Southwark Restaurant

Doesn't Recommend

raymurray

Joined 7 years ago

Terrible customer service. A friend and I went to Southwark last night and had a frustratingly bad time. When it came to order, there were two salads offered, a goat cheese salad and an arugula salad with blue cheese. I asked for the arugula salad but if they could replace the blue cheese with the goat cheese. The waiter, with a surprisingly haughty attitude told me, "No substitutions." I then asked if I could have the arugula salad, but hold the blue cheese and I'd like to order a side order of goat cheese. Determined not to bend, the waiter said, "I can not do it, all of the goat cheese is reserved. We don't have any extra." I eat out almost 6 nights a week and did a first - I walked out of the restaurant. Interestingly, the place was empty, only one other table occupied, so you would think they would offer some service. Obviously, I will never go back.

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janetappel

Joined 7 years ago

My fav place in the world!. Let me start by saying to the people who think that the staff is rude... it's a non-offensive, appropriate style of humor which is appreciated by individuals who can grasp that, even though its bold of them. Its everything but snooty. Just because certain individuals can afford to eat there doesnt mean that they think they are better than others. The hostesses are always polite and if your late for your reservation(and called) too bad for you, be more efficient and considerate so that she/he, the staff and the kitchen isnt put in a bad position when her 8h30 reservation arrives and your behind is still in it. Not to mention the kitchen who will be backed-up in orders causing your and everyone elses food to take longer than it should. There is a reason she has a job, respect it.

Our 7 year old niece is always welcomed and adored with her napkin on her lap and ability to discuss arts in an adult conversation, whilst ordering from the grown up menu.

So in conclusion i couldn't imagine what your talking about in reg. to complaints.

Fabulous home made parmesan bread... i'd die fo rthe recipe, clams a must, lamb perfectly tender, quail mouth watering, cheese platter tiny but exquisite. Desserts lovely, great nutty tawny port you can get per bottle from the PLCB on 5th&spruce on an available SLO order for $12/bottle. Victoria tawny butler. The owner was kind enough to tell me where to get it without a moments hesitation. You can even eat heart there. Intense but succulant. Do you have an adventurous palet? small menu but so what? everything is recommended philly, everything.

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gazooo123

Joined 7 years ago

An excellant combination of ambiance, local feel, good food, and good service.. We have visited this restaurant for the 4th time in the last 6 or so months. Excellent! We absolutely love the place. When you first enter you are greeted by the two bartenders, Kip and George. Kip is the owner along with his wife who I believe is the Chef, though I have never met her. Friendly atmosphere with a beautiful long bar and martini's are served always with a little extra on the side (man I love that).

Two of the four visits were strictly drinks and the other two were enjoyed with dinner. I am not a person who has dinner at a bar but I have to tell you this is an exception. George served us that day with appetizers a main course and coffee. Dinner was delicious and we were comfortable sitting at this bar.

The one time we sat down for dinner, we enjoyed friendly service from our hostess and waiter which always helps to set the mood. We ordered a grilled fish which was done wonderfully served with grilled vegetables.

We returned to the bar which was filling up and ended the night with a coffee and drink. We look forward to our visits to this establishment, definitely worth a try.

Doesn't Recommend

kikidog

Joined 7 years ago

our worst dining experience. we eat out a lot and do it all from Stewart's to Babbo; we're still reeling from this one. Wine & beer is great - but as Woody Allen said - Food is terrible; and such small portions! Husband ordered the "rib"; literally one rib served on an appetizer sized oval plate w/sides set up like garnishes. It was inedible, couldn't work thru the fat & bone and gave up. Told waiter it was inedible - he returned to the table shortly and asked jokingly if he'd like it wrapped. I asked if the chef was difficult about it & he responded that he hadn't told her!! The lamb was mediocre - there was a knowledge of ingredients, but they didn't come together; the tastes did not work for us. We left very hungry - and we are light eaters. Stick to the bar - good drinks and a lively scene in the front.

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chiendeux

Joined 7 years ago

We'll never go back.... It was difficult to enjoy the meal after being treated so rudely by the hostess. We were running a bit late for a 6:30 reservation, and called to let them know, only to be told that no matter what, she needs the table for an 8:30 reservation and they will be seated at that time. She never broke a smile. Once seated, while discussing our obnoxious greeting, the waiter who overheard our conversation said "you're still talking about that?", as though we asked him...Food was mediocre at best, I've had much better in many other places. Dessert was downright poor, not one of the four of us had an interest in finishing what we ordered - highly unusual for this group. We'll never go back, nor recommend.

Doesn't Recommend

koulia

Joined 7 years ago

Don't waste your time unless.... Don't waste your time unless you like midocre food and rude, obnoxious staff! We actually put up with the snotty attitudes because we heard the food was great but in reality it was only okay. there are way too many great restaurants in this city for these people to be so arrogant... Do yourself a favor and go to one of the amazing BYOBs in this city or if you are willing to spend this much go to a Stephen Starr restaurant, at least there you know you will always get great food.

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macvadio

Joined 8 years ago

well done but with a little edge. I feel much better after reading two other reviews on Southwark. This restaurant is one of my favorite non-byobs' in the city and we visit often. But on more than one visit my wife has remarked to me, "I don't think they like you". One of the owners, who is evidently experienced, talented and determined, can also be oddly combative. I feel very welcome there but only to a limit, then the warmth stops....almost like I've said something wrong (distinctly possible!). We love both the incredibly good food and recommend it highly, but the owner could be a wee bit more humble. You should not overlook this establishment. These folks deserve to succeed on a corner that so many others have failed before.

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poopchalupa

Joined 8 years ago

A neighborhood gem. As tempted as I am to write a bed review of Southwark to keep you out and make it easier for me to get in on the fly... it just wouldn't be fair. Living right around the corner from here, I overlooked this spot for far too long. The menu is creative and everything I have tried has been outstanding. On my last visit I had the Bison which is scrumptious and savory. My girlfriend had the veal and it was so tender it melted beneath her fork. Dessert left a little to be desired, but entrees and appetizers have all been exceptional. The outdoor area is nice bonus as well. Too bad it getting cold out.

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becky_s

Joined 9 years ago

great restaurant. Great service. Nice outdoor seating area (when the weather cooperates). Delicious food. Even better desserts - try the Uni Blanc dessert wine!

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abbyschrad

Joined 8 years ago

great service and ambience; adventurous cuisine. We were there about a month ago with friends and sat outside in the lovely hidden garden. Food was good--adventurous, above average taste and lovely presentation. Wine list was interesting and reasonable. We had a great evening.