AmericanSoul Kitchen & Bar — Restaurant in Meriden

Customer service leaves a lot to be desired. Can't even review the food as I didn't even get to eat here, because I couldn't get a straight answer. This review is long because of how many times I had to call to try to get anywhere.

I called this afternoon, shortly after they opened (maybe 3:30?) to ask if they do reservations, and that we were looking to come the next evening. I didn't catch the name of the person, but said they usually only do them for larger parties, and asked how many. I said ten. I was told that they needed to check, and would call me back. They took my name and number. OK, so far so good, although I was a bit surprised that I didn't get a yes or no immediately. I've never had a restaurant need to check...

After a half hour or so, I didn't hear anything and wondered if I was just being played. I gave them the benefit of the doubt and kept waiting. I get home from work around 5:30 and call again, this time speaking to another person (Ebony). I explained how I called 2 hours earlier and hadn't heard back. She asked for the details and sounded a bit hesitant, saying something about it being a Saturday night during a busy time--which I completely get, we were looking for a 6/6:15 reservation. She took my info and said she was going to call the manager? owner? and see what he had to say, and she'd call me right back. She even mentioned how slow it was at the moment so she'd do it right away. Great!

I wait at least a half hour, in the meantime, looking up other places because I am 99% sure I'm being screwed with. Still, I want to give them a chance. Finally, I give up and call back, this time speaking to Taj (I think?). I very nicely but firmly say who I am, and that I was waiting to hear back after speaking with Ebony but I shouldn't have to wait almost 3 hours from the first call and make this many calls to get a definitive answer, and that we are all set, we'll be going elsewhere. Then I hung up. You can't run a business and be that wishy-washy. Especially these days, with Covid ruining so many businesses. We are practically begging to come to your restaurant but OK...

Right after I hung up, I got a call back from a near identical number as the restaurant's phone number. I am sure it was someone calling back to overly apologize and make everything all nicey-nice, but at that point, I don't want that. Especially when they'd be handling my food (I've seen the movie Waiting!). I wanted an answer at 3:30 or maybe 5:30 if the message never got passed on.

Now, before anyone says "but it's a Saturday night at 6," IT IS THE WEEKEND OF THE 4th. They may have American in their name, but I DOUBT people are going to pass up cookouts and parties to go out to eat! We are having a memorial service for my husband's grandmother at a nearby church tomorrow afternoon and have people coming from different parts of the state, consisting of picky eaters, foodies, kids, and adults. This seemed to fit the bill, not to mention it was close to the church.

ALSO. A party of TEN people. We are not small eaters, so this would have been a HIGH bill of at least $300-400. I didn't get played...to quote the meme: "Congrats, you played yourself."

A very nice location in Wallingford was able to give me an answer and take my info in less than ONE MINUTE after I called them. The call was 47 seconds long. They'll get our business tomorrow. Too...

I am going to give my honest & unbiased take on this restaurant and summarize my experience at this establishment. I went there as a group of 4 on 4/28... All first timers.. The server was nice, the atmosphere was cute cute and the live DJ made it feel like a family affair!!! And then reality set in, the toilet was not operable within the women's bathroom and there was already waste in it. I'm sure someone else mentioned it's not working, but I informed them and was directed to the men's bathroom, which did not have a sign. So I was confused as to what door to enter as well. It took at least 1 1/2 hrs for the food to arrive and that was, I hate to say, somewhat lackluster. Except for my son's chkn /waffles.. That looked good and he liked it. No one refilled our water, we had a table full of plates and glasses. It was not exceptional. Upon paying the bill, I did ask the server why was the food delayed... I was not snarky at all, I'd even go on to say I made sure I asked that question with with a soft tone..only to be met with a rebuttal mixture of condescending words and smiles. We were told they were short a chef and server but if we were expecting a more chill spot... Well🤷🏾‍♀️(shrugs)... Miss Ma'am I don't have an issue with the spot, I asked a legitimate question because upon arrival, I immediately sent a text to other friends and family about the establishment. If this is the usual vibe, I either need to retract my referral or give them a heads up. With her little remark and the issues here, I think I'll retract. It looked like every man for themselves in there and I don't think this is an "American" soul food restaurant... It's giving foreign imitation... Which I don't have an issue but for my troubles I should at least be satisfied with the dish. My expectation of this restaurant is not unrealistic and I make fair judgements. You can check my other reviews! Not I, nor my other 2 family members were satisfied. Please take $5 of the tip and go to the dollar store and purchase lettering to glue onto the door so it says "Men" .... Also, invest in markers, tape and paper so you all can write "Out of order"... Also, please inform your patrons if there will be a long wait if you are short staffed. These are matters within your control. Please make use of these suggestions. As they are positive...

I am thankful there is a soul food restaurant in Meriden. Some of the waitresses (Stacy) and cooks are nice and some are not so nice. The food is somewhat good, however the problem is the cooks are putting TOO MUCH SALT in the food. I order from the restaurant approximately a week ago and the greens and mac and cheese were overly salted. I put my greens in the fridge overnight to see if the salt would evaporate the next day and it was still salty. Cooks, please do not put so much salt in the food. The food will taste great if you guys add less salt. Two out of three visits in a row the food was salty. I am a little nervous to give the restaurant another try, because I have wasted my money twice, because the food was too salty.

Another issue is the price, I ordered my food over the phone as most people would if they're not dining in. I went to American Soul Food website and chose what I wanted while viewing the price. When I arrived at the restaurant, received my food and paid, I noticed my bill was higher than I expected. The waitress (Not Stacey) told me that the prices went up and she pointed to the wall where there is a menu taped to the wall with the higher prices. I explained to the waitress, a customer who is placing an order over the phone is not aware of the price increase and the owner needs to look into either honoring the price of what is listed on the website. The waitress stated the owner probably doesn't know the prices have not changed on the website , because he made the changes a month ago. My response was, how does the owner not know the prices have not been changed and this is his restaurant. The owner should be honoring the price on the website. Long story short, as you know, I had to discard my food due to the salt. I went on the website today 12/29/24 and the prices still is not changed. But, I will give the restaurant ONE more chance, hopefully the owner will get the chance to read my review and make...