"We visited The Lounge on a Friday evening without a reservation and were pleasantly surprised to be seated immediately at a table for two. The tall waiter in glasses welcomed us warmly and promptly offered us water. At first, everything seemed to be going well.
As we looked through the menu, I asked for a cocktail with a sweet and sour flavor, but was informed that there were none that matched that description. I then inquired about a Porn Star Martini, which wasn’t on the menu. The waiter suggested I describe what I wanted so they could try to create something for me. While I appreciated the flexibility, I simply wanted to relax after a long week and didn’t feel inclined to come up with a cocktail recipe on the spot. I would have preferred some guidance, like a suggestion between gin or vodka-based cocktails, especially since the bartender is known for customizing drinks.
Having worked in hospitality as a waitress and currently being in customer service at Boston Logan Airport, I place a high value on guest service. When my boyfriend ordered for us and requested that dessert be served after the main course, the waiter responded, “Yes, sir, that’s how we serve desserts.” It came across as slightly sarcastic; a more welcoming response such as, “Absolutely, we’ll bring it after the mains,” would have greatly improved the experience.
On the positive side, the Caesar salad was generously portioned and thoughtfully divided into two plates, and I appreciated the extra Parmesan on the fries, which made them particularly tasty. However, small details, like empty plates being left on the table and missed opportunities to check in about a second drink, added up. Our dessert took almost 10 minutes to arrive after our plates were cleared, leading my boyfriend to wonder if it had been forgotten.
When we were ready for the check, it took about 10 minutes to locate our waitress. In total, our bill came to around $140, which is typical for fine dining, but the experience didn’t justify the cost. I’ve had more satisfying evenings at much less expensive places. The cocktail labeled “smth #2” was not enjoyable, and my boyfriend’s Newbury 42 was disappointing as well.
As a Ukrainian with over five years of experience as a wine and food journalist, I understand and appreciate the importance of excellent hospitality. Every night out is significant, especially considering time and money are often limited. We chose this restaurant partly because a Ukrainian friend of mine works at the hotel, even though she wasn’t there that evening. We stayed to honor the place and its reputation, but sadly, the experience did not make us eager to return.
I share this feedback not out of anger but in the hope of providing constructive insights from someone who values meaningful service and hospitality. I hope this helps in some way.
Price per person: $100+
Food: 4
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 5"