Slow service, loud ambience upset diners

Hildegard Warner

writes that she recently went with a group of 38 to the Galveston location of Shrimp ’N Stuff with advance reservations. “The tables were all set up when we arrived at 12:15 p.m., but it went downhill from there,” she says.

“There was only one server for all of us, plus she was waiting on other tables in the restaurant and outside patio. It took so long to get drink orders that about a half dozen folks left to eat elsewhere.

“The first entree came out one full hour after we arrived and the last at 11/2 hours. I asked one employee about the situation, and she said that the manager had let other servers off that afternoon and was now chiding those remaining to get moving.

“The food was OK, but nothing special. The poor server was cheerful and accommodating as possible throughout.”

Shrimp ’N Stuff: 216 23rd, Galveston; 409-9744609

Barbara McGinity

writes: “We have been enjoying a number of restaurants during Houston Restaurant Weeks. To date, we have visited six new restaurants for us, and have plans to do two to three more.

“My favorite so far is Bistro Menil. The duck rillettes and crabcakes were delicious, but everyone enjoyed the food choices they selected.

“We also liked Sal y Pimienta. I did not have the chicken, but a couple of my friends ordered it, and it was very good.

“Our most recent visit was to B&B Butchers. Food and service were outstanding but the noise level is intolerable. It will not be someplace we will ever go again with a group. I could not even hear the person across the table from me. I do not understand why restaurants subject their customers and staff to noise levels that require you to shout or speak directly into someone’s ear to be heard. They should be able to implement some changes that would help.

“I may go back, but only if I decide to dine at 5:30 and eat upstairs or go back once the weather permits outdoor dining. The upstairs patio would offer some relief from the excessive noise level.”

Bistro Menil: 1513 W. Alabama, 713-904-3537

Sal y Pimienta: 818 Town & Country, 832-8490097

B&B Butchers: 1814 Washington, 713-862-1814