Black Water Tavern & Tap — Restaurant in Town of Alden

This was my 1st time here. I wanted to try it because I had heard good things. Honestly, I don't think I'll be going back, not for dinner anyway. We were seated right away, but it took about 15min for our server to come over and ask about drinks or anything. Another 10 min, she came back with drinks and we ordered. 2 appetizers and 3 entrées. We waited for 45min, we had to wave our server down just to ask for refills on drinks. No appetizers, or food yet, and no apology or update from our server. Another almost 20min goes by, finally we have the appetizers, then 20 min later food. Still no apology for the wait or delay. I ordered the Mandarin Salmon salad it was $20 and not worth it. It was NOT the size of a dinner salad. It tasted good, but portion size did not fit the price. The lettuce was also pretty wilted, not fresh or crisp. My husband got the salmon dinner and his piece of salmon was the same size as mine on my salad. His vegetables were a medley from the freezer, and his baked potato was tiny and dry. Not to mention the server forgot lemons for my water, and rolled her eyes when I asked again if she could please bring me some. It wasn't packed in the restaurant, or I would understand the delays and mistakes. I would consider going back for some drinks, to see if that's better, because the atmosphere seemed ok. Overall it was a disappointment...

New in town. Did visit last year and it was great. The last 5 times I have been there, and I brought friends, getting a drink was an act of Congress. Bartender on phone while we waited and waited and waited one night recently. Last night, similar. My one buddy said he's never coming back. It took over 20 minutes to get his first drink. Then another 45 to get his food order taken. He is not returning nor two other friends. It was not busy at all. Positive side, great wing special and the wings are fantastic -- good lucking getting service though. Response to owner: One was a monday night in dining room which is fabulous with a nice fireplace. The other times at bar. Thank you. I, personally will be back - the wings on monday and during bills are fantastic and only 50 cents. And the 7 burger at those times are too. Update : went back. Sadly. The waitress complained of being stressed because it was so busy. Most tables. We’re empty. I don’t get it. It has a nice atmosphere. But really?! Stressed when the place is empty. Find another job. We hate being rushed. I had to go to the table and get my own software and napkins. Again. Cold service. Tried again ...

As I entered the place, the bartender was yelling: "I don't get paid enough for this". I had to get the menus for our table. Then I had the wrong menu she tells me. They don't have an $8.00 lunch special anymore. It took her half an hour to come get our drink order. My friend was yelled at that she needed to make a reservation so they could staff correctly. There were only three tables in the whole restaurant and one guy at the bar. Two of us ordered fries which I was told my salad came with either chips or fries. The fries came in one small basket and both of us had to share the fries out of that basket for an upcharge of $2 each which I didn't know until I got my bill and the same surley bartender argued with me about charging me the $2. She came back with my bill and told me she had to pay the $2 out of her pocket because she couldn't get it off my bill. What? Wait. Really? And I drove over an hour in each direction because my friend recommended this restaurant. There are too many good restaurants to waste your time on a...