LAist: Charcoal Opens, Forgets To Make Food

guest

Sat, 18 Aug 2007 17:44:04 -0800

I went for brunch on Saturday, August 18th and was extremely disappointed. The decor was pleasant and the food decent (though a tad overpriced). However, the service was awful. Our appetizers arrived without sideplates, & I tried in vain to get the server's attention for over 5 minutes. Ultimately, I had to leave my date to go over to the bar, where the server was busy chatting with friends. Later, I was short-changed on the bill. When I (politely) brought this to the server's attention, she very snidely stated that the restaurant "carried no coins" so "if the bill says $46.55, it's actually $47." I was shocked and complained to the manager, but she offered me nothing aside from a promise to "tak to" the server. Unbelievable. Obviously, I'll survive without the change, but I won't be visiting Charcoal again nonetheless!!

Michael Strauss

Fri, 11 May 2007 12:47:08 -0800

I went for dinner at Charcoal 2 nights ago, same quality as the lodge, 30% cheaper, and a great candle light ambience and chill out music....I strongly recommend trying it...I would say their menu is "The lodge meets Houston's" definetly worth trying, especially if you like the lodge....

Tim

Thu, 10 May 2007 14:46:23 -0800

i call bullshit on the first comment.... i stopped by there for lunch yesterday..and they said they wouldnt be open until the evening... that place is already a disaster opening months after promised.... just look at the sushi joint next door opening summer 2006... wah wahhh.

Brian Tipton

Thu, 10 May 2007 12:21:28 -0800

Ummm yea, I don't really care about what a good time you had drinking Jim Beam Staci. My reason for reading an article about a restaurant opening is to find out if the food is worth going there for. I'm not sure why I would want to ever try to eat at a place where they couldn't feed one person on opening night. Thanks to your review I'll stick with.umm anyplace else.

Bryan

Thu, 10 May 2007 12:07:59 -0800

Bite me Hollywood and then go drop in the ocean

tony

Wed, 09 May 2007 16:44:56 -0800

so youre saying that tv crews, celebs, and the press were not invited to be there, and bacon wasnt thrown together to make up for lack of food at a celebration for a restaurant opening?

eileen

Wed, 09 May 2007 15:59:46 -0800

not sure from your organization attended, but last night was a private friends and family night. not open to the public, so there was no necessity for a fully stocked kitchen. its was a night for personal friends of the owner to see the new space and sample an idea of the menu. your review is very very premature.