54th Street Restaurant & Drafthouse-Rector St.

Update:
Robert (the GM at 54th) responded to this review apologizing that our conversation possibly left us “dismissed or unheard” and that he absolutely wants all guests to feel comfortable and safe when dining with them. However, it is strange that he now apologizes, when his resolution to the problem was to repeatedly tell us to never return to 54th Street because there was nothing he could do to fix the problem. How was that supposed to meet any loyal customer’s expectations? He also sent a link for us to use to continue the conversation if we felt it necessary but we did not. That is where we first reported the problem to corporate and were given an auto reply then nothing further.

We left this review to make people aware of the problem and the way the general manager treats loyal customers.

Original Review:
My husband and I have been 54th Street Loyalty Club members for numerous years and have a total of 191 visits. For the past 3 months when we have a weekly meal at the Rector location there have been various homeless people at the front entry begging from every customer that enters and exists the restaurant. This is uncomfortable and unsafe for customers because many homeless people have mental issues and drug addictions, which 54th Street should not want their customers exposed to. We have mentioned this to the staff and they sometimes send a manager out to ask the homeless to move on. However, each time we visited, the problem still existed. We eat out every night and this is not an issue at any other restaurant in this area or any other area of the city we dine in.
We reported the problem to 54th Street Corporate in mid February. On February 18 the General Manager, Robert, called us to discuss the issue. We thought he would address the problem and have solutions on how it was being fixed. However, he stated that this was not his problem, but a citywide problem and that we needed to take it up with the City Council and the mayor of San Antonio. He said the only reason the homeless are begging at the establishment is because 54th Street is the only nice restaurant in the area which is very wrong because there are many good restaurants within 1.5 miles of there – Paesanos, Seasons 52, J Alexanders, PF Chang’s, Flemings, Chili’s and more…none of which ever have homeless people at the entryway begging from customers. After stating this to Robert, he told us to not return to his restaurant and he stated at least 4 times for us to never return – he said he was done talking to us and then he hung up on us. He was rude, condescending, argumentative and unprofessional. We have never been talked to so poorly by any restaurant staff member anywhere.
We have been told by 54th Street employees that Robert is a friend of one of the owners and is very much protected so he can treat customers however he wants. We used to love having dinner there – the bar staff and servers are great, and we always left positive surveys for them. If our business is not wanted and nothing will be done about the problem, we will take our business elsewhere. Robert does not belong in any position of customer service there or anywhere – he is bad for business.

First time experience was good. I sat at the bar and the bartender was very friendly, attentive

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

First time eating here and we really enjoyed everything. The food was good, great portions. Drinks were excellent, the atmosphere was nice, a little loud but nice. The customer service was great, our server answered most of our questions regarding the menu. Thank you Arron C we appreciate your outstanding customer service. We will definitely be back whenever we’re in town.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 4

unfortunately terrible service and food was not cooked all the way.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

The food was delicious and so was our waiter, Nick 😍

The phone number listed doesn’t allow you to speak to a person.

Service: 1

The chicken wing appetizer was good though only two celery sticks served with it. Had the buffalo hot and the cajun dry rub. Ordered cheese burgers and they were not good. Ordered mine "pink" and it came out well done. Both burgers were dry and not very tasty (even fully dressed). Only at two bites of my burger and took the remaining home for doggos. French fries were good. Only 1 N/A beer available (Heineken 0) for guest and no Modelo Negro (which seems strange in San Antonio). Many TV screens, but only the Spurs game was being shown.

Kid-friendliness: Would be fine in the dining area.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 4

Service as per usual was slow food was mid and took 80% of the meal was waiting for the waiter

This is by far the worst 54th street in San Antonio. Almost left because no server. No drink refills. Food overcooked. Server never came back. Multiple orders by multiple staff incorrect around me. If this restaurant a color it would be beige.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Our experience at this restaurant was below what should be acceptable. We came in at 4:33 and waited for a booth to be cleaned for 30 minutes. Two people in the party could not eat the sides because the sides were dry and cold. Service was slow. Very disappointed.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 1

Great ambience

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Ribs

Laid back. Clean Sports Bar brewery. Family. Picnic tables inside and out. Small bar seating area. Playground. Covered area outside. What I didn’t like was that you had to wait on yourself—apps. They did bring the food to the table, however. Tasting to try a beer flavor you are unsure about. Out of the way for me, but a nice brewery.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Never been to a 54th Street before so I went in with no expectations. I can confirm the double smash burger is pretty amazing as are the waffle fries. I think we got the new guy as a server, he did good but seemed overwhelmed. He would walk, stop, count something and then move on. If my drink would have been attended to after it was empty this experience would have been a solid 5. Will put it on my list of return when in town places to eat!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Food good. Unfortunately order was wrong as well as the bill. Over charged for what was ordered.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 3

Recommended dishes: Pickles, Burger

Food was ok, service was good…not my go to for lunch or dinner, overall it was ok

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4