed our bill across my partner’s face—an awkward and borderline discourteous move that demonstrated a lack of basic service etiquette.

In the end, the only redeeming quality of the visit was the restaurant’s pet-friendly seating—an increasingly rare feature that TGIF deserves credit for. But hospitality is a total experience, not just a policy checkbox. Despite a promising start and a capable manager, the evening fell far below the standard one expects from a globally recognized chain. Sadly, this visit to TGIF will most likely be our last for...

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