The Pines Pizza and Pub — Restaurant in Cedar Rapids

DISCLAIMER: I am not a Karen, and PLEASE read my other reviews. I generally only give positive reviews and am not shy about heaping praise when I think it’s due.

Went here during the Iowa State basketball game. The place wasn’t that busy save for one VERY large group. We were sat relatively quickly so I wasn’t concerned. We ordered drinks and an appetizer and received them promptly. Jalapeño poppers seemed boxed and frozen but whatever, at least it was fast. Ordered our food quickly as well.

We sat for almost 40 minutes before receiving an “update” on the situation. After we sat for 40 minutes and no other tables had food either, one of the three employees working informed us that the one huge group we saw had ordered before us and our food would not be processed until theirs was done. Cue another 25 minutes with no further updates, and none of the other tables had food either. I threw cash on the table for the beer and poppers plus tip and we left.

My takeaway: many times I have walked into an establishment and been told “we have 3 employees today, and we just got hit with a 20 top. If you aren’t in a hurry you’re welcome to have a seat, but please be aware you’ll be waiting a while.” And I’ve appreciated it each and every time. Sometimes I’ve stayed, and other times when I’ve been pressed for time or extremely hungry, I’ve left. I would’ve loved the option here. Would’ve been great as opposed to not acknowledging the slowdown at all and effectively being held hostage after ordering our entrees.

Additional point: we originally tried to order seltzers. Our first server told us “we have any flavor you want” only to return with one flavor choice that no one liked. We asked “do you have a wider choice of Truly as opposed to White Claw?” And were told “yep, any flavor you want.” We were named a few flavors and received one that no one requested. How about be aware of the drink menu choices, even if “you don’t drink those things so I don’t really know.” I get staffing is a nightmare but maybe give these folks an afternoon learning the taps and coolers before turning them loose on the general public.

We drove almost 40 mins to get here as I had fond memories of the Sand Trap and a Vito’s (the former occupants of the same building). I was eager to check out the new place, but no amount of gift cards or “sorry”’s will get me back in this building. For a “sports bar,” they’re woefully ill equipped to handle even the most pedestrian of sporting events. God help these poor souls come Super...

We went in on a Saturday afternoon. The lady behind the bar was obviously flustered and it showed. Slow service, not very friendly, people waiting all over just trying to be seen by her, etc. The guy next to us actually leaned over and jokingly made us confirm that he was in fact alive and physically there as he had been sitting next to us for 10+ min before he was even acknowledged.

Prior to that, we had switched from a table to the bar as we had been seated for almost 10 min and had yet to have a server come to our table. There was an event going on, however, there was still only maybe 30 people there total with at least 4-5 servers and and a bartender on staff.

I was hungry so decided to order a Calzone as it sounded good. $18 for a tiny little supreme canzone that somehow was cold in the center even though it had steam cuts cut into it all over the top to cook the inside better. It could easily have used 5 min more in the oven, even though it took 15-20 min to get anyway. On top of that, the calzone wqs cut into strips for some reason making it impossible to eat without a fork, which the bartender didn't supply. I waited about 4 min to get her attention to ask for silverware and napkins before getting up and grabbing my own from another table. The marinara given on the side was straight out of the fridge too, so I had cold sauce to dip my cold calzone into. I took 1/2 of it home just so I could air fry the calzone and microwave the sauce to salvage part of the meal. It was mediocre at best after warming up.

Calzones were literally invented to have "pizza on the go" and this one was basically a "Pizza Scramble" that fell all over the place to the point that a spoon would have been the best utensil to use for it ...... even though you're not supposed to actually need utensils for calzones.

This is the 3rd chance I've given The Pines over the last few years as I live only a couple minutes away and drive by it 2 to 4 times a day. I've had basically the same experience every single time I've gone. We will definitely not be back to give it a 4th try,...

I think I found my new favorite place to eat! Starting up a new restaurant is a daunting task requiring many more hours in the day than one would think. These folks are handling it with grace in no small part to an amazing serve. Have you ever heard the saying, "Be like a duck." When you see a duck gliding across the water, looking all serene, you don't see they are paddling like crazy under the water. The place was busy, but she never missed a beat. We also got to meet one of the owners who came by to see how things were going. What a nice personal touch, something I have not experienced in a very long time. The menu has a lot to offer, and the prices are very reasonable considering the portion size. If you leave hungry, it is your own fault! I was in the mood for comfort food and enjoyed a hot beef sandwich. The meat was tender, and the potatoes had so much flavor. I am looking forward to trying the pizza on my next visit. All in all, a truly welcomed experience. Cedar Rapids, you have a new top-notch...