I love neighborhood pubs, and this one is especially inviting with it's cozy booths, beautiful architecture, soft lighting and warm wood tones. My salad was delicious--the ingredients fresh and the added grilled shrimp were plump and flavorful. We sat at the bar and our food and drink arrived quickly. BUT!!!!! The bartender who served us did NOT reflect the warmth and invitation of the food and atmosphere. Yes, we arrived at 10:00 pm and Caldera closes at 1030. But 30 minutes ti' closing sounds like an open establishment to me. We were greeted with a look that said, ""oh sh--- customers."" And it didn't get better from there. My sweetheart and I made ourselves comfortable and tried to engage in pleasantries with our bartender--we weren't asking for entertainment, just expecting some common courtesy. It was all she could do to utter a monosyllabic response. She didn't know where her draft beer comes from, slammed things on the counter, and was clearly put out when we took her up on HER offer of a nightcap. At one point two other employees joined the bartender in changing the music which then went abruptly from loud to silent to loud again. Not the best for keeping the ambience. It was clear to me that this bartender is an employee, not a manager (if she is, owners need to reconsider that choice!) with little investment in customer service. Bartending is a service industry as well as a hospitality industry. This one needs some schooling on the hospitality portion of her job. We may give Caldera another shot, but not if that bartender is working. Food and drink are important, but when we are treating ourselves to a night out, bad service is a deal breaker.
Cons: surly bartender
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