Leo's Greek Castle — Restaurant in Little Rock

Another recent disappointing experience.

Dear Leo’s Greek Castle Management,

I usually visit your restaurant three to four times a week to get a salad, and it has always been one of my favorite places to eat. However, during my most recent visit, I had a disappointing experience that I feel should be brought to your attention.

When I went in to purchase my usual salad, I noticed a new sign at the register stating there would be a 20% charge added to all to-go orders for tips. I asked the person at the register why there would be a tip charge for to-go orders. He responded with visible frustration, saying that customers don’t leave tips on to-go orders even though he prepares food, fixes drinks, and waits on tables.

I asked why this charge would apply to takeout customers rather than dine-in guests, but he repeated the same explanation. While he claimed to be working alone, I noticed two other male workers coming out from the kitchen during our conversation.

Additionally, I observed that the employee’s hand and wrist were bandaged, and his fingernails appeared quite dirty, which was concerning from a food safety standpoint.

This is the second time I’ve had a poor experience at this location, which is disappointing considering how often I’ve supported your business. I wanted to bring this to your attention in hopes that it can be addressed appropriately.

Thank you for taking the time to review this matter.

Sincerely,

I usually enjoy coming to Leo’s Greek Castle, but today I had a very disappointing experience. I walked in around 2:55–2:56 p.m. to order a salad. There were still customers sitting outside waiting for their food, so it was clear they were still serving. However, I was told they would not take my order because they “close at 3:00.” If you’re open until 3:00, customers who arrive before that time should be served.

What made this experience worse is that it left me questioning if I was treated differently because I’m Black. As a loyal customer who comes here often, that’s very disheartening. At the very least, it’s poor customer service to turn away someone before closing time while still...

Have enjoyed lunch and dinner from Leo's in years past, never once had I visited for Sunday brunch. Reporting that our first brunch visit was not exactly stellar; however, it was not a wasted trip.

The food was quite good (we had the Greek Omelet and Eggs & Pancakes ... more on this in a moment) but the service was not on point. Our servers were not rude, mind you (they were friendly enough), but our beverage order was never quite right. We gave up asking for corrections mid-way through our meal (no, really, we do want the whole bottle of sparking wine, you just offered that to the other table). We also noticed that there were some other issues that did not directly affect us; for example, our acquaintances at the table next to us did not receive their food order for well more than 20 minutes (perhaps even 30 minutes) when ours arrived in about 10 minutes. (Perhaps the kitchen was overloaded? Too many Sunday brunchers?) Okay, perhaps we are being too picky, but we had hoped for a better overall experience. It didn't help our disposition that the outside seating allows for smoking; this is a very unfortunate allowance.

Okay, perhaps more importantly, back to the food, the Greek Omelet was really quite tasty; I would order this again, though the amount of actual gyro meat in the omelet was a bit sparse (only three to four small one inch strips). The pancakes were quite good, too; we like our cakes a bit crispy on the edges and these did not disappoint! They are large cakes (two are served) and you shouldn't walk away hungry. We also tried the dolmades, hummus, and baba ganoush app; while this was a tasty little plate (and the pita bread was good, too), we were not left with any lasting impressions.

I love supporting local restaurants; I would definitely recommend you visit for the Sunday brunch and form your own opinions. We will be back again someday, but it just may be awhile in...

For an appetizer I had the spanakopita, which the owner, Horace (a nice enough guy), after appearing seemingly out of thin air, insisted on chewing and regurgitating into my mouth like a little baby bird. It was not the first time I’d been asked to do this but it was the first time I’d been implored so strongly and the first time that I relented and allowed it to happen. What can I say? The man was persistent! Sadly, before I could question anything, he disappeared into the labyrinthian depths of the kitchen not to be seen by this patron again. Temporarily, but deeply satisfied, if not a bit befuddled, I waited patiently for the main course… The waitress arrived promptly with a steaming array. A smattering of sunlight through the grease flecked bay windows illuminated a plate of the most delectable combination beef/lamb strips (An abomination? Sure. Delicious? Oh yes.) I’d ever laid eyes on. A Greek chorus began playing on a loop in my head as I soaked in, in turn, the majesty of the tomatoes, the onions, the tzatziki, and the pita… the choir grew so loud, so powerful, that it would not be a huge leap to assume that it was coming through the in-house speakers. It was not. The restaurant had, much to my reluctant amusement, opted instead for a searing loop of LMFAO’s trailblazing 2011 hit, Party Rock Anthem. A dozen blushing cherubs wheeled about gleefully above as I was assembling my meal. I took my first bite- Zeus himself appeared in my periphery, faintly at first but becoming a more palpable, tangible being with each successive bite, and eventually coming to form like a wraith from the fog, he cried out: “Hark! All earthly bliss is now yours!”. I still am uncertain what this means but it was undoubtedly meant to encourage me to continue visiting this self described castle of...