Lovely how we were sat down on a Saturday night next to this table of boxes. These empty boxes set the mood for the lack of exceptional customer service. No one was happy to see us when we entered the restaurant; no hello just a "how many?"
After we were seated at a dirty table next to the table of empty boxes. Our server came to the table and took our order. We ordered the Cuban platter, roast pork, and the milanese friend pork steak. The menus look like they were made on a 25 year old copier and had a line down the middle, making them very unclear. This is really a small effort to make sure your menus are printed properly so the customers can see clearly the items they're ordering. You know the piece of paper that makes ALL the money for the restaurant.
Food arrived quickly, but was sub par. The chicarons in the cuban platter were crispy, but lacked flavor. The tamale was yummy though.
The roast pork was just ok. The friend pork milanese was awesome. When you order the plantains, they give you three little tiny pieces, which are not proportionate to the other sides so I'd ask for more or skip it all together.
We were never checked on. When I asked for more sauce when the food arriced the waiter completely forgot about it and brought us waters AFTER our meal was brought to the table. That was special. We still left a 20% tip (bc that's the right thing to do) even though the waiter was clearly not happy to be working tonight.
We left and the hostess didn't say goodbye, happy holidays, etc. No eye contact whatsoever. We left feeling like a dollar sign and not a customer. It's really a small effort to say hello, goodbye, and be attentive to your customers.
The thing is ... if the restaurant was busy; I would understand forgetfulness and the lack of attention; but that was not the case here. There seemed to be an overall lack of employee morale. I've never seen anything like it.
So if you're feeling like sitting next to empty boxes for subpar food with the unfriendliest waitstaff ever..... Sergio's is the place to be!
Tip management: Get those menus printed out on decent paper. Make an effort. Don't open the floor with a table full of empty boxes. Is it really hard to break them down and put them...
Read moreI ordered a mojito at the bar while we waited for our event party to assemble. It was absolutely delicious, and prepared and presented with an appropriate amount of flourish. The pour may have been a bit light, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. The surprise came when I received a $16.05 bill which broke down to $10 mojito and $5 rum charges. I hadn’t asked first, so I ignored a price that made South Beach look like a bargain and added a tip without comment. Back at the table, my wife was incensed enough that she asked a waiter how much mojitos cost here, and was told $10. When we asked how a $16.05 bill resulted, he mentioned “tax,” which led to another question about the tax rate (60%???), which resulted in a complex discussion of how the liquor is added into a bill. We clarified that no special premium liquors were requested nor used, and he showed us his portable register showing a $16.05 final charge for all such drinks. I still don’t get the reasoning, and we expressed that worldwide we’d never heard of different prices from what is quoted for a drink, tax notwithstanding. ASK PRICES AND DOUBLE CHECK BILLS HERE, SADLY.
Very nice faux-old atmosphere in what used to be a Macaroni Grill years back. Can get a bit loud when it gets full, so whether you find these sort of conditions “lively” or distracting and isolating is your call. We had come for a baby shower with a choice of four set menu dishes and two sides, so noise both within our section and around us was expected. The food was good, though basic, and service was alternatingly helpful and indifferent. Part of “service” could be considered telling the accurate truth about prices when asked (or even before with a menu), so I don’t feel badly about docking...
Read moreOur experience at Sergio in Pembroke Pines was elevated to perfection, thanks to the exceptional service provided by Jose. From the moment we stepped in, Jose's attentiveness and warm demeanor set the tone for a delightful dining experience.
Jose's knowledge of the menu, especially the Sergio Deluxe Breakfast, was impressive. He guided us through the selection with enthusiasm, ensuring we made the most of our culinary adventure. His recommendations were spot-on, and it was evident that he takes pride in his understanding of the offerings.
Throughout our meal, Jose displayed impeccable timing and attention to detail. Our glasses were never empty, and each dish was served with precision. His friendly yet professional approach added a personal touch to our dining experience, making us feel genuinely valued as patrons.
Jose's dedication to customer satisfaction was evident in his proactive service. He anticipated our needs, making thoughtful suggestions and ensuring that every aspect of our meal met or exceeded expectations.
In addition to his service skills, Jose's genuine passion for his role shone through, creating an atmosphere of hospitality that enhanced our overall enjoyment. It's rare to encounter a waiter who not only excels in the mechanics of service but also brings a sincere enthusiasm for ensuring guests have an unforgettable dining experience.
Sergio at Pembroke Pines is fortunate to have a waiter of Jose's caliber. His commitment to excellence undoubtedly contributed to making our visit memorable, and we look forward to returning, confident that we'll receive the same outstanding...
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