Leah & Louise — Restaurant in Charlotte

I want to start this review by saying I really wanted this place to be good. I sincerely wanted a small local owned operation to be as good as the review that Esquire magazine posted, but it's not. I mean so far from it, that I feel like I had to share what's going on. We do have two children and went on New Years Eve, so perhaps the god awful experience we had can somehow be relegated to it being a fixed menu, but even so, it was the most overpriced garbage I've ever eaten. From the start of the experience, there was anticipation and excitement. The ambience is good, just as advertised; a local juke joint with great atmosphere, subtle decor and in a setting like No Da, we were eager to enjoy our dining experience. Every course was rushed out as if it were a race to get us out the door, so much so, that courses were piled on top of each other before we were even two bites into the previous one. The fixed price menu was 85$ a person and for that you did get four courses and a couple cocktails, but for a place with 15$ average dinner entrees it seems a bit overpriced. Regardless we were willing to overlook that hadn't every single course been overcooked and/or cold. The appetizers were bland, the entrees cold, and the desserts burnt. One example was the cheddar doughnut with creme something or other, which in reality was a burnt hot dog bun with miracle whip. When we asked to buy some extra bread and/or biscuits for our children they said they couldn't allow it, and this was while we were being ushered out by a course race to get to the check. This place is a desperate attempt at something it's not; a pretentious high end dining experience. It was one of the worst dinners I've ever had and the manager never came over to even check when we voiced our concerns. Like I said, I really wanted this place to be good and for all the hipsters dreaming of epicurean delight, they might relish this for it's thoroughfare and atmosphere, but I sincerely think this place has a case of hubris since it's nationwide acclaim and is in danger of falling flat. If you want to spend 250$ on a dinner for two, while eating burnt bread, and being told you can't even purchase an extra biscuit for your kids, then this is your spot to try; that or the local dumpster outside Haberdish. Because, unlike Leah and Louise, Haberdish is literally a thousand times better and I will not be trusting Esquire for anything other than Idris Elba updates in the...

In response to their response.... This review is not JUST about the service fee! My major concern was the LACK OF SERVICE!

Review: The location is everything, but the experience was nothing fantastic. I really enjoyed the business park, very trendy and city like! This establishment is okay, nothing to rave about. As soon as we sat down, they gave us a 20% surcharge speech and said it was to help pay for employees' benefits, and you are specifically told that it is NOT A TIP. In my opinion, that should be incorporated into the prices of your product (and the company takes care of their own employees). Prices were overpriced for what you get, so that's probably why it can't be included. Drinks were okay, presented well, but took way too long to arrive at the table. We did like the glasswear and presentation. There were people that arrived after us who were served before us (clears throat). The cabbage for the appetizer was better than the chicken skins. It is tender with a pleasant buttery but sweet tasting sauce. The skins were the entire reason we went, and that dish was a complete letdown (under seasoned with a tasteless drizzle). The lamb pasta was okay, a little salty or over seasoned, greasy even, and there should have been more pasta to pair with the meat. The ratio was off. We skipped dessert because at this point, it just wasn't worth it. We were 15 minutes late to our reservation, but then waited 20 on drinks and to take order. We were told that the dinner needed to move quickly at the time of the surcharge speech (I'm okay with that because that was on us), but then they served drinks to the other tables before us, as we waited and that took time away from our mealtime. Then, at the end, they told us we would have to move to the bar to finish our meal, and we opted out of staying bc we were over it . Then, we had to box our own leftovers (that isn't the norm for a restaurant at this cost level and mandatory reservations). The service just wasn't there for me. If the reservation is running too far behind and compromises service, then turn down the reservation or charge a booking fee (if you can not afford to turn away service, it's that simple). Service should never be compromised under any circumstances!! Especially if there is a surcharge for it and you pay 80 bucks for 1 drink, a small appetizer, and a small meal. I was hungry when I got home, and we all...

My daughter and I were so excited to venture away from South Charlotte and support our neighbors at their establishment after we saw an article posted on our community webpage about their restaurant. When we arrived it was 4:30 and a young lady was cleaning up outside and we asked about reservations for when they opened at 5. A hostess came and spoke with us and said she could fit us in which was great. So we came back at 5 and the manager was greeting and asked our name. I told him we spoke with the young lady and she would fit us in. He told the young lady that she could not do that and he apologized for confusion and offered us a seat at the bar which we were fine with. I noticed our neighbor Greg and asked the bartender to get his attention. To which he told her to ask me what I needed. I thought this as odd but figured he would come around when he had a moment. We asked the bartender between the burger or chicken sandwich? To which she replied “one is beef and one is chicken so it’s what you’re in the mood for”. So no help there. Food came and I asked the bartender if Greg was going to come over or just ignore me ( He was drinking water and no food in the window ). She replied “well he asked what you needed and he doesn’t really deal with guests”. I was shocked that an owner working in FOH of a public service establishment refused to acknowledge his guests when all we wanted to do was say “hey, we live in your neighborhood and came to support”. I found it just plain rude and unprofessional. To the food, the overpriced burger was decent and flavorful. Personally not a fan of sweet pickles but the melty cheese was a good addition. The 5 seasoned chips on the side were good as well. The chicken on the chicken sandwich was super thin. Like it had been flattened. Not one time were we asked how was the food or if we needed anything. I had to ask for a refill on water and when she put the cup down she said “you’re welcome” before allowing me to say thank you. Overall a weird experience and not worth the drive to support our...