Serafini - Frankfort — Restaurant in Frankfort

Serafini's has always been known to be a little bit more of an upscale (mainly Italian) restaurant (for Frankfort). We were asked if we had a reservation (as they always ask that when you come in), and we told them that we did not. The hostess said okay and looked at the seating chart and placed us in a booth. The server came out and introduced herself (Heather) and asked what we would like to drink? We gave her our drink order, she left and came back rather quickly with our drinks. We planned on ordering an appetizer, but she said that she'd be right back. The booth behind me had gotten sat in the meantime we were waiting for her to come back. She went and got their drink orders, and then we waited some more, and then some more. I don't know if they were understaffed or if our server just forgot about us. They didn't seem to be very busy at all because there were a lot of open booths and tables around the restaurant. Then, we still waited some more for her to come back. She finally came back around to the side we were on and took the order for the table behind me. We figured she would come on down to our table and get our order as well. However, she did not and went on over to the computer to put their order in. At that time, we were done waiting and feeling like we weren't as important as everyone else. So, as she is putting in their order on the computer, we got up and I left a $10 on the table for the drinks (2 soft drinks & a water) and took our menus back to the hostess and thanked her but service was taking too long. After we walked out, and was almost across the street, a gentleman (don't know if it was a manager or who he was) came out the door and said that he would take care of us, if we came back. I explained that our server did get our drinks quickly but then made it feel like we had been put on the back burner. That we had waited patiently long enough, and that is not how a business should be conducted or ran. I did thank him for the gesture, but there was no saving the situation anymore at that point. I've only eaten here 1 time before, and the food was good as well as the service. Don't know if the food is still good (as we didn't make it that far), but the service was Definitely not (at least...

This little corner restaurant is a nook of ambiance that brings to mind the classic tune, "Cocktails for Two." Secluded rendezvous? Indeed, with cozy seating only visible to a few other tables and a bar in the back small enough to prevent overly-lively libation enjoyment. Overlooking the avenue? Pretty close, being situated directly across from the old state capitol and just one wall apart from the charming and lively St. Claire Street, with al-fresca seating and live music whose strains waft through downtown Frankfort on an early autumn evening. The delightful chat is up to you, but the cocktails - whether wine, bourbon (impressive selection, of course - we are in Kentucky!) or beer - are curated to please many palates and pair perfectly with the menu, which I like to call "Kentuck-Italian." We celebrated our anniversary here, with the most hospitable Carlos providing our every need throughout our stay, which was clearly encouraged to be relaxed and unhurried. Perfectly dimmed lighting, wonderful classic light jazz music, and such a lovely atmosphere! We shared the Meatball appetizer (flavorful... a little light on the sauce) and the Ice Blue Wedge Salad (perfectly delicious, and plenty for two!) Bread - warm, soft, and delightful - came next, but not too soon. Again, relaxation and staggered timing are key. For his entree, Hubs chose the Chicken Parmesan, which featured a generous breast of chicken and enough spaghetti to feed a family of four. You can choose from three pastas, but somehow that got missed, so spagheti it was. No fault... just happened that way. I selected the Cognac Tenderloin with nice whipped mashed potaoes and literally three aparagus spears. Nicely plated, cooked to temperature, and tasty, though I couldn't quite distinguish the sauce as it was also very light. Still, very good. Then, Carlos presented us with a lovely Tiramisu - complementary, for the occasion - so of course we dug in and enjoyed every bite! Though our bellies were full, the timing between service of each course allowed us to savor everything without feeling miserably stuffed. Overall, we had a very nice evening here, and we will certainly be back to try the Fried Green Tomatoes, Bourbon Country Burger...

My wife and I spent last weekend in Frankfort to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We stayed at The Ashbrook Hotel (which is AMAZING btw!) and Serafini was within walking distance and looked like a great place. We could not have been more wrong!! Our experience at Serafini was nothing short of AWEFUL!! I cannot remember the last time I left a negative review for any place, I always try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt but in this instance, I had to share our experience so others do not make the same mistake we made. I had made reservations for 6:45pm on a Fri. When we arrived, we were seated right away and there were other open tables and NO one waiting to be seated. However, after sitting at our table for over 15 mins, I had to get the hostess to find our server. She did come over right away and was cordial but you could also tell she was most likely working a lot of tables. She shared with us that she was "also working tables on the patio" and that they were "..very busy tonight". Again, the last comment made no since as there were plenty of open tables. We finally received our first drinks after being at the restaurant for about 30 mins. Our appetizer came about another 15 mins. later. We had the bruschetta and it was just "ok" at best. Was a bit "soggy" and tasted like it had been sitting for awhile. After the app, and a drink, and being at the table for well over 90 mins. (server checked on us maybe once) and still no dinner in site, we left money on the table to cover what we ate/drank (and extra for the server) and we walked out. Such a horrible experience for our anniversary dinner. Usually if we have a bad experience at a restaurant, we will give them a second chance but not in this case. We will certainly never be back and I would not recommend this place to anyone. What makes it worse, is it is a very cool location, a great building with great ambiance, but the food and service...