Concord Cafe — Restaurant in Avalon

We went to the Concord last week; there were 7 of us in all. Here are some of the positives: the wait wasn't long, the food was decent bar food, and the music was fun. I've been to the Concord many times in the past, but sadly, this will likely be our last visit. Surrounding/on our table, there were several flyers, advertising happy hour food and prices - (all of the items on this flyer were also on the menu). Almost everyone in our party ordered at least one item off of this happy hour menu (along with other items). When our check arrived, none of the items were discounted at the happy hour rate (which is really the reason we did order some of the food). I was about to question our waitress when my daughter noticed that the flyers displayed on the table were not for the actual Concord - they were advertised for a different restaurant. Although that was written at the top of the page, the font for that was smaller than the actual details about the time, menu, and prices. Of course we assumed the happy hour menu posted was for happy hour at THIS restaurant. I never would have thought it was just an advertisement for a different restaurant, especially because all of the menu items were the same. We felt duped, and honestly, it really felt like a bait and switch. Yes, it's our fault that I didn't look at the flyers more closely, but where do you see menus at a restaurant for a different restaurant? That makes no sense. We spent almost $300 on dinner, and sadly, that's the last dollar I'll ever spend here. There are a ton of other (and some new) really great restaurants in the Stone Harbor and Avalon areas - if you go, the food isn't bad...just make sure you read the fine print...

We go to Avalon every year and we go to the Concord Cafe every time we come. In previous years, we have had great service and no complaints. Tonight, we decided to make our annual trip and there were many complaints. When we arrived, there wasn’t a table for the six of us. They told us that it would be a twenty minute wait. Twenty minutes past, soon we were waiting for about 45 minutes and many other large groups walked in. They finally took us in and we were cramped in a table for 4 people. And that’s when all of the downfalls started. All of the waiters were huddled around the counter making bracelets and not paying attention to the guests. Since we waited outside for a while, we already knew what we wanted to order. It was clear that we were done looking but our waitress was making bracelets and socializing with her colleagues. Once we ordered food it came normally and then we finished. We were clearly and obviously finished and we were trying to get the waitresses attention, but it seemed that she was too interested in her bracelet. We waited so long that someone from our party had to get her attention. Finally, our checks came and when she came back with the card, there was no “thank you” or “have a nice day”. We gave a small tip and a review card. We are not...

I'm assuming management/ownership/chef changed in the past couple of years. I used to really enjoy eating here. We've eaten here twice this year and both times were not good. First time in April, service was good but the pizza was tasteless. Yesterday, the service was terrible and the place was totally empty. This restaurant used to be packed and we were the only ones eating at 12:30. I went to the bathroom and no soap to wash hands. When I told the girl at the counter there was no soap the response was "well I guess we ran out." Really? When I asked we'll how am I supposed to wash my hands she finally said she would try to find some. I ended up going into the men's room to get soap. Server was friendly but ordered an appetizer that never came. Someone who ordered takeout spilled something and she told 3 people who were standing together who looked at her and said "don't worry about it" and not one walked over to look at it or clean it up for the 20 min we remained. Found out a bartender who had been there for YEARS doesn't work there any more which should say something about the current status of this restaurant. It's disappointing to see the negative changes in a place we enjoyed going to...