Hillstone Restaurant

Reviews 4

TI

Tiffany F.

I, like others, was taken aback by the aloof service provided at this particular restaurant, which I had assumed was a 5-star establishment. I sent a private message to the restaurant detailing the heartbreak I experienced as a result of receiving cold food, which I did not have a chance to mention to the service team during our dining experience. I then had the opportunity to speak with manager Will who enlightened me to the level of service I, and others, should expect to receive at Hillstone. I am relieved that they have cameras that allowed Will and I to review the exact details of the experience. Our server was extremely attentive, kind, and enthusiastic in letting us try wines and giving recommendations. We ordered and our food was dropped at exactly 6pm, our server brought me silverware at 6:01, and came to check the quality of our food at 6:03. He then did not return to the table until we appeared to be finished (I had eaten about half of the food); at which time he took our plates to box the remaining food. I did not mention the food being cold because we had, by that time, already been sitting at the table for an extended period and I had no interest in waiting longer for them to reheat or make new food, also because our server did not ask, but also because who really wants to ruin a romantic night out by complaining. What I found very intriguing though is that Will pointed out that our server walked by the table 3-4 times and I had plenty of opportunity to “flag” him down. So while I do not expect to return to this restaurant, I think others who plan to should have a game plan in mind: 1. You will have 1-4 minutes to check the quality and consistency of your entire meal after they drop the food. Unless you do not have silverware, then you will have 3 minutes MAX. 2. Be prepared to flag down your server. Looking around and trying to make eye contact may not work so other suggestions might be: waving your hand frantically, whistling, and/or bringing your own personal Server Flag which can be purchased in the sports sections of your local Wal-Mart or Target. Personally, next time I want a dining experience that involves the server dropping my food and not returning to the table, I will go to Pei Wei or Tijuana Flats. The food that I did have, that was warm, was really delicious though. The broccoli and fries were really good. They definitely have 5-star fries.

BE

Betty Von Zielinski

After living in Winter Park for over 6 months now, we had heard good reviews of your restaurant, and tho we had called a couple times for reservations, we could never get in. So last night, after once again calling for a reservation but told nothing was available til 10pm, we decided to drive there and wait. Upon entering, we were told, in a quite dismissive way, it would be about an hour, so we decided to wait in the bar. The bartender asked what wed like, but was so busy she actually walked away as she was talking to us. When she returned, I asked about wines by the glass, and she haughtily explained that wines on the left side of the " / " meant glass, and on the right side bottle! I was so insulted. After we were finally seated at a table, we asked twice for water, and twice for lemon. The waitress seemed to rush us for our order, and when dinner arrived, I asked about cutting the wedge salad so I could share with my husband. She said no they wouldnt do that in the kitchen, so I waited for her to offer, but she just walked away. Bad attitude. We counted we had 5 different people attend our table, and none were attentive. We felt rushed the whole evening. Plus, as disconcerting, the noise in the restaurant was so loud we couldnt even hear each other across the table. So, bad attitudes from the bartender and waitress, and lack of attention from everyone else. Just no social skills, or at the least, trying to make sure the customer was satisfied. To add to the overall experience, we felt the prices were high, certainly for the service ( or lack of) we received. Between the noise, service, and price, we do not plan on returning anytime soon, and were sorely disappointed from the minute we arrived til we left, despite positive comments from friends.

JO

John

Boy has service gone down over the years. It used to be great, along with the food. Today, the server was there instantly when we were seated and asked for our drink order, before we had a chance to look at the wine list. We rushed that order then off he went, for what seemed forever. Eventually he brought the wine and we placed a food order and asked for water. Again, it took forever, and when the food finally came, no water, so we asked for water again. The food was ok and I didnt even mind that all the prices had gone way since we were there last. But the food portions were much smaller than ever. On our previous visit, we noticed that the vegetable plate cost more than it used to and now you only get 3 small servings instead of 5 good sized portions. The chili came in a small bowl and was less than full. And it wasnt near as good as it used to be and the meat was tough and it didnt have the same flavor. When our water finally came, it must have been in the child size glass. And we never got a refill (It was a hot day and we were really thirsty). Then they came and took our partially empty plates away without asking. And I still had my fork in my hand. At least they didnt take my partial glass of wine away or I might have stabbed them. Then we sat forever and finally had to ask for the check. At least that came in a timely manner, but then it took forever to bring the credit card back. I have never written a bad review before, and I have never left a 10% tip before (usually >20%) but today was the day for both. I really miss the old Houstons. BTW, $72 for two salads, two glasses of wine and a bowl of chili (before tip). But at least I know why I was able to get a table with no wait. That has never happened before either.

RE

Rene Omar Cosme

I heard great things about this place, from the food to the service, but how can i experience it for my self if Im not allowed to make a reservation?? This Friday, July 1 is our first wedding anniversary + is the day we find out if we are having a boy or a girl. I was told this was a great place for a romantic night out. I stopped and did a walk through, talked to the staff and was ecstatic to know that you can rent The Dock (the most beautiful sunset scenery you can imagine) for a special event...how more romantic and perfect can it get!! But unfortunately I was told that because it was only for two people they can not rent it out to us...really!?..Im paying to rent it out for the same amount that would cost for 6+ people, plus dinner+drinks and you cant make this accommodation!?... On their reservation website it shows as "available" for July 1 before I contacted them AND 5 days afterwards, and also at no point it says "No less then ___ amount of people"..I make my reservation, then I get an email back from Ms. Shanteke Days saying that it is unavailable and no less then 6 people to rent. Im a loyal, paying customer Hillstone. For future reference please update your website and be more flexible with your paying customers. Wouldve been a great memory in our lifes...