Birk's Steak and Chop House

03/02/09

INSENSITIVE, DISCRIMINATORY RACIAL REMARKS TOWARDS AFRICAN AMERICANS MADE BY CHEF!! DO NOT EAT HERE.

by VictoriaS2007 at Citysearch

If I could give this place 0 stars on this review I WOULD. On Friday, February 27, 2009 my friend and I (both African American women) went to Birk's to celebrate an achievement my friend has been working towards for MONTHS. We had heard good things about the restaurant but neither of us are huge red meat eaters. Both of us ordered the Pan Roasted Rocky Junior Chicken entree. The meal consisted of baked chicken, broccoli, and macaroni and cheese. It was OK at best. On a scale from 1-10 I would have given it a 6.5. The food was a little bland but still well cooked and nicely presented.

After we finished our meal, the chef came over and began asking us about the food. He asked whether "the chicken was better than 'Big Mama's,'" whether "the macaroni and cheese was better than 'Big Mama's,'" and whether "the macaroni and cheese was at least better than 'that government cheese.'"

Now for those who may be unaware due to the minor subtlety of the comment, "government cheese" is what low income families on welfare are given when they redeem their food stamps. Although both my friend and I are African American, neither of us have EVER been on welfare or eaten government cheese, nor do we call anyone in our families "Big Mama." The audacity of this man to insinuate that ALL or even MOST African Americans are currently on, or have at one point been on welfare is inaccurate, offensive, and misplaced. Additionally, exploiting the poor thinking that their circumstance is something to make fun of is equally offensive, insensitive, and ignorant. Another notable point is that this chef did not address any of the other patrons (mostly White) who were dining there that night.

I WILL NOT return as long as this person is still employed at this establishment because I DO NOT intend to support such ignorance!!

11/30/07

So dissapointed

by johnreed1 at Citysearch

Last Visit:November 2007I arived at Birks without a reservation, I was told that I will have to leave at 7:pm or I can go somewhere else, I have never been in a place where I have to timed to eat my meal or drink my wine, This restaurant only cares about the turn of business not about taken care of the customers. will not recomend to any of my friends. find a more friendly place to host your customers/friends/family.

08/22/06

Avoid mixed alcoholic drinks

by dennis06 at Citysearch

We were pretty amazed the bartender was clueless on how to make various drinks. Some examples were Red-headed sluts, lemon drops, Tia Maria's and various martinis. If you just want to enjoy wine, champagne or on-the-rocks drinks, you should be fine, but do not order any mixed beverages; unless you are willing to provide the ingredients and measurements. By the way, the FOOD was great:)

• Pros: Salmon and lamb chops shared delicious textures; the waiter was consistent.
• Cons: knowledge of various beverages, having to wait after our reservation time