180 Restaurant & Lounge

06/02/09

Really Crappy- Do NOT go!

by JoeMelendez

Ever since the "new" owners began in 2008, this place has been a dump. Not only does the bar reek, but the service is HORRIBLE! I used to drop by now and again for a drink, even though the prices were insane. If you want to save 50% on your drink, go next door or somewhere else. Seriously, $12 for a shot? I asked for Grey Goose, but even though the bartender pulled down a Grey Goose bottle, it was NOT Grey Goose! I drink the stuff fairly often, so I know what it is supposed to taste like. What I was served was some cheap well vodka. I am sure most people can't tell, but I sure can!

As stated previously, I would come in here now and again for a drink. I thought perhaps it was the constant changing of bartenders or maybe the alcohol batch was off for some odd reason... I am super patient, but after all this time, to continue being served swill AND treated like trash- NEVER AGAIN!

***Everyone there acts like they don't need your business and there seems to be no concept of customer service.***

I have tried to get some food there. I heard they are only licensed to be a restaurant and the bar goes with it. SO, why is it that you don't serve food? A guy named Johnny was the only one there at one point and he avoided my friends and I for several minutes. When we told him we wanted dinner, he tried to refer us somewhere else. After a bit of pushing, he finally seated us.

They served fondue, which I have had many times in the past at other establishments. Johnny attempted to make the fondue, but he let the cheese separate. Dipping my bread in a bunch of oily cheese is not exactly appetizing.

When my friend asked to speak to a manager, Johnny said he was the manager! He refused to acknowledge he messed up our food and would not replace it. What kind of restaurant does this? We all decided we did not want anymore of the horrible service and watered down drinks and told him we would like the bill.

He proceeded to give us the check and tried to make us pay for the full course fondue he ruined that we did not even touch! To top it off, he only made the appetizer. We did not even SEE the rest of the meal!

Outraged, we paid for our drinks and refused to pay anything else. Upon calling the owner to complain, he brushed us off and blamed us for ruining the food. HOW can you blame a CUSTOMER?

180 is not worth even stepping a foot in. As long as the fat Mexican guy owns it, the policies will not change.

• Pros: I wish there was one pro, but I can't think of one!
• Cons: Too many cons, see below.

12/03/06

Sublime Food and Amazing Service

by finasera

You are in for a treat if you visit this restaurant: a warm welcome-staff, a server with outstanding listening skills, a chef who comes out and bends down beside your chair to ask you what kind of changes you would like to the dishes that he has on the menu, a flawless execution in making of the dishes and food that melts in your mouth before you can savor the flavors. Of course the setting is stylish and polished as has already been mentioned by other reviewers on this forum. This combination makes 180 Restaurant & Lounge a Unique Restaurant in the Bay Area.

The story: I am a vegetarian and health-conscious so when I go out to eat I have to either give up on taste or my preferences. When we visited this restaurant, I did not see any vegetarian items on the menu and I asked the server whether the chef can make some changes to the Filet Mignon dish which had polenta and vegetables with a cream sauce. She graciously said she will check and let me know. We were engrossed in talking about something and all of a sudden the "chef" is beside my chair, asking me if I was vegetarian and what he can make for me. He described different items that he can make with description of the methods and ingredients that showed knowledge and love for food, in a very friendly melodic voice that showed warmth and welcome. When I mentioned my preferences he understood the parameters and in a short time we had a table full of wonderful dishes that had beautiful, generous portions, of what was to be one of the most delicious meals in recent memory. Two people who were with me were going to share one entree, the entree came already served on two dinner plates, beautifully arranged! Details that were taken care of... with a smile on their faces - just amazing. Very highly recommended.

• Pros: All
• Cons: None

10/26/06

Great Ambience & Food

by cathtimm

I went with 3 girlfriends last night for dinner. We ended up sitting at a table in the bar for 4+ hours eating appetizers and drinking wine for dinner. The were WONDERFUL. We enjoyed the Seared Ahi (nicely spicy), Crab Cakes, Ribs and Chicken Quesadilla. They had a nice selection of wine to choose from. Our server was very attentive and friendly (but not overly so). Just before we left, the owner, Mark, introduced himself and seemed genuinely interested in our experience at his restaurant and learning about who we are. We will definitely go back and look forward to sitting down for a full dinner.