2nd Ward Sanctuary — Restaurant in Ellwood City

I tried to give them a chance by sending an email to them to describe the experience my husband and I had here in Friday Oct 27, 2023 but I have yet to receive a response so here is my review.

My husband and I walked in around 7:15PM on 10/27/23. The waitress at the top seating area greeted us right away but instead of seating us she continued to do whatever it was that she was doing. After about 5 minutes the bartender came over and attempted to seat us but the waitress had decided she could seat us then. We sat up top in a booth. Waitress gave us menus and told us about the fall drink specials and the weekly specials then she left, did not take out drink order. About 5 minutes went by and she came back and took our drink order, we were not yet ready to order so we asked for a minute. After about 10 minutes she finally returned with our drinks and asked to take our order. I said can we please start with the cheese curb sampler and then ordered my meal, the pesto pasta with a side salad. My husband ordered the chicken marsala and rice pilaf. About 10 minutes after she took our order a family of 3 was sat at the table across from us. A different waitress came and took their drink order and appetizer order. She then came back and brought their drinks....probably about 3 minutes or so. At this point we still only had our drinks. A few minutes later the family of 3 had their salads and appetizer. We still had nothing and the waitress had walked past my husband's empty drink at least twice at this point. Another 5 minutes and here comes our waitress with ALL of our food, the appetizer, my salad and our meals. It took everything in me to not get up and leave right then....I chose instead to send an email to voice my frustration in hopes to eventually get some kind of response like the waitress is new or something. Anyhow, besides getting all of our food at once....as soon as I put my fork into my pasta to stir it, it steamed like it had been put into the microwave and the dish that my husband's rice pilaf was in was scorching hot, also an indication that his meal was microwaved as well. By this time both of our drinks were empty and the waitress just continued to walk past us like we weren't there. Eventually the bartender had come up to bring beer to another table and when he saw our empty glasses, he asked if it was water, we both said no and stated what our drinks were, he then went and got us refills and came back within a few minutes and set them at our table, it was only then that the waitress came over and asked if we needed anything. My husband just said boxes and the check and we left. The most frustrating and disappointing part is paying an almost $100 tab for really good food that came with really terrible service. I can't say we won't ever be back again but it will be awhile before we return. Being residents of Ellwood City, we like to eat at local establishments but I could have went to Jimmy Ks in New Brighton, spent less and not only got great food but exceptional...

I have mixed feelings. Came here opening night and had a good meal. Came back 3 weeks later with my mother and sister. Had the bison burger, it was ok. Didn't thrill me but wasn't bad. The issue was that my mother's food didn't come till after my sister and I had eaten. We were going to wait but after a bit she told us to go ahead. We shared our food with her. Her food came and she had some but wanted to go home a bit upset. We had asked the waitress several times to check on it. Tried to eat there tonight with my son. Came in from downstairs, stood around till the bartender told us to sit where we wanted so sat on front dining room, and sat and sat. After 10 minutes of waiting without anyone acknowledging our presence decided to leave. Waitresses had been in the dining area several times just ignored us. Heard the guy at the table next to us complain when he got his bill they had never brought the Cole slaw he ordered. Instead of taking it off the bill and sending one home with him she said they would get it to him to go. Poor customer service.

I don't want this place to fail but I probably won't be back for 6 months. Hopefully they will get...

The wife and I haven't tried here yet so we made a reservation for 4 and invited some friends to join us.

Upon entering it is a nice environment to sit down and have dinner in. The dining area isn't loud and overall feel is comfortable.

Service could be a lot better, it took a while for the server to acknowledge that drinks were needed or our friends had even turned up. I'm not sure if it was understaffed in the dining area or just servers lack of awareness RE customers. A lot of beers on the menu also were not on tap as shown.

The two starters came out, immediately followed by 3 main courses. Table was crowded, we were not ready for the main courses, the timing was all wrong. One main then came out 5 minutes later than the other three.

The food was not bad, loved the Shrimp starter, ravioli was good. Friends also enjoyed their Burger and Chicken Salad.

Overall middle of the pack but don't be mistaken if the service in here was more attentive and aware of customers, this...