Docklands Riverfront — Restaurant in Wilmington

DISAPPOINTED @ DOCKLAND'S

It was my first time at Docklands last night and I found it to be an experience that I won't forget. The doors opened at 7 pm and the crowd was then allowed to enter the outside patio.

As I entered the premises, I thought the setup was very nice. I walked in and looked around as I entered the tent area, I saw a menu on the bar. I got the attention of a staff person behind the bar, and she was polite in answering my questions. The female bartender was pleasant where I ordered my food, and I thanked her for her hospitality. There was a female patron who was standing by me in line, and she asked me why they removed the stools on one side of the bar, but I could not answer her question. I continued to scan the area to see where I should sit down since the tall tables under the tent were occupied so l decided to sit at one of the benches.

Lo and behold all of the benches were soaking wet with water due to the rain. I saw some of the staff moving furniture and chairs around as more customers came into the venue, so no one would consider wiping the benches down before paying customers came onto the patio. I guess setting up for the venue is done when everyone comes in the entrance because the area where the DJs were to perform was not put in place, so they were sliding and shifting chairs then rearranging the lawn couches.

I got some napkins and wiped my side of the bench down and then saw others doing the same. We had to go back to the bar and get more napkins because no one could sit down in the small puddles of water all over the bench. The woman I was sitting by ran back to the bar and got more napkins to wipe the bench down and dry the other side of the bench up.

There was a young male waiter that brought my food to the table, and he gave it to me in my hand rather sitting it down. I asked if I could get a glass of water and he said okay but never came back with it. After I started to eat my food, which was not hot at all (steak rolls and fries) it looked like something was moving on the tabletop. I realized there were ants everywhere. There was a couple sitting at the table with me and they were blown away by how many ants were on the bench.

I went to one of the staff people at the podium to share my findings and he came over to our bench to see the ants. He brushed the top of the table with a rag and went on his way. Although I placed a napkin to cover up my plate the ants were now all over my plate of food. A total gross out. I ended up taking my plate of food to the bar and throwing it away.

I wondered where the DJ (DJ before Diamond Kuts) was when I went to the bathroom inside of the building. I asked someone that was a member of the staff, and I was told she is always late. I thought to myself, this DJ must have a special connection with someone at Docklands if she is always late, but I am not trying to be negative so let me give the benefit of the doubt because I am really trying to enjoy this moment (especially when you are spending money).

I am aware that all DJs are different but since DJ Diamond Kuts was in the building, how do you pick your DJs for a set? I am sure certain people are connected in some way, but I expected more and maybe that is the problem. The DJs before DJ Diamond Kuts were supposed to hype up the crowd but there was little engagement. I must say that DJ Diamond Kut lived up to her name and pulled the crowd out onto the floor.

I thought the experience by the water with the lights and night breeze would send my expectations over the top, but I was greatly disappointed. After walking back to my car, I felt like "staying home" might have been a better fit because I doubt that I will return to Docklands.

This is just...

I was invited to a get together to celebrate one of my coworkers promotion. It was my first time and I normally very patience and easy with hospitality employees, I know this is a hard job because I worked 16 years in the industry while living in NYC. Well my issue started when while sitting outside on a very nice day, our waitress insisted in going inside because we were a large party (even thought several of us were standing we didn’t mind the vibe of the place was great) well after few minutes our waitress let us know our table was ready and gave us directions on “how to get there” not even escorting us, didn’t think much of this, we walked into a room with a long set up of tables which were still wet and you can tell it was put on a rush, chairs where all over, no silverware no napkins, nothing, once again I stood up and rearrange the chairs and tables to make look more presentable. My frustration started to show when 20 minutes passed and no signs of our waitress, plus we realized she “forgot” to mention the AC wasn’t working (mind you weather outside was breezy and beautiful) we were getting hot and sweaty and no one was coming to take our order. I have to step out of the room to look for someone, when I finally see our waitress talking with the front desk people, she saw me and “remember” us. She came to take the orders of food and drinks, when half of the party already when out to get drinks in the outdoor bar, then the server told me “go get them and tell them to pay for the drinks there”….. excuse me?. Anyhow, drinks arrived and then the food, which was brought by one of the nastiest food runners I ever have, I asked the kid for plate and literally he stare blank at me and left to come back minutes later and literally throw the plates in the table hitting my elbow. 10 minutes later silverware arrived. We were so hot and frustrated we asked for the check to go to the outdoor area, waitress was never found, a lady I think was the manager dropped the bill and “oh surprise “ 20% gratuity was included. I do know is customary to include tips in large parties, however it was clear the waitress wanted to move us to the indoor area so she can include it, that’s why she was so insisting and didn’t mention the issue with the AC. Not even that, the whole experience was terrible to even include that tip. We paid without saying anything and head outside, music was great and drinks were decent. However I feel compelled to share this experience here so people thinking on going are aware of...

I write this review to try and save others from the horrible experience I had with my Docklands events. Please do not book your event here; you will. be sorry. From the terrible service to dealing with their management after the fact. This establishment does not care about customer service or doing a good job. It is a greedy money grab. I cannot get this special day for my family, but I can let others know to stay away.

I have never felt more embarrassed and disappointed as a host of a party in my life. The brunch buffet ran out of food when some of my guests had not even had a single plate, and no replenishment was offered. Paying a price per person, not per food item, by the way, and being told that’s all the food we get for a BUFFET! Running out of BREAD, as an excuse to not offer more French Toast at a Brunch. Plus, ignoring and missing the included elements like coffee and fruit, which never found their way to my guests. Even after finally tracking down a server who were never in the room serving my guests, I was told they didn’t have enough mugs to offer coffee! Let alone any other beverage to my guests.

To add insult to injury, I set up a cake delivery for the event and confirmed everything with my event manager down to the time it was coming. I was never informed that the cake was even delivered, and then it was never brought out to my guests or the party. When in shock at the end of the event, I asked what had happened, the server proceeded to tell me, they thought they remembered someone mentioning a cake was delivered, but totally forgot!! To add to the lack of professionalism or service, my cake was brought out for me to take home, and the server commented on how pretty the cake was. The restaurant offered no compensation!

I hoped that management would show some care and remorse for the disaster of the event and the embarrassment caused to me and my family, but all they care about is money. They even dared to tell me I was supposed to manage the event, so nothing would be missed. The event I was paying for and it was my job to make sure their team did their job! Then proceeded to imply I was a liar because the servers did not agree there were any issues, and that was that. Please save yourself from regret and a waste of money and stay away...