ROC's Firehouse Grille — Restaurant in Palm Desert

Did not have a great experience. Good vibes walking in initially with a very quick greeting from two different staff members sitting people as they arrived. Bar had 5 others sitting at it when I sat down. The problem is that Seana, the bartender was everywhere it seemed. I wasn't even acknowledged for about 6 minutes, to include no eye contact. Finally got a beer, didn't need a menu or a second though. Never was checked on until maybe 10 minutes later once the beer was empty and she was done making her rounds with other customers she seemed familiar with already who received more attention and quicker attention clearly. I asked to try a second beer which was given as a sample properly after, but didn't even wait 10 seconds for me to try it or see what I thought. Waited another 7 minutes before being acknowledged to tell her it wasn't for me and I would just have the same as last time. Promptly brought to me, along with the check I requested simultaneously. Card dropped on the check immediately as she brought it over. Ignored it for another 5 minutes when I was clearly ready to go. After it was finally taken care of, "Thank you thank you" was the best hospitality that could be mustered I guess. Unfortunate experience for what seemed like a promising place. Wasn't even busy for this to be warranted it seemed. Can't change this rating until...

We were greeted by a friendly hostess who checked back with us a few times during the meal. My husband had a stellar chicken piccata with lemon and capers served on a bed of spaghetti; I had blackened salmon tacos, with some red cabbage tucked in, just the right amount of heat and a black bean salsa on the side. An icy La Quinta Heatwave beer for him; a light crisp pinot grigio for me. For dessert fabulous whiskey sponge cake with caramel sauce--light and so good. Our waiter was kind and friendly; attentive but didn't hover. The place is hard to see from the road; their neighbor's sign (Bucatini), stands out, so if you follow the Bucatini sign, park in University Place (big lot, easy to park) and go next door to Bucatini's, you'll be in Roc's. If it's winter bring a jacket because the place has high ceilings and can get drafty. But you'll love the food, the drinks and the staff--it's a wonderful place and a refreshing change from same...

Food was just fine. However, the service was odd. Walked in, not busy at all, had work to do so wanted to sit at a high top, chose the only clean high top which was large for about 10 people, but to only sit at the corner seeing as they weren't busy. However, the bartender told me I couldn't sit there in case a larger party came in and she also off handedly berated her server under her breath for attempting to seat me there. Then I asked if I could sit at the high top that was dirty, and the bartender gave me a huff saying she would have to clean it first. Fighting the urge to not leave, I waited and was sat. The rest of the time was fine. What was a bit annoying though was that about 10 minutes later, a guy came in and sat all by himself at the large...