The Bombay Club — Restaurant in New Orleans

I’ve been coming here since the time of the dress code, the couches, etc. I realize the new owners did away with those two things (and that the lovely portrait of Winston Churchill is no longer in the main area (last I heard, it was behind the double doors). And I also realize that places evolve (and seek ways to monetize their space, like adding more tables, which adds more seating, which adds more money . . . the circle of margins/life). Actually talked about this with a bartender the last time I visited.,

Somewhat recent changes side, I like this place a lot. I like the music on weekends. I love the ‘vibe’ (dark lighting, etc.). I love that this is a wonderful respite from the crowds a half a block away. It is also nice to have the patio area where you can have a smoke and not feel like you are bothering people. It feels like you are in another place, after having to wander through Boozy St. with new friends who just have to see—I mean, just have to see!!!—that disgusting mess of thump-thump music, gross drinks, and humanity doing its level best to not look too great. Then again, I also miss the matchbooks and the slogan-adorned coasters. Oh well. You can’t have it all.

Thing is, then as now, you pay for the privilege of not drinking next to a person who is in a state of inebriation, undress, or both. So, given that, you expect the ambience and price to match the service. Well, most of the time, that is exactly what you get here. This most recent visit, not so much. Our initial bartender seemed to be having an off day. By which I mean, she seemed incapable of remembering the drink order, and then who ordered the drinks, and then how to follow-up with checking on her guests. Her facial expressions would have been a hoot if not for the fact that we were paying for an ‘experience’ that was not the same as the experience half a block away. At one point, she simply leaned against the other end of the bar and talked with other staff, ignoring the customers (others included) who she was purportedly serving. If not for her helpful peer, the experience would have been worse for my guests who I brought here because I like this place so much. Her peer noticed her failing, checked in on us, refilled our waters, asked how we were doing, and said goodbye when we left (and left after paying a tip that was more for him, and certainly not her).

I get it. You have an off night. Working customer service jobs (as I have) sucks. But, for this place, with this crowd, you have to try. I mean, at least try. Fake a smile. Act like you care. You are trying to seem better and more enjoyable that most of the places near you. Bombay Club, long may you offer a cozy place to escape. And now may you review (managers, I am looking at you) how your staff act when people come here for that experience.

The dress code may be gone, but the vibe isn’t. Don’t ruin it for those of us who want to show people what a good place looks like amidst so much dreck and yuck. I’ll be back.

[Oh, one more thing: when the manager cut-and-pastes responses, it doesn’t seem like you actually care about reviews, good or bad. I get it. You are busy. But, then again, you should be busy if your business is going to be a success. Telling me your employees care, when we feel like they might not, doesn’t really inspire confidence . . . even if that is the norm with this odd Google world we live in. Step up the responses if you need to do so, or don’t . . . as I am not sure how effective these replies actually are at moving the needle and getting butts in seats. But step up the processes to which you hold your staff accountable and see your reviews change. Sure, some people whine no matter what. Those that care actually notice when you do something and...

The restaurant is beautiful and there was a very skilled jazz band. The bartender was funny, charming and knowledgeable, she was just incredible. We ordered food and waited for about 40 to fifty minutes. This wait went unaddressed until we mentioned it. The bartender sent a server back to the kitchen then when they didn't return with an update she went back to get an update for herself.

Once they realized how long the wait actually was the manager came out and informed us that the kitchen staff was "distracted". During this time the soda gun also malfunctioned and sprayed me with water.

About fifteen to twenty more minutes went by and the manager came back with one of the two plates we ordered saying they over cooked the chicken and had to remake it. That first dish was salty but we were starving at this point so we accepted the apology and ate it. They "comp'd" us 2 free cocktails which was cool but only one of us was drinking. By the time the chicken, that was previously over cooked, came out I was ready to eat. Unfortunately, the chicken had ingredients, that were not mentioned on the menu, that I could not eat and I had to send it back.

Twenty more minutes later they apologized that remaking the food was taking so long. I asked them to cancel the plate because I couldn't give them any more of my time and we parted ways,...

I've been to Bombay Club a handful of times in the past and used to enjoy it for their happy hour specials and snacks. However, my most recent visit this past Friday was a huge disappointment. Despite their sign out front advertising happy hour, we were informed upon arrival that there was no happy hour that day, which was frustrating.

To make matters worse, the food was disappointing as well. The boudin balls were cold on the inside, which was a big letdown. Additionally, the price listed on the menu for the boudin balls did not match what we were charged. The only saving grace was the po' boy, which was actually quite good.

Service was also slow, which was frustrating considering the restaurant was not very crowded. All of these factors combined made for a very disappointing experience, especially since I had brought out of town guests with me.

Overall, I was very disappointed with my most recent visit to Bombay Club and won't be returning. While I used to enjoy their happy hour and snacks in the past, the poor food quality and slow service were major letdowns. The only good thing was the po' boy, but it wasn't enough to redeem the experience. I wouldn't recommend this restaurant/bar to anyone looking for a quality dining experience in...