Ditmas Kitchen and Cocktail — Restaurant in Florida

From working in the food industry since I was 15 this has got to me the worst service I have EVER experienced. Came in on Sunday June 2nd during dinner time with a group of 13 of my friends. Mind you the restaurant wasn’t busy one bit so we instantly had a table for us. After we all finished our meals we kindly asked for the checks. This is when the service went downhill. We requested that our checks would broken up individually because unfortunately we are college students who can’t afford to pay for all of our friends. The server was in shock and insisted that we have only one check. I then told him no sir I would appreciate it if you separate the checks individually so we all pay for our own meals. Then he proceeds to me that’s not possible and he can at least break it up into 3 groups and each group pays for the check. I then told him that if you can break it up into 3 group checks then I’m sure you can break it up so everyone can pay for themselves. Not to mention I told that I can’t afford to pay for 13 of my friends alone. He then rudely told me that’s not possible and that he doesn’t know how to do that. (Mind you we are going back in forth in the restaurant as I’m sitting down having this argument). I then don’t him if you’re worried about the tip we will still tip you 20% each so he will still make a good tip off of our table. Then he said he doesn’t care about the tip and that we have to wait longer to get our checks because we asked to split it. It got to the point where we had to stop enjoying our self’s and the meal to then walk over to his computer so watch him BREAK UP the checks individually and have us pay WHILE 13 of us are in a SINGLE FILE LINE!!! After 10 of us paid we walked outside to let the workers have space to work. One of my friends comes outside and tells us that the server told him that “no one tipped” making him tip over 100% which was COMPLETELY WRONG! We walked back inside and called him out and he then changed his words to “no I said some not tipped not no one” which again was WRONG because we all tipped him even after his DISRESPECT ATTITUDE towards us!! We even had to look through the receipts to make sure everyone tipped which they DID!!! And then he said to us it’s okay because “if they’re no tip on the receipt I will go back and charge 20% tip”!!! It’s funny because he said two seconds ago he doesn’t care about the tip but now he does?!? OHHH On top of that we spoke to the owner but he doesn’t seem bothered as he directed us back to our server…

If you want a burger for the cost of $30 and up with terrible service...

Let me start by saying I have visited Ditmas LA and Ditmas Boca. My understanding is that chef Alex Reznik of Top Chef and pea puree fame is the mastermind behind both eateries.

Only thing is: there is a real difference in quality at the Boca location from the Los Angeles location. I don't think I'd be far off and wrong if I said that I get the impression that Reznik is involved perhaps superficially, because clearly the food at Ditmas doesn't compare to the incredible meal I had at LA.

Let's talk about options. Burgers (which are fine, nothing to call home about), fries (admittedly fairly good), and mostly flavorless tacos. Really? Why so simple? I remember having these incredible lamb ribs in LA. But Ditmas Boca is nothing more than a burger joint and perhaps a steakhouse, but at that, it's just meh. It is not a step up from other kosher burger joints and steakhouses. Knowing Reznik, I guess I expect more. I mean, he is brilliant. I tasted that brilliance in Los Angeles. I expected that brilliance as I flew down and drove 50 miles out of the way--and Ditmas didn't deliver.

Let's talk about dessert. I had the best brownie of my life when I ordered from LA. So I ordered a brownie again at Boca. What came out was nothing more than a glorified chocolate cake. It was certainly good, but it was no brownie. It didn't look like one, it didn't taste like one, and it most certainly was not Reznik's brownie.

I don't know where Reznik lives but it is pretty evident that he isn't involved enough in making his Boca location a true gem in the culinary space. I expected more and got standard. I just hope he does more than directs sous chefs from another coast. Some of us know what he's capable of and...

The Host, who was a young blonde guy was very friendly, had a nice smile and great attitude. Sorry, didn't catch his name but, was very welcoming and sweet. The next time I go, I need to ask him his name because he started the Great Dining Experience. My brother was visiting from NY and, it was my mother's birthday. The Food and Service were both excellent. We reserved a table outside, Reservations are a must. Both my mother and brother had the Ribs, which were amazing. The meat fell right off the bone and I had the brisket sliders which were delicious. I highly recommend this place to everyone. The Service was A+ and the Food was amazing. Don't miss out on getting to this restaurant. Don't forget to make Reservations too. Friendly, polite and inviting place. Ironically, the 3 of us returned the evening my brother was flying back to NY. The Host and waiter remembered us. This time we all had Build Your Own Burgers which were Out of This World and , we also shared the Chicken Poppers which were marinated in a Sweet Sauce, which I Highly Recommend. They were so good. Once again, the Service was A+ from Beginning to End. I had a Burger with mushrooms and onions, grilled, on top of the Burger and my brother had the Burger with Brisket. Everything was great. This Restaurant is One which is a Must Go. The Wait Staff was great and the Food was Excellent. I'm just sorry I didn't catch the Blonde Hosts Name and Our Waiters Name. Hopefully, the Host will email me his name for next time. All-in-All, You must get there to eat. Highly Recommend this...