Polo Grill and Bar

Reviews 4

CH

Christie R

I KNOW MY REVIEW IS LENGTHY BUT PLEASE READ!!!! I hosted a baby shower this weekend (9/21/2013) at the Polo Grill and it was extremely disappointing to say the least. I came from South Florida to visit the Polo Grill 3 times before the event and reserved it 3 months in advance and I was never told there was going to be a renovation- I had to find out threw the newspaper 3 weeks before my event and after my invitations were already sent out. When I confronted the General Manager about the renovation I was told that there wouldnt be any renovations done to the room my event was in but sure enough there were white blotches all over the red walls from repairs to holes in the wall (that was real nice for pictures). Also the entire restaurant was tented off and we had a hallway that was about 2 feet wide to walk through and get everything into the dining room with NO help from any of the staff- they literally WATCHED me and my pregnant sister make multiple trips to the car carrying boxes in. Now the dining room not only had white spackle in random places on the wall but the carpet was FILTHY as well. Another scam they run is youre told if you go the bakery across the way then you dont pay a cake cutting fee (which is $3.00/person) BUT they fail to mention they literally DOUBLE the price of the cake and pocket the excess amount. The cake I ordered from Pastries by Design (which was amazing btw) was priced at $60.00 through the bakery and Polo Grill wanted to charge me $120.00!!! But dont worry theyll do you a "favor" and have the cake delivered to you (aka walked across the street by the bakery employee). Well after I was informed my cake was double the price it should be (3 weeks before my event) I spoke to Mark (the GM) and with much difficulty finally had the cake cutting fee waived and their mark up fee waived- but I had to pick up the cake myself (which was fine because the bakery was still nice enough to walk it over). I went through the bakery they work with (Pastries by Design) which was the only good part about the whole process but the waiter didnt even offer to serve the cake. The plates and forks were placed down for me to serve. While serving cake there were at least 3 dirty plates in the pile as well. Overall- I would NEVER return to this place even for a glass of water thats how terrible it was. I was so embarrassed in front of my guests and the appearance and service of the Polo Grill really did ruin the baby shower. I think I couldve had a nicer shower at the local Chilis- extremely disappointing and pathetic!!!!

A

A Private User

Wont return soon/bad attitude, bad experience We were out a small group of friends mid week—year round residents and foodies, all. Good greeting, prompt seating (only about 4-5 other tables occupied. Yes, we had a res.) Started off OK, waiter took drink orders. They were out of one wine, waiter said “we’re often out of wines” – that person asked to taste a couple of the others available by the glass—after 20 minutes, flagged the waiter, reminded him, and the “tastes” appeared --1, a malbec that was not even on the menu--“there are substitutions.” The other an acceptable Cab. On to ordering. Bland beet salad, though mache was flavorful and good—an excellent seafood “gumbo” -- a marginal chicken Jalfrezi served with naan that was suspiciously like pita bread, lettuce wraps served with soaking wet lettuce and gristled, salted chicken bits (not good, and marginal visual appeal) (Try Libby’s downtown Sarasota for fabulous ones—or even PF Changs) And did we mention slow? First course, almost 40 minutes. 2nd, another 20+ minutes. The waiter (who we flagged or asked for about 5 times during the meal) asked the 1 person who had the prix fixe what dessert they preferred – but did not ask anyone else at the table for their order. We had to find talk to/inconvenience other staff members AGAIN to find him and order dessert and coffee. By the way, a bizarre Tiramisu, a martini class with crushed ladyfinger? and some alcohol in the very bottom, a stack of bland white whipped cream, dusted with cocoa (I think) on top. I hate having to wave at a waiter, especially multiple times. I’m sure it’s better when it’s busier. These people, the Klaubers, own multiple restaurants, some well staffed with excellent food. At no time were there more than 5 tables seated while we were there. No staff we saw looked rushed. We’ve had OK meals here before. Found the manager (we asked the waiter to send her over—after waiting for a while, found her—she’d never received the request). She listened, apologized, and offered a discount, though almost 3 hours into a simple dinner we were just ready to go. Attitude can make up for mistakes – but lack of training, lack of attention and bad attitude by multiple staff members can ruin even a good meal.

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Edgardo Hernandez

I had my 10th year anniversary at the polo grill. Let me just tell you it was fantastic! The service was fantastic. For our servers we had Manny and Gerry, who I highly recommend. We got to the polo grill a little early to set some decorations up for a party and they were non-stop hard at work. We really enjoyed Manny and Gerry and would with out a doubt request them again! The food was spectacular too! From the salads to the entrees. Everything came out in perfect timing. We had wine service and even a champagne toast. My wife and I cant thank them enough! And then there was the bar.... The whole reason why this rating will not get 5 stars. My wife and a couple of our friends stayed at the bar a little after the party because they had some awesome Latin music that we just love to dance to. Then out of no where the wicked witch of the ranch came out. From the moment she "greeted" us to the moment we left the bartender Lynn was completely unprofessional. She has no patience with any of the costumers and does not seem to know ANYTHING about customer service. After enjoyed my 10th wedding anniversary party I thought to my self, "I dont get it why is she being completely rude to us?" Later on I could see and hear her talking about us to her co-workers and calling my friend an a**hole....completely unprofessional and does not deserve to have the privilege at being behind the bar. The general manager was notified. Other than that everything went absolutely fabulous thank you polo grill we will be back again!

DI

Dianne Allen

This had been my place of choice for Easter Brunch for the past several years until today. The food was not up to the standard of a $39 buffet. The prime rib was over done, my "omelet" made to order was more like barely done scrambled eggs, there were no plates for the buffet and we had to wait for a short time, the key lime pies were not fully cooked and appeared to be from a powdered mix. The chocolate cookies were good as was the chicken salad. The bathrooms were filthy. Then came the check that added a 20% gratuity for a table of 3. With $2 for a cup of luke warm coffee added. The $160 tab for 3 people was very steep for the average service and food that was barely average, certainly not the standard we expected. We were underwhelmed by this experience. We addressed this with the manager who said the 20% gratuity was for the people who came in at 4am to prepare the food." I thought that would have been in the $39 per person charge. The sever and manager we spoke with appeared to listen and then made polite explanations that left me wondering about what has happened to one of my previously favorite places to eat. Generally, I am saddened that our holiday meal was not so great. I am grateful I had valuable time with my family. I hope that the problems are fixed so I can enjoy this once great place again.