Blackbird Tavern

Went with Vinele Grana (please read her review as well) and were told the wait for a party of 9 would be 1/2 hour. Went to the "trendy " back yard to wait and there was no seating. Set our drinks on a railing and prepared to stand for 1/2 hour. Saw two "trendy" picnic tables clear and thought we'll be seated any minute. I say nay nay. Seated another party and so we saw some chairs clear around "trendy" fire pit area and waited and waited. Told my friends that we should order pizza and have it delivered here. Management wouldn't notice, too busy chatting it up with friends. Vinele asked if we could be served right where we were sitting because we'd been there 2 HOURS!!!! Then we got our "trendy" picnic table. I camped myself at a table that cleared next to us while they bussed it because  there was not enough seating at one picnic table and since they couldn't tell time, I figured they couldn't count either. Our waitress came to the rescue by suggesting that we put the two tables together. Genius! Ordered appetizers, food, drinks, etc... Almost got hit with a steak flying off a plate right next to me and they had to remake my friend's dinner.  Asked if the soup came in a cup or bowl and was told a bowl. Well you get a bowl with about a cup of soup in it. Heavy sighhhhhh. Expensive beer, less than cordial hostess, MASSIVE wasted real estate for waiting and dining, I could go on but I'm exhausted. My friend nailed it when she said "they wanted to create a place where they could hang out with their friends". We were an inconvenience. My tasty dinner (brined chicken) was tainted by the lousy experience and the lack of space heaters. Someday we'll look back on this and laugh, I hope. Three hours of my life I can't get back. Next night went to Da Bayou and were treated like queens with beignets to boot and complimentary wine for the bride to be. Go there instead.

I ventured here for drinks with a few friends and must say I was impressed. The best part of the place is obviously the atmosphere: trendy wood/metal interior, light fixtures, and a huge open space in the back so you can enjoy the outdoor seating. Great and unique selection of drinks from craft cocktails to beer. The only thing that was not up to par was the service. Not too attentive and my friend and I ordered the same drink and they looked and tasted completely different. I think that they need to get this down in order to be successful but I will give them the benefit of the doubt since they are new and are still working out a few kinks. Other than that, I would say it is a must-go and some of the other places in old town might have a little competition coming their way.

So this was the worst experience ever. It started out with the hostess saying it would be a 30 min wait when she knew it would be 2 hours and then she gave me attitude about how long it would take and lied about how long people were sitting at their tables when they had been seated in front of me. When we they sat us they anticipated giving us 2 seats to go with our picnic bench but then only had one of the 2 chairs and suggested giving us a bar stool instead, yeah no. Our waitress jessica was the only saving grace, though she walked into a firing squad. She got us two tables so we had plenty of room but it still took forever to order, and then when the food finally came, only half came. Plus they dropped 2 entrees on the ground so it took even longer to get them. The manager tried to help with a heartfelt apology and free desert but it wasn't so heartfelt when it was delivered - 3 desserts for 12 people?  Needless to say, we had someone with us from the health department as well as from a publication so karma is a bitch. Everything was a disaster from the tomato sauce served as a soup in a bowl that was 1/4 full, to the pork chop that was 1/2 cooked to the bartender who was a total bitch to the chicken that they were supposedly out of but delivered anyways. We will NEVER EVER go there again and I hope you don't either. STAY AWAY!!!