The Columns — Restaurant in Avon-by-the-Sea

Awful. This is second bad experience of many visits, in retrospect underwhelming visits to The Columns - this one necessitating a review. Foodie beware! Our recent dining experience at The Columns was an unmitigated disaster. Despite initially agreeing to a 45-minute wait, we sat inside - it was quiet save for regular noise and restaurant volume... we were dismayed when the band suddenly began playing at ear-splitting decibels, transforming our intended quiet dinner into a singles bar night with live music. We repeatedly requested a table relocation, only to be met with resistance and a palpable sense of inconvenience.

The atmosphere became increasingly unbearable, with conversation rendered impossible by the cacophony. We were finally relocated to a quiet area outside, but the experience was further marred by an abrasive waitress who berated us for allegedly seating ourselves without permission. Our former server then appeared, chastising us for supposedly disrupting her section and impacting her earnings.

This egregious display of hostility and greed was a stark departure from the principles of guest-centric hospitality. It was appalling to be treated as a burden and a hindrance, particularly given the establishment's reputation and popularity. The only redeeming aspect of our visit was Robert, a server assistant who demonstrated exemplary professionalism and courtesy in facilitating our table transition.

Regrettably, the older employees, including manager Brian, failed to adequately address our concerns, instead adopting a dismissive and hurried demeanor. As a 27-year industry veteran, I can attest that this level of service is unparalleled in its ineptitude. The Columns' reputation and popularity seem to have fostered an atmosphere of complacency and disdain for customers. Until they recalibrate their approach to prioritize hospitality, I would strongly advise patrons to explore alternative local establishments that genuinely value their business.

Again, enough can't be said for Robert. Professional, executed our table transition, brought our food over. Truly what hospitality is all about. ...

we went here for dinner yesterday and then saw the nerds play. the goods: the food (filet mignon and seafood broil combo) was amazing and our waitress jamie (spelling?) was phenomenal and even made our dessert personalized (see pic). we will eat there again. the bads: after dinner we went to the bar area to get ready for the nerds, one of jersey's best party bands. our first drinks had no alcohol. my margarita was actually plain lemonade. the other bartender admitted it had no tequila so maybe someone was hired off the st that day. a lady next to us who also ordered a margarita said it was the worst drink she ever tasted in her life. after changing to sealed alcoholic beverages thinking that would make a difference, they took our drinks from the bar when they were half full. they tried to take a 3rd time but i caught him. make sure you keep your drinks in your hand all night or they will take them. the bar was cash only from 8pm to 11pm. that makes no sense. oh yeah, a simple rail mixer is $14 in case you wanted to know. and then there's the capacity problem. way too many people were let in. i was pushed into the bar maybe 10 or 20 times and was stepped on pretty severely. nothing broken though so make sure you all dont wear sandals when you go here. the line outside to get in went all the way to the corner (ocean ave) so dont expect a comfortable place. not a fun night at all. will never see a band here again. restaurant: 5/5 stars. ...

Saturday, July 31st. Food was actually much better than average (tacos, shrimp quesadilla, lobster roll) but the waitress was awesome!!! In fact it was because of her I didn’t just rip into the management. My wife ordered a Paloma and after her second sip she sent it back because it was sour with a metallic taste from the grapefruit and she asked for a Pinot Grigio. Everything went well, the check came $128 but the $11 Paloma was still on the bill??? So, when the waitress came back for the check I gave her $160, told her to keep the change and also told her that the Paloma was accidentally left on the bill and that she can take it off the bill and add it on to her tip. She told me that the management would not refund the $11 for the Paloma ( management never came to speak with us, or bring the PAID for Paloma back to my wife???) and she proceeded to offer to refund me the $11 from the tip. (Very sweet young lady) I obviously refused to let her do that and gave her an additional $10 out of my pocket. I strive to have employees like this young lady. When a waitress has to offer money back out of her own pocket….. you know there is a problem with management! For this reason, I can not bring myself to EVER EAT THERE AGAIN. Its not how management should treat customers or their hard working employees. I will eat at the Pavilion across the street and I urge everyone to...