Magnolia on the Green — Restaurant in Salem

Went for the Thanksgiving dinner/buffet. We had "reservations" for 3. We got there and were directed upstairs where "Jeremiah will seat you." Stood there for 5 minutes at the top of the stairs waiting for Jeremiah. Finally sat down in the three chairs they had. 10 more minutes went by and still not seated. Whole place is basically empty. At least 4 groups that came in after us were immediately seated? Finally, I had to request to be seated. We sit down at a table set for 6 and we find out WE ARE EXPECTED TO SHARE A ROUND TABLE WITH STRANGERS (who also had reservations) and this was never stated in the original advertisements nor when reservations were made? While waiting for the buffet (which finally served 45 minutes later than our reservations and never once offered drinks or anything), the strangers expected to sit with us were seated at our round table, sat for about 1 minute and apparently were as surprised as we were with the surprise seating arrangements/reservations and decided to promptly walk out of the establishment. So we had a huge table set for 6 to ourselves. No waiter ever said a word to us. We finally just got up and got our own food at the buffet. We sat there eating 20 minutes and no waiter even says "Hi!". I (again) had to get up, chase down a server, and request a waiter just to order drinks. Food was good but they kept running out of things then it was another 15 minute wait for them to get it out. Total lack of food management. In a restaurant that is successful, a person checks the buffet once in a while to see what is running out and then heats it so it is ready. An unsuccessful restaurant relies solely upon the CUSTOMER to inform the meat cutter (the only waitstaff in sight) that they are out of several items, who then takes 5 minutes just to find someone who can heat up food and another 15 minutes to get it served. Not once during the entire meal was there a voluntary interaction on the part of the waitstaff with us. Not once. We all ran out of water and drinks. We ended up just scavenging the waters left behind by the diners who walked out from our table. No one explained there were different deserts available downstairs than upstairs. We ended up sitting another 20 minutes waiting for the check. I (again) had to get up and chase someone down to get me a check. When she asked, I told the lady who took my card that it was pretty non-existent service, and she did comp my drinks. I also left no tip because not one single thing was done to earn it by any employed individual in the restaurant. As we are walking out a man sitting with a woman at a nearby table caught my attention (and obviously having overheard my telling the bill server about the non-existent service) said "You sure hit that on the head about the non-existent customer service here." I related to the bill server what he said on the way out and actually saw her get a waiter to go help a person for the only time in close to 1.5 hours at the place.

If I wasn't a more forgiving individual, I would think the complete lack of interaction from any waitstaff was purposeful and possibly racially tinged because my wife is Asian and my son is half-Asian and I WAS in a private country club restaurant. But Nah.....that doesn't happen...

We wanted to find a special place around Salem to celebrate our anniversary, so we selected Magnolia on the Green at S. Salem Golf Course. We were NOT disappointed. First, the location, atmosphere and vibes were good, upscale, yet comfortable and inviting. We were seated in the bar area at a window with a fantastic view, both outside and the interior are amazing. The service was perfect, and the servers were friendly, helpful and efficient, in just the right amount. The menu had a nice spectrum of choices for food and beverages. We started out with delicious onion rings and a flight of drinks. Our meals were Chicken Masala and a poke bowl. See the pictures and how beautiful they look. I promise they tasted even better. For dessert, provided by my sneaky sister Cheryl, was the salted caramel cheesecake. Boi Wow it was all so good. The prices were commensurate with the quality of food, service, and location and we were pleased all around. Ten / ten I'm recommending Magnolia on the Green for everyday dining and those special occasions when you have higher...

Magnolia on the Green was an absolute dream. I called ahead of time to check the reservation status and from that moment I was greeted with nothing but kindness. I walked in about an hour later to the most quant and cozy atmosphere. I don’t visit Salem often, but I stopped in before a meeting at the Capitol, and I couldn’t have been happier with my decision. The gentleman who answered the phone recognized my voice almost immediately and has me seated in seconds, right by the fire place. I was able to see the golf course with perfect view while I waited for my food. I ordered the Croque Madame and I will say it’s some of the most well rounded flavored sunny side up eggs I’ve ever enjoyed. I can’t talk about it enough. I also enjoyed a warm, alcoholic coffee (that I can’t remember the name of for the life of me) and it was such a great addition to a chilly day. I will recommend this restaurant 10/10 times to those dining in Salem. The prices are well beyond reasonable for the food quality, service, and experience...