Congress Tavern — Restaurant in Providence

Watch your wallet. It troubles me to write this review, which is regrettably why it has to be written.

Last week, four of my friends and I had a good time at the Congress bar. After the first round, I wasn’t feeling right, so I skipped the next two rounds. When it came time to pay the bill and we all threw in plastic, one of my friends suggested that we split the bill evenly and that the four others split the tip. It seemed like an elegant solution, until the chits arrived and we started joking about how this was going to make me look.

As we left, I thought about offering a quick explanation to the server, but he was on the street smoking (it was a slow night), and with a 20%+ tip for the table, I expected that he would figure it out.

You know where this is going … He (they?) took it upon himself to add an extra tip. (26%!).

I called the tavern twice before they returned my call. I shouldn’t have had to call them in the first place. The gentleman taking care of it said it was probably a “glitch” or “confusion.” You be the judge. Maybe I should accept the “If there’s ever a problem, we’ll take care of it.” as an apology, but it felt hollow. (Update 9/28/15: Apparently it was hollow. They did not take care of it as promised.)

Our server seemed quite knowledgeable about the bar’s wines and how they are acquired, which makes me think his relationship with the establishment is more than just that of a server. So it makes me wonder why he would jeopardize their reputation over $7.

To you, this is an anonymous review, but it isn’t to the bar. They know my name, my phone number, and my credit card number.

Oh … the food. ...

Thought we would try a new place. Had no expectations. But this place failed in almost every way.

Bar service was abysmal. Bartender spent 99% of her time talking with server. Never was asked how anything was. The bar itself is decent quality — but how do you make money with this service — you can honestly find better service at ordinary chains like Olive Garden.

Worst Margarita pizza I have ever had. The Margarita pizza from Costco is twice as this was. The Basil was shredded and tasteless. The crust was not a thin crust as advertised— a mess. A single slice was more than enough to understand how bad it was. To give the place some credit, it was removed from the bill. I rarely tip under 20% — this service was so ordinary that I tipped 10% — it didn’t even merit 10%.

We ordered the ribeye sandwich. Bartender didn’t ask how the steak should be cooked. It was the only thing that we thought was really good.

Made a mistake and ordered the “Christopher”….. thought we were getting some version of a Caesar salad and the pic tells the story. Not even salt or pepper on the chicken. It went straight to a to-go box, after trying the chicken — it may as well have been prepared in the microwave.

Not an establishment I would...

Been coming to Providence for years and have eaten and drank at many of the "best" restaurants/bars in the city. We had just dropped off a family member at the train station on a Sunday night and we were looking for a close by comfortable bar for a q quick bite. Went to internet and discovered this gem.

Our server Ellie was very friendly and helpful and we were able to order beer from their extensive draft and bottle/can offering. I didn't get a cocktail, but some of their specialty drinks looked delicious - next time! The food was amazing, hot and fresh. The choices were diverse and would check off the comfort food list.

So happy we went and wish this "local" bar/restaurant was in our town in MA because we would frequent it often....