Flow | Restaurant & Lounge — Restaurant in California

I don’t leave bad reviews. If I don’t like a place I just don’t go back but this was different. I had been to flow once before since the ownership change. The staff seemed tired and irritable the food was OK. The second time I thought I would make a to-go order and have a glass of wine at the bar while I waited. What a mistake. The bartender was arrogant and immediately made me feel unwelcome .He was eating something that looked like cereal but I think it was seafood risotto and drinking something that I thought was chocolate milk but he explained to his friends that it was bloody Mary made with beer. I watched him “top off” his friends drinks. I saw no less than five employees eating while standing around the bar area looking generally pissed off and particularly annoyed at my presence in “their space”. One woman even came out of the kitchen doors with a big messy bowl full of something and started spoon feeding it to people. At another point I got up to use the restroom and two employees affectionately embracing blocked the way to the bathroom and seemed unaware of my presence. I am not easily made uncomfortable but I could not wait to get out of this place. The only time the bartender paid the slightest bit of attention to me was when my to go order came and he glowered over me intimidatingly as I decided How much of a tip I should leave. I always tip at least 20% but I would have not tipped if it were possible. Whoever owns this restaurant has completely lost control. “Flow” It’s a private party for the employees who occasionally have to tolerate the...

A generous two stars, for food that at least appeared appetizing.

We visited on a busy Wednesday night, so it wasn't surprising that the "few minute" estimated wait grew to a half hour. After being seated we were informed that they had run out of a couple of the appetizers and entrees; we ordered fish and chips, cioppino, seafood pasta, and a salad to start.

Unfortunately the dishes were—to put it plainly—plain. The salad was fairly fresh, although the oil was a bit strong. Though the entrees were plated nicely, they were small servings and delivered the main disappointment: the pasta and fish and chips were mostly tasteless (though with good texture), and the cioppino hardly fared better.

Especially surprising was the missing garlic bread (from both the pasta and cioppino). When we asked about it, they explained they had also run out of bread; only after we asked for some accompanying starch (considering the small portions) did we receive some poorly sliced burger buns. (Picture included below.)

Even more disappointing: when the check arrived, the waitress asked for feedback (which was honestly provided, and well taken to her credit) and we mentioned that the menu described including mussels in the cioppino. Only then were we informed that they had run out of mussels. (Again, picture included below.)

I envy the positive experiences of many of the other reviewers, but not enough to give this place...

Really weird, bad service. I'm not too sensitive but that dinner was an awful experience due to our waiter. I'm a local and took 6 guests visiting from out of town... made 6:30pm Friday night reservations. Was quiet that night... couple other tables. But the waiter (guy named Cesar) acted like we were axx-holes for coming in and making him work. Incredibly unfriendly from the beginning. He was itching to close the place down and go home because it was a bit quiet. We had elderly people in our group -- he was rude and impatient with them. He'd stand at the far end of a long table when he knew they count hear them. Never re-filled drinks or checked in. As soon as we finished eating, he literally turned off half the restaurant lights and started to stack seats onto tables all around us!! I checked the time -- it was 7:30pm when he turned the lights out and started to close up.... I asked what was happening and he just gave me an unpleasant look. Too bad, I guess no time to enjoy a desert and another drink while chatting after dinner. To add insult to injury there was a mandatory 20% tip charge since we were a group of 7. As a local, I know that Mary (the owner) wants to do good and offer the best ingredients... but the people that she has run this place can be...