RedSeven Kitchen + Cocktail — Restaurant in Lafayette

Really underwhelming with almost nonexistent service

We were in town for a Purdue family weekend, and we made reservations here. The reservations were later at night (after 9 PM) that we thought (hoped) that perhaps the big rush would be gone, and the servers would be more attentive. Not so.

First, they seated us in the bar area, which had a lot of televisions, and when I make reservations somewhere, I really don’t expect it to be in the bar area unless they note that on the reservations. Some people are fine being in the bar area, but usually (with a reservation) I would like a table, either outside or in any sort of main dining area, and not the bar area. On Resy, most places will list “high top bar area” as an option when you are reserving, and you can choose not to eat in that area. Sometimes I love the bar area, but I had not seen my son in a long time, and we drove all the way to Purdue, so I really wanted to be able to talk, and the bar area is loud.

When we asked for another table, the only thing they had was outside. And then we waited a long, long, long time for our server. When she did arrive, and we asked for our drinks, we waited a long long time for our drinks (in her defense, she told us the bar was backed up). We also did not see our server. At all. So we could not flag her down to even ask for waters. It would’ve been nice if they had asked if we wanted water or simply put water on the table at the beginning.

Our drinks finally came, and then our salads came but we all had to sit there and stare at it because we had no silverware. We flagged down another server and asked for silverware and it took a long time for the silverware to come (see photo of my son, starting to pick up the salad with his fingers)!

When my water arrived, there was a big, crusty, smudgy food particle on the glass. I showed my server and asked for another one, and it took a long time to arrive. I also asked for water with no ice, and received water with ice, on both occasions.

So let’s talk about the food. Also underwhelming. I ordered the chicken lettuce cups, and there were really larger pieces of chicken. This was unexpected. It’s usually cut quite a bit thinner for a lettuce wrap, and their interpretation of the carrot, cucumber onion salad was interesting as well; while the flavor was good, I would’ve liked to have seen everything just chopped up a little bit smaller. It’s much easier to put in a wrap/lettuce cup that way. My husband had a burger, but the cheese wasn’t melted at all, see photo. My son said his dish was good though. He got one of the pastas. It was clear that the kitchen was rushed.

And, at the end of the meal, as was to be expected based on the service throughout the meal, we waited a long time for the check. In fact, my husband actually went inside to find our server, because we had to go.

I know they were busy. I know it was Purdue family weekend. But I would hope that the restaurant would have anticipated this, and would’ve staffed...

RedSeven Kitchen + Cocktail delivers an average dining experience, though it's ultimately a mixed bag depending on what you're looking for. One of the clear highlights is the remarkable service. From the moment you walk in, the staff is warm, welcoming, and exceptionally attentive. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu, offered helpful recommendations, and checked in regularly without being overbearing. The hospitality here truly enhances the dining atmosphere and makes guests feel genuinely valued.

Where RedSeven stumbles a bit is in its food execution, particularly when it comes to their seafood dishes. While I appreciated the variety of seafood options, they don’t quite meet expectations. The Cajun Mahi Mahi Fish & Chips is a creative twist on a classic, served with a refreshing apple and pear slaw and a generous side of fries. However, the fish lacked the crispness and seasoning you'd expect from a bold Cajun-style dish. The pan-seared Salmon sounded promising with its lemon pea purée and roasted potatoes, but it arrived with underwhelming flavors.

Other seafood items like the Truffled Lobster Mac and Cheese or Mahi Mahi Tacos are visually appealing but offer more in appearance than in taste. While nothing was poorly prepared, the dishes didn’t stand out or leave a lasting impression. That said, the modern ambiance, attentive staff, and lively cocktail selection make RedSeven an average option for casual dining or social meetups. If great service and a comfortable atmosphere are your top priorities, this spot delivers. Just don’t expect the food to...

We have been here several times over several years. It’s really hit or miss. Our most recent experience was a disappointment. The staff seems oblivious to the COVID-19 virus. When we called in a curbside order we weren’t told how the curbside pick up was to follow. So when we pulled up we were confused bc there wasn’t a designated spot for curbside pick up nor were there instructions posted. We parked illegally near the front door. And waited, the girl on the phone had asked for the type of car we were driving, so I knew that the goal was for staff to bring the take out out to us. As we waited we noticed bags of take out sitting in the window with patrons without masks walking past and peeking in the bags. We decided to call to let them know we were there. My husband got out and met the employee to get our bag that had been screen by non-masked restaurant goers. When we got home only one meal was in the bag so we called, my husband went back to pick up the rest of the order. He complained about the fact that now he had put himself at risk twice now but staff and management were complacent. It will be a while before we go back.

Years ago we quit going because I had dropped my fork on the floor and the wait staff picked it up and put it back on our table as if I would be using it again. They hire clueless staff, I know everyone has their first job somewhere but where is the common sense.

I could give more scenarios but I think you get the point. The food is sometimes good and I guess that’s why we end up giving it...