Went in for a drink with two friends this summer. There was maybe nine customers total, us plus a handful of others. Meanwhile, the bar had four staff on the floor: a bartender, two servers, and the manger hanging around We ordered our first round at the bar and sat down Then nada Forty minutes past without a single “need another?” or “want some food?” One server kept disapearing out the side door, the manager sat scrolling on her phone and when she got up she went and stood behind the bar and scrolled on her phone and there was a bleach blonde server who literally waved us off when we tried to order After walking by us and our empty drinks 5 different times we asked her if we could get more drinks and she full on put her hand up with one finger up in a “wait a minute” gesture as she walked by Then she told us she wasn’t our server and our server would be back soon while walking away The manager then wandered over we asked for a second round, and then she just… never told the bartender She went back behind the bar and he was busy and she got on her phone then walked downstairs Another 14 minutes later, by now we were timing it and laughing about how bad the service really was, the bartender came over to get the glasses off the coffee table and we told him what happend and he appologized because he hadn’t even been given the order Not his fault, but the breakdown in communication was obvious Two waitresses and a manger standing around, bartender working so hard he was sweating and the chef walked in and said hello then mentioned he was going home By the time we got our second round, we were done
We gave it another shot a couple weeks later and guess what? Same story, different night Honestly, we’ve paid less at much nicer places in downtown San Antonio and been treated like we at least existed At this point the only person keeping that bar afloat is the bartender everyone else seems unbothered, overpaid and entitled
We came back for round three during flea market Friday and waited in line for 30 minutes just to order drinks Maybe they need a kiosk, I’d say they would lose the intimate feel but the loss would be worth it untill they figure out their service game While waiting in line my sister went down the street to the little grocery store, got two glasses of wine and a beer, came back and we drank it while we were in line waiting for them to take our order Once our drinks were ordered we enjoyed the singer and talking with friends The manager walked around doing absolutely nothing while the two bartenders made non stop back to back drinks That time it made sense why there was a wait It was busy Flea Market Friday is the only thing keeping this bar above level
Hire sharper staff, train them, manage them...
Read moreWe were excited to try this new restaurant with friends. We walked in to the front of the establishment which was the bar area and the bartender and waitstaff just turned and stared at us. We looked around and didn't see a dining room so I just blurted out, we have reservations. Oh, so a young lady led us through a corridor to a set of stairs and told us to go up. There was the hostess stand with 3 ladies standing there to lead us to our table where our friends were already seated. The little lights on the table were just enough for me not to sit on my friends lap, we laugh at how dim it was. Double tap on the light to make it brighter - and finally, we could read the menu. Menu looked great, a lot of seafood options! Luckily, for my seafood-allergy friend, they offered a pork chop. Food was ok, not spectacular. My daughter wasn't totally impressed with the New York Strip, my pork chop was tasty but not super special and not totally moist. The charred asparagus was a little over charred, but edible. The brussels sprouts and mushrooms were delicious. For dessert, nothing really special about the chocolate cheesecake, it was rich as expected. The Bourbon glazed bread pudding though, was a hit. It had a scoop of vanilla ice cream on it which made it especially delish. Overall, I think I'll return to try it again. It was not bad, but not as top-quality, melt-in-the-mouth meal that you'd expect at this price point. All that being said....please come for yourself and make reservations as the dining room...
Read moreA Must-Visit Gem in Castroville!
From the moment we walked into Elevate on Fiorella, we knew we were in for something special. This upscale addition to our quaint town brings a fresh and refined dining experience that rivals big-city establishments while maintaining the warmth and charm of Castroville.
The food was nothing short of spectacular—each dish thoughtfully crafted, beautifully presented, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re indulging in their expertly prepared Salmon or savoring a creative appetizer, every bite is an experience in itself.
The service met expectations—attentive, professional, and efficient, ensuring a seamless dining experience without feeling rushed.
And let’s talk about the ambiance—Elevate on Fiorella has created an atmosphere that is truly its own vibe. A perfect blend of modern sophistication and cozy charm, it’s the kind of place where you want to linger a little longer, sipping on a craft cocktail and enjoying great company.
Castroville needed a place like this, and Elevate on Fiorella has exceeded expectations. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for an elevated dining experience, this is the place to...
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