Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews — Restaurant in Durham

I've been a loyal customer of Red Robin for over 10 years, and I’ve never felt the need to write a complaint—until now. Unfortunately, my recent dine-in experience was one of the worst I’ve ever had, not just at Red Robin, but anywhere.

First, I was seated in a noticeably poor section of the restaurant. This has become a recurring issue at this location—staff consistently try to seat guests in uncomfortable or undesirable areas unless you push back or ask to be moved. I didn’t speak up this time because I was with others and didn’t want to cause a scene, but it was frustrating.

The real issue, however, was the waitress who served us—likely mid-20s to 30s, with a ponytail working the bar section. Her attitude and service were incredibly disappointing. She was detached, impersonal, and borderline rude. She didn’t even bring out our food—a manager had to do that. When I requested an extra side, she got it wrong. She barely checked in on us, and at one point, I overheard her venting about personal issues with coworkers. That kind of conversation should happen behind closed doors, not within earshot of guests trying to enjoy a meal.

As someone who comes to restaurants to relax and momentarily escape personal stress, hearing staff loudly complain and seeing a lack of professionalism was honestly uncomfortable and disappointing. It felt more like a disorganized break room than a dining area.

The food was fine—standard Red Robin quality—and the manager who stepped in was respectful and professional. But the service from this specific server was the worst I’ve experienced at any Red Robin location. Her demeanor—cold, dismissive, and unprofessional—ruined what should’ve been a pleasant visit.

I say all this as someone who has supported this chain for over a decade. I hope you take this seriously. I won't be...

If you are looking for a group of uncaring servers and terrible managers who could care less if you die, you came to the right place. Manager's direct quote "come back and let me know if you have to go to the emergency room".

I came to this restaurant because they advertise being sensitive to food allergies. After making it plain to the waiter that I was allergic to gluten and needed to have the special fries, they sent out the regular fries (I've been there enough to know the ones from the gluten free frier come out differently). After asking, I was assured they were gluten free. When I asked for a refill order (not from our waiter), they came out gluten free for real this time. I questioned the waiter, he said I was given the wrong fries and got his manager. Said manager came to the table and rudely informed me that my current fries were gluten free and I would be fine. After calmly explaining my concern (that I've already eaten ones which I was allergic to at this point) he said "well, I can't answer to something I didn't see" and left. In tears, I went to the other manager on duty, after listening to my story he responded "well, if it's a problem you would be having a reaction right now right? Come back and let me know if you have to go to the emergency room".

I'm completely in shock that anyone can have so little concern for the health of their patrons. Their food did in fact make me incredibly sick, but for the last time I assure you. What if I had been a young child who doesn't know the difference? Or an adult with a severe allergy? Beyond terrible service, these are...

Cleanliness - 4/5. Our table was sticky as were the condiment bottles on our table (salt, seasoning, ketchup, etc). Other than that, the bathroom looked like it was lacking attention since one of the two soap dispensers available were broken and empty. Service - 5/5. Waitress constantly checked on us to see if we needed refills on drinks or french fries and to ask if our food was okay. She was very attentive. Quality - 3/5. Quality was 'okay'. I say that because the beef patty on my "Mad Love" burger was almost paper thin. I guess the cost of beef is cut with a greater introduction of toppings like the gross amount of lettuce and onions that came on my sandwich. Might as well have ordered a veggie burger because I didn't taste the beef patty at all. Price - 3/5. I can't justify an extra $1.49 for the bottomless Garlic Herb steak fries only because they come out with garlic powder, 1 - 2 grated parmesan flakes and a light dusting of dried out "green stuff" they called herbs. They taste bland. Better off saving the $1.50 and just sprinkling the free seasoning salt already stationed on the tables, onto the plain fries. My "Mad Love" burger, with water, garlic fries and a fried egg ontop brought my total to $18. Way too much for an...