Our birthday party of 7 had a 6:30PM reservation on a Saturday evening and we finally had a place to sit by 7:07PM. The establishment was very crowded with patronage throughout the bar, dining and patio with many waiting guests. It appeared to be perhaps 5 or 6 servers, 1 host for dining area, 6 or 7 in the kitchen, and about 5 or more in the smaller bar area.
Drinks in the bar were flowing with quick contact by at least 2 or 3 servers asking if we wanted drinks while we stood in the bar area awaiting our table. Upon ordering drinks, they were presented quickly with bill immediately provided and cashed out quickly. It appeared that a significant amount of revenue was being made in the bar on these pricey drinks but they weren't skimping on the amount of alcohol as I think I burned all my body hair from my upper body region with just one sip of my sweethearts drink and my Goddaughters eyes seemed to indicate the same feeling in tasting her drink. Perhaps the alcohol was a way to help us deal with what was to come!
We finally gained seating and water was provided promptly by what appeared to be a back waiter whom only serves water and/or refills drinks. We requested straws but still didnt have them when the appetizers arrived but they did finally arrive with a second request. The headwaiter greeted us and took our appetizer and additional drink orders without any note taking. We ordered Cauliflower, Wings, & Hummus Dish and all was very tasty especially the wings that were superb. Water glasses not filled once during our appetizers.
We waited a bit with menus still in hand to finally get a chance to order entrees. Once we gathered our waiters attention we ordered quickly the Salmon Pizza, 2 Prosciutto and Burrat Pizzas, A Burger plate, Crab cakes with Brussel sprouts and a side of pasta and a BarBQ Chicken Pizza. Service was to say the least...Ssssllllooowww but again they were very busy and seemed to be short staff or improperly allocated staff as the bar staff seemed over proportioned compared to dining room.
Water glasses almost empty with no refills.
The entrees were delivered with what seemed to be an extended wait and delivered slightly warm but definitely not hot as if they had been prepared and sat for a while. Most of the pizzas were amazingly very good and my god-son-in-law seemed to have no complaints about his burger. The crab cakes were eaten but noted not to be amazing. The salmon pizza seemed over cooked but the waiter explained that it was simply the cooked spices on top; however, my God daughter's taste buds said burnt. The waiter kindly returned the pizza and provided a very quick replacement of a Margherita pizza which she loved. Cotton mouth had set in as water was no where to be found and we finally gathered the waiters attention again to have him get the back waiter to bring water which still took a few extra minutes to come and with no ice present. I was happy that no one choked during eating and wondered if perhaps the lack of hot food was connected to knowing no table would have anything cold to offset the heat.
As stated, the food was very good but the service was slow and even getting a final bill was a bit slow as the men grew tired of waiting and exited for inhalation therapy while the ladies awaited the bills to pay.
We received the bills and we immediately noticed that no tip was needed as the wait staff was compensated automatically for the snail like service offering.
In conclusion, It's a nice bar and restaurant with a nice staff, great pizza, great wings, good cauliflower, high octane bar drinks with a price to match but perhaps a Saturday evening isn't an ideal time to go if you have other plans for the evening.
Being in the hospitality & tourism business, I do understand the challenges that many service providers are facing with supply and demand but I honestly think that a little managing while walking around and realigning staff might make a difference.
We arrived at 6:31PM and exited at 9:10PM but the waitstaff received an automatic 20% included in...
Read moreI met a friend for Friday night dinner at 800 Degrees and happened into Bar One Lounge. It is located in Phillips plaza off facing Fairview Rd. There is plenty of free parking, but the shopping center also had complimentary valet.
We were greeted warmly by a waiter when we entered. The inside is very cozy and intimate. There are not many tables and booths, so we had reservations on the patio. It was a chilly and windy evening, but they had heaters on the patio to keep you warm. We didn’t have one directly at our table, but we sat in between two and were comfortable. The chairs are wicker or rattan and were very uncomfortable. They need chair cushions or something similar to soften them up. But the patios are well lit and create a beautiful ambiance for a date night, romantic dinner or girlfriends catch up.
The cocktail, wine and beer menu is a book. Literally. They have cocktails and mocktails so there is something for any palette. I tried the PYT… cute MJ reference for my 80s babies and lovers. It was very fruit forward and the lemon and strawberry flavors were very pronounced. It wasn’t for me, so I ordered a glass of wine. I wanted the Zinfandel blend, but the waiter generously brought me a second sample of another Zinfandel too. Both were delicious. The cocktails do not have prices listed on the menu which is odd since the wine and beer do. The PYT was $19 which I felt was average for a craft cocktail. It would be appreciated by patrons to know what the cost is or at least a price range prior to ordering especially since a portion of the menu has prices listed.
On to the food… we had the Bbq Chicken pizza. It was tasty, but we both felt it could have been left in the oven a little while longer to get that crispier pizza crust. This theme continued with the Honeycomb Lasagna. It appeared piping hot and was very steamy when it was brought to the table. But as we removed the individual pieces of pasta that were filled with bechamel sauce, it was warm. This dish could have also used some more time in the oven to ensure it was heated throughout. We paired the Lasagna with the Crispy Brussel Sprouts which were delicious.
We appreciated the large portions, attentive staff, and expansive menu, but I’d likely come back for the ambiance and drinks rather than the food. The other hidden gem is the Bar One Lounge which is just through a doorway. I knew it was there, but one of the bussers recommended we stop in. He said they “turn up” and he was surprisingly right. Check out...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of dining at 800 Degrees Carolina's, and it was an experience worth every moment and bite. From the moment we stepped in, the warm ambiance and inviting decor set the tone for a delightful evening. The modern yet cozy atmosphere perfectly blends sophistication and comfort, making it an ideal spot for any occasion.
The menu at 800 Degrees Carolina's is nothing short of impressive. It offers a diverse range of dishes that cater to various tastes and preferences, all showcasing the finest ingredients and culinary creativity. We started with the burrata, which was exquisitely creamy and paired perfectly with the fresh tomatoes and basil. The wood-fired pizzas are a must-try, with the Margherita being a standout—perfectly crispy crust with a rich tomato base and melted mozzarella that’s simply divine.
However, what truly elevated our dining experience was the phenomenal service provided by Olivia F. From the moment she greeted us, Olivia’s genuine warmth and professionalism shined through. She was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and provided excellent recommendations that made our meal even more enjoyable. Her attention to detail was impeccable; she anticipated our needs without being intrusive, and her friendly demeanor made us feel welcomed and valued throughout the evening.
One particular highlight was when Olivia noticed our interest in the pizza selection. She took the time to explain several dishes and wines and suggested a perfect pairing for our meal, which enhanced the flavors of our dishes remarkably. Her passion for great service and deep understanding of the restaurant’s offerings were evident and greatly appreciated.
Our evening was rounded off with a dessert that Olivia suggested—a warm skillet made chocolate chip cookie. It was a decadent and delightful end to our meal, leaving us thoroughly satisfied. Olivia’s exceptional service and the restaurant's fantastic food made for an unforgettable dining experience.
In summary, 800 Degrees Carolina's is a gem that stands out not only for its delicious cuisine but also for its outstanding service. Olivia F. played a significant role in making our visit memorable, and we look forward to returning soon. Highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy a top-notch dining experience with...
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