The Vig — Restaurant in Phoenix

Usually I enjoy The Vig but I haven’t really visited this location before and don’t plan to again for awhile after this. To start- our server took 20 minutes to get a sparkling water and a canned coffee to us despite it being kinda dead (outside at least) I’m guessing because the outdoor bartender was also running inside and outside every 5 seconds too like everyone else on staff and only those behind the bar have access to the canned coffees. However- a runner dropped our appetizers off really quickly (btw the ceviche is bland and a rather sad portion for $20, so skip it) and we had to flag another server down after waiting for our server awhile because our server just kinda dumped off our drinks in a hurry and never asked if we had wanted to order food or how our appetizers were (which, whatever on the second part of that statement, not a big deal at all usually but I feel it relevant to include because of what happens next in our what would come to be a two-hour and some change visit, yikes). When the server we had flagged came back with our refills, our original server reappeared to ask if we’re okay and how everything is. I also overheard that the tables around us also had some struggles (because we were sat on top of each other quite closely table setting-wise)- one table had a missing appetizer and the other table their food was wrong. Our food took just under a billion years to arrive but looked and tasted very good and was correct temp (Shrimp Tacos and The Beef Dip). The manager then came by awhile later to the two remaining tables (us and a party of 6 to 8ish) and asked them if they wanted dessert or anything but didn’t check in with us about if we needed anything. She only half-asked how we were, which is also weird and inconsistent. A nice thing our server did was comp a dessert for us because she knew we had waited forever (unfortunately, we also waited about 20 minutes to get out to us, what the heck is this place doing lol) but I don’t feel like she should have to do that as an apology for the experience. I think the restaurant/management needs to be the one do that as an acknowledgment and more importantly do better the their staff because the servers are trying their hardest, I watched them bust their butts this entire visit. Management needs to address the staff’s needs adequately and provide them with what they need to effectively manage tables without running them ragged because this experience was pretty lame and I don’t feel this is on the servers in my opinion. All of this is pointing to poor management because it seems disorganized and hectic and probably something to do with poor scheduling too. When I see everyone on staff looking this stressed and it feeling this hectic despite there not being much of a crowd, it upsets me (for the staff). This location needs to do way better for its staff so they can do their jobs well without it being stressful to this point for them and uncomfortable and underwhelming for its patrons.

I will leave you with some positives: The outside patio is temperature controlled amazingly the food is still amazing at this location the outdoor portion of this location is very pretty there are pretty decent parking options adjacent to this location the bathrooms were pretty dang clean our server was very nice when we got more than 5 seconds of her time (I feel bad for her, this isn’t a dig) patio is dog friendly; has a nice...

All right I am sorry there's no pictures, I just am never able to wait to taste whatever comes to the table; I obviously have a lack of self-control. Went there for brunch about a month ago and had the lemon ricotta pancakes that are on their brunch menu. It's not a big serving, so if you are hungry either grab an appetizer or another item. Just please don't expect it to fill a healthy appetite-it's kind of on the small/medium size. I will say this, we had an appetizer,so when I got it, it was just enough for me (the Cheesecake Factory's is a full-sized version). That being said, it was delicious. I enjoyed them they had a great texture and the blueberries were fresh. I did say we had an appetizer, the Chicken Nachos they were delicious as well. The chips were actually spot on perfect; just the right amount of salt and texture to be enjoyable. I actually ate probably more of the chips with no toppings than anyone else. My friend ordered the Turkey Reuben on this visit and it looked so delicious (that's where my 2nd visit comes in). The staff is spot, I can't come up with any complaints there; very attentive and know how to do their jobs. Looks like a lot of experienced servers work here. 2nd visit: Again, wait staff was perfect. As usual, we ordered an appetizer which was Ahi Tuna served on Himalayan Salt. The Yuzu-Soy was delicious and we enjoyed it with the pickled onions too - all gone. Because of the previous visit, 3 of us ordered the Turkey Reuben. I am glad we did because it was delicious; the combination of the marble-rye bun, the turkey, slaw, Gruyere cheese with Vig sauce was perfect. I did ask for a side of the Vig sauce because it was a bit dry for me, one of the copycats did the same. The other guest had a lamb burger which looked like it was just a regular Gyro; she said she enjoyed it. Now, for the specialty of this visit, which I will now be ordering every time we go there and I will be ordering 2 of them, was the Nobel Pretzel. Every time I go to a place and they have a delicious pretzel with accoutrements, I love it. Then, the next time I show up, they've change it. Please don't change this, it was delicious and perfect. With 4 of us at the table, it was a challenge to get 2 bites; we just enjoyed it so much. Two of us ended up getting beers but for the life of me, I know I am the worst reviewer ever, I cannot remember the name of the beers. It was a Pilsner, der...sorry. With the pretzel perfect combination and I am sure you appreciate my being a idiot not remembering. Sorry! Definitely going to make this a regular place to visit, very enjoyable and great atmosphere with...

Haven’t been here in a while. Today reminded me why.

Me and a friend wanted to get out of our normal routines and check it out again. About 1pm we get the patio bar. 2 seats are available for us at the bar. We wait for drinks. Not a long wait. Order our drinks, wait a bit for the bartender to come by again to ask about a food order….. the food comes out… the chilaquiles were not the business. I was very underwhelmed by the plating. A slab of an egg on top of lettuce and undersauced chips. No lies, the flavor was ok, but meal was kinda dry, and just just looked ugly. I don’t judge the look of food. I was initially like what is this. lol the bartender took a bit to come by to ask us about the meal, I just told him it needs something like more sauce or salsa or something. My friend ordered another beer…. Bartender came back to bring the sauce… we waited a bit for the second beer. Literally no customers at the bar for the wait on a beer we ordered. Bartender was chatting it up with the bar back….. meanwhile we are just watching them. Finally the “oh shit” look kicked in on the bartender and we got our beer. I was not even asked about a beer to order myself… bartender leaves….. no where around for a bit, I had no drink, the bar back is flirting with a couple other girls that showed up at the bar. Did not once come by to see if I needed anything. And he was literally standing next to us. Bartender still not around. I ended up just pouring half of my friends beer into my pint glass. The bartender finally shows up and comes by and asks if I’d like another beer. By this time I just ask to close out.

Our bill was about $66 and change, I tipped 18% because I’m a human being, but also no one deserved a tip and I kind of regret even doing that. Total came out to 77.23 with tip.

I’d skip this place at all costs. It’s embarrassing. Major reality check to why we never come here. The only thing going for them was the music and football on the T.V.s. I’m a local. It’s just weird...