Sckavone's Restaurant — Restaurant in Portland

I had a terrible experience at this restaurant. We have been here a few times but obviously won’t be back. My friend and I arrived with our dogs, put our name on the list, and asked if we could sit at one of their outside tables while we waited. The server was nice and allowed us to do so, and there were plenty of available tables. The restaurant wasn’t full but they only have a couple servers so don’t seat all the tables to make sure they can keep up. However, a crazed man (who turned out to be the owner or manager) came outside and aggressively confronted us about sitting there, even though we had checked with the host first.

He told us other people were waiting for tables before us and I told him that there are other tables. He went inside and came out three different times to have escalating interactions with me and I told him to get out of my face, still thinking this was a crazy guest of this restaurant who was upset that we sat down before him.

He then came out to tell us that we weren’t eating there and it was “high school of me” to tell him there are other tables, which is when I finally realized he works there. I was rude to this person after they aggressively came up to us and didn’t identify themself as someone who even worked there. His behavior was completely unprofessional. He was clearly upset we sat down, made an assumption that we came in and sat down without checking in, and then aggressively talked to us about it before checking in with appropriate staff. Had we known this was a manager/the owner we would have left immediately after our initial interaction with him.

Update in response: there are four tables outside, one of which had someone there when we checked in. We asked if we could sit at a table while we waited and the server told us yes but someone would not be out with us for a while. That’s what was said. It was never even said that it would be temporary. I had NO IDEA you worked there. You made a lot of assumptions, are still making assumptions, and I thought I was literally telling a crazy person to back off from my friend and I. My first thought was that you were a customer on the list that thought we got sat before you and were upset about it. It wasn’t until our 4th interaction with you where you were telling us to leave that I knew you worked there. And again, there were two other tables available. Had you been clear in your communication then this whole situation would have been avoided. It’s not entitlement to check in with staff, ask if we can sit at a table while we wait with our dogs (since we obviously cannot wait inside the waiting area indoors) and then do so with the go ahead of your staff. We also checked to make sure no one had requested outside before even asking. We weren’t trying to cut in line or put out other guests. You had a lot of open indoor and two other outdoor tables available. Had a server come up, or had you introduced yourself as staff and asked us to politely move for a guest before us, we would have. It’s bizarre you assume people just know you work there with nothing to indicate so and that you talk to guests the way you do on the first interaction. You weren’t out there serving the other table outside, you weren’t wearing an apron, weren’t carrying anything to indicate you were working. You were wearing a plaid unbuttoned shirt (which is fine, but again, how would we know you worked there?). I worked in restaurants for 10 years, and have never talked to guests like that. You were upset from the get go, assuming we were trying to cut ahead and you treated us that way. The rest of your staff was friendly and we had never had issues there...

⭐ 1 star Hands down the worst service I’ve ever experienced.

We showed up to eat, only to find a handwritten sign saying they wouldn’t open until 5 PM because they were “recovering from the morning shift” — that’s what the manager (or whoever was in charge) told us. We were patient. We waited over an hour, maybe longer. We even asked if we could sit outside and have a drink which they said yes. — I don’t even drink, I had water and tea — but we were still understanding.

When they finally opened, after all that waiting, we were the last to be served. And then, my friend was cut off because of two drinks. “That they hit hard” kicked out for apparently “ordering weird” — what does that even mean? Since when is that a reason to treat someone like a problem? Since I deal with OLCC. Are you “over pouring?” To the point where 2 drinks is too much?

To top it off, after cutting off my friend, they asked me if I needed a box — like they wanted me gone too. Again, I had water and tea. No alcohol. No issue. Just trying to eat, and just order what was on the menu.

I get it, staffing is hard, and people get overwhelmed — but the way we were treated was uncalled for. When I spoke up about it, I was told it’s ok. I told him that I’m not ok with the way “I”was treated. the manager told me not to come back. No problem — I won’t and I will tell every single person that asks go anyplace other than here. McDonald’s treats people better. I’m sorry you had a rough morning and that it started filling up again. You aren’t in business because of you, it’s because of the people that come in and spend $70 for lunch. I walked away and tried to understand what just happened. Owner, manager or General Manager maybe next time take the customer aside and calmly talk to them instead of making it out to be an entire restaurant dramatic episode. You’re an adult. Lead by example for your other employees instead or the direction that you decided to take.

Hard not to feel like we were singled out for no good reason. Which kind of is disheartening because I wanted to really give this place a chance. Instead, I have no idea what just happened or why the hate? Absolutely...

The food seemed fresh and tasty. The service was very attentive and they serve K&F coffee which I love. It is also 3 blocks from my home. Unfortunately, I could not give a higher rating due to the following: Please clean! The a/c window units right above the tables are caked with dust and grunge. The floor was sticky and the tables and chairs looked like they hadn't been wiped down. Even the walls appeared dirty and scuffed. While eating all I could think to myself was," if it's this dirty out here, what is the kitchen like?!" The environment and ambiance is dark and depressing. (This is the main reason I have not been back). The awning at the entrance is faded, tattered and worn. Really no curb appeal. We walked by multiple times before we ever decided to give the place a try and only did because it's so close to home. Inside, thick wood blinds, wood tables, dark colored walls and heavy curtains don't work unless you have tons of good lighting and charm. It's just a very bazaar combo. It's a shame because just a few updates and some cleaning would make this place somewhere I would frequent. Maybe I'll try again and update this review if...