Beau Monde

Outrageously Arrogant Policy

by MPad123 at Citysearch

Although the food and service were good, I was shocked when the bill came. I do not remember seeing any policy statement of a forced "tip" for a party of 5, and even though I typically tip at least 20% when I go out, I was insulted that they forced a tip and that they forced 20%. At one time a tip was a tip for service well done. Now it's not only a forced service charge, it's forced at a higher and higher level. I've not seen a forced tip this high in any restaurant before, and I won't come back here.

• Pros: Good food, nice staff
• Cons: Forced tip

Center city gem for the last 10 years!

by bermanrl at Citysearch

I have been going to Beau Monde for the last 10 years and it continues to impress me. The food and atmosphere are a great value in a city where things seem to be getting more and more expensive everyday. The place is romantic and chic, yet also laidback. I hadn't been there in a while and after after a recent visit I decided to leave this review. Not many places in Philadelphia have been as consistently great over the years as Beau Monde. I have gotten to know the owners a bit over the years and I can attest to the fact that they have poured there heart and souls into this restaurant. If you haven't been to Beau Monde in a while you should definitely take a night and treat yourself to a relaxed meal. For the first timer I would not hesitate to check it out as I'm sure it will become a favorite!

• Pros: Great food and atmosphere
• Cons: weekend parking can be tough

Inexcusable

by addexm at Citysearch

I recently had an awful experience at L'Etage. While watching a Martha Graham Cracker performance, the waitress spilled an entire drink on my boyfriend.

So, I'm an adult, and I understand that these things happen, and upon receiving our bill, the waitress mentioned that she removed 4 drinks which is great and much appreciated.

However, much to our surprise, upon receiving the bill, we noticed that we were still overcharged by two drinks.

When we pointed this fact out to the waitress, she deferred to her manager who became quite argumentative. Then, the supposed owner came over, and made the statement "I will take one round of drinks off, but if you say another word, you'll never come back here."

Now, I'm not a big fan of confrontation, and I realize that these sort of disputes happen from time to time. But the attitude of the owner was completely out of line.

We have been patronizing L'Etage for several months, coming to see Martha. We've told others, and on this particular night, no less than 14 of our friends were also in attendance.

For an owner to treat us with that sort of disrespect, is frankly inexcusable.

I will never again patronize L'Etage or Beau Monde, due solely to his insolence, and I have advised my friends against it as well. As much as I love Martha graham Cracker, there is no room in my life for such treatment.

• Pros: Awful Service
• Cons: Awful Service

Crappy creperie!!!

by ArtiPADE at Citysearch

The service here is bad- It took over 2 hours from start to finish for us to get our meal. The table was dirty, and the hostess never offered to clean it up for us. The waitress was very inattentive and the food was only so-so. Additionally, the waitresses here dress very inappropriately, so this is not the kind of place I'd take kids or a nice date to. We were told by the manager that we'd be getting a gift certificate to make up for all this, and then three days later the owner calls me up and tells me and my friends never to come back to his place. Talk about poor customer relations!!! This place was a NIGHTMARE!!! uggh...And the parking all around it is only 2 hour parking, so be prepared to have to leave your meal partway through to go re-park your car- we had to! That's how long the food took!!! Don't show up hungry here!!!

Oh, and I totally agree with the guy below- the owner threw a hissy fit on the telephone. He kept screaming and ranting and raving that anyone dared to complain about his restaurant...can anyone say drama queen??? He also ordered us never to come back to his restaurant. Um, yeah, like I'd EVER go back to that hell hole... Don't ever show up at this dump...it's disgusting the way they treat their customers...

• Pros: Absolutely none
• Cons: Everything you can think of

My fav place in philly- GREAT FOOD, GREAT ATMOSPHERE, REASONABLE PRICES

by astar2 at Citysearch

I absolutely love this place. It's by far my favorite restaurant in Philly. The atmosphere is wonderful, the food-no matter what you order- is absolutely delicious, the service is good (and i'm very picky about this), and the prices are reasonable. Go with a date or a group of friends and it won't fail you. I'm a vegetarian and there are plenty of choices for me and meat eaters alike. There's a dance place upstairs as a bonus for those going on the weekends that want to party after dinner. I give this restaurant the highest recommendation I can!