Sake Japanese Steakhouse — Restaurant in Town of Colonie

I used to love coming to Sake until tonight. I am highly upset with my experience. And “I believe” the manager did not do anything to help make it better.

I had came here to dine in for my birthday. I had a busy day and didn’t get to the restaurant until 9:30. I apologize to the front desk worker and asked if we could still be seated. She took us over to a table and was super nice to us. Once sat down. Right away our server was asking for our drinks. We didn’t have everyone at the table at this time. One slipped away to use the bathroom. I didn’t want to hold up time so we just gave the order of the people at the table. When she came back with drinks everyone was at the table. She doesn’t ask the person who left what kind of drink. She’s rushing us for our food orders. She didn’t even give us anytime to look at the menu. She’s throwing a lot of attitude and making our group uncomfortable. I just tell my group to shake it off. Because I understand how jobs can be stressful sometimes. But, at this point she’s being rude by standing far from each person ordering and asking what did they say. Just making us all frustrated because we all had to repeat ourselves at least twice. Once we got our food. She throws the food in the middle and walks off. We are just fed up. So, we eat for a bit and just wait for the next time she comes around. Nobody checked up on us for 15 minutes. At this point it’s after they’re closed. And we are sitting there waiting for the Bill. We finally spotted somebody and asked for the Bill. Once received the Bill. We had saw that they had charged us gratitude. On the menu, it stated that it is charged when you have a party of 5 and up. We did have a party of 5. But only 4 people received menus and order stuff. The fifth person was just there to be there for my birthday. So when said something about it. He said that it is charged because there’s 5 people. I get that. I would understand if he ordered food and stuff. But he was just sitting there. After saying that. I had said “ so I’m basically paying for him to sit here” the manager then says. It’s because we are doing you a favor (because I came in close to closing hours). At this point he’s just saying anything so he can get his 17 dollars. I then stated I was not paying for that. Because he only had to take care of 4 PEOPLE. Once we settled the check. He then muttered. “Next time don’t come close to close” I understand I came 30 minutes before close. But I really just wanted to end my birthday off at eating at my favorite place. I was gonna tip big for the inconvenience at that. But, once I said I would not be returning here. The manager then says “that would be much appreciated” him and his whole crew had treated us with nothing with disrespect. I run a store myself and my employees wouldn’t dare talk to customers in anyway that I had experience tonight. Sake has been taken off of my favorite places to eat....

Went with a great mood came out with a bad. Service: very, very, very bad Food & chef: best ever!

To the manager/owner: Our waitress was Mika. Our hibachi reservation was at 7:30 p.m. and we waited all the way till 8:00 p.m. just to receive our hibachi soup or salad! Then, ofcourse, waited even longer to have the chef come out. She hardly gave us any time to order or look through the menu the moment after seating us down. She kept coming at least 3+ times to ask what we want without enough time in between. I didn't get what the hurry was about since we waited forever just to get the starters! Anyways, since she was in such a hurry, we just quickly ordered the hibachi and a quick roll.

Another group came in to sit but for some reason decided to switch tables & a different party next to us were having Birthday celebration. Mika was constantly busy taking care of the those groups. after taking our order not once gave us any attention She didn't even ask us if we needed water/a different drink. However, the second group who sat next to us, they received their attention perfectly. Received their water filled and the attention if everything was alright. We were being avoided for some odd reason. Even towards the end, she didn't even look at us to ask us if we needed boxes but asked the other group. I had to ask for mine later. I was going to give $0 tip but was generous enough to give at least 5% with her horrible service. She followed me the moment I got up to give her more tip! I said I hated the service. She said I HAVE to give 18% & that the tip is divided with the chef. I don't know if that's true or not but told her to give that amount to the chef because I didn't appreciate the service. She got mad and said OK BYE and left. A customer gives tip based on the service. I'm not obligated to give 18%/5% but yes with the crazy amount I spend on hibachi menus giving 18/25% tip wouldn't have been a big deal if the service matched up to it.

Other than the horrible experience with Mika, the chef was really good and entertaining than other hibachis I have been to around the area. I should've asked for his name but forgot. The food tastes delicious as well! I had ordered the hibachi deluxe. It wasn't sooo salty and filled with soy sauce like some other hibachi places. I loved the deal with noodles +rice+ soup+ salad....

Was rushed throughout the entire process. Rushed to order, rushed to clear my plate, and rushed to pay. Arrived at 7pm, they didn't close until 9 and the restaurant was not busy. I was there for a family birthday party. The staff did not sing happy birthday to the birthday girl, which this place goes all out for birthdays and even bangs a drum. The birthday girl got nothing, not even complimentary fried ice cream. The waitress was rude, when it came time for paying the checks, one member paid in cash and right in front of the whole table she she opened the billfold and counted the money. Mind you she placed the other billfold on our table in order to do this. Very rude, I have never experienced such horrible service. I would not have tipped at all but they already include gritutity into the bill. I will not return.

RESPONSE TO RESTAURANTS RELPY: again everyone arrived by 7 except for the birthday who was late as she was getting ready, HOWEVER, her order was provided to the waitress and the waitress was told we can begin before she arrived. NONETHELESS, the waitresses rude behavior is not explained by the birthday girl being late. Please train your staff to not rush its customers OR COUNT MONEY IN FRONT OF THE WHOLE TABLE. I didn't mention that three staff who stood in front of the table the entire time we were there to observe us (a family of color) as if we were going to steal the very plates we were eating off of. We are not exotic animals nor are we in a fish bowl at the aquarium. LASTLY, if there is a birthday and you can not provide your normal celebration a simple happy birthday song or again, a complimentary dessert would have been hospitable. Don't make excuses for your staff train them...