This review is for the owner of Dish Society. I’m sharing this so you understand the kind of customer experience being delivered under your manager, Jose, during my recent visit.
My family of six — my husband, two young children, and my parents — came in for breakfast. As a regular customer who lives nearby, I usually order through the app. When my plate arrived, it looked wrong. I asked about the smoked salmon I ordered, and the employee silently took the plate without explanation. He didn’t bring utensils, water, or my kids’ chocolate milk.
A few minutes later, the manager Jose approached us with a receipt, saying I had ordered avocado toast. I realized I must have clicked the wrong item and politely requested the smoked salmon and two pieces of toast instead. His response was: “OK, but you need to pay for your food first.”
At that moment, I was cutting my kids’ pancakes and trying to feed them. Instead of offering to take my card or show any empathy, he insisted I leave my kids and stand in line immediately — while my whole family was already eating. His tone made it feel as though he assumed we wouldn’t pay, which was embarrassing and completely unnecessary.
I still got up to pay. When I told him, “We won’t be coming back here again,” he responded with “OK.” No apology. No concern. Nothing.
We have been loyal customers for years and often bring friends, church groups, and visiting family. For a manager to not care about losing a returning customer was shocking.
As my husband and I stood in line — leaving our kids at the table — we asked why the staff member didn’t tell us earlier. Jose replied, “He’s not a server; he’s a cashier.” That explanation had nothing to do with the issue and felt more like deflection than an attempt to help. A simple “I’m sorry, let me fix this for you” would have made all the difference.
After paying the difference, I waited 20 minutes for the corrected order, only for it to be wrong again. By then everyone at the table — even the kids — had finished eating. I was too frustrated to eat and asked for a refund. That’s when I was told that because I ordered online, they “can’t issue a refund,” even though three managers were on duty. It took almost 30 minutes just to get a handwritten note saying “refund for avocado toast,” which didn’t even mention the extra $5 I paid for salmon.
To the employees who saw me upset: I’m sorry. You didn’t hear the rude comments or see the full situation.
To Jose: you had a chance to help a family going through an incredibly difficult time. My father has stage 4 cancer and is here from overseas for treatment at MD Anderson. We deal with doctors, tests, and medications every day. I woke up with a migraine and wanted to give my parents a nice breakfast — a small moment of peace. I chose Dish Society over cheaper options because we normally enjoy the experience. Instead, the morning turned into a stressful two-hour ordeal.
Customer service is not only about food. That’s the kitchen’s job. Management’s job is to show empathy, professionalism, and care. I am not a difficult customer. I am understanding and patient. But being told “OK” — as though it didn’t matter whether we returned — was deeply disappointing.
Not only will we not be returning, but I will share this experience with others, just as I previously recommended your restaurant. The family seated next to us was also complaining about the service, saying that every time they visit, the staff is new and untrained.
I worked in hospitality at an airport hotel, dealing with stressed and frustrated travelers daily. I always tried to turn their experience around. I never expected perfection here — only kindness. Dish Society used to deliver that. I hope management reevaluates the customer service culture so no one else experiences what we did.
Please see attached and explain to me how is this a refund reciept?
Vince
I needed a really good pie to donate to a silent auction. My first thought was of the COCONUT CREAM PIE at Dish Society. I called and placed my ordered worries I wouldn't be able to get a whole pie but the team worked it out on the fly. I was able to pick up the pies with ease. They looked and smelled amazing. Needles to say the pies were the talk of the Austin. Thanks Proud Pie and Dish Society Heights!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Korey Haliburton
The worst waffle I’ve ever had in my entire life. Tasted impossibly stale. If I had to guess it seemed like they pre made it and left it in a warmer. No moisture whatsoever. Came with chicken, it was cool, nothing crazy, but my god that waffle was horrendous
I really had to come back hours later and edit my review because I’m still baffled, how can one POSSIBLY mess a waffle up that bad? I can’t explain it. Someone please explain it
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 3
James Mathews
Ordered the pesto pasta here. The portion sizes were pretty skimpy. $14 pasta before adding meat should be the size of a full entree. If the sauce is that expensive, is it really that big of a deal to just put more pasta to fluff up the dish? Dissatisfied.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 2
LSR
Everyone was very friendly! Nice atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Yakov Brazin
Healthy, fresh, tatsty brunch options and more
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ivan Carrete Nevarez
This place never go wrong! Is awesome and open early morning.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Eric Abad
My wife and I come to Dish Society every other week, but tonight it seems this location has lost its friendly welcoming staff. A staff member startled me when he came to remove dirty dishes and he just seemed aggravated. Just smile and acknowledge your customers. It'll keep them coming back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Cristian Martinez
The food was bomb ruzzi vibe and drinks where the best the energy he gave us an attention was spot on to the point I ask for his schedule to make sure to pop in when he works even tho he busy he makes sure you are well taken care off will come back🫡🫡🫡
Best chicken 🐔 tenders i have ever had... very tender and seasoned to perfection.. pancakes yummy and eggs .. stop by and see them
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Christopher Baker
Manager was very rude, Lady with face tattoos. They got our order wrong, took a long time making the correct order for us. Never said sorry and food was marginally good. I expect better from dish society but this experience put a bad taste in our mouths.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Vivi Valpuri
Food is good, service is good, atmosphere is well-lit country/industrial? Not my vibe, but the place is well-kept and I love coming here for mimosas and sweet treats with the pals.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Kristiaan Joseph
Good variety of very tasty vegetarian dishes. Friendly service!
Great food and atmosphere!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
This review is for the owner of Dish Society. I’m sharing this so you understand the kind of customer experience being delivered under your manager, Jose, during my recent visit. My family of six — my husband, two young children, and my parents — came in for breakfast. As a regular customer who lives nearby, I usually order through the app. When my plate arrived, it looked wrong. I asked about the smoked salmon I ordered, and the employee silently took the plate without explanation. He didn’t bring utensils, water, or my kids’ chocolate milk. A few minutes later, the manager Jose approached us with a receipt, saying I had ordered avocado toast. I realized I must have clicked the wrong item and politely requested the smoked salmon and two pieces of toast instead. His response was: “OK, but you need to pay for your food first.” At that moment, I was cutting my kids’ pancakes and trying to feed them. Instead of offering to take my card or show any empathy, he insisted I leave my kids and stand in line immediately — while my whole family was already eating. His tone made it feel as though he assumed we wouldn’t pay, which was embarrassing and completely unnecessary. I still got up to pay. When I told him, “We won’t be coming back here again,” he responded with “OK.” No apology. No concern. Nothing. We have been loyal customers for years and often bring friends, church groups, and visiting family. For a manager to not care about losing a returning customer was shocking. As my husband and I stood in line — leaving our kids at the table — we asked why the staff member didn’t tell us earlier. Jose replied, “He’s not a server; he’s a cashier.” That explanation had nothing to do with the issue and felt more like deflection than an attempt to help. A simple “I’m sorry, let me fix this for you” would have made all the difference. After paying the difference, I waited 20 minutes for the corrected order, only for it to be wrong again. By then everyone at the table — even the kids — had finished eating. I was too frustrated to eat and asked for a refund. That’s when I was told that because I ordered online, they “can’t issue a refund,” even though three managers were on duty. It took almost 30 minutes just to get a handwritten note saying “refund for avocado toast,” which didn’t even mention the extra $5 I paid for salmon. To the employees who saw me upset: I’m sorry. You didn’t hear the rude comments or see the full situation. To Jose: you had a chance to help a family going through an incredibly difficult time. My father has stage 4 cancer and is here from overseas for treatment at MD Anderson. We deal with doctors, tests, and medications every day. I woke up with a migraine and wanted to give my parents a nice breakfast — a small moment of peace. I chose Dish Society over cheaper options because we normally enjoy the experience. Instead, the morning turned into a stressful two-hour ordeal. Customer service is not only about food. That’s the kitchen’s job. Management’s job is to show empathy, professionalism, and care. I am not a difficult customer. I am understanding and patient. But being told “OK” — as though it didn’t matter whether we returned — was deeply disappointing. Not only will we not be returning, but I will share this experience with others, just as I previously recommended your restaurant. The family seated next to us was also complaining about the service, saying that every time they visit, the staff is new and untrained. I worked in hospitality at an airport hotel, dealing with stressed and frustrated travelers daily. I always tried to turn their experience around. I never expected perfection here — only kindness. Dish Society used to deliver that. I hope management reevaluates the customer service culture so no one else experiences what we did. Please see attached and explain to me how is this a refund reciept?
I needed a really good pie to donate to a silent auction. My first thought was of the COCONUT CREAM PIE at Dish Society. I called and placed my ordered worries I wouldn't be able to get a whole pie but the team worked it out on the fly. I was able to pick up the pies with ease. They looked and smelled amazing.
Needles to say the pies were the talk of the Austin. Thanks Proud Pie and Dish Society Heights!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The worst waffle I’ve ever had in my entire life. Tasted impossibly stale. If I had to guess it seemed like they pre made it and left it in a warmer. No moisture whatsoever. Came with chicken, it was cool, nothing crazy, but my god that waffle was horrendous
I really had to come back hours later and edit my review because I’m still baffled, how can one POSSIBLY mess a waffle up that bad? I can’t explain it. Someone please explain it
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 3
Ordered the pesto pasta here. The portion sizes were pretty skimpy. $14 pasta before adding meat should be the size of a full entree. If the sauce is that expensive, is it really that big of a deal to just put more pasta to fluff up the dish? Dissatisfied.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 2
Everyone was very friendly! Nice atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Healthy, fresh, tatsty brunch options and more
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place never go wrong! Is awesome and open early morning.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My wife and I come to Dish Society every other week, but tonight it seems this location has lost its friendly welcoming staff. A staff member startled me when he came to remove dirty dishes and he just seemed aggravated. Just smile and acknowledge your customers. It'll keep them coming back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
The food was bomb ruzzi vibe and drinks where the best the energy he gave us an attention was spot on to the point I ask for his schedule to make sure to pop in when he works even tho he busy he makes sure you are well taken care off will come back🫡🫡🫡
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Best chicken 🐔 tenders i have ever had... very tender and seasoned to perfection.. pancakes yummy and eggs .. stop by and see them
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Manager was very rude, Lady with face tattoos. They got our order wrong, took a long time making the correct order for us. Never said sorry and food was marginally good. I expect better from dish society but this experience put a bad taste in our mouths.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Food is good, service is good, atmosphere is well-lit country/industrial? Not my vibe, but the place is well-kept and I love coming here for mimosas and sweet treats with the pals.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Good variety of very tasty vegetarian dishes.
Friendly service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I loved this place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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