The Modernist — Restaurant in San Antonio

Our evening at Modern was significantly diminished by an experience that left us questioning the establishment's professionalism. Our bartender, who had seemed friendly, concluded our visit on a sour note. As two couples, it was evident that we were together, yet when the time came to settle our bill, our request was met with an odd question about our group's size and subsequently a split check for four individuals, disregarding the natural couple's arrangement.

To add to our discontent, we noticed our bartender indulging in a shot herself just before closing our tab. This unprofessional behavior was already enough to raise concerns, but the situation was exacerbated when we found our bill was not itemized, which obscured any attempt to understand or verify the charges. When we questioned this, the atmosphere turned uncomfortably tense, as if we were at fault for their oversight. Regrettably, I am compelled to share this review to reflect the subpar service we received at modern. It's unfortunate when the actions of the staff detract from what could have been an enjoyable night out.

UPDATE: 3/12

Thank you for responding. I want to assure you that the intention behind my review was not to harm your business but to express a genuine concern from a customer's perspective. We value clear communication and professionalism, and felt challenged when both seemed lacking during our visit— highlighted by the confusion over our bill, which was unexpectedly split despite the obvious pairing of our party as two couples.

To provide more context, my initial share of the tab was $17, and in good faith, I left a $10 tip, demonstrating that we were not trying to skirt our responsibility but rather respond to the service provided. Given this, you might understand our embarrassment and frustration when confronted with the situation. We were celebrating a very special occasion so it’s just unfortunate it ended that way. Recognizing your response and willingness to address the issue, I have adjusted my review to better reflect our overall experience. My hope is that this incident serves as constructive feedback, contributing to the growth and refinement of customer service in your establishment for...

If I could give this place 0 stars for service I would. My friends and I went Friday night 8/8/25 and had the worst experience ever. We waited about ten minutes to get acknowledged after seeing the male bartender hit on some girls who are less than a foot away from us and continuously talk to them, the female bartender looked at us and kept washing the glasses then when she was done still didn’t acknowledge us after trying to get both their attention. Finally the male bartender asks what we’d like and we can tell he is very visibly intoxicated like slurring words bloodshot eyes and lack of focus when we’re asking about drinks. We give him our order, 4 shots and a modelo, and we wait about another ten minutes just watching him flirt with the two girls again who are right beside us and take shots of I believe Jameson with them. Telling the girls he loves them and to say it back to him. After watching him continually drink on the job and never prepare our drink order and the female bartender completely ignoring us to we decided to leave after about 20+ minutes of not being served while it was a relatively slow night. We then realized the bartender forgot he even took our order when we left and he thanked us for our tab. One we never had, he then made my male friend uncomfortable after he kept telling him he loved him and shouted across the bar for him to say it back and that he loved him too. Over all I would rate this place a 1, everyone had drinks and no one was ordering except for us and neither bartenders cared to make our drinks or make sure we were taken care of. Will be notifying TABC to check on this place after seeing the bartender be visibly intoxicated and making patrons uncomfortable. Manager definitely needs to fire this guy. Drinking on the job till you forget to put in orders, slurring, inability to focus, bloodshot eyes, being overly affectionate to people you don’t know is...

If you're seeking an exceptional night out with top-tier drinks and service, look no further than The Modernist. My recent visit there was nothing short of spectacular, largely thanks to the dynamic duo behind the bar: David and Jessica.

David, the bartender, is genuinely a master of his craft. His ability to mix classic cocktails with a unique twist is unmatched. Not only does he have an encyclopedic knowledge of spirits and mixology techniques, but his passion for crafting the perfect drink is evident in every sip. Whether you're a cocktail aficionado or new to the bar scene, David's friendly demeanor and expert advice make choosing the right drink a delightful experience.

Complementing David's skills is Jessica, the amazing barback whose attention to detail ensures that The Modernist operates like a well-oiled machine. Her swift and efficient handling of the bar’s needs—from restocking essentials to maintaining a pristine environment—allows David to focus on creating drinks that are nothing short of works of art. Jessica's warm and welcoming presence adds a lovely touch to the overall ambiance, making every guest feel valued and well cared for.

Together, David and Jessica make The Modernist more than just a place to grab a drink—they create a memorable experience for every patron. Their teamwork and dedication are evident in the smooth, friendly, and inviting atmosphere they maintain, which sets The Modernist apart from the rest.

Whether you’re planning a casual evening out or a special celebration, I highly recommend visiting The Modernist. Ask for David and Jessica, and you're guaranteed not just a drink, but a night to remember. Cheers to the fantastic service and unforgettable experiences at...