Smashing Grapes - Columbia

Review summary

1. Z

   Zani

   Washington DC

   136 reviews

   vip
   3.0

   136 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   There were five of us for the Thanksgiving dinner buffet. Pros: Friendly staff, good variety of food, good mashed potatoes and pernil (pork) Cons: No acknowledgement once seated. Our table and the table next to us had to ask for someone to come over and take drink orders. Most of the food tasted meh. Oysters seem like they were shucked earlier, then refrigerated (also no Tabasco or horseradish). Brussel sprouts were soaked in oil. The advertised old bay shrimp didn't have a speck of seasoning. It's their first year at this location, so I'll give them some grace. I'd go back, but not for a buffet.
   

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2. J

   Jean

   Baltimore

   7 reviews

   3.0

   7 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 4

   Food was very good, especially for a buffet. Service was terrible. The waiter only had to bring you your drinks and take away the plates, since you were serving yourself at the buffet. Twice we had to ask someone to find our waiter for us, since we had not seen him for such a long time. We all wanted coffee with our dessert but the waiter never came to check on us, so we never ordered it. They put an automatic 18% gratuity on the bill. I think that is high for a buffet but definitely high, since we got no service at all. So a $45 tip for doing hardly nothing (gave us water and our check) is a great deal for the waiter. Hopefully he has to share that with the ones taking care of the buffet, because they did do a good job. My husband who hardly ever complains at restaurants, did complain when he paid the bill. We have been here before and it was very good, but we haven’t decided if we are ever going return. Definitely not returning on a holiday.
   

   Smashing Grapes - ColumbiaResponded 1 day ago

   Jean, thank you for your review-while we are very happy to learn that you enjoyed a delicious meal, we are disappointed to hear that the service was not equally as top-notch, for which we can offer no excuse. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback so we can work hard to improve, and we hope to have the chance to serve you again soon to prove we can earn those 5 stars! With Gratitude, The Team at Smashing Grapes Columbia
   

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3. J

   James

   Chicago

   3 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Smashing grapes was a smashing success! The ambience was lovely, the food was better than expected, and the service was superb. We’re not much of a wine drinker, but the offerings were top-notch and chosen with care. All in all a must try!
   

   Smashing Grapes - ColumbiaResponded 1 day ago

   James, thank you so much for your 5-star review! We are so pleased to learn you enjoyed a wonderful dining experience with us from start to finish and we are so grateful to you for taking the time to share your positive experience & offer your recommendation! Thank you, and we look forward to serving you again soon! With Gratitude, The Team at Smashing Grapes Columbia
   

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4. M

   Maria

   Baltimore

   39 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   39 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Delicious food, fabulous wine selection. Very pretty space. Food was delicious, especially lamb shanks and lobster pappardelli
   

   Smashing Grapes - ColumbiaResponded 4 days ago

   Maria, thank you so much for your 5-star review! We are thrilled to learn that you enjoyed the exceptional dining experience we strive for and you deserve and we truly appreciate you taking the time to share your recommendation! Thank you, and we can't wait to serve you again very soon! With Gratitude, The Team at Smashing Grapes Columbia
   

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5. p

   patrick

   Baltimore

   7 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   7 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We arrived at 8 pm for reservation. Hostess informed us several tables were still clearing out and that she would text us when the table was ready. We hung out at the bar area, which was very nice. Excellent old-fashioned cocktail with just the right combination of bitters and sweetness. At 830, our table still wasn't ready. The manager apologized and offered us a large round table in the bar area. While it was noisier in this area, the ambiance was quite nice. They had a guitarist playing acoustic as well. The food was excellent, including oysters, sea bass, and braised short rib. Ojai vineyards 2016 pinot noir was terrific and decanter provided. The manager also provided us with a complimentary glass of wine for our troubles. Overall, I highly recommend this restaurant for small groups, special occasions, or even to grab a quick bite at the bar while watching a sporting event.
   

   Smashing Grapes - ColumbiaResponded 5 days ago

   Patrick, thank you so much for your 5-star review! We are thrilled to learn that you enjoyed the exceptional dining experience we strive for and you deserve once our team helped work through some of the issues, and we are so grateful for your recommendation! Thank you, and we can't wait to serve you again very soon! With Gratitude, The Team at Smashing Grapes Columbia
   

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6. P

   Patty

   Washington DC

   15 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   15 reviews

   Dined 7 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The entire experience was exceptional! The hostess, our server and all the people who brought out the drinks and the food! I loved the atmosphere and the food was delicious! The entire team was professional, kind and made our evening!
   

   Smashing Grapes - ColumbiaResponded 5 days ago

   Patty, thank you so much for your 5-star review! We are delighted to hear that your experience dining with us was top-notch from start to finish and we are so grateful to you for taking the time to share your positive experience & offer your recommendation! Thank you, and we look forward to welcoming you back to our table again very soon! With Gratitude, The Team at Smashing Grapes Columbia
   

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7. E

   Emily

   Baltimore

   12 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   12 reviews

   Dined on November 22, 2024

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Our server Kayla was great. She was so kind and attentive. First time and it was a lovely experience. Beautiful decor.
   

   Smashing Grapes - ColumbiaResponded 4 days ago

   Emily, thank you so much for your excellent review! We are so pleased to learn you enjoyed a wonderful first dining experience with us and we look forward to serving you again soon to prove we can earn those 5 stars! With Gratitude, The Team at Smashing Grapes Columbia
   

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8. J

   Jay

   Baltimore

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined on November 22, 2024

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 3

   Food was good but not great. Prices were reasonable. Service was average at best. Everyone was very nice but the service definitely needs work. Slow. Needed to ask for water refill multiple times. Too long between ordering appetizers and main meal. Please don't ask to clean off plates until everyone is finished. Please don't stack plates on the table as you clear them. Whoever trained the servers is to blame.
   

   Smashing Grapes - ColumbiaResponded 7 days ago

   Jay, thank you for your review-while we are pleased to hear that you liked parts of your experience dining with us, we are sorry that the service and some food was not as excellent as it should have been. Thank you for taking the time to let us know so we can address our team and improve, and we hope to have the chance to serve you again soon to prove we can offer you a 5-star dining experience! With Gratitude, The Team at Smashing Grapes Columbia
   

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9. R

   Ronald

   Baltimore

   22 reviews

   4.0

   22 reviews

   Dined on November 19, 2024

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   This was our first time dining at this establishment. Our server, Alaina (sp?) was great. She was very knowledgeable of the menu and the drink offerings. The food was delicious, and the price was good. We look forward to many more visits to Smashing Grapes in the future.
   

   Smashing Grapes - ColumbiaResponded on November 21, 2024

   Ronald, thank you so much for your excellent review! We are so pleased to learn you enjoyed a wonderful dining experience with us from a delicious meal to outstanding service, and we look forward to serving you again soon to prove we can earn those 5 stars! With Gratitude, The Team at Smashing Grapes Columbia
   

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10. J

    Jasmine

    Baltimore

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    I really love the environment but this my second time and the food has no taste/seasoning.
    

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    Smashing Grapes - ColumbiaResponded 7 days ago

    Jasmine, thank you for your review-while we are happy to learn you have enjoyed the space, we are sorry that you have not found your meals equally as top-notch. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback so we can work hard to improve, and we hope to have the opportunity to serve you again soon to prove we can earn those 5 stars! With Gratitude, The Team at Smashing Grapes Columbia
    

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