We have been to this Olive Garden plenty of times, however the last two times we have gotten Steven as our server. Steven did not tell us his name either time we dined here which made it hard to leave an honest review.
Steven has a habit of slamming the plates and drinks down on the table, one time splashing excess water on us. He also threw the paper coaster across the table instead of setting them down.
Every time steven would come to our table it seemed like he was in a hurry to be somewhere else. He would throw the stuff down and then run off, not even asking if we needed anything. On the second visit he didn’t visit us one time after we got our food, except to bring us togo plates and bags as if he was in a rush to get rid of us as a table.
We ordered an appetizer and did not receive the appetizer before our food. This could have been due to him being in a rush 24/7 and didn’t write anything down, or a mix of him not visiting our table anytime between taking our order and our food getting there.
He did not ask if we wanted our endless salad and soup refilled when it had been empty for quite some time.
And to end it all, on our first visit at the end he said “make sure you tip” as he walked away and couldn’t even say it to our face.
This made our second visit much less enjoyable because we knew what service we were going to get.
On our first visit, despite his comment, we did leave an 18% tip, however on our second visit when he barely visited our table and when he did the service was rushed and reckless, he did not deserve a tip.
Management: Please help steven become a better server, he has potential, he does some things very well, however he has huge downfalls that prevent him from being a great server. I believe he knows he is good, and that is why he gets overconfident and says comments like “make sure you tip”…
And on our way out, we saw steven sitting on his phone in the lobby talking to...
Read moreI was hesitant to write a review based on one experience, because the evening we dined at the Olive Garden in Tyler, Texas I received a call just as we were ordering our food. I learned that my aunt had passed away, and even though we were not close, it was upsetting. We decided that we should have dinner - we were hours away from home, and we were hungry - what else could we do?
The server was very understanding and patient. She offered sympathy and took excellent care of us. The night was as pleasant as one could expect, and quasi-Italian comfort food is welcome therapy.
Olive Garden has declined over the years, and my experience is not isolated to one restaurant. In the past they offered a wider selection of menu items, like Frutti di mare and Braised Beef Tortelloni. I was disappointed with the wine selection, too. I ordered the eggplant parmigiana, which was smothered in cheese (not what I expected). The eggplant slices were not peeled, but I understand that this is not universally accepted. Fair enough. Needless to say I was not in the mood to send it back.
I present this as an indictment of the chain restaurant establishment. I would wager my paycheck that most everything on the menu is frozen or pre-packaged, like grilled chicken or soups. The only fresh items are usually in the form of salad and in the case of my dinner, eggplant, but I'm not so sure about that, either.
Chain restaurants have one thing gong for them: they are familiar no matter where you go. You can be assured that the Olive Garden in Tyler, Texas will have more or less the same menu items as the Olive Garden restaurant in Boise Town Square Mall. That's fine, but if you want quality authentic Italian cuisine you should look around.
As I said, the circumstances of my experience were unusual, and it was not an unpleasant experience. But I miss the OG OG. Something has changed, and it's not what...
Read moreHark! I shall regale thee with a tale of utmost merriment and revelry at our esteemed Olive Garden in Tyler, TX. Our party, a lively group of fourteen, didst gather to celebrate my son's eleventh birthday. In this grand affair, Alley, a server of exceptional prowess, didst display unparalleled attentiveness to our family and its numerous progeny.
From the very moment we crossed the threshold, Alley, with a countenance adorned in warmth, didst welcome us with gracious charm. With deftness, she arranged a table most befitting our sizable assembly, taking into account the peculiarities of our brood. Throughout the repast, her vigilance knew no bounds, attending to our every need with unwavering dedication. Alley's demeanor, gentle and patient, didst endear her to our hearts, making us feel cherished and esteemed.
But lo! The narrative of our delight is not complete without mention of Jamil, the sagacious general manager, who graced us with his presence, bestowing upon us special attention to elevate our experience to heights of unparalleled joy. His personal introductions and solicitous regard bespoke a true maestro of customer satisfaction.
In truth, the combined efforts of Alley and Jamil didst weave a tapestry of unparalleled ecstasy. As we departed the Olive Garden, our spirits soared, our countenances beaming with radiant delight. Forsooth, shouldst thou seek a haven where thy family, yon children included, shall receive attentive care, I verily commend Olive Garden in Tyler TX, where Alley, Jamil, and his team, like ethereal guardians, doth ensure memories of celebration to linger in thy heart for...
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