Ellyn's Tap & Grill — Restaurant in Glen Ellyn

Ate here last night after finding waits of up to two hours at some of our favorite haunts. I grew up in the restaurant business and make my living in food service. Staffing is an issue today, yet not an excuse for poor service. Had to “bus” our own table, could have eaten more, or consumed more beverages, if the server actually came by our table. We tried to get their attention, yet most times we were ignored. Decent food that was somewhat competitive, yet the experience was not. Also, 1 small red wine at a bar and grill priced at $12? Really?

When visiting the washroom, I figured out why service was so scarce. The Waitstaff was surfing their smart phones at the bar. Ugh.

Fellow guests wanted to reflect an appropriate tip to send a message. Having been on the service side, I couldn’t go there, yet it was as the first time I’ve tipped under 20% in a year. The industry needs staff, so I usually feel it is appropriate to tip accordingly.

Much of this boils down to training. I fault management, because the bodies were on site, just not directed to provide service.

Final straw was getting someone to bring us a check. Seemed like an inconvenience.

Eat here at your own risk. It was not a positive experience for us. In fact, we fantasized about heading to Pete’s market, buying off of the food bar, and eating on the sidewalk in the cold. It might have been more fun.

I hope ownership sees this and makes the appropriate adjustments. We’ve had better at Ellyn’s, and certainly elsewhere...

The food was okay, similar to a Fridays or Chili’s quality just gets your full. Good beer menu! Unfortunately the servers are not very nice. There is a little alcove table by the bathroom where all the servers hang before the rush and keep their drinks. I noticed the first time I went to the bathroom bc they were all chatting so you kinda had to bob and weave to get to the restrooms. I said excuse me a couple times but no one really moved which wasn’t a big deal I was able to get around and they were all chatting. I’m quiet, walk quick, and I’m sure they didn’t hear me. The second time I went to the restroom there was a gal standing in the middle of the hallway to the bathroom in the server chat circle. I said excuse me and she didn’t move, luckily I’m thin and was able to slide by her by turning sideways. I didn’t think much of it until I heard one server said “dude” (I’m assuming bc she didn’t move) and then the gal then started to talk trash about customers. I turned around and said I can hear you, and went about my business to the bathroom. I honestly don’t think it was directed at me, just customers in general but it left a bad impression. Talk your trash in the kitchen, not on the floor in front...

On Saturday I went to this location with my husband after a friend recommended this place. We were going with high expectations but what we got was something different. I don't know if this lady was really a manager or if she was just a rude employee there but the whole time she made us feel very uncomfortable. She was rude and disrespectful and lack of professionalism. Then we noticed a family being seated next to us in the back and this same person started screaming and talking down to them over 2 small children eating outside food. I understand restaurants may prohibit this but there is a way to talk to people. She was very hostile and seem to have anger issues. She just as rude to them as she was to us. This so called manager is the reason why I would never come here nor recommended to anyone. The food may have been good but the overall experience was awful. If this person who claims to be the manager continues to be hostile and unprofessional, no one will want to come to this...