IVY Kitchen + Cocktails

Edit:

After 2 years passed and receiving a message from the management team to give it another try, I did so tonight, 3/18/24, and I'm so glad I did. All of my prior concerns have been addressed completely. My server Erica offered me 3 options of water (spring, sparkling or tap) as soon as she greeted me and had the water to me in less than 5 minutes of my arrival. She gave me recommendations of entree options with great descriptions of the food. She and the bar staff were attentive and checked in with me often. The food was delicious, the cocktail was stiff (my preferred way!), and the service was really good. When the bill came, it stated that gratuity is included which was also verbally expressed to me by my server. I am sooooo happy to see the improvements they have made and update my review from 1 star to 5 stars to reflect that. I look forward to my next visit.

Old review: Despite reading the reviews and having a poor first experience, I decided to give this Black owned business another try. The very first time, it took over an hour to get a glass of water, even longer for our food (a burger with fries, and chicken wings), and our bill for a party of 2 was charged gratuity without being informed. We paid the amount and added gratuity on top of the bill that already had gratuity included. The owner, who collected our bill after our incredibly inattentive server disappeared and never returned informed us that gratuity was included and returned our cash tip to us. I appreciated her honesty and her openness to feedback, which she asked for, and said we would come back again. I did so alone months later tonight. I came in, was seated quickly as there were plenty of tables, and was attended to by the bartender, who was also the host who greeted and seated me, made and delivered my drink, and served me my food. The drink was good, and while I thought the plate was quite light for a $26 plate compared to what's on Instagram (see the attached pic), it was decent (the broccoli was a bit overcooked and under seasoned), and I finished my entire plate. I received my bill, and didn't think to check if gratuity had already been added, and added another 15% on top, spending $53 for what you see pictured below. It wasn't until I got home that I realized the gratuity had to be added on before I tipped because with tax, my bill should've been a little over $40. I called the restaurant and spoke with someone who claimed he couldn't find my bill, but said that the bill said on the bottom that gratuity was included, and then put me on hold. He came back and said he needed to put me back on hold again, and then hung up on me. I immediately called back 3 times in a row and each time, my calls were forwarded to a voice mailbox. I left a message requesting that I be contacted and will be contacting the Better Business Bureau. At this point, I have not received a return call. I will not be returning to this place and will strongly discourage it for anyone who asks.