Seward's Folly Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Alaska

I walked in this evening for a beer and a decent meal, I've been told they had good food to eat. I took a seat at the bar and everything was completely normal, at first. The place was about 50% full, yet it wasn't super busy, nor loud like a regular bar would be during a football game. It was rather pleasant and cordial, I could tell a lot of the folks there were regulars and it felt cozy.

I ordered a sam adams and the smothered halibut with a salad instead of the rice. After 20 minutes, I slowly finished my beer because I was hungry. Then, the bartender, Stephanie (I heard other people mention her name), immediately inquired if I'd like another beer. "After my meal" was my response. I waited another 10 minutes and asked her if she could see how long before the meal was ready, and if she could bring me the salad. I shouldn't have to tell a waitress/bartender that a salad is the normal appetizer towards any decent meal and its pretty standard operating procedures within the dining industry to bring the salad as soon as possible, especially after waiting 30 minutes from ordering.

As soon as I finished the salad a different waitress brought the halibut and seasoned vegetables. The flavor was delicious, yet the fish was extremely dry and lukewarm, like it had been dying in the warmer window. I was so hungry that I didn't mind too much, I just wanted to eat.

After finishing my meal, I kept looking at Stephanie, hoping to make eye contact so I could request the check. Five minutes went by without her looking at me and she wasn't extremely busy, shooting the breeze with other patrons, etc., so I figured she needed a little more time and I went outside for a couple of minutes. When I came back inside, she came over to me and asked if I wanted another beer, to which I replied "Just the check, please".

The bill was $32 and some change. I placed $40 on the ticket and waited for her to process it. She processed the check and returned to give me the change where I was hoping to mention to her my dining experience regarding the food. I said "The flavor of the fish was wonderful...." and she smiled and walked off 6ft away to the cash register in the middle of my sentence while completely ignoring my continuation "..but it was extremely dry....really?" Other patrons at the bar noticed this and looked at me as I was in complete disbelief and shock. All I could do was watch her leave the register to go to the far end of the bar and begin asking other patrons if they would like a beer while I was still talking to her! /yikes

I don't believe I've ever not tipped someone in my life. This was the first time. I stood up, gathered my jacket from the back of the bar stool and continued shaking my head in disbelief while laughing at the situation I found myself in, then promptly left without leaving a tip.

On top of that, Stephanie chose to steal from me by not bringing my coin change along with the $7 in bills. I didn't do anything to deserve this type of treatment and I will never go back, nor recommend that anyone else go there, due to such poor service and thievery.

Stephanie, if you're going to read this.. I hope you enjoy the fifteen or twenty five cents you decided to steal from me, you must really need it. Also, it only takes ten seconds to listen to a customer and you would have received a normal tip instead of none, even you don't care at all what your customers...

Service mediocre, took while to see server and get waters., she seemed to be stretched pretty thin. Loaded tots, flavorless and what little cheese there was, was over broiled/burned so bad that we litteraly had to chip tots free to eat them. Wifes burger, ordered medium, came out burned and covered in pickles when clearly asked for no pickes, there were so many it almost looked intentional and her mashed potatoes were barely luke warm. My burger ordered medium also, came out well done and rubbery, bacon was potato chip crispy, and one of onion rings were unable to cut due to it being a breaded part of outer onion, and the bbq sauce had zero flavor like it had been watered down, never tasted such a tastless bbq sauce in my life! My wife is not one to add salt or flavor to anything caise she likes “taste all flavors” and she even was adding salt and commented that bbq sauce had no flavor. Only thing that was good were the sidewinder fries and oir server, she tried he best and realized we were not eating food and took time to inquire and appologize, after we voiced concerns she did say “kitchen seems to be having some trouble tonight”, big time! Saw her have to apologize to at least one other table just in ahoet tome we were there. Mgr did give discount on bill, but never came to talk with us or ask any questions about food or experience. Place is too inconsistent, 1 out of last 3 times were good... I see owner keeps comenting on how they are a sportsbar...but no where do I see anything saying this in their advertising or signs. Used to be a nice sit down restaurant with good food, sorry to say we probably wont...

We've been twice now. Food is good, servers hit or miss - like at most places these days, and I was not at all impressed with the alcoholic beverages. I don't drink much, I'm a lightweight, and both times, I hadn't eaten all day. I couldn't feel any alcohol AT ALL. So, even though their drink prices are pretty reasonable for Anchorage, I would say don't bother. Stick to water or sodas. The menu and food are really worthwhile. The "meatloaf" is actually Salisbury Steak, but you can get the brown gravy on the side. It comes with REAL mashed potatoes and fresh corn. Or at least it tastes fresh to me. And you get quite a lot of meatloaf! 4-5 thick slices! I can't eat that much food, but it sure makes for a nice lunch the next day! I also got the health nut, which is 2 chicken breasts, white rice and sautéed vegetables. The vegetables are mostly zucchini and squash with onions and peppers and are quite good. I get so tired of broccoli and carrots! This actually had some taste! We finished with the s'mores brownie. It is very decadent and chocolate-y, without any choc chips or nuts. It was good, but too rich for me. My partner, who is much more enthusiastic about dark, rich chocolate, loved it! The bar does a booming business, so be prepared for noise/barflys. And there are many, many more high top tables than booths, so I hope you have good hips and knees. I do appreciate a restaurant that has some healthy and interesting choices. We will...