Candelari's Italiano — Restaurant in Houston

I am sad and disappointed with the service received. My husband and I met up for dinner before I had to go to work in the evening, and only had an hour and a half. It was extremely noisy inside, with a band that could barely be heard over all the patrons talking. Maybe it's just too small of an establishment for a live band during family hours??? But that's not the real issue. We asked to be seated outside, and were told by the hostess we could move "only if there was a table available". Looking outside, there were only two couples seated, so that response seemed odd. Next, a gentleman who I think was the manager came to the table and said, "There's a 40% chance of rain; it's in the forecast and on the radar. It's definitely coming. If I move you outside and it starts raining, I won't be able to bring you back in". Hmmmm, ok, well, no problem. I said, "we only have a little over an hour, so if it rains we will just take our food to go at that point." He was still insisting that moving was a bad idea and said the rain would definitely be here within the hour. We opted to take our chances. Ten or so minutes later, we were finally escorted outside and seated at a table. Now there was only one other couple outside with us. Another 15 minutes passes and another couple is seated outside. Within less than 3 minutes of them sitting down they are approached by a waiter and asked if he could get them anything. Then this same waiter checks in on the table beside us to see if they need anything additional. Then he heads back inside. By now I am beyond frustrated. We only have about 45 minutes left before I have to head into work, and this time together has been ruined by this place. We went back inside and asked the hostess and manager at what point someone planned to even acknowledge us and take our order. They both looked dumbfounded and gave some blank stares and stated how unusually busy it was. Really? But the patio was empty, and the couple after us was helped right away. I HATE to pull the race card, but the honest truth is, no one else in the restaurant this evening looked like us. Maybe by making us feel unwelcome they can keep up that trend??? And another fun fact, it's now after midnight, and not a drop of rain has fallen. Whatever the reason for the poor service, before you let customers walk out the door, IF you care, it seems that some damage control should take place. On the other hand, if you don't value everyone's business, then I guess this is how...

If you have a service animal DO NOT go to this place!!!

Normally, I don't leave negative reviews, but my experience was BEYOND horrible!

I have severe PTSD and have a service dog to help. After I was seated for a little bit, a server named Victor (he wasn't even OUR server) came over and mentioned that pets were allowed, but only outside. I calmly explained that she's a service animal, NOT a pet. He shrugged me off and completely disregarded what I said. A few minutes later he came and harassed me about it again. I told him again that she's a service animal (which just means she is a working dog who is there to serve a purpose for my health).

Victor asked to see documentation, which is ILLIGAL to ask a person. (If you had a mental illness and took medication, it's like him asking what medication you take and why, which is extremely invasive)!

For anyone curious, a store employee is legally only allowed to ask 2 questions: Is that a service animal? What service do they provide?

You are NOT allowed to ask for documentation, which I DO have, of course.

I've worked at a couple of restaurants for years, so I really hate people who complain, but the situation continued to become escalated, so asking for a manager at this point was needed.

I asked to speak w the manager, who never once came over even though I politely asked multiple times. I understand being super busy, but towards the end of the night, when most customers were gone, she still never came over.

All in all, the food was good and our server, Sasha, was such a sweetheart, especially about the whole situation.

But thanks to Victor, I don't think I'll ever go back to this place. And if u ever have a service animal, most definitely do...

I was in this place yesterday 3/24/2019 around 2:30 p.m. When I walked in there were only two tables and a booth occupied. I got the waitress's attention and asked can I sit anywhere? She nodded. As I walked in a man walked in behind me.

I went and sat down at a table by the windows near the patio. A man came up and greeted the man who walked in with me and escorted him to the bar.

While I sat there; no one acknowledged me. After 5 minutes or so, I got up and got a menu. I sat back down. Still no one acknowledged me.

One of the tables that had been occupied got up to leave. It was two women and three children. They packed up, walked out and the waiter said "good bye, thank you, have a great day." And then started cleaning up the table. And i still was not acknowledge.

After 10 minutes or so, I glanced over at the bar area and the man who walked in behind me was eating! I looked over to the side area of the bar, behind the booths, and there were several staff persons standing around talking, chatting away! And I was still not acknowledged!

After 15 minutes or so, I quietly got up and walked out!

What was this? It felt like the twilight zone!

I love Houston and I can honestly say that I have never been treated this way before! I choose to frequent certain establishments and have had great service at many great places. But when an establishment does not want your service, this is how they treat you!

I just tried to call the manager and was on hold for 10 minutes! I need to reach out the owner because this treatment of customers is unacceptable!

As for the survey questions below: I don't know how the service is because I didn't get...