Tony C's — Restaurant in Austin

Very poor customer service from manager and receptionist. We are Avery Ranch residents and we have been Tony C's customers ever since they opened our neighborhood location. We never had a problem until now. In the past, servers were always very attentive, and food was very good. After a family day at Enchanted Rock the 24th of November, we decided to stop by for dinner along with two more couples, for a total of 12 people, 5 adults and 7 kids. The lady at the front received us, she talked to the manager and came back saying that there was a minimum of 30 mins wait, even though there were plenty of open tables. Then, the booth by the kitchen had two tables available and there was a couple leaving the 3rd table, so they had the perfect spot for our party, but instead, the receptionist decided to use that space for a party of two people that arrived 5 mins after we did. So I asked the lady why she didn't give us that space and she told me that they had a reservation, a reservation for a specific table? Really?! On top of that I did hear the gentleman saying "a table for two", so it was very obvious that the lady was lying straight to my face, as the couple had no reservation at all. At that point we were feeling upset with the poor treatment, so we decided to leave the restaurant. While we were discussing where to go with our friends right outside Tony C's the manager came out and started providing us with reasons for why they couldn't give us a table. First, he claimed that they wanted to provide us with a great experience, then he tells us that he doesn't have enough servers for a party of 12, and that for a party of that size we need to call them ahead. That's just so sad to hear, that an Italian family restaurant can't accommodate a party of 12. We even offered to split the kids from the adults. Then, he has the audacity to offer us some pizzas to go!!!! Amazingly disgusting treatment, and then, he tells us that we can go to The League (restaurant next door owned by the same company) if we don't want the pizzas to go. Everything he said, sounded extremely unprofessional and pathetic, to say the least. We decided to go to Mandolas and night and day difference: great treatment, great food. This past weekend we had a party of 35 people (soccer team celebration) and we stopped by Mandolas again, no reservation at all, and the manager did an excellent job putting things together, no struggle at all, and this is what he said "we are a family restaurant, of course we can accommodate you", so maybe Tony C's can learn something. Now to my personal opinion of what they were trying to do: they saw the large group with kids, and somehow were trying to accommodate a false sense of romantic ambiance. Or maybe I am thinking too much and they are just simply...

Sourced from feedback I submitted to the restaurant, with a few additions:

I like to show up at the bar on Two for Tuesdays (pizza). I have a couple of glasses of wine and an app, and order pizzas and food to go for the fam.

Jacob at the bar is always amazing; he is efficient, friendly, and patient, and I can see why he works this crazy busy night. He is an excellent bartender and his customer service is exemplary. He will give me tastes of new wines without complaint when he is so busy he can barely breathe. Then he follows up to see how it was, and offer suggestions despite how crazy the traffic in the bar. He has an eye that is always watchful should I require a refill or to make another order. He always lets me know my pickup number for my to-go order, which is kept warm at the warmer by the door, and continues to follow up to see if I need anything else even after I have officially closed my tab and am finishing my wine.

I want to applaud the tall multilingual man at the door, also; I've recently learned his name is Josh (I believe). He is supervising both seating and to-go orders, which has to be monumental on this two for the price of one pizza day! He has engaged every person the walks through the door, in or out. Spanish, English, kids, adults, "good to see you" or "that's a great shirt" or "how is your day?" Literally, just now he is affirming a lady at the bar with a family conversation about kids since there is no one waiting at the entry or leaving. He clearly takes time to learn his clientele and make them feel welcome and special (though I feel this not an effort, but rather an ingrained part of his personality). He knew my to-go order number before I made it to the pickup area to leave, and made sure I had peppers and parm to go with it

"You can read my previous review where I rave about the Chicken Piccata. Sadly a very bad experience last Friday, 12/1/23. Did I say "Bad", yes I did. I was driving back to Austin from Houston and my wife called and asked "what are we to do for dinner?". I was very close and suggested "Tony C's" as I was in the mood for the chicken piccata. She said great, please get for me the appetizer meatballs and a small salad. So, I swung back walked in and the place was packed! The girl up front quickly took my "To Go" order. Good so far. So I read every news on my phone waiting and noticed four bags up front after 20 minutes. Nah, can't be mine. Surely, the girl who had asked my name would not forget me. Yes she did. I walked over and asked about my order, gave my name and she acted like she had never laid eyes on me ever. Handing me the order I was very tired, wanted to get home after a 14 hour work day and eat a nice meal. Nope, I didn't check the order, my bad. I get home and my wife looked in the bag and asked; "I thought you wanted chicken piccata?". I said Yes I ordered it. She said; "Well, it's Not in the Bag!". I said; "You've got to be kidding!" So that was Friday night. I called the next day on Saturday and I'm told Julie the manager was off, call back Sunday. Ok, I called Sunday, Julie is still Off. Alright, so I called Monday, 12/4/23 and Julie is still off, would I like to speak to another Mgr. I said Yes. So, "Tee" (not sure of spelling) answered and I explained what happened. I told her No chicken piccata , the salad was underwhelming and the meatballs...hard as a rock. I asked for a full refund, $47.60. Tee said Yes sir. Not a problem. So I finally got a refund but only the chicken piccata ($20.60). So long story, long, it will be some time before I head back. Anyone know of a great place for chicken piccata?"

"I usually don’t take the time to write a review but this time is different. I just had their Chicken Piccata for the first time. It was incredible!!! So good. Great flavor and a definite “have to have this again!” If you’re looking for a great Italian dish, just try it. You...