The Kitchen Table at Relish — Restaurant in Raleigh

I wanted to like this place and it really didn't meet expectations throughout the whole experience. This is due mainly to lack of service we encountered. The whole idea they have going for this restaurant is genius but service will make or break the experience. We came this past Sunday and we got seated immediately in a booth along the bar. The bar had two couples and a solo person and it turned out that our waiter was actually the bartender. He came over to get our drink order a few minutes after we sat down and then a family was seated shortly after, right behind us. They had a completely different server whose only tables were actually tables and not the bar as well. They ordered their drinks, received the drinks and proceeded to order their food before we even got our drinks. Mind you, we were there first and also ordered our drinks as they were being seated. Fast forward to getting the food and playing our game, our server never came to check on us once. We constantly had to flag servers that were coming by to get some jelly, napkins etc. I got a sweet tea and my cup remained empty 85% of our time there. Eating a biscuit without a drink is not an ideal situation. My husband also asked for a water and he proceeded to fill other beer orders before bringing him the water (took about ten minutes and the bar had also cleared out but he was playing on his cell phone) I received one refill from our server and that was when he saw we were finished with our food and asked if we were ready for the check. We then get our check and put our card inside waiting for him to come and get it. Never happened but there was a lady standing towards the front, I'm assuming manager or owner who stood at the front before coming over about five minutes later to get our check. After this, our server quickly brought the check back to ensure we are leaving. (Vibe we got). To make the visit even worse, we go to leave and there are two employees standing at the front in a conversation and neither one told us to have a good day or thanks for coming. Working in customer service, this is impolite and doesn't leave a good taste.

Pros: Concept is great while eating and having multiple games to choose from during your time

Cons: Lack of service for our visit. I did notice those that had an actual server and not the bartender were actually given the service that you would expect at a restaurant. Food is 'ok' nothing that stands out and would make you crave another day. Biscuit was very crumbly and I could not finish my sandwich due to the biscuit falling apart.

First impressions are everything and I doubt we will be back for a very long time. I really hate to say that because I wanted to enjoy this place and come on the weekends but there are plenty of other niche places in Raleigh to go with...

It started off with a very pleasant experience. We had come in for a work celebration. We were all very excited to try a new place and couldn’t wait to play the games.

We had a reservation around 1:30 and started off with some drinks while we waited for the rest of the party. Service was great and when we ordered - we had a pleasant experience. We were new to the place and our server was extremely nice and was honest about menu items to help us decide. She was professional and kind. The food came out quickly and was delicious. Everyone enjoyed the food. She came and checked on us and cleared things off our table, refilled our drinks the whole nine.

After eating we played two games and we enjoyed the experience.

We were met by another server towards the end and she came by to ask if there is anything else we wanted to order. And one person wanted an order of the beignets to go. without stopping to see if anyone wanted anything else she quickly turned around before someone else could get out that they also wanted an order of beignets to go. She had a very annoyed look on her face and stopped and stared at us and said “so… you want 2 orders to go?” It was so uncomfortable that we felt the need to apologize for ordering.

Then we asked to combine the tables order with the beignet orders and the server had an attitude about that. Then she took the itemized receipt and one person in our party needed that receipt so we asked for it. Whoops -

Super awkward. And once we cashed out we were talking for a little bit. Then she came around snarky and said can I take that (the signed receipt) from you so we can close out the afternoon. Yeah totally get they, but it could have been said without the attitude.

Someone handed it to her and we all were just looking at each other confused wondering if the place closes in the middle of the day or something - because then we felt bad we had no idea. But we saw another table beside us. We just did not like the server at the end and did not like that she was extremely rude and made us feel extremely uncomfortable. Definitely killed the mood after having such a positive experience.

towards the end it was just a sour mood and we didn’t want to be there anymore because we felt “unwanted” and rushed. We all said thank you and did not get a response back. Obviously they did not want us there. So thanks for that. Food was great and had a lot of fun until this person came to take over our table and it just went...

Relish is one of my favorite area restaurants in the Crabtree-Glenwood Station neighborhood. I have never had a poor experience ever. I finally checked off the brunch experience at their sister cafe/bar, The Kitchen Table. Located conveniently next door to Relish, is KT. I read about the vintage board game experience and wanted to check out brunch for myself. A friend and I visited around noon and we were seated immediately by a nice young gentleman and comfortably inside at a booth towards the bar. I enjoy the vintage-country charm of this cafe. Our waitress arrived to greet us immediately and we decided on the Special Caramel Expresso Martini. These were made perfectly. We then decided on shrimp & grits and the montecristo for entrees. Our entrees came out very quickly. I asked that my waffle be cooked to a crisp and the cook delivered. I do not enjoy soggy waffles. I paired my dish with cheese grits. I felt the dishes were good but nothing blew me away. What I did enjoy the most here were the cocktails !!!!! We had to relocate to the bar due to the air conditioner leaking water over my seat and onto the booth from condensation. This was the best thing to happen to us. Zack is the bartender and he was such a wonderful host. He makes inspiring cocktails and is a mad scientist with his creations as well as a great conversationalist. I wanted to try Elijah Craig bourbon for the first time and he made an Apple Butter Bourbon fizz with delicious ginger, this was excellent!!!! We chatted about the Tepuy donuts that they serve on weekends from the famous Tepuy shop. I look forward to visiting for dinner and more of Zack's creative cocktails. We did not play any games this visit, but I intend to next visit and love that it's an option. The southern hospitality was much...