Magnolia Bistro & Lounge — Restaurant in Claremont

I can’t say enough positive about it this place, a true gem. I visited as a solo traveler in town for work. I loved it so much, I ended up visiting 3/3 nights of my trip, the last evening bringing a small group of colleagues! It’s truly the perfect mix of delicious food, atmosphere, and tremendous service.

First, the service: On my first night, the owners both came over and said hello to me at the bar and made me feel welcomed. As a solo visitor, I had plenty of time to observe and it quickly became clear that the owners had built a rapport and relationship with everyone who entered. I have spent the last year caretaking for an ill parent and, thus, haven’t been able to travel much. The way the owners went out of their way to ensure I had a positive experience brought me to tears. Thank you for creating such a beautiful, welcoming, kind space. This approach to service is equally embodied in the wait staff - my colleagues were equally impressed with the quality of service we received.

Secondly, the menu: Every bite was delicious. I had the charcuterie, Magnolia burger, and mushroom pasta. All were generous portions, crafted with care and quality ingredients. There were plenty of quality vegan and vegetarian options to meet my colleagues dietary needs. And the wine list is fantastic, with generous pours. There are also a few cocktail options - including an espresso martini!

Finally, the atmosphere: The live music was such a lovely addition to the experience. It was not too loud to interfere with conversation. The musical genre changed every night.

If you’re in the Claremont area - this is the place. A true gem and everything you would want from a night out. Thank you to the owners for such an...

Good food at the right price point in general. Taste and presentation was on point. The servers were fine. The only real issue is the ambiance. Seriously, what is with the decor? I get that they are trying to sell a few wares (already not a good idea), but why make it look like you’re visiting a great grandparent? At the very least be consistent and follow through. If you’re going for that now outdated rustic look, then go all the way. Right now it looks like someone converted a bad thrift store into a cafe, but decided to try and make a few bucks by peddling leftover merchandise. Basically, the opposite of all the restaurants in the village; i.e., pretty decent food without the pretentiousness. Only they’ve taken it to the point where it looks like there’s either a lack of self awareness or pride.

Update: went in after the renovation. 1) either they are seriously short staffed, or they need to train their servers. Food came whenever it came and in whatever order it could. We hardly got checked on—the drinks we ordered before the food came after the entree. 2) okay, so yeah, it looks like a restaurant now BUT TVs? Two full service bars with only one operating regularly? An unnecessary lounge area? What gives? Some solid advice: fire the operations manager, get rid of the TVs and the extra bar. Hire more staff and train them. Use the lounge space and the former bar area for more table tops. Give it three months and look at your bottom...

Our drinks took 25 mins to get to the table. I know I this because I texted my daughter right after we ordered and was like “wait have we really been waiting over 20 mins now.”

After we ordered, we watched people get sat, order, and receive their drinks while we waited. My friend ended up getting up to go to the bar and inquire about our drinks. The server then brought them over five minutes later on a tray and asked us to take our drinks from the tray.

No just no.

I worked in hospitality for 10 years and I have absolutely never seen someone (even at a hole in the wall dive bar), ask a customer to do that. Especially not for $16 Sangrias. Once we got our drinks the horrible service (or non service) continued. Our table was moved as they sat a large group next to us and the chair they put on the end was basically on top of my chair. My friend’s salad came almost 10 minutes before my meatballs, both of which took over 45 mins to arrive.

The server was like that lovely polite snide - believe me I know it. She called us “chicas,” several times. Please do not do I am a paying customer and we just met.

I wanted to leave after waiting that long for drinks. My friend asked to stay. We did. I paid $90 for a truly lackluster time.

I absolutely love to support local businesses but I would...