Stokes — Restaurant in Omaha

This WAS one of my husband's favorite places to eat. We went to the West Omaha location today. Our last visit was not great but we wanted to try again. We were seated quickly. The server was ok but I really felt like we were more of a bother to her. Due to allergies issues I asked for a gluten free menu which the server was very willing to get and checked a couple items for ingredients which is necessary but much appreciated. We ordered some cocktails during the happy hour time frame. I really wanted the siracha bacon in the bloody Mary cocktail but apparently the bar was unwilling to provide that which was unfortunate. We had to ask for the upcharge to be removed from our bill as it was still on there. My husband's favorite dish (which he raves over) is the Sharon enchiladas so we both got them, I just had mine made with corn tortillas. Honestly, I was very unimpressed. The chicken was not even seasoned, it even needed salt, it was a bit dry and no sauce inside. My husband didn't think it was done right. I can bake tender chicken shred it, wrap it in a tortilla and top with pepperjack. I promise I can do far better at home because I would ensure the flavor and sauce was on point. What's the point in eating out if it doesn't wow me. I'm a good cook; this was bland and lazy, surely they use to have better quality in the past for my husband to have raved previously. We definately got the impression that we and the other 2 tables were intruding on the loud abnoxious party the employees seemed to be having at the bar. We didn't feel like guests, we felt like intruders to a private employee party. They were so loud and it was like we were a burden or an annoyance to them. I guess they "loudly" care more about woke gender politics than guests. Additionally, when someone has an allergy to something and therefore can not have a certain side, the restaurant should give more than 1 option and not be unwilling to accommodate. In this case the only option I was allowed was beans. Do better please. Side note: this is the second time we have had bad service here. Hopefully the downtown location cares about their patrons or you may not have many soon. P.S. If a manager comes on and dismisses things like I've seen done to other guest's reviews, then don't be surprised when you no longer have a business. Take the feedback seriously, better yet, let's get Gordon...

I just had a bad experience at Stokes - West. Firstly, I must clarify that in the past, I've had great food and amazing service. However, tonight, I went for an early dinner (4pm) with my husband and sons. I was met with a disdainful glace by the hostess who takes several minutes to figure out where to seat us. She eventually leads us to the table with no discussion. She places us at a booth with a party on either side, and a table of 10 immediately next to the booth. I asked if we could take a seat in any of the other empty booths surrounding so that I might enjoy conversation with my family due to the noise in that area of the restaurant. She leaves us in the dining area to "check." She returns saying that the wait staff for that area isn't present yet, and that we may only sit in the booth she offered. I informed her that we would sit at the bar. After we find a table, she comes over and says that the table we chose isn't part of the bar, and that the table is reserved at 6pm. She says, "You will be done by 6, correct?" Again, a general state of disdain for my family in particular on her face. After a not so welcoming fiasco, the barkeeper is very nice and takes our orders. However, the food was not up to Stokes usual standard. The Cabo San Taco (ordered without bell peppers) was about 8 bite sized pieces of grilled chicken hidden within 2 tortillas drenched in about a pound of barely melted cheese. Additionally, the Stokes Nachos were haphazardly prepared with large clumps of non-melted cheese, barely any chicken, and over a cup of pico de gallo drenching the top. The experience and the food were NOT appetizing. It is a true...

A disappointing visit to this once terrific Omaha original: are they ignoring the details, or have they just stopped caring?

I went in yesterday afternoon for a 1:30 pm lunch. The place was almost entirely empty, and I sat at the bar. I ordered the Cabo San Taco, one of my long time favorites. But it was a very disappointing dish.

First and worst, though it was served on a piping hot plate, the dish itself was cold. The chicken inside the taco was absolutely slathered in raw paprika, and tasted of it, which was unpleasant. The rice was fine (if unremarkable), and the beans were good, but missing the queso fresco they used to liberally sprinkle over the top of them. It's a noticeable omission.

In a normal situation, would have sent this dish back immediately, but no one checked on me, despite the fact that I was outnumbered by staff 6 to 1. Even a manager looked past me several times, even though I was looking right at him and trying to get his attention. I was becoming frustrated.

When the friendly waitress finally came over and I reported the problem, she took my dish back for a refire. When she came back she advised that a burner in their oven had been off all day! Wasn't it funny that no one mentioned it until now?! Well, I guess, but why didn't the cook notice?

My impression is that this very original Omaha restaurant has lived past the point of caring. And that's just sad. With the tremendous wine list and the scrupulous care they used to give every dish, it feels like watching an old friend wither...