We had just finished nearly a week of intensive convention related business in downtown Seattle. It was time for some R & R. As we exited the conference hotel, my wife and I recalled having spied Sullivan’s Steakhouse earlier in the day. So, we checked with the concierge to verify that it was a viable dining option. The concierge listed several steakhouses, including some larger national chains, that were in the immediate area. Sullivan’s was on the list.
We walked around the corner to the restaurant and took a few minutes rummaging through the dinner menu. Prices were typical of good steakhouses.
Alas, we arrived a bit early and the restaurant wasn’t yet open. Hence, the hostess encouraged us to visit the bar where drinks and bar food were half price, as they were every early Thursday evening.
As a result, the restaurant lost a full service dining party that evening, but it gained a big fan in the process. I’m here to testify to this!
You see, the drinks and the bar food were delicious and we escaped with three martinis, two burgers (with scrumptious home fried chips) and one healthy tip for less than thirty-five dollars. However, it was the service and showmanship by Ian and Chad, two of a team of 4 bartenders, who won our hearts.
What did the trick was their friendly demeanor, their interactions and near collisions as they literally danced around concocting drinks, and the delivery of water, our meal and condiments in a timely manner. My wife and I recognized that this bar service topped any restaurant service we had experienced in the past year. The people watching, in a packed bar setting, was fun, too.
We told both bartenders about how much we appreciated their service. And that led to a chance to share our story with Ann Thibert, the site’s general manager. Ann was quick to point out that the staff, “is family.” Hence, they, “treat customers the same way!”
She noted that all 20 of the Sullivan Steakhouse sites (sprinkled across 15 states) have the same mindset. “It’s just our corporate culture,” Ann noted.
Well, we now know what to look for the next time we are in those 20 cities. If bar service was this good, and the food and drinks were so tasty, we’ll surely try the restaurant next time.
We think you should, too.
After all, restaurants that earn 5 stars for both food and service are hard to find.
