California Pizza Kitchen at Polaris — Restaurant in Columbus

The ladies annual shopping trip at Polaris took place yesterday and I finally was able to attend. After fighting crowds, lines, and vague sale rules, we stopped for a snack. We chose California Pizza kitchen and decided to have one drink and some nachos. We were enjoying ourselves so the delayed service slid; I just moved back after 10 years away in another state so we had a lot to chat about! Upon telling the server we were headed back out to the stores, she asked how we wanted the check. My friend said one check, the server handed it to her, and I instantly protested and asked how much I owed my friend. She refused to let me pay and handed the book back to the server with her card. The girl disappeared for a bit and returned the book. My friend took her card, tipped her, and she left while I waited for our other friend to use the restroom. We proceeded to walk out and the server ran after us asking why there was only a $5 bill in the book. I reminded her my friend paid with a card that she had taken and set back in front of us. I called my friend and had her check her account, and sure enough, the server forgot to run the card. She returned, happy to pay. However, while we waited the manager told us we were wrong and we must never have given a card. I assured her I watched the entire exchange. My friend was a bit irritated with the accusation and asked the manager to please be sure it was actually cared for this time so we could be on our way. On her way to the register, the manager was quick to accuse us of trying to walk out; which astounded all 3 of us! Here we are, cooperating and fighting over what card to use to ensure it was paid and she has the audacity to accuse of us dining and dashing! After the manager returned, I advised her she handled her customers very poorly and as a previous restaurant manager myself, I felt she was unprofessional. She scoffed and told us to go have another cocktail as we walked out! I turned around and said excuse me?! She had walked off so I asked the young host what her name was and he refused to answer! I said, she's a manager, her name isn't off limits! I did find her and advise I'd be posting a poor review based on her behavior. Her response proved she was completely unconcerned by this or the damaged image she provided of the restaurant. Needless to say, my business will go elsewhere after...

This weekend I visited the California Pizza Kitchen at Polaris and took note of their accessibility features. The restaurant is located inside the mall, right near an entrance/exit on the first floor. I first noticed that there were handicap parking spots right outside the mall entrance, and the sidewalk leading up to the entrance had a large curb ramp for wheelchair accessibility. The entrance had automatic doors with motion detectors, which could make it more accessible to those who may have difficulty opening the door on their own. When walking up to the restaurant itself, I noticed that the big front doors were wide open, leading to an open-concept floor plan which could also create a more accessible environment for those who may need help opening the door or are in a wheelchair. The booths were low to the ground and large in size, which could provide more accessibility to those with physical disabilities. It could also serve as space for a guide dog to sit near the table for an individual who is visually impaired or blind. There was natural light and dim lighting, as well as a muted color palette throughout the restaurant, which could provide accessibility to those with sensory disabilities. Additionally, exits were clearly labeled and the menus were paper, not on your phone. I was also impressed with the customer service received at the restaurant. A staff member noticed that one of our pizzas came out smaller than the other, so they made us a fresh one for no charge. The server was very attentive to our table and knowledgable on the menu, which could help those with intellectual disabilities when ordering. There was music playing, televisions on, and guests conversing, which could be overstimulating for individuals with sensory disabilities. Overall, I would say this location was accessible for the most part, more for those with physical...

Dear reader, whomever you may be, however your life circumstances have led up to you reading this Google review, I want you to know that California Pizza Kitchen at Polaris has exactly what you're looking for in a restaurant and much, much more. A few words to summarize my guest experience: exemplary, superb, sublime, delightful, and life-altering.

I'm not simply talking about the food, although the immaculate design of The Original BBQ Chicken Pizza is enough to make your head spin upon a first bite, I'm also talking about the single factor that will make or break a restaurant experience for any guest: the service. My friends, California Pizza Kitchen at Polaris has the hardest working team of motivated servers that I have encountered in recent memory. First of all, I would like to highlight the hosting abilities of Jack, who found me a table in no time flat, and did so with a smile and an undeniable poise. Jack felt like more than a host, but my personal tour guide into the world of gourmet pizza, a world I found mysterious and exciting. Next, let's talk about Patrick, a server who upheld a level of professionalism in his duties that was never at odds with his warm and friendly disposition. Patrick instantly put me at ease every time he would visit my table, whether he was filling my water or recommending an item off the desert menu.

I am not a spiritual man, but I believe that the perimeters of this fine establishment may indeed qualify as holy ground, its very presence a gift to the surrounding shopping mall. From God? That I do not know. But I do know that I said a small prayer of gratitude as I exited the mall this day.

Thank you California...