Overview: It got off to a bad start and went steadily downhill from there.
Our server came to the table, 'Can I start you out with a beverage?' Trish and Holly chose margaritas, Ron ordered iced tea, I asked what kind of microbrews they had. The waiter didn't have a clue on microbrews, didn't even know what they were. He motioned over another server who wasn't much help either. I finally went into the bar myself, checked the selection, no microbrews, the typical dozen brands of mass-produced swill that all taste the same, settled for a Newcastle brown ale, which, as brown ales go, was second rate. Strike 1.
The place wasn't busy when we arrived, maybe a dozen customers. Our server took our food orders but forgot to bring us the standard bread basket. Some 20 minutes after we arrived, another wait-staff person happened by, noticed we didn't have the basket, and finally took care of it. Strike 2.
20 minutes later, our server stopped by, asked if we'd like dessert. Wow! This guy's really on top of things, sharp as a marble, has a great future in food service! Strike 3. You're out!
We informed him that our food had yet to be served and asked him to check on it, which he did, 'It's not ready yet.' I suspect he forgot to submit the order at all. The food finally arrived several minutes later, along with the lame excuse, 'Sorry for the delay. They're especially busy in the kitchen tonight.' Bullshit! It wasn't busy at all when we ordered. Strike 4 and counting.
Meanwhile, the water girl comes by and fills Ron's tea glass with water, ignores his water glass and slops water all over the table. Strike 5!
'How's your food?' I asked. Trish liked hers, Ron and Holly not so much. My salad was fine but the fish was overly fishy, overpowering the blackened Cajun seasoning, which takes some doing. Strike 6. You're out again!
I'm a beer snob, no doubt about it, but I'm not that picky about food. The previous 2 times Trish and I had dinner at Havasu Springs, the food and service were okay, and we really enjoyed the view of the lake, mountains and marina. This time we enjoyed the view but the rest of it, (terrible service, lousy beer selection, marginal food) was hugely disappointing - especially so because we wanted to take our house guests, Ron and Holly, somewhere special their last night here.
If you're considering dining at Havasu Springs, consider some more. We'll not be returning.
For you non-locals: Havasu Springs is a resort at the south end of Lake Havasu, near Parker Dam. As noted above, it's in a beautiful setting; it has condos, a marina, par-3 golf, a RV park and last - and most definitely least - a restaurant/bar.
Mike,
ReplyDeleteI didn't think it was quite that bad. In defense of our server, it was his second day, and in defense of the desirability of my food, it was probably normal for those who like Tilapia. I would only score them about 4 strikes.
Ron.
Hi, Mike! It was comical how uncertain our waiter was, as though he was thinking, "From the bar? You want drinks from the Bar? They have a bar here? I'll go see..." He looked just plain deer-in-the-headlights timid about everything, which was amusing until we found out (at the very, very end) that it was only his second day and probably his last day, at that! Poor guy, we were a tough bunch.
ReplyDeleteBut I want to say that you were wonderful hosts, driving us down to Parker Dam and seeing the sites along the way and showing us desirable places to stay along the Colorado in our future Class B+ motor home. We think of that sunset evening with great pleasure including our dinner which gave us all something to poke fun at. I wouldn't hesitate to go back for another Margarita or two.