Hogwash Whiskey Den — Restaurant in Spokane

To start off with. The food and cooks were amazing as always. That never changes in the many times Ive been in. Ive gotten the ramen both times since ive been in last and being in industry as a cook and coming from culinary school. The Shoyu Ramen on the menu is probably the best item on any menu in spokane.

That said this review comes from a service perspective. In this case I had called 2 hours early when they opened just to warn that my party (a 6 top) would be stopping in at 6pm (they dont take reservations its first come first serve so I just wanted to give a heads up). The man I spoke to on the phone said that is fine and it would be before their 7pm rush they were expecting. He also mentioned it might be a little busier due to the poor weather. All of this is expected and have 0 issue with.

The issue started when I arrived a few mins after my party arrived. The server who was taking care of us for the night a blonde woman in a beanie. On like 5 different occasions interrupted us while either ordering or asking for a favor from her. It was busy in the restaurant I understand this. I work in them all day, but the servers attitude and approach were very disrespectful. Her sighing and tone were very "burdened" by our being there or needing assistance. She would leave and not come back for 20 mins at a time and when she did she would interrupt one of us as we would be talking to her and rush off. She is fast and skilled, but solely on attitude alone diminished our experience greatly. Early on in the night my sister who has memory issues forgot wether she ordered a half or full order of fries. When half an order came she believed she ordered a full order. ( Im not sure what she ordered as I had arrived after this ). She verbalized the mistake to the polite cook who brought us the fries. He verbalized this too our server. Who then as I watched got upset at this and said they only ordered half before she crouched down behind the bar still having the conversation with the waiter and getting frustrated at our party... Im in the industry I know what she was doing, her demeanor her attitude her posture everything said " talking crap" I watched her mouth the words and from the angle I was sitting at I could still see her. I understand getting upset at a table who are unself-aware, disruptive, or a major inconvenience. Our party was not that table tonight. We were always using our please's and thank you's. We were not too loud or asking for outlandish favors. It was the typical side of sauce or a refill on drinks. We called ahead unlike other people. They knew we were coming or should have.

We felt our service was dismissive and discourteous. I still at the end of the meal before leaving organized our table as to make it easier for this server. I will still come back as I love the food and restaurant. This has been my sole poor experience from a service...

I've waited months for a reply from the management / owners from my message below. Since they didn't reply I'll leave it here.

As a former restaurant owner for 10 years, I prefer to address concerns directly rather than leaving a negative review. We dined at Hogwash this past Saturday night, arriving around 6:15. We’ve visited many times before, as it’s one of my favorite spots for great cocktails and food. We stood at one of the standing tables by the stairs and ordered some cocktails and appetizers. Having been there before, we were waiting for an empty table to open up. When one did, we grabbed it. Unfortunately, there were six of us crammed into a table meant for three to four people. Our server, who had dark hair, took our food order. After our food arrived, the adjoining table opened up and my wife moved over to it. The server then came over and rudely told her that she couldn’t sit there because there was a waitlist. I explained that we’ve been here before and had never heard of a waitlist nor seen any signage. He asked if we had asked anyone about it, to which I replied no, as we had never encountered this issue before. He had two opportunities to inform us about the waitlist: once when we arrived and again when we were crammed at the small table. His responses were very rude and flippant. Other feedback: My ramen, while good, was under-seasoned to my liking. It would have been nice if the server had checked in to see how everything was so I could have asked for some salt and sriracha or hot sauce. It was challenging to get cocktail refills. I would have ordered another drink. I spoke with a blonde-haired staff member who I’ve seen working there before, and he was empathetic and helpful. I love your place, but this experience left our party with...

Everything about Hogwash was done right in my opinion. There's this feeling you get before you even take your seat at this prohibition era styled lounge that your stepping back in time and the gentlemen at the next booth could very well a group of mobsters planning there next big bank heist. Hogwash is located in the basement of of enormous red brick building that sits on one of Spokane, Wa lesser traveled streets. Looking almost condemned from the outside. There's no flashy sign or lights indicating a business even exists there. But take a quick right turn through the clunky old wood door and down some narrow steps and there you are, Hogwash. One of Washington States finest whiskey establishments. The food menu is small, simple and delicious! For the namesake you are obligated to try the bacon! The cocktail menu is extremely inventive yet still traditional with a selection of craft cocktails made with the finest spirits and ingredients available. Meaning Hogwash's "well" liquors would be "top shelf" offerings in most high-end bars. Then there is the whiskey selection.... Someone with a great passion for whiskey looks as though they personally scoured the world for it's greatest whiskey's and put them all on display for whomever is fortunate enough to walk through those clunky old wood doors.... Please enjoy Hogwash. Don't plan on your visit to be for just a "quick one". Bring your friends, find a booth, leave your cell phone in the car, try the bacon and cornbread, order a libation from the cocktail menu that you've never heard of any of it's ingredients. I promise the atmosphere and feel will take over and you will find yourself enjoying each sip of your new favorite drink and most of all one another's conversation...