Parker's on Ponce — Restaurant in Decatur

This was not the experience I expected from a 'fine dining steakhouse. It appears I was duped out of a couple of hundred dollars for subpar service. I show up for my dinner reservation and immediately upon arrival I could tell this is not fine dining. I was told to 'relax' multiple times when I was making a request for sides or drinks - ummm, I came here for food, unless you are a mind reader, I believe I need to TELL you what I want. The table wobbled all evening, I fought off flies and struggled to keep my glass stable. The steak was not cooked properly and had to be sent back. Meanwhile, my food waits but it's cold (it didn't come out hot) since it wasn't prepared properly. I ate two bites of the salty greens and lackluster crab cakes - I couldn't believe how terrible the food was. I drank mineral water and sparkling water in hope of cleansing my palate to try again - nope, still nasty. My partner sees my discomfort and asks if there are any other chair options - "No, I don't know about other chairs." Um, ok. I ask for a to-go box to pack up the food as someone at home might enjoy it - 10 minutes later the box arrived. We attempt to rush through dinner to get to dessert but once again, here is the waiter who attempted to dictate my evening AGAIN telling me, "Slow down, it's not even your birthday!" Already uncomfortable and agitated I tell him directly (politely, never rude), that my point is to hurry so we can leave. He lays down the dessert menu and says with his hands up, "We don't have the bread pudding so don't order that." Of course, that's what my birthday guy wanted...Another failure. Do you not prep enough for the guests?? I'm unsure if you were having an event tonight but there was a lot of traffic - which is now confusing to me, lol but I digress. I then ask if he can bring the check and pack up the cheesecake vs bringing it to the table. Now, it takes about 10 minutes for the check to arrive. I immediately give it back with the card, as I am READY TO GO. He takes my card and comes back with it but serves another table before leaving the bill holder on the table - is this done to make me suffer longer as I have clearly explained I am in a hurry to leave. Or is it that you saw I was unhappy, assumed I wouldn't tip, and decided to serve us was no longer worth it? I tipped you the standard 15 percent anyway. I've never had a waiter/server see that there was displeasure and not offer an apology or ask how they can help. Smh, I am so sad this is how this bday night turned out. This was not what I read about in reviews... I guess the pricing is for the area, not the ambiance and/or food. I will not be back. Just had to get this out in real-time. Smh, I didn't even take pictures...but I did have a reservation and I do have a receipt to prove we were...

Thank you Parkers for allowing me to enjoy the best steak of my life at your wonderful establishment. My visit to your steakhouse was everything I expected. It exceeded my every foodie desire in every imaginable way. I sat at the bar where I was greeted by Wendy and Andrea. Wendy took the helm and was my main server. Andrea was super efficient and attentive as well. I started off with the bacon wrapped dates which I did not like due to the dryness of the bacon. My initial bite into this app was not bad. I just wanted the bacon to be a bit less cooked. They gladly took it back and I ordered the calamari. It was fried and came with a sweet onion aioli. It was delicious in every way. I ordered the 1821 Smash which was a well crafted whiskey cocktail with black tea and vanilla bitters. Winner! But we know what we come here for. It needs no introduction so I have no idea why I am giving it one--STEAK!! Ribeyes, Cowboy ribeyes, filet mignon, Kansas City Strip. Also, grilled lamb chop, Faroe Island salmon,  shrimp and grits, Springer Mountain chicken, and rack of lamb grace the pages of the menu but steak is obviously the featured show. I went with 14 oz USDA prime grade ribeye. I thought this would be a bit small for me but it turned out to be the perfect size since I was going from appetizer to dessert. For sides I got the spinach and mashed potatoes. So now I'm waiting for my dinner, nibbling on my hot fresh bread and taking in the sounds of Kenny the gifted pianist serenading the patrons with Mr. Bojangles. Wow he was a wizard on those keys! He's a regular here so come check him out. When my steak arrived, I was asked to cut into it to ensure doneness. They waited until I made the cut. No tastingvthen waiting to flag down a server to correct the temp. But this was perfect. The cut revealed slight pink fading under a soft brown grey hue. Yes! Every bite was tender, beefy, juicy. Just a perfectly crafted steak. This was a bucket list steak for me. I'm just checking it off and moving on. I ate the best steak of my life to close out 2019! To end the decade. For dessert I had pecan pie with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. The treats just kept getting better and better!! I'm full but not stuffed at all. I paced myself and enjoyed my meal. The Andes Mints at the host stand were the perfect nitecap. Wendy, Andrea, Selena, Ana, and Kenny. You all  worked together in making this a perfect visit to POP. I'm as already eyeing the bone in Kansas City strip and bacon collards for my...

My missus and I visited Parker's for the first time tonight. It was planned as a nice treat to start a long weekend. I wrestled with giving either 3 or 4 stars because it felt like 3 1/2. Read on to see why.

I'll talk about the highlights first, because there were plenty!

First, my missus had called several days ago to check on some ingredients for dietary reasons. We dine out often and like to be considerate of our hosts. Both the staff member on the phone and our server this evening hit the mark beautifully!

Second, the art and ambiance were both excellent, with beautiful music and professionally dressed staff members.

Third, the food and drink were outstanding. My partner's steak was perfectly cooked and my trout was delicious! Service was very nice and not stuffy, but there was one weird moment. More on that later.

Which brings me to the two lowlights...

First (and I fully realize this will make me sound older than I am), it is a large pet peeve of mine when hosts/servers use the blanket term 'guys'. This is not a political or social commentary, just a statement about the level of service you should receive at an establishment of this price point. Folks, friends, guests, ANYTHING but 'guys'. It's lazy and shows detachment.

But enough of that...

The real weirdness happened when my better half was served her steak. The server produced a pen-sized flashlight, much like a crime scene investigator's, pointed it towards the steak, and asked if she would cut into the middle to check and see if it was properly done.

NO. NO. NO.

With the knowledge that our server did not institute this policy and without blaming her in any way, I cannot conceive of a more tacky way to treat your guests. A $40+ cut of beef should be prepared by a chef who knows what they're doing. If you're skittish, use a digital thermometer and stand behind your work.

If the ownership and/or management staff don't have the proper personnel in place to make this happen AT A CHOPHOUSE, then shame on them. Forcing your staff to play circus games at tableside is REPREHENSIBLE.

FULL STOP.

With all that being said, we're definitely returning. It's in our neighborhood, the food is great, and the staff is friendly. Hopefully, someone who has the power to change certain procedures will read this...