As someone who values great service and dines out frequently, I decided to treat my mother and sister to a nice steak dinner at Chocolate Avenue Grill on Mother’s Day, expecting a memorable experience. Unfortunately, what unfolded was anything but.

We were seated quickly, which was promising, but it took quite a while before a server greeted us. We ordered three drinks a Pepsi, a lemonade, and a raspberry spritzer. All three were undrinkable. The Pepsi was flat, the lemonade had an off-putting taste, and the spritzer simply wasn’t palatable. We’re not difficult guests by any means, but these drinks were genuinely bad.

Things started looking up with the appetizers. The bruschetta was excellent and the salads came out quickly. For our entrees, we ordered the Garlic Steak & Shrimp, the 8oz Filet Mignon, and the 16oz Ribeye all medium rare. Two of the steaks were cooked perfectly, but my mother’s filet came out rare.

We waited about 15 minutes for our server to return so we could simply ask to have her steak cooked just a little longer. She never came back. My mom, in the kindest tone, asked the bartender walking by if she could help — and she did. Meanwhile, we were still waiting on a water that had been requested over 20 minutes prior.

Eventually, our server brought the water — but unexpectedly rubbed my mother’s shoulder while handing it to her. That kind of physical interaction was uncomfortable and frankly, inappropriate.

As we were discussing this at our table, we noticed the bartender staring directly at us with an angry, almost hostile expression. She kept staring for about two minutes, then scoffed and shook her head in disapproval — completely uncalled for, especially on a day meant to honor moms. Her behavior was intrusive, unprofessional, and left us feeling unsettled.

To their credit, the food (once corrected) was good. But the service ruined what should have been a joyful celebration for the most important woman in my life. I don’t typically write reviews, but as someone who understands the importance of customer experience, I felt compelled to speak up.

To Chocolate Avenue Grill: You’ve got potential, but your team’s behavior today crossed the line. For the sake of future guests, I sincerely hope this is addressed.

Response to owner -

Thanks for your reply, but I want to be very clear your response completely misses the point and comes off more as an excuse than an actual acknowledgment of what happened.

First, just because no on else complained about the drinks doesn't mean ours weren't bad. That's a weak defense. We weren't asking for a taste test consensus we simply received flat and unpleasant drinks, and that's what we reported. Instead of dismissing our experience, you could've just owned that and said you'd look into it.

Second, I understand it was a busy day I acknowledged that in my original review. But being busy doesn't excuse slow, unprofessional service. It doesn't excuse a server disappearing for 15+ minutes, a 20-minute wait for water, or a bartender giving a guest a cold, angry stare for doing absolutely nothing wrong. And it definitely doesn't excuse a server rubbing a guests shoulder without consent which was extremely uncomfortable and inappropriate.

You mention that your staff is experienced and working hard, and I don't doubt that. But professionalism means nothing if guests are made to feel disrespected or uncomfortable and that's exactly what happened.

2nd response to owner

I’m shocked by the unprofessional tone of your reply. I left an honest review based on our experience and was met with sarcasm for not emailing privately even though this is a public review platform meant for exactly that: public feedback.

Instead of showing accountability or genuine concern, you chose to deflect and insult. That only reinforces the poor service we received on Mother’s Day.

To future guests: the food might be sub par, but if something goes wrong, don’t expect professionalism or respectful communication. Disappointing,...

• Yelling??? That is hysterical! There was no yelling. I have managed food service and that was an awful experience. Own it.

We chose this spot for lunch on a Saturday because we had our dog with us and the menu looked appealing. We arrived at 1:41 PM. The hostess couldn't decide where to seat us because the table she wanted us at was next to a table where the guests had 2 dogs. She then chose an uncleared table for us. We were seated. We didn't receive menus or flatware. The waiter gave us menus. We ordered sandwiches with side salads and we asked for the side salads first. And we waited. The waiter told us the printer jammed in the kitchen and caused a delay in our order. The salads came out, but still no flatware. We had to ask the server for utensils! Salads were ok. Then we waited and waited. I watched tables turn, patrons order, receive their food and finish! The waiter kept saying our food was on the way. I was patient. My daughter received her sandwich. The waiter said mine would be right out. She was finishing and my sandwich arrived. It was supposed to have honey mustard on it. They used regular mustard. Whatever. At this point, I was not happy. The waiter knew it and I expressed my dissatisfaction at the whole experience. I picked over my sandwich and began waiting for the check. He continued to serve other tables and ignore us. I walked inside and asked a staff member to get my check. Now I waited at the bar. Finally a gentleman at the end of the bar spoke to a man who must have been the manager and told him I needed assistance. He produced the check. I was appalled! The salads were additional money because we asked for them to be served first! What? The menu clearly stated an upcharge if you substituted a side salad. The manager comped the salads. I paid and left. I personally dislike posting negative reviews, but this scenario was awful! We left at 4:26 PM! NEARLY 2 HOURS FOR A POOR...

We live locally and have been wanting to try this place for a long time. They had a recent renovation and the place looked great from the outside.

Context: couple between 30-40 on a Saturday in June (12:00 pm) looking for craft cocktails and lite fare.

Ambience: B+

The renovation was an upgrade. Nice color choices for the bar (blue and brass) with a 270 degree bar. TVs are located behind the seats which is odd but I get it because they have full glass windows to the street allowing good amount of natural light, which I like. Classy bottle display behind bar with top shelf choices.

Drinks: C+

Average. Menu boasts craft cocktails that sound delicious. Ordered a cucumber gin drink that was pretty much an overpriced gin and tonic. Margarita came in a sangria glass and was a little too sweet. Love fresh squeezed OJ in my margarita but using orange flavored liquor, Cointreau and OJ can be overwhelming. These are more like $8/$9 cocktails not $12/$13. Not the worst drinks, but not good enough to order another round.

Service: A-

Everyone was very nice and welcoming. Staff smiling. Use of food expeditors was perfect to get food out quick. Bartender polite. Had to ask for waters which should always be brought out as soon as people sit down IMO ( I’m picky as a former bartender) but were filled promptly and repeatedly.

Food: C+

Greek salad was good but seemed to use bagged lettuce. Chicken was tender and dressing tasty. Not the best but certainly not the worst. Chicken salad sandwich was good as well. Again, ruffled chips probably from a lays bag so that kinda sucks. Charging $14 for a sandwich with a small side that’s not unique leaves more to be desired.

Bottom line: seems like an “upscale” diner with a bar and overpriced drinks. I’d give it 3.5 stars and I’d go back if they tweaked a couple things as the spot and the bar are...