The Front Porch
| Address: | 22770 Washington St, Leonardtown, MD 20650, USA |
| Phone: | +1 301-997-1009 |
| Site: | thefrontporchmd.com |
| Rating: | 4.1 |
| Working: | 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM Closed |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 5
KA
Kathryn A.
**Wow.** After traveling the world, Ive never encountered a more unprofessional customer service dining experience as I did earlier this week. Of note, this is my first review of a business, EVER; so clearly, Im not the type to just arbitrarily gripe for the sake of complaining. Its too bad -- since moving to the area a year and a half ago, this has been our go-to place (or only place, unfortunately) for an excellent veggie wrap. Anyway, I stopped by mid-afternoon to place a to-go order for a couple of said veggie wraps from the bar. There were only two other customers dining in the bar area. After waiting for several minutes, the bartender asked for my drink order (without offering a food menu; fortunately, I already knew the menu and what I wanted). While the bartender was pouring my glass of wine, I let her know that I would like to order a couple of items to-go, including salads "with no feta, please." She nodded her understanding and that was that. When she brought my order out shortly thereafter, I noticed there was feta covering the two salads. Not a big deal as it happens frequently when bartenders/servers are hurrying to submit a food order. I then politely said, "Oh, theres feta on the salads -- do you have ones without feta? I asked for no cheese on the salads." The bartender rudely replied, "No you didnt." I said, "Yes, I asked for no feta because I cant eat cheese." She then said, "No, and it would have been good to know that." I was shocked that not only was she arguing with a paying customer, but that she insisted that I was lying. Her indignant attitude about it was so unprofessional and ridiculous it was no longer worth my time interacting with her. She finally offered to have the kitchen make two more side salads, without the feta (which is what I actually ordered in the first place) and I said, "Dont worry about it; I dont want spit on my food." I am not accusing anyone at the Front Porch of spitting on customers food. However, while in undergraduate school, I had a part-time job as a server. Ive witnessed what goes on in restaurant kitchens when customers return their food, and Im smart enough to not take that chance. To make a ridiculous story short, after my husband spoke with a manager later that afternoon, I sincerely hope this establishment will provide training on customer service in the near future -- to both bartenders/servers AND management. Jeff Lewis (manager) was equally unprofessional: he attempted to adamantly argue the truth of what happened. Why would I have made this up? Additionally, what kind of establishment argues with customers? When speaking to Jeff, the point was made multiple times that we want nothing from this but to simply ask that his employees treat customers better (and without the degradation, obviously). The fact that he was so defensive initially speaks volumes about the integrity and professionalism of this establishment. To be fair, Jeff appeared to come around by the end of the call, but sadly, we will not be visiting this restaurant again. Everyone who has since been made aware of this situation is disgusted with this restaurants behavior. Its unfortunate that because a disrespectful employee refused to acknowledge her mistake, while being condescending to a customer (followed up by an equally rude manager), this small-town business has now lost frequent customers. This behavior does not happen in professional establishments; or, if it does, its quickly rectified.
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A Private User
We recently had our company Christmas party here. After reading the reviews, I was looking forward to it! As we headed up the steep stairs, I was thinking "thank god I will only be using these once." They were very steep. Our room was very nice w/2 fireplaces and we were not cramped in. Our server was there immediately to take our drink orders, which came promptly (but we were not to capacity). We were to have the room from 6-9pm for 35 people, plenty of time you say? Hors d oeuvres finally showed up by 7pm and we finally ordered dinner at 8pm. They finally started serving at 9pm. It was totally unfair to the wait staff to have to bring the dinners up 2 at a time up those steep stairs (there were 2 of them). By the time we got our dinner, it was cold. My husband had the prime rib which was full of fat (yes, I know it should have some fat, but not 1/2 of it). My co-workers mom had asked for prime rib well done, she returned it twice because it was rare and bloody (then finally asked for the pork tenderloin). I asked for pork tenderloin, it was tough and I almost flung the plate across the table trying to cut through it. After dinner was served we did not see the wait staff again after they took our plates away. My husband had asked for another drink, and never got it. I was definately ready for another one, but couldnt get one. All in all, we could not wait to get out of there, (it was after 10pm). Perhaps if you are sitting down stairs and there are just two of you, it may be better. Party wise? Dont do it.
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A Private User
My husband isnt big on the chain restaurants so we wanted to try a locally owned spot. The Sterling house was very nice. The hostess was welcoming and we were seated promptly. Service was also fast and was able to explain all the specials to us. Food was a little disappointing. I ordered the Salmon & Crab scampi. The dish came with fresh veggies and the velvet mashed potatoes. The best item on my dish was the mashed potatoes. The salmon was a great piece of fish - it just lacked any seasoning. It did have a nice crunchiness on the bottom though. The crab was a little fishy and definitely overcooked. The vegetables were o.k. but again lacked any flavor. To be labeled a "scampi" I was disappointed. My husband ordered one of the specials - it was a blackened steak strip, I think a New York, with a red wine glaze and a soft melting cheese on top. The red wine sauce had a great flavor but the blackened seasoning was lacking. And, for a $22 steak, there was a lot of fat and grissle. Our drinks were good as well as the Ceasar salad. I would definitely go back for the atmosphere and good service, but would stick with the sandwich menu next time. Thanks for reading.
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A Private User
My girlfriend took me for my Birthday (because she is amazing), and it was very good and reasonably priced. Too hot to sit out on the porch, so we were taken upstairs. We asked to be moved to a smaller room (for privacy) and without hesitation, the waitress found us a nice little room downstairs and let us choose the table. The "house" is completely renovated; which makes for a very nice atmosphere. Our waitress was very good (I forget her name, but I will update this review). The chef does an excellent job creating/re-creating dishes which are perfectly different from the typical, everyday. Try the spinach dip and the side salad to start. The side salad is no typical side salad. I was very pleased and will return.
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R WAL
It was our first time at The Front Porch, yesterday. We went for the Mothers Day Dinner. The menu was limited but still have a variety for seafood lovers. I dont eat seafood but still had a hard time deciding between the Angus ribeye dinner or the flank steak bruscceta appetizer.Well I got the former, with a caesar salad, it was delicious. Everything was perfectly cooked. The potatoes were a little bit salty (due to the cheese on them) but I loved my meal. My steak (I asked for well done) was tender and juicy (only a few places can cook a perfect well done steak. It wa a gorgeous day and we sat outside on the porch. Beautiful view. We will be back very soon.
