Avenue — Restaurant in Royal Oak

Now I’ve been here several times before and today will most definitely be my last time going there. I always gotten an uncomfortable feeling here but the food was decent and I would typically be in and out so I would let it go. Today I was chased down by a man questioning if I paid my bill or not. In fact my bill was paid by this nice random lady who was sitting next to me when I came in. She left before me and had paid on her way out the door as I was still eating my meal. After I told him it was paid for he then stated that the tab said it was unpaid. At this place they have always given me my bill when they gave my food and the expectation is that you go to the front on the way out to pay. My thing is if the tab supposedly said it was unpaid then it shouldn’t have been a question right and if that was the case why did he just turn around and walk away? I’ve never stolen anything or ran out on a bill so it was quite insulting to be questioned about a $17 bill. If they are that concerned maybe they should do like most other businesses and do the bill at the table. It just felt like it was obviously my appearance was the reason I was chased down in the parking lot over a bill that had been in fact paid. And so because of that I will never be back. Like why would I leave a tip on the table and not pay the bill just silly. Smh. People who dine and dash don’t leave a tip. It was God who kept me from going back in and taking...

Have been there a dozen or so times in the past year. The food is generally pretty good, everything depends on who waits on you and which manager is in charge. Today we got cold food which I saw sitting in the window for 5 minutes while our waitress was chatting loudly and laughing right next to it before she picked it up. She dropped off the cold food, I asked for more coffee, and we never saw her again. I finally got a refill from another waitress whose table had complained. No one in charge today, it was slow when I was there and the entire wait staff hung out by the counter talking and laughing. Not working. I am usually at 25-30% tipper, especially since Covid and everyone is short handed. My wife and I have both worked in restaurants and know the difference between good and bad service. Today I left my 10% tip under my coffee cup, I wonder if the server will make the connection of not. Not sure if we'll ever be back, certainly not on a Saturday anymore. Too bad. It looks like some long term wait staff is hurting the business, and the new hires see that...

My friend suggested we meet for lunch at the Avenue and I am so happy she did. This place is like the old Clock type restaurants with lots booths and a full variety menu choices. My experience was very positive from the waitress to the great food. The waitress was extremely busy because the restaurant was packed, but yet she was friendly, helpful, did not rush us and had a great sense of humor. I ordered the fish and chips based on her recommendation. OMG - I also highly recommend this choice. The fish portions (4) were huge, meaty and lightly battered. The meal was served with tons of fries and included a large bowl of homemade type chicken noodle soup with actual large chunks of chicken and tons of veggies. We also got refills on our beverages. The restaurant is conveniently located, safe and clean. There appears to be outside eating during warmer weather. They could use a larger parking area to accommodate busy hours, but this place is worth walking an extra length...