As a transplant to Charleston from San Fran, we've had a lot of experience with great restaurants. And Charleston has its own share of fantastic spots (Fig, Peninsula, Al Di La, Fulton Five), but this is certainly not one of them. It's an upscale wannabe without the sophisticated and subtle knowledge of what clients expect from an upscale experience.\r
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Valet was cash prepaid. Never heard of that in my life -- as if I'm going to run off on the $10 charge and leave them with the keys to a $60k automobile! When I questioned the valet about this, he was a real smart alec and responded that ""he didn't make the rules."" Tip to valet: even as an employee you should have a handle on the business reasons behind the rules in your department. And if you don't know why, at least act sympathetic to the customer.\r
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Bartender was inattentive while we waited for our table. Perhaps this is understandable since there were three staff at the bar, and at least four patrons. Tip to bartender: you're on the welcoming committee. Take the time to set the right tone for the guest's experience.\r
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Hostess was completely unaccommodating. In a half-empty restaurant, we were seated for our reservation right under the hostess stand, in the middle of the restaurant, without an occupied table in proximity. We pointed out a few tables in somewhat better locations and asked if we could move. We were told that they had been ""specifically requested."" Doubtful. What made this even more dubious, was when my wife asked that we be seated virtually at the kitchen door (that's how bad our table was!) and was told by the hostess that that table had also been reserved. Huh? Tip to hostess: at least act like you care. Take it to the manager and ask for help. Even if the answer is ultimately ""no"", at least the customer will believe you tried.\r
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After that, we immediately got up and left. Took it to Fig, where they get it right every time.\r
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Won't return to Grill 225.
Pros: Can't think of one
Cons: Poorly trained service staff
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