Spartan Ale House — Restaurant in Aurora Township

Please keep in mind when reading my review, I am not one to complain and I am pretty easy to please. I tip my servers an average of 30% regardless of the service received. I am one of an average group number of about 15-20 people that frequent this restaurant on Friday evenings. When we arrived at Spartan we were told that 4 credit cards could be used for our bill. This can be difficult for 18 people because carrying cash is not the 'norm' much anymore. Begrudgingly, we decided we would divide our table into just 2 credit payments, 9 people on mine and 9 on another one of the guests card and we would collect the cash that had to be withdrawn from their ATM. Once the time came for the bill, I told server that half of the table would be on mine and it was at this point she explained that the charges would have to split evenly amongst all cards used. I replied that we were told we could do 4 separate charges, not that they were going to be 4 equal charges. I asked her to separate the bill in half based on my half of the group and was told they could not do that, their system would not allow it. Each meal is a different price, splitting evenly is not possible unless each individual's meal was the same amount. I reminded the manager at that time that she had done this for us couple weeks prior and she stated it is because they knew ahead of time and took the orders in such a a way that the one group would be next to each other on the computer system and the other group next to each other and then they could split it. She stated this would take too long to do. First, this makes no sense and second, the server should have told us that in the beginning prior to taking everyone's order. Basically, 18 people had to sit there and pass the bill around to calculate what each one owed on top of figuring the taxes and tip as well. Then, people with out cash, had to use the ATM there which of course charged a fee. All the while, the server stood off to the side hovering over our table asking if we were ready yet as if we weren't moving fast enough for her. From the minute we walked in, the server gave off the impression that our large group was an inconvenience for her. Her attitude and frustration was obvious as soon as she took the first drink order. Mind you, no one at the table drank alcoholic beverages either so it could not have been that difficult. Coming from someone who used to be a server and currently manages a team of people and works with customers on a daily basis; this was shameful. The attitude from the manager was basically we don't care if you come back or not, there is nothing I can do for you. If this was a fine dining steak house, I could understand not splitting the bill, but come on, you turned what was supposed to be a great night with a group of friends into chaos at the end. Suggestion, if you are not going to allow split checks, explain to your customers in the beginning to order in such a way to group together who is paying and then not blame the customer for your lack of communication. We will not be frequenting this restaurant anymore. The manager said it was the owners decision to change what they allowed as far as how the bill can be handled. And before you respond, don't give me some crap about credit card fees being the issue, you charge for that already and that is a part of owning a business, people pay with cards. Extremely...

Spartan Ale House is a popular spot known for its lively atmosphere, extensive beer selection, and hearty pub fare. Here’s a general review based on common feedback from patrons:

Atmosphere: Vibe: The Spartan Ale House is often described as a quintessential sports bar with a welcoming, energetic vibe. It’s a great place to catch a game, hang out with friends, or enjoy a casual night out.

Decor: The decor typically features sports memorabilia, large TV screens, and a rustic, pub-style setting. It’s a comfortable and inviting space for both small and large groups.

Food: Menu: The menu usually includes classic American pub fare such as burgers, wings, nachos, and sandwiches. Many reviewers praise the generous portion sizes and the quality of the food.

Specialties: Some standout items often mentioned include their loaded nachos, buffalo wings, and the Spartan Burger. Vegetarian options are also available, though they might be more limited.

Quality: Generally, the food is well-received, with many patrons appreciating the flavorful and satisfying dishes. However, as with any restaurant, there can be occasional misses, but the overall consensus tends to be positive.

Drinks: Beer Selection: As the name suggests, Spartan Ale House boasts an impressive selection of beers on tap, including local craft brews and popular domestic options. Beer enthusiasts often appreciate the variety and the rotating selections.

Cocktails and Other Drinks: In addition to beer, they offer a range of cocktails, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages. The drink menu is usually well-rounded to cater to different preferences.

Service: Staff: Reviews frequently highlight the friendly and attentive staff. Servers are often described as knowledgeable about the menu and drink options, and they contribute to the overall positive experience.

Speed: During peak times, such as game nights, service can slow down a bit, but this is typical for busy bars. Patrons generally understand and are patient, especially given the lively atmosphere.

Value: Prices: The prices are generally considered reasonable for the portion sizes and quality of food and drinks. Many patrons feel they get good value for their money, especially during happy hour or special promotions.

Overall Experience: Pros: Great atmosphere, extensive beer selection, hearty and tasty food, friendly service, and good value.

Cons: Can get crowded and noisy during peak times, and service might slow down when it’s busy.

Conclusion: Spartan Ale House is a solid choice for anyone looking for a fun, casual spot to enjoy good food, great drinks, and a lively atmosphere. Whether you’re there to watch a game, meet up with friends, or just enjoy a night out, it’s likely to be a memorable experience. As always, individual experiences can vary, so it’s a good idea to check recent reviews or visit their website for the latest updates...

OMG!!! STAY AWAY!!!! When I initially called to make a reservation the host acted like they were so busy she would have to ‘squeeze’ me in. Reservation for 3 at 5pm under the name XYZ. Later in the day I needed to change the reservation so I called and the host had no record of our reservation instead insisted I was not XYZ instead I was a Michelle for a reservation for 4 at 7pm…. OK, after arguing with her we were able to fix the reservation to 6pm but they were going to be busy so expect a delay. Please, train your staff!

We arrived on time for our 6 Pm reservation to find the restaurant almost, empty as in, I think there were about 4 other tables being used; so much for squeezing us in…

We ordered our meal then the catastrophe hit. We ordered beer battered cod and they gave us cornmeal battered ‘fish’. The picture on the menu shows they serve 3 pieces of fish when they only gave us two. Mine was cooked ok but my wife was serve “RAW” fish. It was still very very RAW. Funny as there is a note on the menu to not eat undercooked food as you could become ill yet they serve it to you, RAW! Best part, it wasn’t even cod…. I complained to the server and first he said he don’t know what beer batter fish is and second he wasn’t sure to do about the undercooked fish. Getting frustrated now so i sent him away.

I started to eat my fish then realized they didn’t even dredge the fish so the fish slipped out of the cornmeal shell. Nice.

French fires tasted like the ones you get in frozen at ALDI.

The other member of our party ordered the Spartan fettuccini and …. First, it looked like it was sitting under a heat lamp somewhere but when we tasted it, it tasted like watered down Parmesan cheese. In fact, the sauce had a very strong broccoli flavor to it as if they dump it the frozen broccoli into the dish without draining it. The fettuccini tasted horrendous and had a strange after bite that was not pleasant!

After complaining to the waiter who we barely saw, he went to get us the check and billed us for everything including the raw fish.

Seriously, keep this up and you are going to be out of business by first the plummeting number of customers or the food inspectors are going to shut you down as...