The Waverly Local — Restaurant in Waverly

Heartbreaking evening. The Waverly Local had been a favorite of ours over many years, until tonight. We had an 8-top of out of town guests and family for a special occasion. We were on time for our reservation, seated, ordered drinks and appetizers which were delivered late. After ordering dinner we waited an hour and had not been served or informed about the status of our meals. No one returned to check on us, request a second drink order or update us on when we’d be served, etc. Eventually, the wait staff told us our order “was next.” 20 minutes later we were still waiting. We were then told the manager was aware of our delay and was supposed to be coming to our table; the waitress acted surprised the manager had not yet come to speak with us and assured us she go “pull her out of the back ” to come talk to us “right away.” Nothing. 10 minutes later yet a different wait staff member (who said he was not the manager) came over to tell us he was sorry and it “shouldn’t be much longer” and that “we were next in line” for being served our dinner. 10 minutes later, no food; we’d been waiting now for more than 1 1/2 hours and had lost our patience, were not happy, and lost our appetite. We told the wait staff we could not wait any longer and would be leaving and to please bring us our check for drinks and appetizers. They seemed surprised we wouldn’t wait because our food was “coming out anytime”. Our food never showed up. There was no offer to discount our drinks or appetizers. My guests and family noted that numerous other tables had been seated, served and that their customers were leaving fully served and fully fed, while our table remained empty, having never received our dinners (nor offered more drinks or appetizers), nor an explanation for the delay. Our observation was that there had been empty tables throughout the restaurant all night long. On many past occasions we’ve been to the Waverly local when it has been significantly busier (indoor and outdoor tables and bar filled with a long waiting line of would-be diners) and we’ve still been served within as little as thirty to forty minutes. With one final effort, we got the attention of wait staff (they were not checking on our table any longer) and was again told “food was coming right out”. When again we had nothing served (and no follow up or explanation) I asked for our check and was told there would be a discount but our tab had to be first tallied and then approved. At this point our party got up and left the Waverly and I stayed back to pay our bill. We never did hear what happened to our food or why the delay. What incredibly poor service and an overall bad experience. Despite my asking, I never got to speak to the manager. When waitstaff was asked point blank for an explanation for our delay, there was none. Seriously, they had a blank face and offered no explanation or excuse for their lack of service and food. I was embarrassed for them. When staff was reminded that we and other family members had been regulars for years they said they hoped we’d come back. I asked politely and with all sincerity for a good reason why we should return and got another blank stare and, literally, no words, just silence. Very odd. This was an Incredibly disappointing night (and an embarrassment for me, my guests and family) and an even more disappointing and disheartening reaction (or rather, lack of reaction) from the restaurant and its management. Our waitress had walked away as my guests were leaving (to find a meal somewhere else before it got too late). When the waitress eventually returned I was informed we would not have to pay our bill. That was the first reasonable thing that happened to us all evening. Sadly, we and our family and friends will not be returning to a place we’ve enjoyed for years . More sadly, this is the first and only time I have ever felt compelled to write a review of a restaurant, whether positive or negative. The only honest advice I can give future would-be diners when choosing whether or not to visit the Waverly Local is,...

I have heard about this place for years and finally made it a point to visit with my wife for her birthday. We were not disappointed! Almost everything was spot on, from the bar staff, to our server, to the food, it was a great experience.

For drinks, I had the Fig and wasp, which was interesting. My wife had the Waverly Bramble, which was fabulous. I would crawl through a bramble bush to get another one!

We had the Wickles Okra appetizer, which I have heard about for years. Bacon was delicious, okra was kinda just there. It provided a little sweetness but not much else. Still, would try it again.

Dinner was the market fish, blackened and the Crab cakes. The fish was halibut, and it was amazing! The veggie fried rice with lobster sauce sounded a bit odd, but it drew the dish together perfectly. The crab cakes with satsuma dijon sauce were very good.

Dessert. OMG the dessert! She had the coconut cake, which is homemade by a local lady, but it is the Waverly's recipe. Moist, sweet, tons of coconut. The cheesecake with strawberry champagne jam was absolutely the highlight of the meal. Best cheesecake I have ever had, hands down. Decadently sweet, rich, not too much crust, and not too heavy. The dusting of sugar crystals was unexpected but a nice touch.

Our server was great. Attentive and polite without being overbearing. The atmosphere was nice too, dark and cozy, but a light right over each table. It was crowded, but I didnt think it was too loud. the artwork was....eclectic. But not bad, just different.

The only negative thing that I can say is that for the price, the portion size was a little small. I understand that food costs have risen sharply, but it seemed to me that the appetizer and entrée could have been a touch bigger. The desserts were just the right size.

It was a great night celebrating my wife's birthday and we will definitely be back for a...

We usually have a fantastic experience at The Waverly Local, but last night was not the case. We ordered drinks and an appetizer, both of which were great. It was a very busy night so it took some time before our entrees were delivered, but we didn't mind. Our entrees were delivered and tasted delicious. I ordered the crab cakes and my husband ordered the ribeye. I intentionally only ate half of my entree, so that I could take the rest home for lunch the next day. Our waitress came over and I asked her to box the rest of my meal and we ordered two desserts to-go. We were given the check and some time later the waitress came back with both of the desserts boxed. I asked her where my boxed entree was and she walked away and threw her hands in the air. I could tell by her reaction that the rest of my entree had been tossed out. At this point, my husband had already paid for our meal and was calculating the tip. The waitress apologized for her mistake. I didn't want to make her feel worse, because I could tell she was remorseful, but nobody came over to offer a solution to her actions. She kept apologizing, but didn't offer to have the kitchen fire up one crab cake and some veggies to-go, or offer any recompense for the meal. We had paid full price for a meal that was intended to be fully eaten, but was instead tossed out without our knowing. After paying the bill, we sat at our table for a little while, and I was highly disappointed that neither the waitress nor a manager came over and offered any solutions to the mistake that was made. I walked out of the restaurant saddened by the service from the waitress and the manager, and the fact that nobody approached us and offered any solutions to the mistake that was made. It will be a while before we eat at The Waverly Local...