Club Arcada Speakeasy & Restaurant — Restaurant in St. Charles

I started coming here on Thursdays when they had prime rib, and I used to rave about this place to my clients — it truly was a gem. Sadly, it’s gone downhill in a big way.

We had reservations at the speakeasy in the club, but when we arrived, security oddly told us to check out the “flappers.” First red flag — not a flapper in sight. All male staff, not one greeting at the door, just a blunt: “Guys, do you have a reservation?” From the young lady at the door No welcome, no smile, nothing.the bookcase was also wide open and ruined the experience for my guest .

Inside, the vibe was completely off. Brightly lit — nothing like the moody, mysterious speakeasy atmosphere it once had. Our table was tiny and uncomfortable, and when we politely raised the issue, a woman who I believe may have been the manager (Shannon?) told us, essentially, if we didn’t like it, we could leave. No effort to accommodate or find a solution. We also asked what meat was used for the meatballs and she replies “not sure because they are not made in house “ did our jaws drop .

On top of all that, the food came out lukewarm, and the energy from the staff was flat. No one looked happy to be there, and frankly, neither were we.

We won’t be returning to the speakeasy — it’s lost all its charm. However, we will continue to support the shows. Ron, I don’t know what’s going on, but if you’re keeping that speakeasy, it either needs to go or get a full revamp. Bring back the real speakeasy vibe — with actual flappers, ambiance, and...

We were seated in the Joan Crawford room. After 15-20 minutes, I went looking for a server and found out no one was assigned to us. When one was assigned, she took our appetizer order, promising water and plates. We received our appetizer, still no water, plates napkins or silverware. I had to go looking for our server to order our dinner. I found her in their little cubby area busy on their computer. She asked if I could tell her what everyone wanted and she would put the order in right there. I don’t know everyone’s order. I went back to get my groups order to bring it to her so we could get our food before the concert we were attending. Before I returned with the order she showed up to our room and took our now very shortened order as it was getting very late. The food and drinks arrived with 20 minutes to spare to gulp down drinks and food, still without silverware, which was interesting eating. I actually had to go find her again to get our check, bring it back to our room then return the bill/payment to her in the little cubby room. I started to feel like I worked there. My point in writing this is that we felt they were woefully understaffed for the amount of people in the room. The servers were running around like crazy people trying to take care of customers and we happened to be in the forgotten room. Thankfully we were a group of people with a good sense of humor. But, if this happens to be a regular occurrence, you will lose customers when they start reading...

I had high hopes for this place, I really did. I made a reservation a month and a half out specifically for couch seating, as I didn't want a high top. When I arrived with my friend I was asked if a high top was okay... I let them know that I had reserved couch seating and that I didn't want a high top. The hostess proceeded to tell me that there is a party of people in that room and that's why we were removed/displaced. I tried asking them how that was okay or acceptable, but they had no answers for me, and offered nothing but a high top. To try and salvage the situation, my friend asked if we could somehow be compensated for the inconvenience and they told us to talk to our server, which wasn't reassuring at all. We decided to try and make the most of it anyway, so we agreed to the high top. When we were taken to the high top, it was tiny and right in front of a door, in a room packed with people and a band so loud you wouldn't have a hope of having a conversation. We didn't even sit down. We just turned around and let the girl at the front know that they can give that table away. We were given a "sorry" and nothing else to attempt to ease our frustration and disappointment. I've never felt so disrespected and pushed aside at an establishment before, I would never recommend this place. I was ready to spend a lot of money there for my friend to have a good time, and they basically told me that my money and I aren't...