Benedict's Restaurant — Restaurant in Largo

Parking was super easy even though this place was reasonably packed. Food was 5 stars, delicious. The server waiting on us, she had six tables outside, she needed 3-4. I think she would have been efficient if she had less. I was a server ten of my former years, I was taught the timing of everything. How long you have to greet, take the order, check back, deliver the bill, and take the payment, etc.; a server can actually be trained, certified, and know the call signs if there is trouble at a table. I told my server that we were missing food (toast - my boyfriend and mine) when the order was delivered, she acknowledged, went in the direction of the kitchen, and proceeded to handle her other tables. I thought our missing food was coming. She did come back to check on us 5 mins later, I told her we were still missing the toast, and then I flagged her down 4 mins later to again remind her, and she again went to the kitchen. She returned 3 mins later with 1 serving of toast but not mine ( I actually never did get mine). My boyfriend is particular and needs toast to ingest his eggs. Needless to say, his eggs were way cold 12 minutes into his meal. He did the best he could. He was so upset with the service that he asked to wait outside while I paid. We asked for a box and the check. We got the box right away, there was a station for them in the outdoor area, he left to get the car. The check: I waited on for 7 more minutes, reminded her after she stopped by to check on me by myself at my table, and then waited again for an additional 3 more minutes. She brought it and then went and visited with a another table for 5 minutes, when she headed my way I was excited to leave because I knew my boyfriend had been waiting over 15 minutes in the car for me to pay. I showed her the credit card and she held up a finger and requested I wait while she took the order at the table next to me for 2 minutes, she finally took the payment and returned promptly with my cc. I'm not demanding but after my dining partner was so upset by the service, he had to wait for almost 20 mins in the car while I waited to pay. The food is delicious, but the service was bad. I have trained servers, we (servers) all have bad days, and perhaps this was a bad day for her. She admitted to the table next to us that she kept forgetting things. The section next to us seemed to have prompt service so I think our server was having a really bad day or needs more training in service timing...

Decent food, but terrible service.

My coworkers and I usually go here for lunch when we are in the area. The last visit we experienced here yesterday will be the last time I come here. We sat down at 11:35 and were given menus. The server came by to get our drink order and returned with the drinks about 5 minutes later. She said she had to "check on another table quickly" and would be right back with us. 15 minutes later, she hasn't returned, so I went to check in with the hostess. Finally the server comes by to get our order and we feel things are moving along at last. In this time, a table next to us ( a 2 top) had been sitting for quite a while, never got served and got up and left.

Once we ordered, we assumed the food would be out quickly since we ordered simple items like sandwiches and salads. Just when we were ready to give up and go back to work hungry, the food finally came out 25 minutes after ordering. We had 5 minutes to eat, get to-go boxes and pay before we had to leave. We asked for straws 3 times and didn't get them until the check came out. The server was so spastic she nearly dropped a plate on one of my friends. She did apologize for the less than stellar service, but honestly paying $15 for a sandwich, just to sit around and wonder where my food is and then shove as much as I can in my face in 5 minutes is not my idea of a good time.

I...

Where do I start with this review? WOW is the only word that comes to mind when I can explain our experience. We flew in from California and had some time to kill, we decided to eat, but a bit afraid of folks not letting us in with all our luggage. We took a chance, and BOY, did it pay off. Jose was our server, and let’s say I wish every restaurant had 10 of him.

Not only was he warm and inviting, but he also had excellent conversational skills and was extremely charismatic. I’m not impressed very easily, but he blew it out of the water with his level of service. The recommended items were fantastic; the French Toast was huge, the fit omelet was delicious, everything we had was devoured.

“When” you go, because it’s not a question “if” you should go. Make sure to ask for Jose; if you have to wait, do it; it’ll be worth the overall experience.

To the owners and management of this establishment, you have a real Diamond in Jose, keep him, treat him right and start a training program around his style and approach; better yet, this man has all the makings of a manager or even chain owner.

Thank you so much for making our first sit-down meal in Florida one...