It was the evening that turned out to be the legendary Coach K's final game. That is, should he decide not to come out of retirement sometime down the line.
But it can not be said enough what an insane sequence this became for the Duke Men's Basketball head coach of the past 42 years. After forcing his "Farewell Tour" down the throats of college basketball fans the entire season, his career ended in the most hilarious and disappointing of ways. A solid regular season, yet moderately underachieving, Duke loses Coach K's final home game at Cameron Indoor, to their bitter rival North Carolina, nonetheless. Then they turn around and lose to them again in the Final Four? A North Carolina team that struggled even to make the tournament?? MADNESS!
This funeral was indulged at Revelry Tavern, in my first visit of the fine establishment. A few friends lived in the area, so I figured we would give it a go as the setting for a Final Four viewing "party". It did not disappoint.
A Bar & Grill type of location, Revelry Tavern boasted an impressive slate of food and drink. A serviceable draft list for Craft Beer connoiiiisseurs, and a myriad of bottles and cans to boot. Food for everyone: A delectable "Diner Style" cheeseburger for myself, a "Power Bowl" for my vegetarian better half, tacos, pizza, more, and more!
The service was impeccable. The rotating staff of bartenders, waitresses, managers, continued to check on us as we guzzled beers and basketball for over 5 hours. The table was never left dry or unsatisfied. I did, however leave with one regret...
I greatly apologize for my less than appropriate tip. Understandably, our time spent at Revelry Tavern racked up a sizable bill. I have never been a man to concern myself with percentages or "what's right" when it comes to rewarding our staff. I traditionally determine an amount suitable for the work done. In this case, the lines were unparallel. An incredible display by the staff went unacknowledged financially. After concocting the tip amount, signing, and returnnnning the check my mental math began, and my heart dropped. Not enough!
It will be my duty to find my way back to this bar again to repay my mistake. To return to the family that delivered me camaraderie that night. The sense of connection to the random UNC fan high-fiving the whole building throughout what may have been the happiest moment of his life. To who I believe to have been Joey Galloway on the other side of the restaurant. To the future connections I will make.
Until then, this review will have to...
Read moreExtremely disappointed by the behavior of an employee at one of our favorite spots. Let me start with…we have always loved the food here and still do. (Nashville Hot Chicken dip is THE BEST) After ordering a couple of N/A beers (they offer 2, which could be improved but it’s better than some places). An employee sitting at the bar (on break or after shift) decided to make a comment to the bartender criticizing our choice of drinks; to which the bartender responds, “well it’s that time of year”. I was annoyed when I thought it was a customer. I was angry when I realized it was an employee. This is not to offend anyone who drinks alcohol and yes I know it’s a BAR/restaurant, I couldn’t care less what people choose to pour in their glass. This is about my review of my dining experience which was negatively affected by an employee. First, not sure why you, in your thirties sitting alone at a bar on a Saturday, are concerned with what I choose to order. Second, there are a MILLION reasons someone chooses a NA option. Let me give you a few since you seem to be so curious. Health - alcohol is the 4th leading cause of death in the US, why don’t you read the news from yesterday when the surgeon general called a warning to be put on alcohol. Medications - many medications can’t be mixed with alcohol. Pregnancy. Driving - not all of us think it’s ok to drive after having a couple of beers at the bar. Some of us have lost multiple family members to drunk drivers. Being in recovery or supporting someone in recovery from alcohol use disorder. Some don’t enjoy the effects of alcohol. Eating out before work and don’t want to drink before working as a nurse or physician who may be responsible for helping you in a medical emergency. Cancer survivor, whose chemo regimen damaged their liver to the point where drinking alcohol can be deadly. These are just a few off the top of my head. So, Hayden, maybe reevaluate your behavior at your place of work to not criticize the patrons who help pay your salary. And managers, maybe keep your employees in the back or provide some standards or training for them. So good food and atmosphere, big miss on the service this...
Read moreDo not recommend this place if you wish to reserve a table in advance. Here is why. I wanted to reserve a table for my birthday party for 10-12 people. I called a month prior to the event and one of the staff members collected my information and told me that in couple days their manager will get back to me to confirm or decline it. Nobody called me back in a week, so I decided to stop by and ask about my request. A bartender ( or could be a waitress) said that she cannot do anything because only the manager can reserve the table for a big group of people ( which that information was not new to me). I asked if I I can talk to the manager and what are his/her working hours. The bartender said that the hours are unregular and I can try calling on Monday to check on my status. Well, I left my information again and waited a couple more days. Called when the bartender suggested me to call. Somebody answered to me and said that I have a reservation on my desired day and time. I was happy. I canceled another reservation that I had as a backup plan. Next day I received a voice message that they want to confirm my reservation. When I called back in about an hour later. Whoever pick up the phone told me that there is no reservation available for me! Shame on your customer service...
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