The Willard

8/28/2009 it's hotter than hell inside!
Service mediocre at best.
Not the best meal I've had locally that's certain !
Two thumbs down!

Such a disappointing experience.  A friend suggested this place since we were going to the theater next door this afternoon. So 5 of us were having lunch and then meeting a few others at the theater for 1 to see the movie. I figured getting there for 12 would give us enough time to have lunch. Nope. Not even close. There seemed to be only 2 waitresses and they kept telling us the computer system was done. Ok, I'm willing to be sympathetic, I've worked in retail, so I understand things can go wrong.

Yet it took 15 minutes to get water we ordered. It was another 15 minutes before we even got to place our orders and it was 12:50 when our apps began to arrive. Any time we asked if they had an idea how long, they said the computers were down. And our main waitress had an attitude. We were not rude ever, and yet she never refilled our waters, asked how things were or even made a polite apology, like "I'm sorry this is taking so long, but thanks for your patience." None of the that. It was 1:06 by the time we got our meals. One friend ordered her wings to be a mix of 2 flavors, which the waitress said was ok to do. Yet she got her wings with one flavor, neither of them were the 2 she chose.

I ordered a burger (no choice in how it was cooked) and it was tasteless. I had to scarf down that and some of the nachos I had for an app in order to go meet my friends. That was at 1:20. When I left, my friends stayed to get the checks and pay (mine too), the waitress gave them an attitude when they politely asked for their checks.

Overall so bummed by the experience.

Tried the Willard for the first time last night with my wife , our 19 year old college freshmen & her boyfriend. I had heard mostly good things about the Willard so I was anxious to try it.

They have no parking lot so it's street parking where you can find it. Early on a Wednesday night it wasn't too hard. Place looks very nice from the outside and the entryway was cool as well.

Sign said seat yourself so we did. First thing I noticed was the tables were pretty small for 4 people eating so keep that in mind if you visit. Our waitress was very good during the entire time as were the other staff. I'd give them a 4.5 out of 5.

Was more then a bit surprised to hear that there was a charge for refills on soft drinks so I took the waitress's suggestion & ordered a pitcher of Coke.  We got 6 bread sticks as an appetizer and they were very good. Seasoned well & with a good consistency.. it was served with either a nacho cheese or marinara dipping sauce on paper plates.

it was then time for the entrees. The daughter's bf got a burger & fries which he thought was very good. My wife and daughter got a chicken dish that they were disappointed in due to the over seasoning which left it not tasting right.  

I had their pizza & I was VERY disappointed. It was the same recipe as the old local Jack's Pizza chain which for me was a bad sign. The sauce was so so, the sausage nothing remarkable and have others have commented on the crust was strangely stiff.

Again the service was great but the food just doesn't warrant another trip I'm sorry to say.