IB Forum Sports Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Imperial Beach

I really debated whether to write this because I hate leaving a negative review, especially for a restaurant that’s been open for 23 years. I know it takes a lot to keep a business running that long, and I truly wanted to have a great experience. But I think it’s only fair to share what happened so management is aware and can hopefully improve things for future guests.

I came in with my 10-year-old, and when we arrived, the waitress told us it was open seating, so we sat down. Before I could even place an order, she asked for my debit card to be placed on file. I already felt a type of way when she mentioned it, since I wasn’t sitting at the bar and had never been asked to do that before ordering. She explained it was because “we have a lot of runners who like sitting in this part of the restaurant” and that some people have left without paying. I understand the concern, but at that point, it made me feel like I wasn’t welcomed or trusted as a paying customer.

After about 35 minutes, our food came out — in to-go boxes. The waitress said, “I don’t know why they did that, but enjoy!” I was in shock that my food was brought out in to-go containers. I felt a bit offended and tried not to make a big deal about it in front of my daughter, but at that point, I no longer felt comfortable.Then when I asked for condiments, it was also brought in a to-go container. It honestly felt like we weren’t welcomed to dine in.

She never once came back to my table to check if we needed anything else- I came to her- she was constantly coming to the section to my left. By this point I’m ready to leave this place. Before I did, I asked the other guests seated in my section if they had to leave a card before ordering, and they said only after. That inconsistency in attention made me feel even more overlooked and unwelcome. I requested to speak with management, but there was no availability at the time. The waitress first directed me to the bar manager, who was nowhere to be found, and then to the outside manager, who she spoke to for about five minutes before returning. At that point, I no longer felt comfortable discussing my concerns since I wasn’t sure what had been said — and the waitress still didn’t know what my complaint was going to be. The food itself was pretty basic — nothing special — and the overall experience left a lot to be desired. I hope management looks into the consistency of service and how concerns are handled so that all customers — especially families — feel comfortable and welcomed...

I have always enjoy coming to the IB Forum. This past Sunday, after a long drive back home, I wanted to enjoy a nice meal here. My sister and I were seated and after a few minutes, we placed our order. After, maybe 30 minutes, we asked about our food, waitress indicated it was coming. We noticed the party who came after us, were being served, so I asked again, stating it was more than half-an-hour, she mumbled something and walked away, while I was still talking. There was a male server, who I got his attention and told him I didn't want that waitress as my server anymore because she was rude, etc... After a few minutes, our food finally came. My sister had the Mexican shrimp, which there were maybe 2 or 3 shrimps in there total, her chips were stale and my philly cheesesteak wasn't that fresh/good with probably re-heated fries. After we were done, I asked for my check, which later this waitress, who's name is printed as "Ashley" on the check, came and told me I was rude to her and that I don't talk to her that way, which I was dumbfounded because it was HER who was rude, walking away from a customer while they're still speaking? Are you kidding me? And she did it again! I asked for her name and she claimed it was Judy or something along those lines. I had requested for a manager earlier, but instead my philly meal was removed from the bill, which I think this RUDE waitress didn't want her manager to yet get another complaint about her! I don't think I will be going to the Forum for a long time because of this waitress and the kind of service, yet, lack of service, disrespecting customers, playing mind games by blaming them....

Not the best first experience... WAITERS WILL STEAL YOUR MONEY! My sister graduated high school and wanted to eat here afterwards. We got there and were seated but shortly after we asked if we could move to the patio where there was a nicer table, but were told no. The waitress stated there was a "party of 15 coming." That table was for 8 which is the same size as the one we were already at. Whatever, no big deal. We liked the menu and had a lot that caught our eye. Calamari was not good and the sauce it came with was gross. Our table did not receive their entrees at the same time. My burger along with another's at my table, sat for a good 10 minutes while Rosa (our waitress) walked right past it multiple times. By the time I received it, my husband was done with his food and my burger was soggy. Onion rings were also room temperature. It was a special day, so I didn't want things to be ruined. HOWEVER, we received the check and ROSA had GIVEN HERSELF a 20 percent tip before we even signed the check!! I almost always tip in cash and my mother in law was covering the bill so we were going to do it that way. We confronted Rosa and she admitted to giving herself a tip and said that it already charged the card and in order to take it off we would have to get a refund and charge it again and that was just not an option considering the fact that it would come out to 2 large transactions on the account and we just didn't have that kind of money. Rosa was unapologetic and was so rude the whole time. I understand things can get busy but you DO NOT take advantage of other people. That is THEFT. HORRIBLE SERVICE. Never...