SAGRES BAR AND GRILL — Restaurant in Newark

Came in about 1140pm after a concert. It was crowded and music was really loud which made it tough to have a conversation as well as hear anything the employees were saying. Someone that wasn’t our waiter(maybe the bartender) brought water to the table that didn’t taste right so we asked for bottled water which came swiftly. After about 15-20 minutes Guilermo the waiter came to take our order. I confirmed with Guilermo that the kitchen was still open and tacos were available, then we ordered 2 drinks, calimari, shrimp tacos, beef tacos and chicken tacos-Guilermo did not write anything down but verbally confirmed what we ordered. Received drinks and calimari in about 15 minutes(when my lady wanted some salt she literally had to waive the staff down to get their attention for the salt shaker). The tacos never came. We finally inquired about our food after a group that came in after us received all their food as we still waited for ours(based on the hugs, kisses and attention they received when they came in from Giuilermo it was clear they were friends). When we asked the bartender about our food order he didn’t know what we were talking about, and called Guilermo over. Guilermo told us the chef never put in our order and was doing it now(its approximately 1:15am). When we declined and asked for the check, they told us they took the drinks off the bill. While I’m sure Guilermo never put the taco order in, I can’t prove it but here’s what I can prove and verify: -no one came over to clear away out appetizer plates; -no one came to see if we wanted another drink; -no one came over to see if everything was ok at our table. -no one came over to give us an update on our food order. It is clear that the employees were understaffed and overwhelmed as they were juggling providing service at tables, the bar, and door dash drivers. There was also no authoritative figure present like a manager actively making sure all was going smoothly in the restaurant. At the bare minimum the waiter should be writing down all orders to make sure they get it right and to follow up with the chef when necessary. I have come here many times over the years and this experience was so poor it drove me to write a review. The owners/management must hire more help for their busy times and at a minimum have a manager visible and present to make sure the establishment is running smoothly and customers are satisfied. We were unsatisfied...

Normally, mediocre food and way-too-expensive prices aren’t enough to make me bother leaving a bad review.

What’s worse is that this place is a veritable bane to society. Presumably, the same poor business practices that led to the food mediocrity and ridiculous prices are also the root of why it is always virtually empty during regular hours, when better places are available. In order to draw in more business, they seem to have made it their niche to be the lone place serving alcohol to ungodly hours on weekend and weeknight alike (and they even seem to- illegally?- host for sometimes hours beyond the alleged opening times). Raucous crowds, obnoxious music, and no wall to help banish these sounds from the street at large render what might have been a quaint neighborhood establishment into my primary motivation to find a new home. One can only hope the extended hours will prove insufficient to keep the business open.

I would implore others to not patronize this establishment. But, if you would fail to be implored, I would ask at the very least that whatever modicum of decency you have would encourage you to have some pity for those living nearby who must unfortunately wake up for work in the morning, and be thankful you aren’t yourself kept from sleeping...

I rarely post reviews on this site but I felt I had to because I have rarely experienced the level of hostility and disrespect that I did earlier tonight at this bar. I got to Newark Penn Station later than intended, and had missed my 6:00 bus so I would have to wait for the 8:00. I decided to walk around and find a nice place to get some beer and food.

Sagres seemed lovely and inviting from the outside.. I walked in and there were 3 patrons sitting around a small bar, chatting with eachother and the bartender. I walked in and took a seat at an empty stool. The bartender looked at me and I asked if I could get a Modelo (which I could see was on tap). She said no, and just smiled at me, staring. I thought it was some kind of joke so I laughed nervously. After several awkward seconds, I asked if I could get a Yuengling instead. She immediately said no, we don't have that either.. didn't even make a move to check the taps or anything. I got the hint and left the place.

I have no idea what she had against me, but I will say that I have never been treated this way. I have been going to bars in NYC, NJ, and other states for 15 years now and this was the worst. Stay away...