The Scottish Arms — Restaurant in St. Louis

I actually really like this place, and the food is great. I had to take the stars down a couple notches because of the service yesterday. I'm sorry, but I don't like to be scolded and corrected by the server. It was uncomfortable from the very first interaction to the last. It began with me asking for water with very light ice. The server pointed out that there were 3 waters already on the table. Irrelevant. 1.we had a 4th person coming 2. Those were loaded with ice and I wanted light ice., and 3.. it was late December and really cold out. Can i please just have what I'm asking for? So I didn't mention December, but I did make my other points, not in a shaming way, just factual, but it still clearly ticked the server off. The whole rest of the meal was uncomfortable to the point where I wanted to leave. But I was at brunch,starving and a little hungover, with friends, so I endured. The server made numerous mistakes, making her job much harder than it needed to be, but then seemed to blame us (mostly me) for it. Little errors like not bringing enough cream for more people drinking coffee (my friend got up & grabbed it for us), not bringing spoons for the cream, coming over twice to ask if we were ready to order-forgetting we had a 4th coming, not writing down a 4 tops order, then scolding when someone asked a question (again me)....taking all the coffee cups away at the end when we had just ordered another pot....then in a huff bringing 4 more clean cups, but with no more cream, or spoons. I can't even mention everything because it was just a bunch of little things that added up to her making more trips than she needed to. Plus, she let her irritation be known, which I find not just unprofessional, but unpleasant. And just the way the planets aligned I guess it felt like I was the target of all her unhappiness. Look, it's the holidays, I get it. Perhaps she was hung over like us, all good. Maybe 97% of the time she is totally on her game....sure. But at the end of the day, it was just a hair shy of miserable which is why I will hesitate on going back. It was only my second time in since I learned of the place 3 years ago. Thanks for the memories, Scottish Arms....if I see you on the street I will still give a...

First off, this place had some of the best service I've experienced anywhere in a long while. The moment we walked in we were greeted and seated. The hostess happened to overhear my husband ask if I'd be warm enough and she immediately offered to move us to another table.

We ordered some appetizers and entrees....

Scotch Eggs - These eggs had a very mild flavor and tasted great with the honey mustard.

Celtic Crisps - We ordered it with both the curry and cheddar dipping sauces. My husband was all about the cheddar, but the curry was definitely my personal favorite. While the chips were crispy and perfect as far as texture was concerned, they weren't seasoned at all and that was definitely a disappointment.

The Lamb Burger - My friend who ordered this was a big fan, especially thanks to the goat cheese. While I loved the crispy, grilled flavor on the outside of the burger, the inside didn't taste like it was seasoned at all. But the fries that came along with the burger were pretty decent!

Bacon Wrapped Haggis - My husband was absolutely and completely in love with his haggis. I had never tried haggis and had no idea what to expect. But I was blown away by the distinctively unique seasoning....there was definitely some nutmeg in there. However, the mashed potatoes served with it were, again, under seasoned.

Bangers and Mash - This sausage, like the scotch egg, was very mild. But the accompanying veggies and rosemary-garlic demi was surprisingly flavorful and a little on the sweet side. The serving size was enormous and I took half of it home.

We did look at the dessert menu, but because it was National Ice Cream Day, we decided to head to Ted Drewes. However, the bread pudding and the flourless chocolate torte did sound delicious.

Looking back over our selections and the number of things that seemed to be under seasoned, I'm not quite sure how I feel. I would say that for me the eggs and bangers were the best part. And I think I would be nervous about trying another dish and being disappointed. I would actually like to give it a 3.5...

Also, as far as parking is concerned - we went on a Sunday around 6p and parked on the street...

This is a tough review because I've had great food and service but equally so I've experienced terrible meals and absent servers. I'm giving Scottish arms 2-Stars for three reasons: inconsistent food, unpredictable service, and overall cleanliness.

Scottish menu that is slightly Americanized but no crime in that as it gives you a good fláir for what they eat across the pond (that would be Scotland where we gave them McDonalds). Prices tend to be a little more than expected as it tries to be both a white tablecloth, patio, and bar (please pick two...you are confusing the customers). Some meals have been truly tasty but overall the kitchen struggles. One visit is great and the next will find you regretting ordering the same thing. Even within a good meal you will find odd issues like a great lamb burger served on the cheapest bun available at CostCo. Similarly, portion sizes are inconsistent (again the kitchen) with an ample lamb shank but so few vegetables that three bites later you accept that the latter part of your meal is going to be all meat and nothing more. The last two Fish & Chips finally pushed me over the edge to say no more to ordering them. Greasy fish and cold, soggy chips are inexcusable - the server shouldn't have brought them to the table. Lamb is typically good but steaks are too tough and the fritters are anyone's guess as to how they will come out. In general, I have learned to avoid eating wrapped in dough there as it either undercooked (the norm) or over cooked.

Desserts are offered and appear tempting but again lack that over the top tasted needed to push them anywhere near average. Doughy, burnt, and subpar would be a fair description of my last three visits.

IMO, Scottish Arms needs to closed for two weeks this winter and do a complete and thorough cleaning, repair, restoration of an establishment that looking dirty and tired. During that two weeks they need to replace or heavily train the kitchen staff to ensure well prepared, consistent food is being served at every meal.

Good selection of beers and mid-range scotch is available. Other drinks are standard, nothing...