By Word of Mouth

02/23/08

VERY DISAPPOINTED

by JohnGKelly at Citysearch

I heard great things about this place, so I decided to take my girlfriend there for dinner Thursday night. They indicated that they would be serving until 9pm (early but not unreasonable) and we arrived there at 8:50pm. When we got there we were told the the kitchen was CLOSED!!! Needless to say, after a 40 minute drive, I was a bit annoyed. I told them that this was my first experience going there and they did seem to care very much. They seemed to be fairly busy, so it was not like there was not one there.

I strongly believe if you have defined business hours you should honor them (regardless of the type of business, barbershop, retail store, restaurant, etc.). I will not be eating at a place that does not have a consistant schedule. If their schedule is not consistant, what does that say about their food.

In addition, there was a large table near the center of the small room. The people at the table were EXTREMELY loud! I asked about this and the response was, "yes, they were a bit loud", but they didn't take any action to correct that situation.

I have spoken to a couple other people since then to see if that was simply a bad night. I was told that the service had been getting worse recently and my experience was not surprising.

I would not recomment this place for a special event or romantic occassion.

• Pros: Heard the food was good... Who knows?
• Cons: Service is terrible and was VERY noisy

06/19/09

@ JohnGKelly

by CarolynD at Citysearch

What you are complaining about does not hold any value about this eating establishment's quality service. In all honesty it makes a bit of sense if the kitchen is closed 10 minutes prior to the entire restaurant closing up shop for the night because I highly doubt that the cooks want to stay another 40 minutes after closing to feed stragglers that did not want to make a earlier visit. If you knew that they were going to close at such an hour and you knew you wouldn't make it on time, then you shouldn't of gone. It's common sense and being more realistic.

• Pros: none
• Cons: none

The word of mouth on this once exceptional gourmet cafe is no longer very good.

by Contributor at Citysearch

In Short
Now in its 20th year, By Word of Mouth has relied, as its name implies, on happy customers to spread the word. A simple suite of rooms, an open kitchen, a chalkboard menu, and glass cases displaying appetizers, entrees and desserts give the place the feel of a European cafe. Much like its mode of advertising, the food is straight to the point, but always creates a buzz about it.

11/02/05

User review by sonney

by sonney at Citysearch

wow charming ambience of only 12 -15 tables and the menu changes everyday! the food is always consistent i've been going for 20 years now ever since i left London and this place is as close to London's, San Francisco or New york in caliber of food.

The desert is to die for it too changes everyday and at last count had 50+ different cakes european style. A must visit for locals its not a place to be seen , but if you want good food this is it no pretentious bistro here.

• Pros: food, desert, service
• Cons: location, size

12/27/02

The Best Of The Best

by 1love13 at Citysearch

If you love gourmet food, this is the place for you. Some of the finest chefs study here. I ordered the Beef tenderloin and it was great. Tasty and cooked to perfection. If you can bare to eat more, the dessert options are tasty as well. This is a small, secluded place to enjoy a romantic dinner. I would recommed it.