Birroteca Baltimore — Restaurant in Baltimore

My husband and I went there in July, excited to try out a new restaurant. We made a reservation, but it was not ready. We got a spot at the bar to get an app and a drink. The bartender's children were there taking up 3 seats...all under 5. I find this off-putting and inappropriate. This restaurant is known as a "hipster" atmosphere, which can easily be noticed by looking at the employees. I have no issue with this, but my husband and I do not fit that bill and I felt as though we were treated very rudely because we "didn't fit in". The attitudes of the bartenders was very unwelcoming. I guess they don't like people who are dressed like "suburbanites" in a nice dress and polo shirt with khakis.

45 minutes of being there (still without a table and no offer of a free drink or app) we were still not seated, keep in mind we had a reservation. Out of nowhere we were told to evacuate the restaurant because the rain had caused flooding. (this was the same night at the Ellicott city flooding). I understanding this an act of God and not Birroteca's fault. It is the follow up that has left me EXTREMELY angry.

My car was a victim of the flooding. We were evacuated and I was forced to leave my car as it was under 40 inches of water. This car was a new Infinity that I purchased a year prior. Upon coming back the next morning to file a claim with my insurance I was greeted by the staff and the atrocious owner, Robin Haas. Beyond the terrible experience at his restaurant the night prior, his poor attitude and unprofessional condescending demeanor tops the cake. Knowing that my car was flooded there was no sympathy and no offer for anything while we wait for making the claim and towing. (no brunch offer, even though they were open for it) He came out to examine my car and chuckled "doesn't look bad to me, I hope you have a good detailer". WHAT!!!!. Again, no offer of anything. My high end car was flooded and he doesn't even have the decency to offer anyone breakfast or a free meal for another time, not even an appetizer or drink. It was hot out and people were there for hours on their phones and making reports and waiting on tow trucks. Despicable. My car was reported totaled....a little more than just a detailing job.

I will say his assistant GM was very sweet and helpful which is why I was reluctant to write a bad review, but Robin himself, terrible. He clearly only cares about himself as he stated over and that the city owns the road where my car was parked, so he was not responsible for damages. He expressed no sympathy. He also repeated that he had no idea about the flooding. Funny, because he was quoted in the paper about having flood doors on his restaurant because of past experiences with water...a simple sign warning of rising water would have sufficed. While the menu looks delicious I will never visit any establishments owned by him or his partners, as I do not want to put any money in his pockets. Such a shame. I will make sure to tell everyone as well. I'm sure you are talented chef, but you are horrible at customer satisfaction and being a decent person. I worked in the restaurant business for years in the past and dine out frequently, I have never experienced anything like this in regards to owner attitude . Please spend your money on a restaurant and owners...

Well well, what can I say? I really really really wanted to love this place. But this place wouldn't let me be great.

After attending a local Yelp event, I chose this place over one of my favorites because it was nearby and it has some really good Yelp reviews so I was really interested in visiting and sharing the same experience. I did not share that same experience.

My Yelp friend and I decided to give this place a visit. When we 1st entered, there was a older guy named Mike. He was initially personable although really wasn't too helpful in identifying 2 seats. I asked about 2 bar seats in front of us and he told us no one was sitting there but it looks like someone has to clean it up. And that was it. He had no interest in wiping down the bar area for us or making arrangements with someone else to do it. That was a little bothersome.

Another staff member (from the bar) did eventually agree to wipe the cluttered counter and we were pleased.

Immediately when we sat down and requested water. ... I'm going to lessen the suspense about the water... we never got it.

Collectively we ordered... Mai Kinda Tai (Apricot Allspice Rum, Orgeat Syrup Grand Marnier, Lime Grapefruit) Brussels Sprouts (Black Garlic Aioli, Chili Oil, Coppa) Meatballs (House Ricotta, Tomato Sauce) Crispy Pork Belly

Soon after ordering, we noticed an older couple walked in and not only were they greeted ecstatically, the older guy Mike actually cleaned off the bar area for them. Next, the bar guy Tim that was assisting us and never brought us waters, IMMEDIATELY brought them two waters. I didn't even hear them ask for water !!

I'm not sure why we couldn't have water this evening but we just couldn't have water this evening.

Waited 15+ minutes for bill after asking for it. Another 5 minutes while waiting for cc's and signature receipts.

Something positive... The food was absolutely amazing! The food came out within 7 to 10 minutes of ordering, beautifully plated and delicious! Perfect temperature presentation!

Sadly I was considering this place as one of my birthday event locations but that will not happen!! As much as I absolutely love the food, I can't go anywhere EVER where I'm not appreciated. It's 1 thing if the food wasn't as great but the customer service was bad and intentional. I can't deal with bad customer...

After a long and torturous day for me at work my daughter and I retreated here for dinner. We have dined her many times and it is always excellent but this night was even a step above that. Our waitress (Am I old, is this dated? Should I say server?) was par excellence. She very carefully reviewed all of the specials and by her description alone that could have been our meal. We decided to have the smoked salmon bruschetta and the caprese salad. Oh, my, word, this is some of the best food I have ever had and I am a serious home chef who grows his own herbs, etc... The in house cured/smoked salmon was just melt in your mouth divine on its own much less with the rest of the dish. The caprese salad had real actual, amazing, fresh, delicious, tomatoes, and not waxy nasty glommy rubber discs with seeds and juice squirting out of them if you know what I'm talking about. We then had the Caesar Salad, which though not how I make my dressing was just delightful. For dinner we shared the salmon with fennel family platter and again, I was just wowed. The salmon was cooked perfectly for me meaning that the outside was crisp but the inside had a tiny bit of a warm medium-rare center; you could peel off the flakes of salmon and not have them crumble, take a bite, have it melt in your mouth, recline in awe, and then have another, pair-fecto! The greens that surrounded it and the risotto made it even better which given the perfection of the salmon is quite an accomplishment. Alas we were too full for dessert but we took home a Caesar Salad for mom and the salmon bruschetta and she too was in awe. I love this place and look forward to my next meal. Thank you, thank you...