SILO Alamo Heights — Restaurant in San Antonio

First, I have to say, this would have been a 5-star review except for one specific thing, that I just can't allow to slide. If you don't want to read a long review, here's the punch line: the General Manager stole $13.60 from me, in the form of a "mandatory tip".

I went here with my partner and another couple on a Wednesday night. We had a Groupon, so we called ahead to make a reservation and let them know that we'd be using the Groupon. Then when we arrived, we found out that the other couple had gotten a Groupon too. The Groupon says it's one per couple, but the place was dead so we decided to ask for an exception, to split the check and use both groupons. The gentleman I spoke to earlier said it would be no problem, and somebody in our group ligt-heartedly said something to the effect of, "don't worry, we'll tip generously."

We proceeded to have an excellent meal. The food was great and there were no issues with the service. Minor touches made a difference. The issue came up when the checks came out. The server had penned in a 20% "gratuity" and re-totaled the checks. I was confused - it says SUGGESTED gratuity right on the bill, and normally with a group of only 4 there is not a prescribed minimum "gratuity." And it seemed strange that he would have handwritten a gratuity into the bill. I asked about it, and his response was, "we had an agreement." I insisted that no, we didn't. The agreement we had was that he'd allow us to split a check and use two groupons on a really slow night, NOT that he'd decide how much we were going to tip and then demand that amount. Once he stopped saying "we had an agreement," he switched to the mantra, "you get something, I get something," which he repeated several times when I was asking him to discuss this with me. Eventually I gave in and paid, because it's only $13 and I didn't want to run the mood over that. So I decided to call the General Manager the next day and voice my disappointment, and leave it at that. So, the next day I called, and found out that this sleazy thief of a server WAS the General Manager (named Joseph)! On that note, I'm no longer interested in trying to resolve this privately. I'll post this review wherever I can, and let any other customers beware.

The ironic thing is that up until that point, I was looking forward to tipping well! He would have gotten that 20% tip as a MINIMUM! But the moment he told me that I had no choice but to pay it, I begrudged every cent. I will...

Please let me start off with saying the atmosphere is great. The food is always spectacular, with that being said my waiter. Tonight’s name was Barney, the only reason I’m putting his name out there Is for no one have to go through our experience tonight. As soon as they sat us down on our table, he came nicely and offered us water and asked us what we would like to drink. We ordered wine. He brought her wine and left for a few minutes and came back and asked us if we were ready to order. I said we’re enjoying our wine and our conversation. We are not ready. I have not even looked at the menu. He said well then I’ll be back in two minutes to take your order. He then came back in about 3 to 4 minutes and asked me. I’m here and ready to take your order. I told him, sir I’m still enjoying my wine with my wife. It’s our date night today, we’re not ready. He left and came back again within 2 to 3 minutes and said are you ready to order now and I said you know what just bring us the tuna we will share that so we can keep enjoying our drink in our conversation. When he brought our tuna appetizer, he told us are you ready to order your dinner? I said no we’re about to eat our appetizer and enjoy maybe another glass of wine and he told me and no uncertain terms, sir you need to hurry up in order. We have another reservation for this table in 45 minutes. Let me start off by telling you that there was at least nine empty tables around us. So I don’t understand what the rush was for us to hurry up and order and have to leave. I watched him go to another table that was predominantly white, and he told them take your time. Flagged me down when you’re ready to order there is no rush. I am hoping in this day and time that we live in he is not a prejudice person against a Hispanic couple. We are both educated and well to do. I proceeded by calling the management, literally on my telephone and she came up from downstairs apologized and send me a new waitress by the name of Faith, who let me tell you was fabulous. She made up for Barney’s downfall. If you ever go to this establishment, please stay away from Barney. He is a horrible waiter has no respect for his clientele and does not know how to treat people in general. The restaurant itself is fine dining, the food is spectacular. The ambience was great. That’s my rant for tonight. Hopefully the owner or management will reach out to me so I can...

I've eaten here before, a bit on the pricey side and really not that worth it. But it was fine considering. Now however I was looking for a place to celebrate my birthday with my kids and thought of this place, I went onto their web page and was notified they are using FLASH which I'm not so it redirected me to an installer which probably unbeknownst to them has about 50 other nuisance programs in the installer some of which you cannot deny installing.

I went through about half way before I got so pissed off that they hired an asshole to do their web page that I refuse to eat at a place that can't figure out how to set up a decent web page that is simple to use for it potential customers. After I went though and finally stopped the installer from running I had to delete a program that on its own decided to install on my computer.

I would ask them to pay for my time to go through the uninstall process but know that I would probably get a look like my dog listening to the answering machine. Then I finally got to the page, most restaurants have a web page to visit with their menu. Not Silo they have a separate download, as they probably have no clue how to change the menu on a web page, PDF.

If their choice of webmaster is any indication of their service and food it is as I've mention fair and only pricey because of their pretense. I wouldn't eat at this place ever again. It's really not worth it.

My choices were a Brazilian steak house or silo, the Brazilian was 50 bucks a plate, not including drinks. I'm sure with all the added starters, entries, drinks, salads, napkins etc and "fair" food it would have probably ended up being the same cost. You're only paying for the pretense here. Eat at Popeyes it's got a simpler menu page and the same pretense you just don't end up paying for the pretend euro waiters who saunter and...