"Now, I must express my disappointment in my experiences at The Pineville Tavern Bar. As empty nesters who enjoy dining and socializing at restaurant bars instead of dining rooms, we typically eat out three to four nights a week, and Pineville Tavern is the closest place to our home. We love the ambiance, the menu, and the interesting patrons we’ve encountered there. However, the vibe is dampened by Dana, the head bartender, who severely affects our experience.
After not visiting for several months, we decided to give it another shot tonight after a long day of traveling. Unfortunately, upon arriving, we had to wait over five minutes for service because no one was tending the bar. Other patrons even joked that perhaps she had gone home. When Dana finally showed up, she didn’t greet us or smile; she simply asked, “What do you want to drink?” Even though we’ve been there enough times to be somewhat memorable, she has never asked our names. While she knows our drinks, she remains completely unfriendly.
I even had to request that she wipe down the sticky bar counter, and her response was just a curt "Yep." She wiped around my phone and keys but left several areas untouched. I could go on, but tonight, despite being hungry and tired, my boyfriend and I exchanged glances and decided to ask for the bill after placing just our first drink order. The service was simply unacceptable. Usually, she prioritizes chatting with coworkers over greeting and engaging with customers. It's astounding how poorly suited she is for the service industry — consistently aloof, dour, and projecting dislike for both customers and her job.
I have attempted to address this with management. With my 30 years of experience in running department stores and luxury retail, I always focus on ways to improve. Despite our numerous attempts to enjoy our time at Pineville, we often leave either without ordering or regretting our decision to go. On one occasion, I discreetly asked a waitress to inform the GM of my concerns, but he was unavailable, and I requested a call the following day, which I never received. My aim was not to bash Dana, but rather to emphasize the importance of feeling welcomed and appreciated as a regular customer — something we sincerely desired.
In my opinion, the atmosphere created in the bar is detrimental to their success. The right server or bartender can make all the difference, and in this case, it’s all headed in the wrong direction. What a shame."
